The Film (4.5/5)

The life of Sir Thomas More (Paul Scofield), is suddenly shaken when he refuses to annul the marriage of Henry the VII (Robert Shaw). As More tries to fight for what is right, the church around him starts to crumble.

Based on the 1960 play of the same name, A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS (1966), is a master class costume and historical drama of the highest degree. Directed by Fred Zinnemann with a touch of class and grounded to its play style. Zinnemann is best known for directing the classic HIGH NOON (1952) and FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953). But his start came from directing some interesting and under appraised noir films, like the highly enjoyable EYES IN THE NIGHT (1942). Zinnemann gives the movie an epic feel with some of England’s best acting talents. But overall, he doesn’t make it too showy or over long. In some respects, this keeps the movie from being a masterpiece.

The screenplay comes from Robert Bolt, who wrote the original play. The dialogue is crisp and poetic. The drama feels natural and real. The only downside, is the pacing is a little off. The second act of the story goes on a little too long. The climactic final 30 minutes make up for this, with a powerhouse court room scene. Ted Moore’s cinematography shows off the natural beauty of the England locations. The opening credits are the major highlight with the long and eerie sequences of the calm but suspicious lake. This scene is made even more dreamlike, thanks to the score by Georges Delerue.

The real reason to watch A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, is its wonderful cast. Paul Scofield (Robert Redford’s THE QUIZ SHOW) gives weight to his performance of the troubled and humanistic Thomas More. Robert Shaw (JAWS, THE STING) steals the show in his few scenes as Henry the VII. His wicked comic timing and unpredictable mannerisms are endlessly entertaining, including the infamous “I Have no queen” scene. John Hurt (ALIEN, THE HIT) is fantastic in his early role as Richard Rich. Nigel Davenport (NIGHTHAWKS, Dan Curtis’ DRACULA) and Orson Welles (TOUCH OF EVIL) also shine in their small, but powerful parts.

Audio/Video (4.5/5) *

The Masters of Cinema series, from Eureka, has put together another fabulous looking set. The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is a beauty to the ears, with clear and sharp audio. Robert Shaw’s lines are bold and impressive. The film’s score hums through with a fantastic level of rhythm. The score is showcased on the equally impressive Isolated Music and effects track. There’s also a LPCM Mono track that is softer overall.

The 1080p HD transfer comes from a new 4k digital restoration. The crispness of the picture is out of this world. The black levels are well defined and smooth. The colors pop off the screen as well, especially the warm and gorgeous oranges. The costumes and period detail give the film a grand looking production, and it never looks cheap.

Extras (4/5)

The main extra is an audio commentary by film historians Nick Redman, Julie Kirgo, and Lem Dobbs. Overall the track is highly entertaining and informative. There’s a few silent moments and dead air. Next up is an interview with film scholar Neil Sinyard. He discusses Zinnemann’s career and the place A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS holds in it. The Life of Saint Thomas More, is a mini documentary on the life of Thomas More and the use of him in the film. There’s the original theatrical trailer and finishing off the package is a 32-page booklet of liner notes and still with a new essay by James Oliver.

Overall (4.5/5)

Despite some pacing issues, A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS is a terrific showcase for some of England’s best talent in the 1960’s. A historical drama that thrills with some of the best acting from that side of the pound. Masters of Cinema also give the film, marvelous release that is sure to please fans and excite newcomers. Highly Recommended.

*The review is mainly aimed at the Blu-ray in the combo. The DVD too, looks great. The only real difference is there’s no DTS-HD Master Audio, and the picture is softer.