If… (Region B)

Legendary director Lindsay Anderson expanded on the social outrage and intense character focus of his debutThis Sporting LifewithIf., a combustible tale of teenage insurrection. Winner of the 1969 Palme dOr at Cannes,If.was a popular triumph and instantly recognised as a classic.

The film is a caustic portrait of a traditional boys boarding school, where social hierarchy reigns supreme and power remains in the hands of distanced and ineffectual teachers and callously vicious prefects. But three junior pupils, led by Mick Travis (played by Malcolm McDowell in the role that would catapult him to becoming one of Britains most iconic actors), decide on a shocking course of action to redress the balance of privilege once and for all.

Packed to bursting with its directors customary passion and experimentation,If.remains one of cinemas quintessential tales of rebellion, a radical snapshot of late 60s change, and one of the towering achievements of British film in any era. The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present this masterpiece in a new Blu-ray edition.

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Gorgeous 1080p transfer, approved by cinematographer Miroslav Ondricek and assistant editor Ian Rakoff
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
• Audio commentary with film critic and historian David Robinson and actor Malcolm McDowell
• New interviews with producer Michael Medwin, writers David Sherwin and John Howlett, editor David Gladwell, production manager Gavrik Losey, camera operator Brian Harris, and actors David Wood, Hugh Thomas, Geoffrey Chater, Philip Bagenal, and Sean Bury
• Three short films by Anderson: Three Installations [1952], Thursdays Children [co-directed with Guy Brenton, 1954], and Henry [1955]
• Two U.S. trailers for the feature
• 56-PAGE FULL-COLOUR BOOKLET containing new writing by David Cairns; a new interview with actor Brian Pettifer; a self-conducted interview with Lindsay Anderson; notes on the three short films; and rare and archival imagery

EKA70138