Queen & Country Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		2.5
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.0

Queen & Country Blu-ray Movie Review

I believe introductions are in order.

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 15, 2012

I didn’t know who Sir Trevor McDonald was before I sat down with the series “Queen & Country,” and I know even less about the man four hours later. He’s our guide through this Diamond Jubilee celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s life and times, but there’s no introduction, no moment to isolate a host the viewer comes to rely on for facts, interviews, and pacing needs. The question mark of McDonald (research tells me he’s a respected British journalist) is emblematic of “Queen & Country,” a handsomely produced inspection of the royal experience, yet a show created strictly for royalists and romantics, offering nothing in the way of an introduction for those who’ve elected to live their lives without an intricate understanding of the Monarchy. The news footage is remarkable, the conversations breathless, and the subject fascinating, yet the lengthy production is no proper education, it’s a victory lap.

EPISODES

“London: Royal City” (52:42, Airdate: 7/1/12)

The series begins inside the capital, with London a vibrant symbol of the Monarchy, housing their history and protecting their future. It’s a 25-year-old Elizabeth who takes command of a nation in 1952, facing a city impoverished by war. Of course, Elizabeth II grew to understand the elasticity of London during WWII, at home in Buckingham Palace when it was bombed in 1940, an event that solidified the Royal Family’s standing in the eyes of the commoners. We travel to the Wellington Barracks F Company of the Scots Guard to view soldiers practicing their choreography, hoping to sustain the tradition of military duty as they wrap their minds around their responsibility to protect the Queen. There’s also a brief chronicle of the Horse Guards and their position in military action, sitting down with Major-General George Norton, who offers insight into his role as a leader, in awe of the history around him. With the President of Turkey’s arrival in England comes a look at state visits, with Elizabeth II personally greeting 102 such celebrations during her reign, creating a routine marked by extraordinary pomp and circumstance. The definition of Constitutional Monarchy is examined, observing the Queen’s role in political matters, with her time in the royal spotlight older than the current age of the Prime Minister. Great Britain’s shift as a world power after WWII is inspected, helping to shape royal legacies and create optimism in London during a bleak period of post-war rebirth. The city’s historical buildings are toured, maintaining a tight narrative for the royal family, still in use as tourist attractions today. And the episode closes out with a look at the Queen’s official Jubilee photograph, which reveals her love for London and Buckingham Palace by including an exterior look at her home, a sanctuary that could very well fall by the wayside if son Charles becomes King and takes his legacy to Windsor.

“Royal Visit” (51:54, Airdate: 7/8/12)

The importance of the Queen’s visits throughout the United Kingdom is the focus of this episode, which takes a look at the origin of the royal visit, first employed to bridge the gap between the Monarchy and the commoners. The Queen’s private and public life is studied, finding the woman skillfully able to balance between the two extremes, despite a schedule that keeps her on the move. Memories of the Queen’s first public outing at Epsom Derby (four days after her coronation) are shared, a moment captured on film, discovered in the bowels of the British Film Institute’s vault, along with other reels of history intended to share glimpses of royalty in action with the public. Greeting Tim O’Donovan, we find a man who’s been keeping track of the Queen’s activities for decades, using the Court Circular as a guide. Every summer, the Queen enjoys her beloved “Scotland Week,” an annual vacation (over 70 trips) that includes a visit to the Braemar Gathering, where Elizabeth II pauses to enjoy a celebration of Scottish sports and culture. To best illustrate the royal visit, a stop in Liverpool is dissected, following the Queen and her handlers as they visit a museum and a royal building, part of “The Three Graces.” Elizabeth II’s connection to the public is probed, as is her interaction with America, dating back to her first visit in 1957. Greeting 11 U.S. Presidents during her reign, the Queen’s time with these men is surveyed. Lastly, her longevity triggers memories and hopes for the future, showing little sign of an upcoming abdication, while a monument to her years, the ship “Queen Elizabeth,” is christened, marking the third vessel to bear her name.

“The Queen Possessions” (52:47, Airdate: 7/15/12)

Taking a less expansive approach, this episode concentrates on the Tower of London, a historical fortress overlooking the Thames. It’s here where we meet raven master Chris Skaife, who oversees the property’s bird population, a fixture of both legend and tourism. Time is also spent with Chief Yeoman Warder John Keohane, a leader of the “Beefeaters,” who runs through a history of the Queen’s bodyguards and his upcoming retirement. Talk of the crown jewels is provided, along with a look at the annual swan census, which has been an event on the Thames since the 14th century. A visit to the Channel Islands reveals an enormous backstory of war and tradition between England and France. To gift Jersey a lasting portrait of the Queen, a hologram was created, requiring two photo sessions with Elizabeth II, a rare feat during her reign. And we return to the Tower of London to witness the Ceremony of the Keys, a nightly tradition unchanged for centuries.

“Traveler” (53:10, Airdate: 7/22/12)

The final chapter of the “Queen & Country” saga begins with the death of King George VI, who passed away while Princess Elizabeth was in the midst of a worldwide tour of the Commonwealth. Returning home upon hearing the heartbreaking news, the future Queen began her life in the spotlight, vowing to return to Australia as soon as possible. An interview with stewardess Diana Archibald sheds light on the mood of the return trip, reinforcing the Princess’s professional manner and methods of preparation. A brief discussion of the ship “Britannia” is presented, spotlighting its luxury as a home away from home for the Queen, while placing the vessel at key historical and artistic moments. A visit to Australia in 2011 triggers a lengthy debate on the future of the country as it deals with its place in the British Empire, also spotlighting Elizabeth II’s commitment to the process of touring the Commonwealth, solidifying her reputation as one of the most important figures in the history of the Monarchy.

Queen & Country Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation looks a touch uneven and unhealthy, occasionally lacking a vibrant sense of color to match the royal flavors itemized onscreen. The image jumps from soft to crisp repeatedly, though the end credits do list 3D technical accomplishments that aren't provided on these BDs, possibly contributing to the bumpy viewing experience provided here. Fine detail isn't quite as exquisite as hoped, with the aforementioned softness pulling texture out of palaces and clothing, while interview footage is satisfactory, lacking that extra HD oomph. Colors look intentionally downplayed for the most part, absent a true representation of natural vibrancy. Skintones look bloodless. The blend of news and documentary footage is handled well, smoothly transitioning through all types of film, video, and photography sources, maintaining a comfortable solidification of historical inspection. Shadow detail isn't a problem, sustaining fabrics and hairstyles.

Queen & Country Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 Dolby Digital sound mix isn't quite as regal as hoped, with a simple audio design meant to clarify only basic interview interactions. The voices are uneven, with a few of the conversations dialed down slightly from the rest of the verbal activity, requiring a slight volume ride to even out the track. Narration sounds firm and deep, keeping to a frontal position that's commanding, while scoring cues are supportive, but never authoritative. Transitions are handled gracefully, with the normal abrasive quality of newsreel clips smoothed out for an easier listen. No distortion was detected.

Queen & Country Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There is no supplementary material on these discs.

Queen & Country Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Queen & Country" is a frustrating series, yet marked by moments of riveting history and impressive journalism. The essence of Elizabeth II remains in the atmosphere of the production, but the grit of her experience is largely avoided, either out of respect or the impossibility of access. It's a commercial at times, and often unforgivably patient with dreary interviewees, though the basic elements of the screen journey should satisfy those who more actively participate in these royal lives. Outsiders will likely be lost in the myriad of unexplained details unleashed by the program, losing a critical sense of hospitality the Queen herself would never stand for.