I'd prefer NO rating--the DVD is indefensible!
Giovanna Visconti | 11/09/2007
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Frequently, when buying either rare Public Domain films or those that simply haven't had (and likely won't) DVD release, one takes one's chances, and often--though not always!--you "gets what you pays for." This DVD is a case in point.
Let's begin at the beginning: It isn't there! Opening titles, yes, but after that AT LEAST THE FIRST FIVE (5!) MINUTES OF THE FILM ARE MISSING! I have a tape from TNT Overnight several years ago which is how I know.
The sound is simply atrocious as if recorded underwater, and I've seen late 1940s TV kinescopes that look better than the print (what there is of it) used for this DVD.
TCM does have a print which I missed when they first showed it. Hopefully, they'll repeat it at some point. Donat made so few films that this exciting WWII drama is very worth having for his virtuoso performance, ably accompanied by the underappreciated Valerie Hobson and undervalued Glynis Johns.
Amazon, take note of "Synergy Archive Series!" If this is an example of their fare, you guys shouldn't bother with it.
As for any other prospective customers: Don't go NEAR it!"
The Adventures of Tartu
L. Lord | 11/21/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I like the movie, and Robert Donat does a great job as usual, but the audio is not that good. At least it is the full version of the movie, as there are others out there that are cut. If you like Donat, I would still get it despite the sound quality."