{"product_id":"49th-parallel-the-criterion-collection-dvd-restored-1941-war","title":"49th Parallel (The Criterion Collection) DVD - Restored 1941 War","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review of 49th Parallel (The Criterion Collection) finds it a compelling wartime thriller for viewers interested in classic English cinema and purposeful propaganda of the era. This 1941 film, directed by Michael Powell and starring Laurence Olivier and Leslie Howard, stands out for strong acting and a tense, morally driven narrative about Nazi survivors trying to reach neutral American soil after their U-Boat is bombed. The Criterion print is impressive and the package adds valuable context for film students and fans, making the DVD worth considering despite a few minor print hairs and a vintage presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDirector and cast:\u003c\/strong\u003e Michael Powell directs a tightly paced story that benefits from Laurence Olivier and Leslie Howard's committed performances, which heighten the film's dramatic stakes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStory and tone:\u003c\/strong\u003e The plot about Nazi survivors trying to reach the United States provides a rousing anti-fascist wartime narrative that keeps tension high throughout.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCriterion print:\u003c\/strong\u003e Criterion's restoration gives the film a clean, archival presentation that preserves period detail and visual clarity for modern viewing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial features:\u003c\/strong\u003e The second disc includes commentary, featurettes, and a standout 1981 BBC program on Powell and Pressburger that adds valuable historical and production context.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e The release is presented in full frame format consistent with the film's original theatrical aspect, preserving its intended composition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis DVD is best for collectors of classic cinema, students of wartime film and propaganda, and fans of Michael Powell, Laurence Olivier, or Leslie Howard who appreciate archival extras and historical context. The Criterion packaging and included featurettes make it especially useful for film study and repeat viewings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose seeking modern widescreen restorations or pristine digital transfers may want to compare formats, since the release is full frame and the print, while excellent, retains a few hairs. Casual viewers expecting contemporary picture cleanliness might prefer a newer remaster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eStrong performances that elevate the tense, anti-fascist storyline and give the characters real urgency.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCriterion's print delivers archival quality and respectful preservation of a 1941 classic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGenerous special features, including commentary and a 1981 BBC feature on the directors, enrich understanding of the film's production and legacy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe full frame presentation and a few remaining hairs in the print mean it is not a flawless modern restoration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e49th Parallel (The Criterion Collection)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDVD, Full Frame Format\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMichael Powell\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrincipal Cast\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLaurence Olivier, Leslie Howard, Glynis Johns\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYear of Release\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1941\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpecial Features\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommentary, Featurettes, Short Film, 1981 BBC program\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSet Contains\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCriterion print of the 1941 film and a second-disc of special features\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Criterion DVD of 49th Parallel is recommended for collectors and students of classic war cinema who value performance, historical context, and archival extras. While not a flawless modern remaster, its strong acting, purposeful anti-fascist narrative, and rich supplementary material make it good value for anyone wanting a thoughtful edition of this 1941 film.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a restored Criterion print?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the release uses Criterion's print of the 1941 film, offering an archival-quality presentation despite a few minor hairs remaining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat extras are included?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe set includes commentary, featurettes, a short film, and a notable 1981 BBC show on directors Powell and Pressburger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat format is the film presented in?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe DVD is presented in full frame format, reflecting the original theatrical composition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Leslie Howard, Laurence Olivier, Michael Powell","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48645552373979,"sku":"B000KRNGN6","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/41xguASD7mL.jpg?v=1778615892","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/49th-parallel-the-criterion-collection-dvd-restored-1941-war","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}