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: 4.5/5
3D Rating: NA
Mary, Queen of Scots appears on 4K UHD in its original 2.39:1 screen aspect ratio. The transfer displays an enviable chromatic range in 4K, even if the film does not seem overtly colorful. Fine detail is exquisite, and visual clarity is almost too high, if that makes sense. The mesh of Robbie’s facial makeup can be discerned in a couple of scenes far beyond the intent of the filmmakers; this is no criticism of the makeup, which is excellent, but a manifestation of the clarity of image in 4K.
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 4K 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 2160p 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.
Post Disclaimer
Some of our content may contain marketing links, which means we will receive a commission for purchases made via those links. In our editorial content, these affiliate links appear automatically, and our editorial teams are not influenced by our affiliate partnerships. We work with several providers (currently Skimlinks and Amazon) to manage our affiliate relationships. You can find out more about their services by visiting their sites.
Similar threads
- Todd Erwin
- Blu-ray and UHD
2 3- Todd Erwin
- Blu-ray and UHD
2