8.4 | / 10 |
Users | 5.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
As the 1970s are drawing to a close, Queen Elizabeth and her family find themselves preoccupied with safeguarding the line of succession by securing an appropriate bride for Prince Charles, who is still unmarried at 30. As the nation begins to feel the impact of divisive policies introduced by Britain's first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, tensions arise between her and the Queen which only grow worse as Thatcher leads the country into the Falklands War. While Charles’ romance with a young Lady Diana Spencer provides a much-needed fairytale to unite the British people, behind closed doors, the Royal Family is becoming increasingly divided.
Starring: Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Vanessa Kirby, John Lithgow, Jeremy NorthamBiography | 100% |
History | 95% |
Romance | 23% |
Foreign | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.00:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.00:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
German: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English, English SDH, French, German
Blu-ray Disc
Four-disc set (4 BDs)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 1.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Sony has released season four of the critically acclaimed Netflix series 'The Crown.' The Blu-ray delivers dazzling video and audio presentations as well as several bonus features, most all of which can be found on disc four. Newcomers should certainly begin with seasons one two, three, all of which are available on Blu-ray.
Once again, a season of The Crown turns out to be Blu-ray royalty. Sony's 1080p transfer is practically above reproach. The picture is infinitely clear and very finely detailed, allowing precision definition to seize every frame, transporting the viewer into the various locales, most all of them plush and luxurious, exceptionally well appointed and with enough resolution might and muscle to bring out the very best in them, at least to this format's limits (no doubt a UHD presentation would offer an even sharper, more organic, more intrinsically complex picture). These four Blu-ray discs, and each episode on them, never want for superior facial detail, fine point hair and makeup visibility, and so on; the picture's innate sharpness and careful encoding result in an A-grade image. Noise is next to nonexistent and encode issues are virtually zero; some soupy artifacts are evident with the opening title sequence but that's the only serious drawback. Colors are rich and regal, popping with natural intensity and perfect contrast. Primaries are vivid, support tones are stable, whites are crisp, blacks are deep, and flesh tones are spot-on perfect. Fans couldn't ask for a significantly superior image.
The Crown's season four DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack is an exquisite example of finely tuned audio engineering. The track is equally capable of offering expressive sound dynamics in hushed interiors and raucous gatherings and high yield sound effects alike. Listeners will note the smallest sonic details in casual conversion and high yield detail when the track requires more aggressive output. Never is there a situation wanting for a more finely precise sound output. As the more intense elements go, spacing is always excellent, surround engagement balanced and true, and the low end is wonderfully balanced and complimentary. Environmental precision is remarkable, whether serene outdoor details or reverb in parliament. Musical output is excellent for definition and spacing alike while dialogue is true and clear as it flows from perfectly prioritized front-center localization. This is a wonderful soundtrack from Sony.
The Crown: Season Four contains supplements primarily on disc four. Sony again continues to make matters too complicated by listing all of the
extras on all four discs and prompting viewers to insert disc four when selecting them on discs one, two, or three. To make matters even more
complicated, the photo gallery, the final supplement in the list, is actually included on disc one. And discs two, three, and four. It's the same collection
of photos on every disc. No DVD or digital copies are included. The release ships with a non-embossed slipcover.
The Crown's fourth season explores recent history with an unprecedented eye for authenticity. It's not just the look but it's also the feel. The manner in which the show is captured -- from the technical end to the performances -- altogether yield an uncannily faithful glimpse into recent history in a way that is true yet accessible, complex yet completely engaging. There's not a lacking component in play; this is first-rate stuff and the stuff legendary television programs are made of. Sony's four-disc Blu-ray set is practically identical to last year's in terms of picture and sound quality as well the number and quality of extras. Highly recommended.
2016
The Platinum Edition
2016
2017
2017
2019
2022
2023
(Still not reliable for this title)
1964
Special Edition
1968
2010
2017
2009
1966
2006
Limited Edition to 3000
1969
Director's Cut
2017
2015
La Reine Margot | 20th Anniversary Director's Cut
1994
2018
Choice Collection
2006
2017
Masterpiece
2015
2008
1998
2021
2015
2014