Rating: 
Summary: Masterful treatment of Forrester's literary icon.
Review: Originally broadcast on the A & E network, the first tape covers the first three of 25 hornblower stories. Action is well timed with the story to keep things moving but much of the damage and bloodshed has been 'sanitized' so that it doesn't become a detriment to the story itself. The acting and action are a well done modern compliment to the older Gregory Peck film. As in the earlier version, the brutal aspects of the Nelsonian English navy seem to be downplayed ( eg. press gangs are mentioned but not really shown, and while some of the hazing of the officer candidates is implied, it is not really shown to be truely brutal as history seems to portray it. All and all a very entertaining romp through history as viewed by the all conquering Hornblower. The later episodes, if they come close to the first, should make a very well constructed monument to Forrester and those who brought his character to life.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic Production
Review: Finally we have a series that does credit to its original inspiration. To watch these episodes is almost like reading the Forester novels themselves. The best part of this series is that it gets you to feel the life of a seaman of that time. The sounds of the ship, the bells, whistles, drum beats, etc. all merge together and bring you back into another time. While I always felt that the Hornblower books give a somewhat romanitzed view of Royal Navy life during the Napoleanic Wars, there can be no doubt that this TV series truly does justice to the books. More productions should be made like this. Hornblower's exploits while impressive, are believeable. There is none of that annoying tongue and cheek element that we find in many of these period productions. The "Sharpe Series" was largely ruined because of that. Here there has been a conscious effort to stay within the spirit of the books.
The best episodes in my opinion are 1 and 4. The middle ones are a bit slow and tedious a times, but they all provide wonderful character development. The fourth episode is a real treat for those interested in having a look at combined naval and land operations of the period. The British were the only ones that could do this sort of thing, and the coordination involved was very difficult. The viewer is treated to some interesting land combat scenes, which are nicely done. Much attention has been paid to uniforms, drill and eqippment, which all get high marks. John Mollo was the costume specialist, so its not surprsing that the uniforms are accurate to the buttons! He did many fine military uniform books in years past.
Perhaps what makes this series so good is that there has been no silly romance put in to distract the viewer. Highly recommended for all naval buffs, and for those interested in the Napoleanic period, as well as those who seek a really good period series with good acting and sets.
Rating:
Summary: Confusing description of this item
Review: I wanted to get the whole series of these because they are great films, but the descriptions of the episodes on this boxed set are misleading. "("The Even Chance"); ("The Examination for Lieutenant"); ("The Duchess and the Devil"); and ("The Frogs and the Lobsters")" are actually called "The Duel," "The Fire Ships," "The Duchess and the Devil," and "The Wrong War" and are also part of the 6 movies Complete set.
Rating:
Summary: Horatio is my hero!
Review: I can't guess how many times in my life I'll end up watching this beautifully made TV series! It's an inspired production. The plots are compelling, and the action and suspense are very real. The soundtrack makes many scenes absolutely glow with life ("It's the Indie, sir!" and the final credits are my favourite!!). The character of Horatio is what takes this show to the level of great storytelling. Horatio is brave, loyal, intelligent, and compassionate; and all too human in his vulnerability and self-doubt. In these four episodes, we see him grow from an impressionable midshipman into a more confident commissioned Lieutenant, always trying to be the best he can be. He is played superbly by Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd (pronounced YO-an Griffith). The other regulars are just as enjoyable in their unaffected charm- seamen Matthews, Styles, and Aldroyd; midshipman Archie Kennedy; and especially the shrewd, noble Captain Pellew, played with great dignity by Robert Lindsay. I hope you enjoy watching this wonderful series!
Rating:
Summary: Horatio Hornblower, a Hero for Us All!
Review: The story is purely English, but the message is quintessentially American; succeed based upon one's own ability, regardless of class or lineage. Horatio Hornblower (played by Ioan Gruffudd) is brave, intelligent, and as we discover, a natural born leader, and the envy of every man. We all wish we could be like him. This A&E made-for-TV series is an accurate representation of the C.S. Forester novels upon which they are based. These first four episodes deal with Hornblower's early years as a midshipman after he joins the British Navy when it was the uncontested ruler of the high seas. Episode one sees Hornblower fall under the control of Simpson, an abusive senior midshipman. Horatio contemplates suicide and desertion, but instead challenges Simpson to a duel. A cruel twist spares his life - but takes that of his friend. He later exemplifies himself in battle, and cunningly outsmarts a rival French captain to begin earning the undying loyalty and affection of his men. War with France breaks out in episode two, and Hornblower is transferred to the British frigate, the Indefatigable, commanded by Captain Pellew (played wonderfully by Robert Lindsay), who will become, over time, almost a second father to his young charge. Horatio will again distinguish himself towards the movie's end by risking his life to board a burning fire ship (a blazing vessel sent pilotless and kamikaze style into the British fleet) and diverting it away from the Indefatigable. Captain Pellew later congratulates him for saving his ship and the lives of everyone on board. Horatio's pride soars, as does the love we feel for him. In episode three, Hornblower learns much about life - and women - when he and an English Duchess (who is really an actress) are taken prisoners by the Spanish. A French Captain threatens to reveal them as spies, but the Duchess gives up her honor to preserve their secret. Horatio is at first disgusted, but then respects her immeasurably once he realizes that her pragmatism has probably saved both of their lives. Hornblower later displays unquestionable bravery when he leads a rescue party to save sailors stranded offshore during a storm. His gallantry earns him his freedom, and Horatio gains the distinction of being recognized as a hero in both his own country and by his enemies. In the final episode, the crew of the Indefatigable is asked to assist French Royalist soldiers in an ill-fated attempt to recapture the country from the Republic. The pomp & circumstance of the well-disciplined British army are used gloriously against the enemy. And a reinstated French Marquis employs the guillotine to lop off a few heads - but in the end suffers a similar fate. Horatio falls in love with a beautiful French girl only to lose her. And he painfully learns that duty -- and the responsibility of leading men in battle -- must always win out over his emotions. This A&E series was a visual and inspirational delight. Ioan Grufford and Robert Lindsay were both superb. This four disc set is highly recommended!
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