The Hospital (1971) and Forever Amber (1947)
Company: Twilight Time
Starring: The Hospital: George C. Scott, Barnard Hughes,
Stephen Elliott, Diana Rigg, Nancy Marchand, Richard A. Dysart
Starring: Forever Amber: Richard Greene, George Sanders,
Robert Coote, Linda Darnell, Glenn Langan, Richard Haydn, Jessica Tandy, Anne
Revere, Cornel Wilde
My Review and Thoughts:
First Up: The Hospital
I was super excited learning this was going to be a Special
Edition Blu-ray by Twilight Time, for the simple fact this stars one of my all-time
favorite actors and second I had never seen this before, and so this was an
absolute treat. George C. Scott is one of those perfect performers that was
able to create and complete a persona and crafted an ability to own any film he
did. He built his characters in such a believable fashion that it left the
viewer with a passionate love for his acting wonderment. He starred in three of
my all-time favorite films.
The one and only World War 2 film, Patton which is always
the obvious one on most film lovers list. The second is the very underrated
Ghost horror film from 1980, The Changeling which is a creepy, spooky and
perfect little gem. And third, finally one of the greatest sequels, The
Exorcist 3. It was super exciting to see The Hospital. Most recently Twilight
Time had also released another Georg C Scott film on Special Edition Blu-ray
the wonderful Hardcore which was another George C. Scott film I had never seen.
Twilight Time did an
amazing job in picking this one just like they picked
Hardcore.
Also starring Bernard Hughes. Another character actor that
always knew how to breathe life into his parts, both small and big. No-matter
the size of the part, he gave his all and made you remember his performances.
Started in movies and TV in 1952 and worked all the way up to the year 2000. He
plays the part of Drummond in The Hospital to a golden ticket of perfection. Also,
another one of his films was honored with a Special Edition Twilight Time
release where he played the character of Henry Albertson in the musical comedy
The Fantasticks. He gave his all to the part in both films. One reason why I
always remember him is because of playing the part of Buzz Richman in the 90’s
TV series I grew up with, Blossom. It would be all his constant characters
throughout TV and feature film that made you remember him. Sadly, like all the
greats, both small and big, he has passed away, but left an amazing career of
performances that shine and stand out, no matter the size or the part.
I cannot, not mention the wonderful Dame Diana Rigg who
plays the part of Barbara Drummond in The Hospital. She also was honored in
another Special Edition Twilight Time release playing the character of Edwina
the daughter to Vincent Price’s character in Theatre of Blood. Rigg is also one
who really needs no introduction to the cinema world. Film buffs should know
her beauty of performance in many stand out films both small and great, from TV
to cinema she is a defining performer. I first fell in love with her watching
her play James Bond’s wife in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. I think some of
her greatest work is from Television. If one has not seen the BBC Miniseries
Mother Love, you should. Now most recently she has played the amazing part of
Olenna Tyrell in the Cult following and very popular TV series Game of Thornes.
Which might I add she has garnered many award nominations for.
Directed by Arthur Hiller. Hiller directed a lot of
Television but also directed some great films from comedy to drama he captured
it all. He directed one of my all time favorite films. The way before it’s time
drama 1982’s Making Love. A wonderful film of drama and thoughtful acting by
all involved. Michael Ontkean, Kate Jackson and Harry Hamlin did a beautiful
job in capture a though provoking film and the direction of that film is a
solid example of the expertise that Arthur Hiller had. He also directed the
comical films Arthur! Arthur! And 1976’s Silver Streak. Also directing the
wonderful drama romance 1970’s Lover Story. Hiller had his hands in all types of
cinema and The Hospital is prime example of his wonderment in film making.
The Hospital is a mixed bag of genera’s. It has comedy,
drama and mystery all weaved together in one setting. Interesting is its about a
Doctor in a hospital who is struggling with finding meaning in his life, but
the added reality is that someone is murdering people inside his hospital. The
mystery unfolds along with a rich drama setting.
Next up Forever Amber:
Starring a wonderful cast of performers. Throughout the
film. This stars Cornel Wilde who plays the character of Bruce Carlton. In his
amazing 77 years, he performed in over 70 performances. He starred in some of
my favorite classic films such as, 1952’s The Greatest Show on Earth, 1965’s
The Naked Prey, and many others. He was truly a talented actor that shined in
his many films and appearances. He was also honored in with another Special
Edition Twilight Time Blu-ray Edge of Eternity.
Directed by one of the greats, Otto Preminger. Preminger was
and in my viewpoint a director that should be remembered, honored and spoken
about when mentioning all the great directors in film. I feel Otto has been
lost in time. When I mention him, most have no earthly idea who he is, and that
is a true shame. Otto had away with his films that dug deep into the subject,
held onto that darkened suspense, or that intense dramatic reality that was his
films. He was a director that stepped over the boundaries of subject matters
that was taboo for their time. From drugs to homosexuality. He pushed the
boundaries, and showcased a brilliance in capturing a story that always seemed
to linger in the mind of viewers long after the film was over. He mastered the
reality of creating a thick book form of storytelling through his direction. He
was a man that enjoyed pushing the limits of his time, by adding eye opening
and taboo realities. He seemed to almost laugh in the face of censorship, but
that is what makes him a shining artist of film making. From the movies, Laura,
Where the Sidewalk Ends (which might I add Twilight Time released on a special
edition Blu-ray), The Man with the Golden Arm, Anatomy of Murder, Bunny Lake is
Missing, (which might I add Twilight Time released on a special edition
Blu-ray) and so many others including this personal favorite of mine, 1960’s
Exodus which is also been released on a Twilight Time Special Edition Blu-ray.
I could go on and on about his films. He mastered so many.
Forever Amber is a historical adventure drama. It’s about
Amber St. Clair, the setting is in the seventeenth century England. It
showcases Amber trying to raise up her reality from simple country girl to
nobility. This reality succeeds but what happens is she slowly loses the aspect
of love.
Audio/Video:
Brilliant yet again in the department of Audio and Video. Sound quality is crisp and perfection to the ears. The video transfer is a perfection that only grand companies like Twilight Time can do.
The Hospital:
LANGUAGE: English
VIDEO: 1080p High Definition / 1.85:1
AUDIO: English 1.0 DTS-HD MA
SUBTITLES: English SDH
Forever Amber:
LANGUAGE: English
VIDEO: 1080p High Definition / 1.33:1
AUDIO: English 1.0 DTS-HD MA
SUBTITLES: English SDH
Extras:
The Hospital:
Isolated Music & Effects Track: The musician behind the
music for the film was not a major film composer. He did a few TV and shorts
but the only film he ever did was this one I am reviewing The Hospital.
Original Theatrical Trailer
Forever Amber:
Isolated Music Track
Linda Darnell: Hollywood’s Fallen Angel
Overall:
Two fantastic High Definition films on solid transfers. Brilliant audio and video. Two highly recommended films by the one and only Twilight Time Company. The Hospital and Forever Amber are two priceless films to experience on these wonderful High Quality Blu-ray. Twilight Time never fails in creating wonderful outlets to awesome films that in some cases are lost by time but thankfully through companies like Twilight Time we are blessed with High Definition, High quality product.
INFO:
Make sure you head over to www.screenarchives.com to buy all
the wonderful Twilight Time Blu-rays. The main page that gives you these
beautiful releases on top quality Special Editions.
Also head over and like Twilight Time on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/twilighttimemovies