Western Approaches

Regarded as one of the best British documentaries of the Second World War, Western Approaches pays tribute to the bravery of the Merchant Navy and the perils they faced during the Atlantic Convoys.Directed by Pat Jackson and brilliantly shot in Technicolor by acclaimed cinematographer Jack Cardiff (The Red Shoes, The African Queen), this dramatized Crown Film Unit retelling of an attempted U-Boat attack uses real merchant seamen to re-enact their roles. Both realistic and dramatic, the film carries a powerful authenticity, which is reinforced by its stunning colour imagery.A crowning achievement of the British Documentary Movement that flourished in the 1930s and 40s, this landmark film is presented in a new 2K restoration by Imperial War Museums.Restored in 2K by Imperial War Museums and presented on Blu-ray and DVDArchive audio commentary featuring the Imperial War Museum's Toby Haggith and director Pat JacksonBuilders (1942, 8 mins): short film by Pat Jackson highlighting the importance of builders to the war effortFerry Pilot (1941, 35 mins): documentary about the Air Transport Auxiliary which provided personnel to fly newly completed aircraft from the factories to the airfieldsPeople at War: A Seaman's Story (1942, 7 mins): interviewed in his room as he packs for his next trip, a Newfoundlander whose been torpedoed no less than four times, typifies the courage and service of the Merchant NavyImage gallery**FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Illustrated booklet featuring new writing on the film and extras plus selected biographiesOther extras TBC*All extras are TBC and subject to change