Mary Queen of Scots – Blu-Ray Movie Review

Synopsis

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This is the tumultuous story of two heirs to the English throne, Mary and Elizabeth. Mary is Catholic and her cousin is Protestant. When Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, it threatens Elizabeth, who must stake action or be over throne. Betrayal, rebellion and conspiracies threaten both Queens driving them apart as each must experience the true cost of power.

Specifications

Universal Studios
2018, 1080p, Dolby Atmos (True-HD), Rated R, 2.35:1 aspect ratio, 2 hours and 4 mins
Starring Margot Robbie, Saoirse Ronan, John Hepburn and Martin Compston
Directed by: Josie Rourke

Rating

Entertainment:

Video:

Audio:

Extras:

Violence: Mild
Sex: Yes
Language: Yes

Commentary

Though the acting and cinematography were outstanding, I could not help being distracted with the historical inaccuracies and overtly PC message of the film. Why would you portray Mary having oral sex and then being raped by her husband who is bi-sexual? The message to me was that women can rule with grace, dignity and justice on their own, but men always bollocks things up. In reality, these two never met as they do in the film. I understand that movie have some artistic liberties, but why not have a disclaimer: “based on a true story”? Those issue aside, the acting was very good, especially Ronan. If you are in the mood for a political pot boiler, you could do far worse.

Technical

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The picture quality was excellent with vibrant colors, accurate flesh-tones and many wonderfully lit scenes that have beautiful contrasts. Dialog was always easy to understand and the surrounds were effectively used in the outdoors and cavernous hallways.

Extras

Included are: An Epic Confrontation, Tudor feminism, Something About Marys and a feature commentary with the director and music composer.

Jim Milton

Jim Milton has been interested in high fidelity since his college years in the late 70's. It was there that he first became interested in classical music. He has been part of choral music, both in opera and oratorio and is an avid collector of classical music from the Baroque through the Romantic periods. He enjoys an occasional night at Boston Symphony Hall or attending an organ concert at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, ME. Currently he is the director of Nuclear Medicine at the North Shore Medical Center, located just outside of Boston. He also serves as an adjunct professor for Salem State University where he teaches a course in nuclear instrumentation. During his leisure time, he enjoys listening to his music collection and an occasional movie with his wife of 30+ years. Living on the longest stretch of sandy beach north of Boston offers him plenty of opportunities to take a relaxing stroll or soak up some sun. "Remember, acquiring good A/V gear takes lots of time...but doesn't necessarily take lots of money."