For some reason Canadians are rarely given a dreamy romantic edge in films and TV shows that make it over the border to the USA. They’re mainly seen as either practical people who are slightly emotionally tone deaf in expressing love or libido driven freaks that are really the host for a horrific virus in a David Cronenberg film. But having once visited Canada, I can assure you that they are passionate even if they have their own way to pronounce “about.” When Calls the Heart takes place when Canadians were extra polite in matters of the heart. That time was early 1900s. The TV series is a hit on the Hallmark Channel with its tale of Elizabeth Thatcher (Army Wives‘ Erin Krakow), a socialite that finds herself in the frontier town of Coal Valley. She’s adjusted better to the remote life at the start of When Calls The Heart: The Heart of Homecoming since the story takes place before the fifth season.
Christmas is coming and in order to build up the spirit in the town, a Wishing Tree is erected. The locals write down their wishes and place them on the tree in hopes that things will become real. Elizabeth’s wish is Jack (Daniel Lissing) gets back. He’s a Royal Canadian Mountie so she can see his bright red uniform from miles away if he gets near to her. There’s also a big move to have a real Christmas parade on the tiny streets. Abigail Stanton (Lori Loughlin) wants Bill (Jack Wagner) to have a band to make it riveting holiday season. The towns folk are all wanting this to be the greatest and most special Christmas ever.
When Calls The Heart: The Heart of Homecoming is also known as “The Christmas Wishing Tree.” This Christmas special makes the season bright even as Spring arrives. Although in Canada, they’re probably still shoveling snow.
The video is 1.78:1 anamorphic. The resolution brings out the early 1900s details of the frontier town that’s growing. The audio is Dolby Digital stereo. Things sound right as they set up the tree. The movie is Closed Captioned.
No bonus features.
Shout! Factory presents When Calls The Heart: The Heart of Homecoming. Directed by: Neill Fearnley. Starring: Daniel Lissing, Erin Krakow, Jack Wagner and Lori Loughlin. Running Time: 84 minutes. Released: March 20, 2018.
