The Scarlet Pimpernel (2007)

Stick With the '81 Version

This is not a review of the film, but of the DVD. All of the DVDs I have seen of this classic look like they have been duped from an eighth-generation copy. At one time, I had the Samuel Goldwyn-issued Laserdisc (which was superb) so I know that a quality print exits out there somewhere. Maybe in the Korda or Goldwyn vaults? Come on, guys, shake it loose! Until that happens, we will have to be satisfied with the 1981 version starring Anthony Andrews, Jane Seymour and Sir Ian McKellan. That is the best quality version currently available. August 12, 2008

Terrible dvd produced by Reel Classic Films

This is not a review of the film itself, of which I have fond memories. However, this release is simply awful.

The picture is distorted, cramped and shaky - imagine someone videotaping their television screen while the movie was playing. That's precisely the "quality" of this dvd. The sound is muffled and distorted as well.

Even the packaging is poor - the cover design is something which a half-way competent ten year old could have made if given access to Adobe. Not to mention that the prongs holding the dvd in place are ineffectual in retaining the disc.

Truly terrible dvd of a very good movie. There are other versions of this very same movie available. I can't believe Amazon put this on their site as a legitimate commercial product when it has all of the ear marks of being a pirated copy. Do not be gulled into buying this travesty of a dvd put out by "Reel Classic Films". June 28, 2008

The seek him here they seek him there

Them Frenchies seek him everywhere.
Is he in Heaven?
Is he in Hell?
That damned elusive pimpernel.

By Sir Percy Blakeney/The Scarlet Pimpernel (Leslie Howard)

It is the French revolution and everone is losing their heads. Sir Percy Blakeney must fake being ridicules and may even lose the love of his life Lady Marguerite Blakeney (Merle Oberon.) This is necessary to save their friends from the guillotine.

How long can he pull this off while right next to hem is Citizen Chauvelin (Raymond Massey) who is trying to track down The Scarlet Pimpernel. He even threatens Marguerite's with the life of her brother to find the pimpernel.

The story, originally a play then a novel has been remade and in some ways improved through the years. However this version will always be the classic that others are measured by.
March 13, 2008

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