Barnes & Noble

Few monarchs have had their life and reign dramatized as frequently as England's "Virgin Queen," who has been portrayed by such outstanding actresses as Flora Robson (who essayed the role three times), Bette Davis, Claudette Colbert, Judi Dench, and Cate Blanchett. Now Helen Mirren joins that distinguished group with an Emmy-nominated performance in this HBO miniseries, which covers well-trod ground but does so with sufficient flair to make it seem fresh and unmarked. It's the old story of a queen forced to contemplate a politically expedient marriage, putting her duty ahead of her womanly desires. Like her predecessors, Mirren clearly relishes the opportunity to play such a rich character, and she does so impeccably. Hugh Dancy is more than passable as the dashing Lord Essex, and Jeremy Irons makes a suitably sardonic Earl of Leicester. These days the least challenging aspect of assembling such a production is the art direction; you rarely see period films that don't pay scrupulous attention to detail, and Elizabeth I's sets, costumes, and props are all faultless. The production values here are truly feature-film quality. But forceful acting is the most important value here, with Mirren perfectly capturing Elizabeth's unique blend of strength and vulnerability. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

Elizabeth I stars Helen Mirren as the famous monarch who often frightened her subjects with he ability to change emotions on a dime. In addition to facing a variety of political problems, the film charts some of the major relationships in her life. Jeremy Irons stars as the Earl of Leicester, the queen's longtime companion. Hugh Dancy portrays the flighty but ambitious Earl of Essex, who carries on a relationship with the monarch even though there was a substantial difference in their age. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Product Details

• UPC: 026359445927
• Source: HBO HOME VIDEO
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Editions: Subtitled
• Time: 3:31:00
• Sales Rank: 8,698

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