Even today, taking on the challenge of reaching the peak of Everest is fraught with danger, as statistically speaking one in four people who attempt the climb will die. So this documentary, originally released in 1924, lacking in almost a century's worth of developments in climbing equipment and safety gear that the climbers might have today, is even more imbued with the potential for death.
Shot by noted explorer Captain John Noel, vaguely centering around the two climbers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine, The Epic Of Everest goes out of its way to make you feel that the mountain is a living, breathing and almost malevolent creature, attempting to kill anyone foolish enough to try to reach its peak.
Before they begin the climb properly, the film-makers visit some of the local Nepalese folk, including the people who live in the world's highest village. While most of the movie is in black and white, save for a few scenes which include the reintroduced coloured tones and tints, the subtitles describes everything beautifully, filling in the colour with description. However, these descriptions can sometimes feel a little too opinionated, with too many artistic flourishes for a documentary. From then on the movie channels the gorgeous monotony that must be part and parcel with attempting the Everest climb: long takes of the same stunning vistas, which some may find hypnotic, but others will find deathly dull.
The restoration of the film is fantastic, showing off the staggering natural beauty of the mountain, and it is especially impressive when you consider the older film equipment that was being used. These images are accompanied by a newly commissioned score by Simon Fisher Turner who mixes the likes of electronica and found sounds together to create a truly eerie, unnerving soundtrack.
For a glimpse back into a completely different world of film-making and old-world adventuring, The Epic Of Everest doesn't outstay its welcome at just under an hour and a half. More of an artistic curio piece than a must-see, but a great find for documentary fans looking for something a little different.
