Horatio Hornblower - The Complete Adventures

Description

He is the ultimate high-seas hero: a man of unshakeable courage, unwavering principles and extraordinary skill. Joining the Royal Navy at the outset of the bloody Napoleonic Wars, Horatio Hornblower rises quickly from raw recruit to seasoned sailor, and his exploits become the stuff of legend.

A&E's lavish adaptations of C.S. Forester's classic novels charmed millions of viewers with their swashbuckling action, broadside battles and below-decks intrigue. This expansive set brings together the complete, Emmy-winning Hornblower saga for the fist time. Ioan Gruffudd (Black Hawk Down, Titanic) gives a star-making performance as the dashing hero, and the stellar supporting cast includes Robert Lindsay (Me & My Girl) Jamie Bamber (Band of Brothers) and Paul Copley (Queer as Folk).

All six feature-length Hornblower films: The Duel, The Fire Ships, The Duchess and the Devil, The Wrong War, The Mutiny, Retribution. Extensive DVD bonus features include The Making of Horatio Hornblower featurette and two full-length programs: England's Royal Warships and Sail 2000: Aboard the Eagle.

Customer Reviews:

A masterful series!.......2006-07-31

This series is a wonderful high seas adventure. Having a huge interest in maritime history, especially in the 18th and 19th century British Navy I was immensely excited to view this series. When I purchased this set about two years ago I had already seen "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Master and Commander". Both films being a fantastic nautical adventure especially "Master and Commander" I wasn't expecting too much from the Hornblower films. I knew they were made-for-tv movies, and films that go strait to television are not usually quite on the same level as theater releases. I was completely surprised with the Hornblower movies. I was so enthralled with these films that I watched them all in one day.

I immediately enveloped myself with Horatio Hornblower. He is a very likable character and one just cannot help but root for him throughout the whole series. These films did a great job with historical fiction. The uniforms, accents, appearances, and ships were very accurate for representing navy life during the Napoleonic Wars. I found it pleasing that the filmmakers did a fine job presenting the different ranks in the Royal Navy and what was expected out of each crewmember. It was very fascinating to see the progression of a midshipmen and what he had to do in order to become a lefttenate and eventually a captain. I could really understand how full grown men in the crew would have a hard time taking orders from midshipmen who were basically teenage boys from well-to-do families. It's fantastic to see how Horatio truly earns their respect while keeping with the regulations of the navy.

I think the true magic of these films is the relationships that build between Horatio, his crew, fellow officers and captain. Especially how Captain Pellew and Horatio begin a father and son type of relationship. The great thing about a series is that one is able to see the progression of characters in many different levels throughout a paced time instead of already having them in place or either rushed in a two hour film. As far as the effects in the films they are not quite at the level of a Hollywood blockbuster but they are still impressive and work just fine. The extras on some of the dvds are really neat. There is a short documentary on life in the British navy and HMS Victory, plus a cool documentary on midshipmen of present day and modern sail training on the USS Eagle. If anyone has an interest in maritime history, high sea adventure or just wants a heart filled epic with well-done acting, this masterful series is highly recommended.

Hornblower DVDs all I could hope for.......2005-11-23

What wonderful action, characterization, sets, actors...
I'm totally happy with these.

an absolute must-buy!.......2005-08-12

It is very rare that an adaptation of a beloved book series is wonderful in its own right, but these A&E films absolutely are! Partly this has to do with inspired casting--across the board the actors are excellent, and the choice of Ioan Gruffudd is really terrific. He looks, acts, feels the part of Hornblower, and lends depth and complexity to the endeavor. As well, the attention and care paid to the ships themselves, the sea-battles, the feel of the ocean is not like anything I've seen on television. Watching the DVD's, it is easy to forget that this was a television production (except for the telltale fades which mark commercial breaks.) I've already watched the whole series several times and have hooked various family members, who are now fans. I just hope that A&E, or someone else will consider continuing the series, since the eight episodes in existence end at the point where Hornblower's life only becomes more interesting.

Save the Hornblower Series .......2005-08-12

A&E has said recently that it is not interested in funding more Horatio Hornblower movie episodes, even though Granada (the British production company that produces Hornblower) has cleared it with the Forester estate and was working on new scripts. Without A&E, who is more interested in reality TV, Granada can't afford to shoot another film. A&E's attitude is quite sad considering Hornblower performs quite well with American audiences and garners Emmy nominations.

Gruffudd himself has stated that he'd be glad to participate in more Hornblower efforts, even lobbying recently for Hornblower on the big screen because of A&E's lack of interest.

Unbelievably wonderful!.......2005-07-26

I have come to this series late, even my 88 year old mother had seen it on TV and loved it; so how bad is that when she beat me to it? Recently my boss watched this, and when he finished he immediately went to the Library to get the books. I knew then it MUST be good. A friend lent me his set and I watched the last one last night; truly it's such a let down when it's over. I too am in the process of buying a set of these, all 8, and will watch them repeatedly. My favorite part of this story is the interaction between Pellew and Hornblower. Pellew is terribly fond of Horatio, is basically his father figure, and their scenes together are always superb, sometimes heartrending. Robert Lindsay is wonderful as Capt. Sir Edward Pellew, and it goes without saying how believable Ioan Gruffudd is as Hornblower. It's also great to see the British when they basically 'ruled the world' and the sun didn't set on their empire. The only other series I can compare this to is "Island at War," which is also absolutely excellent. Oh, I had to laugh, someone on here mentioned their next pet would be named "Horatio." I have to confess, I had thought the exact same thing! All in all, this series is worth whatever it takes to own it.

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