If.... (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

Fans of movies will love this one

A mix of naturalism, surrealism, pitch-dark humor and social commentary in an examination of life in an upper class U.K. boarding school in the late 1960s. Terrific acting, and some unforgettable moments and visuals. Although I will admit, as much as I admire it, I'm even more enamored of Anderson and McDowell's follow up, the less known 'O Lucky Man!' - which is actually a kind of sequel. Whereas 'If...' keeps you (intentionally) at a bit of an arm's length, 'O Lucky Man!' brings you inside the madness. However, I've enjoyed 'If...' ever more with each viewing, it's flaws bothering me less, it's strengths seeming more special, it's mysteries and secrets seeming to open up. I think part of the trick is realizing and accepting that Lindsay Anderson was as much an anarchist as his main character, and some choices don't have a deep meaning other than to shake the audience out of their complacency - which is a kind of meaning in itself. A very good, historically important and influential film. If you like the challenging, unorthodox, complex movies that were a staple of the late 1960s and the 1970s then by all means you should see this. To echo what many others have said, the Criterion blu-ray is an exemplary transfer, heightening the immediacy and power of the visuals when compared to the DVD.

I will confine myself to a review of this Criterion Blu Ray Edition. The transfer is every bit as good as you would expect from Criterion and even if you have the Criterion DVD, its worth the upgrade. The extras are excellent, not least the commentary tracks and booklet. My only hope is that before too much longer Criterion do justice to Oh Lucky Man!

Controversial when originally released. The film has never dated and the music is unforgettable. One of the all-time greats in British films.

A great movie with the incredible transfer typical of Criterion. This arrived and was as promised by the vendor whom I recommend.

never saw this when it came out; what a head turner

Superb. Great film and great blu ray.

Unusual plot. Really weird ending.

A very powerful film that shows that power and rebellion can happen even in the same culture. Autocracy is the problem! It makes me think of the Pink Floyd lines: “ If you don't eat yer meat, you can't have any pudding How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat?” Many films in the 60s/70s were unravelling the “system”.

If.... starring Malcolm McDowell, is a daring and unforgettable cinematic experience. This film throws you into the chaotic world of a late-1960s British boarding school, where the lines between reality and fantasy blur. McDowell's portrayal of Mick Travis is iconic, as he leads a rebellion against the oppressive authority of both students and masters. Anderson masterfully blends naturalism, surrealism, and dark humor to create a powerful social commentary. The film's mix of color and black-and-white cinematography adds to its audacious and rebellious spirit. "If...." remains a historically important and influential piece of cinema, and this transfer, particularly the Criterion Blu-ray, heightens the film's visual impact. It's a challenging and unorthodox film, a staple of the late 60s and 70s. It's a MUST WATCH!

great colour & b+w movie from the sixties

Interesting movie.