Black Narcissus (1947) [The Criterion Collection]

Director: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
Writer: Rumer Godden, Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
Stars: Deborah Kerr, David Farrar, Flora Robson

This explosive work about the conflict between the spirit and the flesh is the epitome of the sensuous style of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. A group of nuns—played by some of Britain’s finest actresses, including Deborah Kerr, Kathleen Byron, and Flora Robson—struggle to establish a convent in the Himalayas, while isolation, extreme weather, altitude, and culture clashes all conspire to drive the well-intentioned missionaries mad. A darkly grand film that won Oscars for Alfred Junge's art direction and Jack Cardiff's cinematography, Black Narcissus is one of the greatest achievements by two of cinema’s true visionaries.

Extras:
- New, restored high-definition digital transfer, created with the participation of cinematographer Jack Cardiff and director Michael Powell’s widow, editor Thelma Schoonmaker Powell, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
- Video introduction by filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier (08:43)
- Audio commentary featuring Powell and director Martin Scorsese
- The Audacious Adventurer, a video piece in which Tavernier discusses the film and Powell (17:27)
- Profile of 'Black Narcissus', a documentary featuring members of the Archers' production team (25:29)
- Painting with Light, a documentary on Cardiff's Oscar-winning work on Black Narcissus (26:31)
- Original theatrical trailer (02:35)