Queen, The - DVD, Blu-ray

[Richard]

This movie hinges on the death of ex-Princess Diana and newly elected Prime Minister Tony Blair centering itself on the tradition of monarchy, Queen Elizabeth, who declines to respond to an unexpected public outcry of sorrow. Ultimately it delivers multiple perspectives on just how necessary the monarchy is, whether or not the Queen and the royal entourage have any connection with modern life and the battle of traditional values versus change to reflect the modern world. The acting is suberb and Helen Mirren as the Queen delivers a character that had me fully understanding not only her lifelong commitment to her royal duty but also her private dream of being an ordinary person who can think, live, play and feel like the rest of us. Michael Sheen as Tony Blair also turns in a memorable performance portraying a prime Minister rather alone between his revolutionary Labour party staff and the traditions of his country that he still reveres. I found this to be a philosophically inspiring movie that can have you thinking for days about all the innuendo and points that are made.

The cinematography of the English countryside and royal living was beautifully rendered in Blu-ray. That said it appears the camera was softened a bit lacking that fine grain detail compared to other recent Blu-ray titles.

While I would not watch it again I still Highly Recommend this movie yet towards the end Beate claimed she was getting sleepy. Philosophy, politics, and historical tradition is not every bodies entertainment so with that perspective let me be clear that this is an intellectual drama of social reflection kinda like a history class and may not be of compelling interest to all viewers.