Stars: John Mills, Sylvia Syms, Anthony Quayle, Richard Todd, Michael Redgrave, Ursula Jeans, Eric Portman, Lionel Jeffries, Jack Hawkins, Stanley Baker, Denholm Elliott, Moira Lister

Director: Michael Anderson

Summary: In 'Ice Cold In Alex' the commander of a motor ambulance somehow manages to get his vehicle to safety - despite the hazards of war, and a German spy. 'The Dambusters' is a World War II adventure which centres around the RAF and their efforts to destroy the Ruhr dams in 1943. 'The Colditz Story' is a true account of British P.O.W.s who plan their escape from Germany's ultimate fortress. ''The Cruel Sea', based on the novel by Nicholas Monserrat, is the story of a tough, professional sailor and a mainly amateur crew, learning how to fight against Nazi subs and the Atlantic.

This collection features four of the greatest British war films of all time. THE DAM BUSTERS, starring Michael Redgrave and Richard Todd, is a World War II adventure which centers around the British efforts to destroy two enormous dams in Germany. In THE COLDITZ STORY, starring John Mills, a group of captured Allied soldiers attempt break out of Germany's toughest prison. THE CRUEL SEA, starring Jack Hawkins and Denholm Elliott, follows life on a British ship in the North Atlantic during World War II. Finally, ICE-COLD IN ALEX focuses on a British officer (John Mills) stationed in North Africa.

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The four films presented in The British War Collectionunapologetically embody the dogged spirit and pluck of an embattled nation during its greatest crisis; that they also represent the zenith of post-war British cinema is a testament to both their quality and veracity. First in chronological order is The Cruel Sea(1953), a rivetingly faithful adaptation of Nicholas Monsarrat's gripping novel (itself semi-autobiographical) in which Jack Hawkins is the epitome of determined professionalism in the face of ever-present disaster. Moving from sea to air, The Dam Busters(1954) uses the same documentary-style approach to storytelling, though combined here with the more overt patriotic appeal of Eric Coates' famous march theme.

A similar never-say-die spirit pervades both The Colditz Story(1955)--an authentic retelling of PR Reid's narrative--and Ice Cold in Alex(1958). Coincidentally or not, both films star the always indomitable John Mills. In Colditz, Mills heads a distinguished ensemble of British thespians as they attempt to escape from the infamous fortress, while in Alexhe and his marvellously tight-knit cast journey painstakingly towards what is probably the most famous glass of lager in the world.

On the DVDs:The British War Collectioncomes in a neat fold-out package with postcard-style cards for each movie. All four discs are presented in their original aspect ratios (Cruel Seaand Dam Busters, 1.33:1; Alexand Colditz, 1.66:1). The black and white prints are in pretty good condition, and are accompanied by reasonably clean mono soundtracks. Other than the original theatrical trailers there are no extras. --Mark Walker

Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Trailers - 1. Original Theatrical
Year:	1958
Release Date:	May 27, 2002
Runtime:	466 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	D 038468
Label:	Canal Plus
Keywords:	British, Sea, Collection, Ice, Alex, War, Story, Cold, Colditz, Cruel, Busters, Dam
Genre:	War