Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		1.5
Overall		4.0

The Crown: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman November 5, 2020

Sony has released season three 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 and two, both of which are on Blu-ray.

Official synopsis: 'The Crown' traces the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her wedding in 1947 through to the early part of the twenty-first century. Season Three covers the time period between 1964 and 1977 and introduces an outstanding new ensemble cast led by Olivia Colman and Tobias Menzies. Beginning with Harold Wilson's election as the Queen's first Labour prime minister and ending with the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II, it follows pivotal moments such as the death and state funeral of Winston Churchill, the Aberfan disaster, the Apollo 11 moon landing and investiture of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales.

As the series transitions forward through the 1960s and into the 1970s, with the queen and the other characters now middle aged, the production takes a radical departure from the norm and re-casts every primary role. Rather than digitally age the characters or employ extensive makeup, there are instead new actors tackling the roles. The show’s tenor is mildly different and the actors bring their own nuances to the parts but the series' essence remains unchanged; there’s no absolute cast imitation at work but it rarely feels as if the show is missing a beat following the deep and detailed, deft and delightful first and second season performances. Tight narrative structure and quality writing, as well as intricate costumes and resplendent production design, certainly help to ease the transition, but that is not to take away from the new cast, which hits from the start and rarely, and only very early on, seems in the least bit disruptive. Once the season gets going -- which practically takes no time at all – it rises to the excellence achieved by seasons one and two.

Certainly it’s the story that draws the most screen command. The show carefully balances and thoroughly explores the overt, external issues the queen and her government and the royal family face but at the same time it offers an intimate portrait of family and individuality, both in the spotlight and away from it and, often, the two are indistinguishable. Triumphs, terrors, scandals, political rifts, and external influences all deeply affect and mold the characters’ evolution and, indeed, a nation’s direction and the world’s future. The content is riveting across the entire spectrum, from world politics to the house’s internal affairs, which the writers have recreated for dramatic effect but also, at the same time, with tangible authenticity. It’s exceptionally well done.

The following episode summaries are courtesy of the Blu-ray packaging.

Disc One:

• Olding: Elizabeth grows concerned as Labour Party leader Harold Wilson becomes prime minster amid anti-monarchy sentiment and rumors of his possible KGB ties.
• Margaretology: With Britain in need of a financial bailout from the U.S., Elizabeth reluctantly enlists Margaret to assist in winning over President Johnson.
• Aberfan: Following a tragic accident at a Welsh mining village that quickly becomes political, both Elizabeth and Wilson struggle with their responses.

Disc One:

• Bubbikins: As the royal family makes a documentary to boost their image, an unexpected guest arrives from Greece, throwing a wrench into Philip’s publicity plans.
• Coup: Pursuing improvements in her racehorse management, Elizabeth imagines the life she might have had. Meanwhile, a plot against her government is brewing.
• Tywysog Cymru: Amid rising Welsh nationalism in the run-up to his investiture as Prince of Wales, Charles is sent to spend a semester there and learn the language.

Disc One:

• Moondust: As the first men land on the moon, middle-aged Philip feels dissatisfied by his lack of achievement and begins searching for inspiration.
• Dangling Man: As Charles begins dating Camilla Shand, Elizabeth considers visiting an ill Duke of Windsor in Paris, whose destiny changed when he met Wallis Simpson.

Disc One:

• Imbroglio: While a government stalemate with mineworkers leads to nationwide power cuts, Charles's family intervenes in his deepening relationship with Camilla.
• Cri de Coeur: As her marriage disintegrates, Margaret seeks comfort elsewhere. But her fragile state of mind and lack of family support make true happiness elusive.

The Crown: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The Crown: The Complete Third Season's digital shoot translates exceptionally well to 1080p Blu-ray. The picture's clarity allows for fine point clothing textures and regal environmental appointments to be seen with first-class clarity. Small fabric textures, upholstery, artwork, carpeting, everything in the palace offers expressive definition while clothing is clear enough to grant audiences access to the finest fabric details. Likewise, facial features are stout, capable of revealing intimate pores and hairs and makeup with screen commanding clarity. Colors are bold yet refined, again with the clothing and the furnishings the standouts for depth and tonal accuracy. This extends to rich natural greens as well. Skin tones appear perfectly true and black levels are excellent. Light noise creeps in during some lower light scenes, and those willing to scrutinize the slightest background faults will spot very minor compression artifacts, but for the most part this is an A-grade transfer from Sony.

The Crown: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Crown: The Complete Third Season features a well rounded DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Music quickly emerges as the track's highlight; its depth, spacing, and clarity are nothing short of magnificent whether considering sweeping, intense score or more subtle notes that gently support underneath key moments. The track is not frequently home to more intensive and prominent sound elements, though certainly things like a gaggle of press, an airplane sweeping across the stage, and the like present with healthy spacing, clarity, and an appropriate low end response. More critical to the track is the selection of ambience and atmosphere, which ranges from chirping birds to the seaside waves and blowing leaves heard prominently at the island getaway seen through the final episode's middle stretch. Dialogue most frequently commands the listen, though, and it's always presented with the utmost lifelike clarity. Prioritization is seamless and center placement is consistent.

The Crown: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The Crown: Season Three 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.

• Behind The Crown: The Making of Season 3 (1080p, 9:57): Exploring the challenges of a new cast, evolving character arcs, the writing, and more. The peice includes interviews intermixed with clips from the show.
• Charles' Investiture: Growing Up Royal (1080p, 9:19): A deeper exploration of Prince Charles (this season portrayed by Josh O'Connor) and of most interesting note the dilemma of his ascension and full realization of who he is only after his mother's death. It also explores making key scenes, props, and costumes.
• Royal Fabrics: A Look at the Costumes (1080p, 4:48): A look at transitioning to the 1960s for season three and the demands on the costumers in building an entirely new wardrobe for both the royal family and the sprawl of characters who appear throughout the season.
• Majestic Comparison: Photo Gallery (1080p): Historical photos juxtaposed against their reproductions for the series.

The Crown: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

It's clear why there's such a worldwide fascination with the English monarchy, and The Crown offers an expressive, exciting, and oftentimes heartfelt exploration of life within the royal family and the world the family shapes and which in turns alters and influences it. Of course there is here a dramatic bend for cinematic effect and narrative engagement, but authenticity oozes through the series (and this season) even with a retooled cast. Sony's Blu-ray is a little short on bonus features but the video and audio presentations soar. Highly recommended.