7.1 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
A naval secret-service agent is assigned to find out why millions of pounds of gold bullion are being stolen in the Irish Sea.
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Robert Morley, Nathalie Delon, Jack Hawkins (I), Corin RedgraveCrime | Insignificant |
Adventure | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.35:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 16-bit)
BDInfo
None
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
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.
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.
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" 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.
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