Horatio Hornblower Collector's Edition
by Andrew Grieve
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Dorian Healy, Ioan Gruffudd, Michael Byrne, Robert Bathurst, Robert LindsayDirector: Andrew Grieve
Writer: Ben Rostul
Writer: C.S. Forester
Writer: Chris Ould
Writer: Mike Cullen
Writer: Niall Leonard
Writer: Patrick Harbinson
Writer: Russell Lewis
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Format: Box set, Closed-captioned, Collector's Edition, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 800 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-10-25
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: A&E Home Video
Movie Reviews of Horatio Hornblower Collector's Edition
Movie Review: Hornblower the hero of his day
Summary: 5 Stars
Horatio Hornblower (Ioan Gruffudd) is an Emmy award winning TV mini movie series that sets sail for all around quality entertainment. Hornblower is based on C.S. Foresters popular literature centered on Naploenoic wars and particular the British Royal naval aspect of it. This series is the most complete exploit into 18th century (late 17th century as well) British Royal naval life for the small screen. The series focus is always surrounding Hornblower (fictional character) a young man steadfast in his convictions to do what is right and his climb on the British Royal Navy seaman ladder. This all inclusive experience also spends ample time exploring the trials of being an able seaman aboard a British ship of war. Hornblower journey involves a plethora of obstacles whether he is cramming for the Lieutenant exam, dealing with a cruel seasoned midshipman who has a strong taste for duel's or engaged in vicious naval combat with the frogs (French). Other fan favorites are the highly competent and sapient Captain Pellew (Robert Lindsay), the reliable seaman Matthews (Paul Copley), Styles (Sean Gilder) who is also a staunch ally for Hornblower on top of being tough in a fight and last but not least Archie Kennedy (Jamie Bamber) Horatio's cohort, equal and true friend.
Stories (character driven): Each movie in this series tackles a fresh conundrum/snare for Hornblower to get untangle from. Hornblower time and again will be tested on his wit plus craftiness to survive and hopefully be promoted. On top of that there is usually some interesting new aspect to seaman ship and naval warfare of the day displayed. The Hornblower series has a fluid progression from a young midshipman barely able to hold down his lunch down when faring rough seas. To a calm calculating Hornblower seasoned in giving as well as receiving orders. There's cliff hangers galore along with heart felt camaraderie that holds our cast and these many stories together. Each story demonstrates human character well along with honor, courage, Brit humor and stern leadership.
Acting (solid): Ioan Gruffudd was born to play Hornblower. He plays him with honesty, inner strength and all the subtle nuances that really made Hornblower into a hit series. The rest of the cast is fantastic and really hold this series to high quality of acting that built up interesting deeply motivated characters to watch on the small screen.
Music (strong): The music fits the time and era as well as sets the moods efficiently.
Special effects/costume design (mostly well crafted): The effects don't compete well against its big screen cousin Master and Commander (Russell Crowe, another Naploenoic wars high sea adventure) when in comparison. There is plenty of cannon fire smoke, musket shooting and second rate explosions. War wounds are also second rate typically displayed by simple stained blood on the outfits. The effects do get the job done and never looks campy or silly. The effects are overall really good and did enhance the drama. The costumes are authentic and detailed. The real ships are magnificent and are up to scale. Many scenes involving multiple ships use high end models and this mostly goes unnoticed.
Special Features(Fun and imformative):This section involves bits of the cast sounding off, an indepth look into Royal Navey life of the day and how modern ships compare to those of our past. I learned where many saying come from. For instance son of gun, learning the ropes and many more.
Last take (classic A&E show): Must see for any fans of the A & E channel movies, Naploenoic wars, History in general or those who enjoy a show with great acting. This is a great family show due to its mostly tame language and low graphic nature. I'm sure some people don't like this one but I really don't understand why.
Summary of Horatio Hornblower Collector's Edition
From midshipman to commander, experience the thrilling escapades of the ultimate high-seas hero with the HORATIO HORNBLOWER COLLECTOR'S EDITION, an eight-volume treasure chest of sweeping naval adventure and lavish historical drama. Joining the British Royal Navy at the outset of the Napoleonic Wars, the enterprising Horatio Hornblower rises quickly from raw recruit to seasoned sailor, charting a course from the West Indies to the coast of Africa in the name of the Crown. Along the way he encounters roiling sea battles, mutiny, plague and love, but always proves himself equal to the task. Gorgeously filmed and richly produced, A&E's Emmy?-winning adaptations of C.S. Forester's classic novels star Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic Four, Black Hawk Down) and a stellar supporting cast that includes Robert Lindsay (Wimbledon), Jamie Bamber (Band of Brothers) and Paul Copley (Queer as Folk). The HORATIO HORNBLOWER COLLECTOR'S EDITION contains all eight feature-length Hornblower films (with many a bonus material below deck): The Duel The Fire Ships The Duchess and the Devil The Wrong War The Mutiny Retribution Loyalty Duty DVD Features: Exclusive Interview with Ioan Gruffudd; Filmmaker Commentary on "Loyalty" and "Duty"; 3 Bonus Programs: "England's Royal Warships," "Sail 2000: Aboard the Eagle," and "The Making of Horatio Hornblower"; About C.S. Forester; Nautical Terms and Definitions; Interactive 3D Naval Cannon; Guide to Royal Warships; C.S. Forester Biography; Cast and Crew Biographies; Photo Gallery; Interactive Menus; Scene SelectionTelevision DVD Video
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