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Call to Spy (A) AKA Liberté: A Call to Spy
R2 - United Kingdom - Signature Entertainment Review written by and copyright: Rick Curzon (18th October 2020). |
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The Film
 Inspired by incredible true stories, this is the untold account of the personal sacrifices of courageous women who put their lives on the line to fight for freedom during WWII. At the beginning of the Second World War, with Britain becoming desperate, Churchill orders his new spy agency - the Special Operations Executive (SOE) - to recruit and train women as spies. Their daunting mission: conduct sabotage and build a resistance. SOE's "spymistress," Vera Atkins (Stana Katic), recruits two unusual candidates: Virginia Hall (Sarah Megan Thomas), an ambitious American with a wooden leg, and Noor Inayat Khan (Radhika Apte), a Muslim pacifist. Together, these women help to undermine the Nazi regime in France, leaving an unmistakable legacy in their wake. At the beginning of the Second World War, with Britain becoming desperate, Churchill orders his new spy agency - the Special Operations Executive (SOE) - to recruit and train women as spies. Their daunting mission: conduct sabotage and build a resistance. SOE's "spymistress," Vera Atkins (Stana Katic), recruits two unusual candidates: Virginia Hall (Sarah Megan Thomas), an ambitious American with a wooden leg, and Noor Inayat Khan (Radhika Apte), a Muslim pacifist. Together, these women help to undermine the Nazi regime in France, leaving an unmistakable legacy in their wake.
Video
Straightforward WWII espionage drama about female agents working behind enemy lines in France based on true stories. A very recent digitally shot production and the texture of the image reflects that; a pristine image with little or no grain. The colour palette is naturalistic if a little muted; flesh tones are warm, primaries occasionally come through. Black levels are rich with decent shadow detail and no sign of unintended crush although the effect is muted by being in standard definition. Detail is acceptable for DVD but will obviously be given a huge boost in higher resolution formats. Contrast is layered and supportive. PAL / MPEG-2 / 1.85:1 / 119:24
Audio
English Dolby Digital 5.1 English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Subtitles: English for non-English dialogue (forced) A robust surround track comes into it's own in action scenes. Ambiance is good, no distortion and dialogue is always clear. This isn't a big, bombastic track so don't expect Saving Private Ryan or Bond film levels of activity. Surrounds are mainly used for ambiance and score. No hard of hearing subtitles are provided but there are burnt in subs for all non-English language bits.
Extras
"The Story Behind the Film" 2019 featurette (3:17) Startup Trailers: - Miss Virginia (1:58) - Relic (2:18) Standard EPK puff piece plus some promos for other releases.
Packaging
Standard black DVD Keepcase.
Overall
Another fine standard definition release of a recent film from Signature Entertainment and it looks and sounds great for the format. Extras are limited to EPK and trailers. I do wish Signature would release all of these films on Blu-ray rather than DVD only as many would benefit hugely for obvious reasons but also because it would deter collectors from buying abroad. In any case the day one price is very reasonable and offers good value for money.
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