Battle for Music Blu-ray
The year is 1939. Following the liquidation of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the players form a new company and arrange bookings themselves. Features new 2K HD transfers commissioned by Panamint Cinema from 35 mm master material.
Struggling with costs after their first series of concerts, they meet the writer J. B. Priestley who arranges a "Musical Manifesto" fund-raiser at the Queen's Hall. Then their real break comes when band leader Jack Hylton books the orchestra for a season of music hall concerts. The orchestra plays music by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Greig, Beethoven, Wagner and Rachmaninov closing with Land of Hope and Glory.
Special Features: Musical Poster No 1 (1940, colour) "Be careful - the enemy is listening!"; Adeste Fideles (1941, b/w) Christians celebrate their faith during the Blitz; C.E.M.A. (1942, b/w). R. A. Butler, M.P. explains the activities of the Council for the Encouragement of Music and the Arts; Unreleased cut of Battle for Music, with unique footage; 16 page illustrated booklet; subtitles in English for the hard of hearing.
DIRECTORS: Donald Taylor, Len Lye, Ralph Keene, Ralph Bond, John Banting, Dylan Thomas
ACTORS: Thomas Russell, Joss Ambler, Malcolm Sargent, Sir Adrian Boult, J.B. Priestley, Jack Hylton
BBFC CERTIFICATE: E - Exempt
FEATURE RUNNING TIME: 79 mins
FORMAT: Blu-ray All Regions | Aspect ratio 1.37:1 | b/w
THEATRICAL RELEASE DATE: 1943
TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 186 mins
DVD EDITION: Battle for Music DVD