Saoirse Ronan(Atonement) and Margot Robbie(I,Tonya) play the eponymous queen and her rival, Elizabeth I, in Mary Queen of Scots which is available on digital platforms on February 19, 2019, and on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD on February 26, 2019.
The Production: 3.5/5
Mary Stuart(Saoirse Ronan) was raised away from Scotland, in France, and ultimately married King Francis II. Following the king’s death, Mary returned to Scotland and made claim, either deliberately or otherwise, to the English throne as the legitimate heir to King James V. This claim put her into direct conflict with her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England(Margot Robbie). Those who do not abhor spoilers can read the history books to learn how this ends for Mary and Elizabeth.
Video: 5/5
3D Rating: NA
Mary, Queen of Scots appears on blu-ray in its original 2.39:1 screen aspect ratio. The film does not seem show a bright range of color on Blu-ray, but fine detail is appropriately exquisite. Shadow detail is also enviable with solid blacks and excellent contrast.
Audio: 4.5/5
Mary, Queen of Scots has an English Dolby Atmos soundtrack by default. The sound mix employs some nice use of directional audio in outdoor scenes that help to immerse the viewer in the world of the film. The low range audio makes fine use of the subwoofer while mid to high range sound is presented very well in service to the score composed by Max Richter(Shutter Island).
Special Features: 2/5
Special features on the blu-ray disc include all of the following:
Overall: 3.5/5
Mary, Queen of Scots is an interesting character study of two cousins who are driven apart by forces beyond their control. A knowledge of medieval English history is not essential but still recommended to understand the nuances behind the political decisions in the film. Video and audio in 1080p and Dolby Atmos are first rate, while special features are fairly minimal. Even if one is ignorant of medieval history, there is enough in Mary, Queen of Scots to pique one’s interest, whether it be the fine performances by the cast, the music score, or the conflict between the historical principals.
Timothy has worked background in theatrical features and television, just for the fun of it, in films directed by Peter Segal and Christopher Nolan. His favorite film star is Bugs Bunny, and Timothy has discovered that most of the problems in life can be solved successfully (strangely enough) by asking “What would Bugs Bunny do?” Timothy has been involved with the Home Theater Forum since 2007 and has reported from Comic Con, interviewed Bruce Campbell and Danny Trejo, and reviewed classic animation and new theatrical releases on disc.
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