I do have one major complaint about this transfer - it is not progressively rendered (see last large capture). It is 'interlaced'. My guess is that it was an oversight of simply not clicking a checkbox on a software program. What it amounts to is that the deficiency becomes noticeable on higher end systems - HD TVs, LCD, Plasma or especially HTPC projection home theaters. On standard TV tubes (CRT) you probably won't notice the 'combing' BUT we suggest you will replace your viewing system before this DVD wears out (this is a virtual guarantee). So, bottom line is, I request that Warner replace this, otherwise strong, DVD with one that is transferred progressively. 

Colors on these early efforts can tend to look funky at times - typically over-vibrant, but this looks very consistent although I have no idea how faithful it is to its original theatrical appearance. Detail is also good and it is on a dual-layered DVD. Subtitles are at Warner's high standard and I noticed no overly-visible artifacts. Audio had no deficiencies.

Extras consist of a short film entitled My Country 'Tis of Thee (19:58) from 1950. It gives us an 18 second warning about political correctness prior to its start. It relates very little to Captain Hornblower. I love cartoon inclusion and Warner have added a Bugs Bunny animation called Captain Hareblower (6:56). A great way to start off prior to the feature film. There is an hour long Lux Radio Broadcast that I honestly did not listen to and a rousing 2:41 theatrical trailer.

This a is another great film for adventurous young lads. Peck is great, as always, and Mayo was quite a doll. I think the boxset is a great deal and I will enjoy showing my own boys (Billy Budd, The Three Musketeers and The Prisoner of Zenda) as they get older. Recommended - but Warner should replace to all who request!!

Gary W. Tooze