Lion In Winter

( 20 )

Overview

Full of plots and schemes, this wordy costume drama, an Oscar winner from 1968, come to DVD with some fine results. While not without its faults, the 2.35:1 transfer, enhanced for 16 x 9 televisions, is surprising strong on all accounts. Specks of grain and occasional scratches don't interrupt this top-quality presentation, one that highlights the limited use of colors while, at the same time, gives equal balance between dark and earthy tones which comprise the majority of the surroundings. The muddy feel of the ...
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DVD (Wide Screen / Dolby 5.1 / Mono)
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More About This Product

Overview

Full of plots and schemes, this wordy costume drama, an Oscar winner from 1968, come to DVD with some fine results. While not without its faults, the 2.35:1 transfer, enhanced for 16 x 9 televisions, is surprising strong on all accounts. Specks of grain and occasional scratches don't interrupt this top-quality presentation, one that highlights the limited use of colors while, at the same time, gives equal balance between dark and earthy tones which comprise the majority of the surroundings. The muddy feel of the 12th century is captured almost flawlessly. The two-channel mono soundtrack in Dolby Digital isn't going to impress anyone, nor was it meant to. At times a certain amount of echo is present, and auditory detail isn't its strong point, but for the most part, there are few complaints as dialogue is clear enough. Considering this is a dialogue-driven film, that is sufficient. While not necessarily going out of its way, MGM has supplied a couple of supplements. The exceedingly dated theatrical trailer is included, but far more noteworthy is an audio commentary recorded in 2000 by director Anthony Harvey. In a typically reserved British manner, Harvey discusses a number of points about his involvement in the production, but, unfortunately, the track is marred by significant gaps. Still, his memories of more than 30 years earlier have relevance.
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Special Features

Audio commentary by director Anthony Harvey; original theatrical trailer
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Editorial Reviews

All Movie Guide
Barbed tongues wound to the quick in this James Goldman screenplay about England's King Henry II 1133-1189 and his dysfunctional family. Peter O'Toole dominates the film with his forceful portrayal of the legendary Henry. As ruler of a vast Anglo-Norman kingdom, the 50-year-old monarch holds sway over all that he sees except his wife and three sons. At Christmas, the family gathers in Chinon, France, as Henry considers who will inherit the crown. He favors John Nigel Terry. His estranged wife and queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine Katharine Hepburn, favors Richard Anthony Hopkins. His third son, Geoffrey John Castle, bitter that no one has championed his cause, schemes for the leavings of power. And then Henry fires the first salvo of the verbal war: "What should we hang, the holly or each other?" O'Toole gives one of his finest performances, spitting volleys of sarcasm and mockery at his wife and sons. Hepburn as the queen, returns insult for insult while also acknowledging that embers of love for Henry, whose mistress abides nearby, continue to burn. Meanwhile, the sons plot against Henry and each other. Hopkins, as Richard, gets the prize for delivering the best verbal low blow when he calls crybaby John a "walking pustule." Metaphors of better and more elegant quality season the dialogue throughout the film, allowing the actors to wring brilliance from their tongues. Credit writer Goldman, who adapted the script from his own play, for this achievement. During the film, the choral music of John Barry sets an appropriately ominous mood. And director Anthony Harvey occasionally mixes in action sequences, featuring poised lances and gleaming daggers, to pick up the pace. The costumes, the gloomy castle, and the clip-clop of snorting steeds, all accent the period ambience, but in the end it is the wonderful acting -- in particular O'Toole's and Hepburn's -- that carries the day and makes The Lion in Winter a masterpiece worth viewing again and again. Mike Cummings
All Movie Guide - Mike Cummings
Barbed tongues wound to the quick in this James Goldman screenplay about England's King Henry II (1133-1189) and his dysfunctional family. Peter O'Toole dominates the film with his forceful portrayal of the legendary Henry. As ruler of a vast Anglo-Norman kingdom, the 50-year-old monarch holds sway over all that he sees -- except his wife and three sons. At Christmas, the family gathers in Chinon, France, as Henry considers who will inherit the crown. He favors John (Nigel Terry). His estranged wife and queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine (Katharine Hepburn), favors Richard (Anthony Hopkins). His third son, Geoffrey (John Castle), bitter that no one has championed his cause, schemes for the leavings of power. And then Henry fires the first salvo of the verbal war: "What should we hang -- the holly or each other?" O'Toole gives one of his finest performances, spitting volleys of sarcasm and mockery at his wife and sons. Hepburn as the queen, returns insult for insult while also acknowledging that embers of love for Henry -- whose mistress abides nearby -- continue to burn. Meanwhile, the sons plot against Henry and each other. Hopkins, as Richard, gets the prize for delivering the best verbal low blow when he calls crybaby John a "walking pustule." Metaphors of better and more elegant quality season the dialogue throughout the film, allowing the actors to wring brilliance from their tongues. Credit writer Goldman, who adapted the script from his own play, for this achievement. During the film, the choral music of John Barry sets an appropriately ominous mood. And director Anthony Harvey occasionally mixes in action sequences, featuring poised lances and gleaming daggers, to pick up the pace. The costumes, the gloomy castle, and the clip-clop of snorting steeds, all accent the period ambience, but in the end it is the wonderful acting -- in particular O'Toole's and Hepburn's -- that carries the day and makes The Lion in Winter a masterpiece worth viewing again and again.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 6/19/2001
  • UPC: 027616858979
  • Original Release: 1968

    • Rating:

  • Source: Mgm (Video & Dvd)
  • Region Code: 1
  • Aspect Ratio: Cinemascope (2.35:1)
  • Presentation: Wide Screen / Dolby 5.1 / Mono
  • Sound: Dolby Digital, monaural
  • Language: English
  • Time: 2:15:00
  • Format: DVD
  • Sales rank: 962

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Peter O'Toole Henry II
Katharine Hepburn Eleanor Of Aquitaine
Jane Merrow Princess Alais
John Castle Prince Geoffrey
Timothy Dalton Philip II of France
Anthony Hopkins Prince Richard (Richard the Lionhearted)
Nigel Terry Prince John
Nigel Stock William Marshall
Kenneth Griffith Strolling Player
O.Z. Whitehead Bishop of Durham
Henry Woolf Strolling Player
Technical Credits
Anthony Harvey Director
John Barry Score Composer, Musical Direction/Supervision
John Bloom Editor
Margaret Furse Costumes/Costume Designer
James Goldman Screenwriter
Kip Gowans Asst. Director
Peter James Set Decoration/Design
Simon Kaye Sound/Sound Designer
Joseph E. Levine Executive Producer
Bill Lodge Makeup
Gilbert Margerie Art Director
Peter Murton Art Director
Martin Poll Producer
Douglas Slocombe Cinematographer
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Scene Index

Side #1 --
0. Scene Selection
1. Logo/Main Title [2:56]
2. Unlike King Lear [:07]
3. Christmas Reunion [3:17]
4. 3 Kings, One Kingdom [4:12]
5. The "Boy" Of France [1:14]
6. Richard Gets All [6:22]
7. Geoffrey's Plan [2:55]
8. A Deal For Eleanor [5:06]
9. The Sudden Wedding [5:31]
10. "We Are The Killers!" [3:08]
11. King Philip's Bedroom [7:28]
12. "Ive Lost My Boys" [1:25]
13. Henry's Future Son [2:37]
14. Never Let Them Out [5:32]
15. The Family Dungeon [1:44]
16. 'Till Easter/Credits [6:56]
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Menu

Side #1 --
   Play
   Special Features
      Audio Commentary By Director Anthony Harvey
         On
         Off
      Theatrical Trailer
   Languages
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 20 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(16)

4 Star

(2)

3 Star

(2)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)

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Sort by: Showing all of 20 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Hepburn and O'Toole at their best!

    I first saw this movie completely by accident, flipping through channels. All of a sudden, Katharine Hepburn is standing in a boat and Peter O'Toole helps her get down. She smiles sweetly and says "How kind of you to let me out of jail." He responds "It's only for the holidays." With that exchange alone the movies had me hooked. Hepburn and O'Toole manage to trap the audience in this conflict, skillfully blending hatred and love, both feelings thrown about passionately. You know these two figures are larger than life, yet both actors give them human dimensions that move beyond the typical excesses of those in power. Anthony Hopkins is fantastic as Richard, brilliantly displaying his interpretation of another character that has captured the imagination of the world for almost a thousand years. It's a legendary film with legendary characters played by legendary actors.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Still the Greatest

    I recently watched the Hallmark remake of 'Lion in Winter' starring Patrick Stewart and Glen Close, and although they perform admirably, I found myself longing for the pace and passion of O'Toole and Hepburn. Try as it may, the Hallmark version appears pale and bloodless when compared to the original.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    maybe the best movie ever

    As a big Hepburn fan, this has to be my favorite of all-time film...she is riveting and spectacular, and O'Toole is fabulous as well...and the sets really look like 12th century England may have looked...highly recommend to everybody

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A shining example of excellence.

    One needs to watch this film many times to glean the richness of acting, music, dialogue, scenery and other factors contributing to a excellent film. All the actors are at their very best.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Superb!

    I saw this film as an extra credit assignment in English and I fell in love with it. It has fast witty dialouge, many surprising twists and truns in the plot and was beautifully acted. I went out and bought it right after watching it. EVERYONE should see this film. Hepburn won an Oscar for this role.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 21, 2010

    One of the all-time greats!

    If you love history and Katherine Hepburn as I do then this is the movie to buy. This is Hepburn at her best and Peter O'tool gives a stellar performance as well. 11th century English monarchy at its best and worst. Hepburn is witty, funny, and a tragic character as a deposed Queen of England. Young Timothy Dalton (007 fame)is handsome and treacherous as the King of France. You will enjoy this movie. It is truly one of the all-time classics. A definite must have in any movie buff collection.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    Much Ado About Nothing
    Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy
    Shakespeare in Love
    Henry V
    The Da Vinci Code

    Christmas at Chinon

    "HA! What shall we hang ~~ the holly, or each other?"

    A riveting movie that is based on a historical event. Peter O'toole & Katherine Hepburn are superb as England's King Henry II & his equally royal wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Their surrounding cast is outstanding; the script is literate, witty & alive in its use of the English language. The dialogue positively crackles as Henry & Eleaanor trade insults, curses & wistful remembrances. "Lion in Winter" is a film for the ages and one that should be in everyone's cinematic library.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Classic

    Lion in Winter is a brillant film with something for everyone. Full of witty humor and historical insight.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    Six Wives Of Henry Viii
    A Man for All Seasons
    Amadeus
    Becket

    A Glorious Christmas in Chinon

    A riveting movie which is based on a historical event. Peter O'toole & Katherine Hepburn are superb as England's King Henry II & his equally royal wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Their surrounding cast is outstanding; the script is literate, witty & alive in its use of the English language. The dialogue positively crackles as Henry & Eleaanor trade insults, curses & wistful remembrances. "Lion in Winter" is a film for the ages and one that should be in everyone's cinematic library.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Kate at her best

    This is truly my favorite movie.. The verbal volley between Kate and Peter is some of the best.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Deliciously good

    A casual 1:00 AM flip of the remote introduced me the other night to The Lion in Winter. I have to say- it blew me away. The dialogue in this movie is unlike any I've ever heard. It absolutely crackles, and Hepburn's delivery makes one realize just what we've lost in the late, great Kate. Just watch it. If you don't mind a lot of talk, it can't fail to dazzle you.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted May 7, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 2, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 2, 2008

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 26, 2008

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted May 3, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 3, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted July 23, 2012

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 17, 2008

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted September 18, 2011

    No text was provided for this review.

Sort by: Showing all of 20 Customer Reviews