review: BECKET

MPI Home Video  //  Buy from Amazon.com For the first time in more than 40 years, experience two of the greatest actors of our time in one of the most honored motion pictures in history. Peter O'Toole delivers an electrifying performance as the mischievous Henry II, who surprises England by naming his fellow rogue and trusted valet Thomas Becket (Richard Burton in a career defining role) as Chancellor. But when Henry next appoints him Archbishop Of Canterbury, Becket shocks the world by openly defying the King with his newfound faith and compassion. Will a desperate ruler now destroy a beloved friend to save his splintering kingdom? John Gielgud co-stars in this stunning epic based on the Broadway sensation and brought to the screen by Hal Wallis, the legendary producer of ANNE OF THE THOUSAND DAYS, TRUE GRIT and CASABLANCA. Once thought lost forever, BECKET has now been restored to its original majesty with the support of the Film Foundation and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, including breathtaking new 2.0 stereo and 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtracks and a revealing commentary by Peter O'Toole. Not being much of a fan or follower of pre-70s films, "Becket" had never even appeared on my radar until I started to see ads running in my DVD and home entertainment magazines, trumpeting the fact that this film was thought "lost forever." Naturally, that piqued my curiousity, so when the opporunity arose to review this classic (thanks to MPI Home Video) I was eager to do so... ... and I was impressed. I really don't care for big, sweeping productions, and I'm definitely not much of a fan of any movie made before 1975 (or so), but this one managed to tickle some part of my brain and hold my interest throughout. There is something magical about the big productions made back in the day - from "Gone With the Wind" to any of the big musicals, the sheer magnitude of these products puts them on a whole other level that, regardless of your own particular interest in movies, you have to respect & admire. "Becket" is definitely such a film, with royalty, fancy talking and beautiful set & costume design - I was impressed. Sadly, I think my only real exposure to Peter O'Toole (other than SNL spoofs of him) was the truly awful "Supergirl" movie (which I, of course, am a huge fan of) - O'Toole knows his way around a fancy word or two and brings a dashing sense of showmanship to whatever role he tackles (be it the wize old "wizard" in "Supergirl" or royalty in "Becket." Very entertaining, and worth your time to check out. Video The film is given a 2.20:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer that is quite impressive. Despite the film's age, the colors and detail are quite sharp, and any of the washed-out elements of the picture (I think) appear to be intended... Audio Your choice of a Dolby stereo mix or 5.1 surround remix - both are solid. Extras commentary w/ Peter O'Tooole making-of featurette still gallery trailer Closing Thoughts True classic + nice assortment of extras = glimpse into what constitutes a truly epic film from the golden age of Hollywood