The Four Feathers (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

"Four Feathers" is a well performed, ably filmed, and entertaining morality play concerning courage and cowardice. Some may label it as a quaint period piece of a bygone era, but the topic is still quite relevant. The plot involves a protagonist who is mistakenly thought to be acting in a selfish and cowardly manner by his closest associates when he is actually acting realistically in the best interest of his own happiness. Acting bravely is merely acting for the benefit of others in order to obtain a good reputation. When a serious situation does present itself, the protagonist shows that he is willing to face the danger; not foolishly, but courageously, without thought of reward. Modesty is also shown to be a quality of a truly courageous and heroic individual.As this film amply demonstrates, courage is an element of character recognized by others and attributed to individuals. One does not wake up one morning and decide to be courageous. Courage, as we have often heard, is not the absence of fear, but the ability to confront our fear and accomplish whatever task is necessary. Without fear there is no courage, only reckless risky behavior. Today's youth often mistake accepting a dare to perform a risky act as a display of courage. An act of courage requires a constructive, positive, selfless, and noble purpose. Being daring is not the same as being courageous; a lesson from which we can all benefit.Without an alternative to enable us to avoid danger, any action is merely a desperate attempt to ensure our survival. To be thought of by one's peers as being a coward incapable of exercising courage is unacceptable to any self-respecting person. The height of ignorance, however, is to assume that a person should always be brave and courageous when our reasoning ability informs us that prudence and discretion are indicated when facing maiming or certain death. Most people will seldom if ever face a situation that tests our ability to be courageous. Others choose an occupation involving selfless service to others that often demands courage for the greater good of mankind and not for self-aggrandizement.

This magnificent Korda production looks beautiful on Blu Ray. A story often told but never better than in this version. If you love old movies and Criterion's loving remastering of them, this is a keeper for any collector's library. The story of a man accused by his fellow soldiers -- and friends and his fiancee -- of cowardice on the eve of war when he resigns his commission and then sets to prove something to himself is a timeless tale. Forget the other versions, this is the one to have. Blu Ray brings out the beauty of the early Technicolor photography and with a sweeping score by Miklos Roza. 1939, a year that also saw GONE WITH THE WIND, THE WIZARD OF OZ, DODGE CITY, STAGECOACH, ROARING TWENTIES, GUNGA DIN, BEAU GEASTE, INTERMIZZO, DARK VICTORY, DESTRY RIDES AGAIN, YOUNG MISTER LINCOLN, DRUMS ALONG THE MOHAWK and too many other acknowledged classic films. This one stands well with all the rest. Get it. Trust me on this one. You will not be disappointed. Extras include an interview with director Zoltan Korda's son and a featurette from 1939 on the making of the film. Hey, it has the grand old crusty stalwart C. Aubrey Smith and John Clements and Sir Ralph Richardson. All are long gone but what they did lives on. Well it should.

This is a realy old film from my perspective, so all you 2013 young adults out there will realy think it's old. The entire movie is based on the above all importance of English honor of that era. People were raised, lived, and sacrificed their lives in the name of family honor. Do not let the age of the move put you off, though. It's nicely colorized,nicely photographed, well acted, and although the plot is simple, it held my interest start to finish. A young soldier resignes his commission the eventing before he unit is to ship out. He believed that love, starting a family, and living his life was more important than going to war to prove himself. His girl and his three best friends each present him with a white feather--signifying he is a coward. He follows his buddies off to war to prove his worth to himself as well as to his friends. It is very similar in attitude as Beau Geste.

Es la mejor edición de una explédida película y versión

When I read reviews for The four feathers with Heath Ledger many people referenced this Korda movie as being FAR superior. This excited me as I really enjoy the ledger version . So I spent 18.00 and bought the Korda version. I was so surprised that Its a fail for me cuz people made it sound so amazing. For me large parts dragged enough to fast forward through , which on a first watching of a movie is a bad sign. Perhaps the Korda (Criterion even ) version follows the book closer but I was just looking for an entertaining movie worth 18.00. The actors are older and far less personable. I developed no connection with any of the characters not even Harry... least of all Harry actually. Also they said that if people dont like the Korda version it is because they dont like older movies compared to modern... well I do like Laurence of Arabia and many more filmed through the past century so I thought I was being led in a direction I wanted to go .But its a fail for me and that goes against the opinion of dozens of other reviewers sooooo..... There is also another version with Beau Bridges kicking around but thankfully I already know I wouldnt like that one. Really It woudnt be so bad if it only cost 1 or 2 bucks but so not worthy of more.

While I love the movie and personnel feel it is the best movie version of "The Four Feathers" - I was hoping that it would be a widescreen version rather than what I now know is box-screen i.e. full screen version. Too bad, when I first saw this movie at a Saturday Matinee in the 60's it showed basically in widescreen format and I have since seen it somewhere in black and white in widescreen format - You'd think that in this day and age that it would be presented in the original movie theatre format. So unless you really want a copy of the movie which is very hard to obtain - prices starting to sky rocket - hold out until an original format with widescreen or 1.78:1 ratio format comes out and not the box screen or full screen 1.37:1 ratio format.

There are many versions of The Four Feathers but this one by Zoltan Korda in 1939 is the definitive version. The desert filming in technicolour is utterly breathtaking and the acting superb. It is a timeless story, romantic and full of brave exploits. It captures a moment in British history in a special way. And, the hero gets the girl at the end. Watch any other version of this movie, but watch this one first.

Easily the best movie version made of this story. This rendering is not perfect but it is the most watchable of any rendering I have ever seen. The film itself stands the test of time. Korda's direction is spot-on and the cinematography is so good it comes close to rivaling Lawrence of Arabia in many scenes. The acting is superb and but for the soundtrack and a few stagey scenes here and there, this could pass for a modern epic.Well worth the admission price, this one is.

The other day, I watched a re-make that fell short of this film. This classic is a masterpiece of acting, plot, direction, sets and costume. As an adventure story it is one of the best. As an historical military action film, it is superior. Since others have provided detailed reviews of the story and actors, I will simply say that this is a great film and did not deserve to be obscured by a second rate modern film of the same name.

I'm from English descent and from Military heritage, my Grandfather being in the Anglo Boer War and Family members in WW 1 & WW 2, with friends serving in Korea. I have been a keen follower of the British Forces in the days of Empire building. I love the pomp and splendour and training of the beautifully uniformed troops. This is still prominent in my appreciation of such things as the Trooping of the Colour. C. Aubrey Smith was this films biggest asset, his absolute belief that there was no room for a coward in Britain. June Duprez was perfect in her role, but at first John Clements seemed rather weak for his role, but he gradually redeemed himself. I would recommend this fine film to anyone interested in this time in history, especially us oldsters. I'm sorry to say that this film would not be enjoyed by the younger generation. However, the latest version of this film would also not be accepted by most, young or old. I have this film and have only watched it twice.