HTML Interface, Upload with JS

I would like to make a simple HTML form, allowing the user to browse his/her local machine, choose a file to upload, select a destination directory from a few radio buttons, and click submit to send it on its merry way. Because the files being uploaded will probably be upwards of 50mb in size, I can’t use PHP. I assume JavaScript is the best alternative, but having no experience with the language, I don’t know how to approach the situation. Is this a possible/proper solution? If so, could anyone point me to a tutorial that might be helpful? I would like to avoid an FTP because I want to have control over everything going onto the server (extensions, filetypes, directories, etc.). Thanks for any help!