Plot: What’s it about?
While many would call Horatio Hornblower a television mini-series or made for Tv movie, neither truly fits the series. Instead of fitting together like a mini-series or movie, these four installments are easily able to pass on their own, as well as working as one larger work. Just as the Star Wars or Indiana Jones trilogies can work as a unit or as individual titles, such are the four films that make up Horatio Hornblower. While I could ramble on and on about plot synopsis and what not, instead of I’ll give you a sweeping overview of what to expect, and let the details unfold as you watch. Based on the novels by C.S. Forester, this series follows the adventures of Horatio Hornblower, who proves the seas aren’t only for crusty sea urchins, but for dashing heroes as well. Hornblower isn’t just out at sea whistling Dixie, he’s right in the thick of war, fighting alongside his English brethren. You think of a dangerous mission, and Horatio most likely endures it. Duels, daring rescues, courage under fire, he does it all here. If you enjoy action on the high seas, you won’t want to miss this exciting series.
A&E has issued this series on DVD, and for the most part, did an excellent job. My only real complaint is that the widescreen aspect ratio used to film the series was not offered here, only a full frame version is included. While the series was shown on television here in full frame, it would have made a nice gesture to issue widescreen editions, so we could see the true vision of the series. But, there’s no nasty pan and scan present, so I won’t warble long on the issue, since we got it on television in this ratio. That aside, this is a wonderful treatment, with great sound and a nice array of extras. The mode of release is also quite nice, as each installment is included on a separate disc, then all four are housed within a specially designed box. I recommend this series to all lovers of epic period pieces, and those looking for an adventure on the seas, as both parties will find plenty to like here. A rental should be in order for those hesitant about the subject matter, but a purchase would make for a wise investment. When you look at the wealth of material delivered, the price is more than reasonable. Below is a listing of the four episodes and a brief synopsis as well.
Disc One: “The Duel” is the first installment, and gives a look at Horatio’s early military experience. As soon as he is aboard, a midshipman with a bad attitude, Simpson, starts to screw with him, but Horatio is soon transferred. Later, Horatio’s crew happens upon the old ship, which is ablaze, with Simpson among the survivors. Simpson starts right back in on Horatio, and almost gets him killed during one mission. Of course, Horatio finds himself in the middle of a final showdown between the two, when only guns can finish what Simpson started.
Disc Two: “The Fire Ships” chronicles the possible promotion for Horatio, as one of his superiors has nominated him to take an advancement exam. While on shore picking up supplies and rations, Horatio and his men become exposed to the Black Plague, and need to serve three weeks of quarantine before returning to the fleet. Instead of sitting on his rear and waiting, Horatio proposes the crew spend their time by sailing a different ship to meet the fleet at the next harbor.
Disc Three: “The Duchess and the Devil” involved a complex string of events, which lands Horatio under foreign capture. After gaining his first command on a captured French ship, he and his crew are taken in by Spanish soldiers, and exiled to a small island. Aboard Horatio’s ship were important documents as well as a duchess, both of which were supposed to be delivered by Horatio and his men. While on the island, a ship begins to sink, and Horatio feels a rescue mission is needed, even if it ruins his escape chances.
Disc Four: “The Wrong War” picks up after Horatio has returned to his fleet, and learns he has been chosen for a promotion to lieutenant. His first mission is a risky one, transporting some French rebels to invade on their behalf. While this small band claims they can be trusted, Horatio has serious doubts, and signs indicate he might be right.
Video: How does it look?
Horatio Hornblower is presented in a full frame transfer. As I said above, I would have loved a widescreen effort for this, but the image doesn’t suffer much without the bars. The image looks more like film than a television program, I can tell you that much. The colors are bright and flesh tones are natural and consistent. The ocean waters look wonderful, as do the skies above it. The contrast levels have some trouble in the darker spots, but never choke up too much. The quality is high through all four installments, never faltering much at all.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio uses a 2.0 surround track to come through, and has a rich texture to it, better than I expected from a television program. The surrounds will see some at bats, especially during the outdoor scenes. Dialogue doesn’t fall under foot though, each word is crisp and clear.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Since this was a television production, you might not be expecting much in the supplemental area, but these discs house some nice special features. Each disc has specific supplements on deck, so you can locate the bonus features quite easily among the discs. Two text supplements are included, one a very brief look at author C.S. Forester, the other a glossary of nautical terms, which can be helpful while watching the series. Next is a nice behind the scenes featurette, which runs a little over twenty minutes, and consists of interviews and on the set footage. The final supplement is a documentary entitled “England’s Royal Warships,” which has some information on just what the title implies. The program is hosted by Edward Windsor, and clocks in at about forty-five minutes.
