DVD Review: Everest Combo Pack

It isn't often that we get a mountaineering film on the big screen in our local theaters, but that is exactly what we got last September when Universal Studios released Everest, a movie that tells the story of the infamous 1996 season on the world's highest peak. For many of us, that story is well known, particularly since it was chronicled so well in Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air. But a big screen dramatization of those events was a major risk for any Hollywood production house, particularly since mainstream audiences don't really flock to the theater to see this type of film. Critically, Everest did well, but unfortunately that didn't translate to big box office numbers, and the film didn't even manage to make it'd production budget back. That's a real shame, as it really is a well crafted film that I think many people will enjoy, and I said as much when I reviewed it months back. 

If you missed Everest when it was in theaters, now is your chance to make up for it. The movie releases today on DVD and Blu-Ray after having already been available for a few weeks on popular digital streaming services like iTunes. I received an advanced copy of the DVD, and while I will say that there is nothing like seeing this movie on a massive IMAX screen, the translation to our home theaters is a good one as well.

My review copy was the DVD "combo pack." That means that it comes with three discs – standard DVD, Blu-Ray, and Blu-Ray 3D – as well as a code to download the digital version as well. As you would expect, watching the move in HD with the Blu-Ray is spectacular, with great picture quality and sound. The epic scope that was conveyed in the theater still comes through here too, albeit on a scale that is designed to fit on your television screen and not a giant theater. 

As great as the scenery is in Everest – and trust me, it's pretty great – the thing that will stay with you long after you've seen the film is the performances by the principle actors. The movie is filled with stars, including Josh Brolin, Kiera Knightly, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Robin Wright. But Jason Clarke, who plays Rob Hall, delivers a stand out portrayal of the famous mountain guide, and his scene near the end of the film with Knightly (you know the one!) is heart wrenching. Those great performances come through just fine on the small screen, keeping me just as captivated in my living room as they did in the theater. 

The DVD comes with some compelling extras, particularly for those of us who are into the whole Everest scene to begin with. There are short documentaries that tell us what the actors had to go through to appear to know what they were doing in the climbing scenes, and others that go into detail on how the film was made, including a look at the great lengths that the crew went to to make it appear as if they were actually on Everest circa the mid-1990's. Director Balthasar Kormákur even provides a commentary track, which I haven't listened to as I watched the film just yet. I'm sure it contains even more interesting facts about the production though. 

If you're a regular reader of this blog, and you haven't seen Everest yet, you probably should rectify that situation soon. Even if you already know the story, it is still worth a watch, as the cinematography, landscapes, and acting are all top notch. Having been to Everest Base Camp myself, I truly enjoyed seeing the scenes that were filmed in Nepal, as it brought back great memories of trekking through the Khumbu Valley a few years back. This movie makes you feel like you are there, even when they are high up on the mountain, struggling to overcome the Hillary Step on their way to the summit. 

Available now, Everest makes a great addition to anyone's personal library of films. That is especially true however if you know what it takes to climb the mountain. I suspect that more than a few of you reading this review fall into that category. Considering the lukewarm reception that the film received at the box-office, it may be awhile before we see another mountaineering film such as this one get made. Enjoy this one to its fullest. 

Reminder: Win a Copy of Everest from The Adventure Blog

Just a quick reminder to readers that I'm giving away a copy of the film Everest on The Adventure Blog. The movie is being released on Blu-Ray and DVD next week – January 19 – and to celebrate my friends at Universal Home Entertainment are going to give one lucky winner a combo back that includes the film on both disc formats, as well as in digital HD as well.

If you'd like a shot at winning the prize all you have to do is send an email to kungfujedi@gmail.com with "Everest" as your subject line. I'll be accepting submissions through next Monday, at which time I'll randomly select a winner and Universal will ship them a copy of the film.

I'm working on a review of the DVD now, but I wrote my thoughts on the film itself when it was released back in September. You can read that review by clicking here. In short, I found it to be well done, very engaging, and packing an emotional punch, even for those of us who already knew the story. There are some nits to pick of course, but for the most part the cast and crew got it right, and delivered a solid mountaineering film.

If you'd like to own a copy of it for yourself, enter the contest for a chance to win the one I'm giving away. Otherwise, look for Everest to hit store shelves next week.

Win a Copy of Everest Courtesy of The Adventure Blog and Universal Home Entertainment

Next Tuesday, January 19, the Hollywood blockbuster Everest will release on DVD, and to celebrate The Adventure Blog is teaming up with Universal Home Entertainment to give away a DVD/Blu-Ray combo pack, as well as a limited edition Everest carabiner.

As you may recall, the film recounts the tragic events of the famous 1996 season, during which eight people died on the mountain. In the movie, some of the principal characters are played by famous actors, including Josh Brolin, Jason Clarke, and Jake Gyllenhaal. You can read my full review of the film here, which I lauded for being accurate in its depiction of the climb, and having great cinematography that highlight the scenery from the Himalaya incredibly well.

Everest is already available on digital streaming platforms such as iTunes and the Google Play Store, but next week it will ship on physical media to traditional outlets as well. The combo pack that I'm giving away includes the full film on DVD and Blu-Ray, as well a redemption code for a digital version as well. It also includes bonus footage on the making of the film, the training that the actors went through to prepare for their roles, and more.

If you'd like to win this copy of the film, you can enter the contest for the giveaway simply by sending an email with subject line of "Everest" to kungfujedi@gmail.com. The contest is open to U.S. residents only, and will run through Monday, January 19. At which time, I will randomly draw a winner, and contact them for a shipping address to send the prize to. One entry per person please.

Good luck!

Reminder: Last Chance to Win a Copy of Everest

Just a quick reminder as we start the new week. Today is the last day to enter to win a copy of the Hollywood blockbuster Everest. Universal Home Entertainment has generously allowed me to give away a copy of the film, which releases tomorrow on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Later today I'll be randomly picking a winner, and passing along that name to Universal, who will ship out a copy to the lucky Adventure Blog reader. But before I do that, you still have time to enter the contest. To do so, all you have to do is send an email to kungfujedi@gmail.com with a subject line that reads "Everest." If you win, I'll contact you to get a shipping address, which will be passed along to Universal for sending out the prize.

If you didn't get a chance to see Everest in the theater this past fall, you can read my review of it here. The film tells the story of the infamous 1996 climbing season on the tallest mountain on the planet, during which 8 people lost their lives. Even though this is a dramatization of this events, it does a great job of explaining what its like to climb Everest in an era where it had to be commercialized to the extent that we see today. The actors playing the principle roles are all excellent, and there is a real dramatic punch to the story, even for those of us who know what is coming. All in all, it is a well crafted movie, and one that everyone who reads this blog with regularity should see.

I'll be selecting the winner of the giveaway later in the day, but you still have time to enter. Good luck!