A Canterbury Tale (#341, DVD)

Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburgers beloved classicA Canterbury Taleis a profoundly personal journey to Powells bucolic birthplace of Kent, England. Set amid the tumult of the Second World War, yet with a rhythm as delicate as a lullaby, the film follows three modern-day incarnations of Chaucers pilgrimsa melancholy landgirl, a plainspoken American GI, and a resourceful British sergeantwho are waylaid in the English countryside en route to the mythical town and forced to solve a bizarre village crime. Building to a majestic climax that ranks as one of the filmmaking duos finest achievements, the dazzlingA Canterbury Talehas acquired a following of devotees passionate enough to qualify as pilgrims themselves.

SPECIAL FEATURES

SPECIAL EDITION DOUBLE-DISC SET

• New, restored high-definition digital transfer
• Audio commentary by film historian Ian Christie
• Excerpts from the American Version, with Kim Hunter
• New video interview with actress Sheila Sim
• A Pilgrims Return,a documentary about John Sweet, by Nick Burton and Eddie McMillan
• A Canterbury Trail,a new documentary visiting the film locations, by David Thompson
• Listen to Britain,2001 video installation piece inspired byA Canterbury Tale,by artist Victor Burgin
• Listen to Britain,a 1942 documentary by Humphrey Jennings
• English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• PLUS: A booklet featuring essays by Graham Fuller, Peter von Bagh, and actor John Sweet