Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

When Eight Bells Toll Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 2, 2016

Once upon a time in European filmmaking, Anthony Hopkins was being groomed to be the next James Bond-type figure to dazzle audiences with tales of spying and seduction. 1971’s “When Eight Bells Toll” is an attempt to transform the fiercely reserved performer into an action hero, working with source material from Alistair McLean, who adapts his own novel. Tough guy antics aren’t a true fit for Hopkins, but “When Eight Bells Toll” is a serviceable thriller, embracing its odd take on smuggling and villainy with plenty of excitement and opportunities for the star to showcase his Connery side to a global audience.

Bad guys are after gold in “When Eight Bells Toll,” with Hopkins portraying secret agent Phillip Calvert, a noted frogman sent into frigid Scottish waters to figure out villainy and save the day. While MacLean retains his procedural and character-based interests, the production does make a noticeable attempt to play into James Bond formula, exploring Calvert’s skills of self-defense, investigation, and lady-killing, taking an interest in femme fatale Charlotte (Nathalie Delon). Along the way, banter is erected between Calvert and government supervisor Arthur (Robert Morley), preserving a comedic side to the mission as the spy frustrates his easily agitated boss.

When Eight Bells Toll Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation greets viewers with a Pinewood stamp of approval, with the transfer apparently the end result of a recent restoration. The viewing event is on the soft side but acceptable, handling detail to satisfaction, giving viewers a textured look at the Scottish locations and the actors, who provide nicely creased close-ups. Colors are also appealing, taking on the overcast mood of the cinematography with encouraging results, finding more responsive hues with greenery and costuming. Delineation isn't a problem, identifying most of the shadow play. Source encounters speckling and some mild flicker, but no major points of damage.

When Eight Bells Toll Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix isn't something engineered for detail, focusing primarily on dialogue exchanges, handling accents with clarity and action sequences without distortive extremes. Scoring is more boisterous than precise, lacking crisp instrumentation, but the basics in dramatic support are grasped, while main title and end credit music sets a spy game mood. Sound effects are sharp and hard, while environmental changes are acceptable, delivering coastal encounters and aquatic exploration. Hiss is minimal.

When Eight Bells Toll Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (2:49, HD) is included.

When Eight Bells Toll Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"When Eight Bells Toll" doesn't share the velocity and expanse of a Bond film, but it manages the smashmouth basics well, keeping Calvert busy with dangerous encounters and daring escapes. It's engaging when it chooses to be, and there's the added fun of watching Hopkins try to find comfort in an ill-fitting role, stretching his puma-prowl screen presence to a fit thriller formula that requires a more bluntly defined performer.