DVD REVIEW: ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE

02/05/08

Award winning director Shekhar Kapur has managed to create an Elizabethan sequel that is as triumphant as the first. This film is not only a historical depiction, but also a feast for the eyes. The costumes for this film were not only amazing, but true to the trends of each of the courts in France, England and Spain. The scenes of Queen Elizabeth in prayer portray an almost angelic and pure figure. This may be a misnomer, and it contradicts with the vengeance-like warrior also portrayed in this film. Cate Blanchett manages to pin point which of the two personalities she is playing. Queen Elizabeth’s character dabbles with insecurities that are only satisfied by a much handsome and savvy Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen), and a wise protector, Sir Francis Walsingham (Geoffrey Rush).

Being that it is a historical film, it will appeal to those who have a passion for Elizabeth the monarch as well as the Elizabethan Age and Era. The most distinguishing aspect of this film is that it ties the knots left unraveled by the first Elizabeth. Elizabeth, The Golden Age presents a human queen who has to worry about the woes of war, religion, marriage, age and love. This film does a great job of separating Elizabeth the Queen and Elizabeth the woman.

Cate Blanchett and Clive Owen’s chemistry was amazing. From the banter between Queen and servant, to the soothing words of lovers, these two actors have depicted the struggle of a monarch and the simplicity of a peasant. Cate proves that a woman can be in power, and demonstrates that Queen Elizabeth was well ahead of her time. The beauty of this film is that it is simply a retelling of history, yet it does it in a phenomenal and rich manner.

Although I am a fanatic of this Era, I do not suggest anyone see this movie on a whim. It is lengthy as well as complex, and unless you are knowledgeable of Queen Elizabeth’s history, it may not be as exciting as it is to someone who is a fan of the Queen. It is fantastically cast as well as beautifully put together. Nonetheless, unless you are as much a fan of the Queen as I am, I suggest you watch something else. For those fans of Elizabeth I, this film is well worth the movie going experience, and will be as satisfying as the first Elizabeth film.

Movie Review By Mady Gars
mady@smartcine.com

VIDEO:
Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1

AUDIO:
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - English Spanish French
Subtitles - English, Spanish, French

BONUS FEATURES:

Deleted Scenes: The deleted scenes are all compiled in a single selection. There is no option to select a single scene. A total of 8 deleted scenes, (8:47)

The Reign Continues: Making Elizabeth: The Golden Age: Cate Blanchett, Clive Owen and Geoffrey Rush join director Shekhar Kapur in this exclusive look at how the next chapter in the monarch's life came to the big screen. (11:23)

Inside Elizabeth's World: Discover the secrets behind the film's elaborate production design. (7:23)

Commanding The Winds: Creating The Armada: An insider's look at how the film's massive ships and dramatic battles were created. (12:04)

Tower Courts and Cathedral: A look at the spectacular locations and sets used in the film. (10:44)

Feature Commentary with Director Shekhar Kapur

RATING BREAK DOWN:

FILM REVIEW
VIDEO
AUDIO
BONUS FEATURES

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DVD REVIEW: ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE 02/05/08

DVD REVIEW: ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE

02/05/08