Cinema of Powell & Pressburger – Collection One

Drama

Directed by: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger

Sister Clodagh: [to Mr. Dean] “You are objectionable when sober, and abominable when drunk!”

The Powell & Pressburger Collection One Blu-ray boxset (Imprint Collection #456–#461) gathers six seminal films from the first phase of the legendary British filmmaking partnership of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, known collectively as The Archers. This limited edition 7-disc hardbox set (region-free) includes: 

1. The Spy in Black (1939)
2. 49th Parallel (1941)
3. The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943)
4. A Canterbury Tale (1944) — first time on Blu-ray
5. A Matter of Life and Death (1946)
6. Black Narcissus (1947) 

This isn’t a cheap boxset — it’s a collector’s edition (often commanding premium pricing) with a presentation and contents worthy of that positioning. 

This collection plays like a mini-retrospective of formative Archers work, charting their evolution from innovative wartime cinema to psychological drama and lyrical storytelling.

1. The Spy in Black (1939)

A taut wartime thriller and the pair’s first joint feature, it combines atmospheric tension with clever narrative propulsion. The Blu-ray transfer showcases the film’s crisp black-and-white visuals and frames its ingenuity beautifully. 

2. 49th Parallel (1941)

A compelling piece of wartime propaganda cinema with real narrative flair, 49th Parallel is more than its mission — it’s an engaging race-across-Canada drama that’s both suspenseful and surprisingly rich in character. 

3. The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943)

Often cited as one of their greatest achievements, Colonel Blimp is a sweeping, deeply human epic about military tradition, friendship, and the passage of time. The set’s new restorations and extras (including its alternate American cut) make this edition especially valuable. 

4. A Canterbury Tale (1944)

A more modest but deeply affecting work, A Canterbury Tale blends mystery, pastoral beauty, and introspection. It’s the Blu-ray debut for this title, making the boxset a huge draw for completists and longtime fans alike. 

5. A Matter of Life and Death (1946)

This imaginative romance/fantasy drama — sometimes called Stairway to Heaven — is among Powell & Pressburger’s most lyrical and philosophically nimble films. Although there are excellent standalone Blu-ray versions (e.g., the Criterion release), this edition still offers a solid transfer and worthwhile extras. 

6. Black Narcissus (1947)

A psychological classic bathed in striking Technicolor, Black Narcissus blends exoticism with inner conflict. Many critics hail it as one of the duo’s most potent works, and this restored presentation brings out the sumptuous cinematography and haunting performances. 

Transfers & Picture Quality
All films are presented in 1080p high-definition from newly restored transfers. While this isn’t true 4K resolution, the quality is substantially superior to prior releases, especially for titles that have languished on DVD or haven’t been previously available on Blu-ray (notably A Canterbury Tale). 

Audio
English LPCM mono tracks are clean and clear — faithful to the original soundscapes without modern remixing that could dilute period authenticity. 

Subtitles
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing are included, making these classic films more accessible to a broader audience. 

Extras
One of the boxset’s strongest selling points is its new supplemental content: interviews with film scholars like Ian Christie, audio commentaries from experts, featurettes (including a Scorsese restoration piece for Colonel Blimp), and photo galleries — all of which offer deep context and enrich appreciation of each film. 

The Powell & Pressburger Collection One Blu-ray boxset is a rich, rewarding, and meticulously curated tribute to some of the most imaginative filmmakers of the 20th century. It’s packed with cultural significance and historical context, and the care taken with restorations and supplemental material will satisfy even the most discerning collectors — even if it stops short of 4K resolution. For fans of classic cinema and pivotal British filmmaking, this is a genuinely essential set.