A TALE OF TWO CITIES REVIEWED
“A Tale of Two Cities” is finally presented in what ITV meant for theatrical exhibition. Most Americans might remember it from the CBS TV Mini-Series romp it had in 1980. But, given room to breathe without commercial breaks creates something new and special. Chris Sarandon, Alice Krige and Peter Cushing form a bizarre triumvirate of talent that breathe new life into the classic Dickens’ tale. The omissions it makes are forgivable, but something feels like it’s missing.
Pacing was always an issue in these older adaptations. That’s what happens when two countries try to finance a production that is going to be cut and rebuilt for different venues at different times. Barry Morse does amazing work as Sarandon’s dad in this. It took two viewings before I realized that was President Johnny Cyclops. I’ll give you guys time to look up the reference. I’m enjoying these ITV deep cuts that Shout is putting on Blu-Ray. Keep it up, guys.
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Nothing
A/V QUALITY STATS
- 1.78:1 1080p transfer
- DTS-HD Mono