Elizabeth R

Rating:
Summary: Compelling viewing
Review: I'm English and I can vaguely remember this series on the BBC when I was a child. I've heard about it, how popular it was at the time, how it was shown all over Europe and made a star out of Glenda Jackson. I have an interest in the period and a fascination with Elizabeth I, who remains one of the best remembered and admired of all English rulers in England's long history. So, I bought this DVD, although no-one seemilingly can tell me why this is available on DVD and VHS in the USA but only on VHS in England!

It was well worth importing. True, the limitations of 1970's BBC production values do irratate a bit at times, but the quality of the drama - the supremely intelligent dialogue, and above all Jackson's acting really make you forget this after a short time. The reason is of course is that this belongs to a tradition that we're not so used to seeing today - the theatrical. For this is a theatre production with a camera instead of a live audience, where the dialogue, and above all the acting are made to shine and where the background is essentially irrelevent. The costumes are, however, superlative.

I really can't praise this drama enough, it's completely spellbinding. The historical accuracy is excellent, but above anything else it's Glenda Jackson's performance which is the real standout here, and moreover once you read the historical accounts you realise how astonishingly accurate Jackson's performance is - she simply *is* Elizabeth. You cannot take your eyes off her when she's onscreen - her expression of face, eyes, her voice, they all convey a myriad of things all at once.

This really is essential viewing, not only as a marvellous drama but for Jackson's extraordinary portrait of this most extraordinary woman.

Rating:
Summary: Magnificent!
Review: At the peak of their creativity, Masterpiece Theatre did two six-part series about the Tudor dynasty: the first, starring Keith Mitchell was "The Six Wives of Henry VIII", and as a direct sequel, the second series was "Elizabeth R". The first was amazing, and the second even better. The incredible Glenda Jackson gives THE definitive performance as Elizabeth the First. (This is saying a lot as there have been several stellar performances as the Queen, including Bette Davis, and perhaps the only one in the same league with Jackson's, that of the great Dame Flora Robson). The achievement of Elizabeth I is all the more impressive when one considers the odds against her. And her part in the greatness of the age that bears her name is more significant than many have allowed: unlike monarchs after the late 1600s, she had immense personal power and was intimately involved with all aspects of her government. This production may be considered still the definitive biography of this great woman. Not only is Jackson's performance legendary, but the entire cast is superb. The production values are primitive by today's standards but don't let that delay you for a second. A gem on video that bears repeated watching.

Rating:
Summary: An Outstanding Dramatisation!
Review: Elizabeth R is an outstanding and refreshingly accurate 1972 dramatisation of the life of Queen Elizabeth I. Headed by an all-star British cast, the acting is flawless, the costumes magnificent, the writing first-rate, and the dialogue sumptuous. Existing documents have been utilised for speeches and such, but the same tone or feel has been maintained throughout, resulting in a rich verbal tapestry.

The series is presented in six 90-minute episodes, and as for the quality of the DVD set, the BBC has done an exceptional job. The picture is nice and clear, the sound is good, and the disc set is encased in a richly flocked, emerald green slip case. Best of all, however, are the numerous special features. Firstly there is a 30-minute interview with Glenda Jackson (2001) wherein she talks about the role and her preparation for it, about Elizabeth, and lastly about politics (she's been a Labour MP for the last decade or so). Also informative is a 20-minute interview with historian Alison Weir (2001), wherein she talks about Elizabeth, her world, and the accuracy of the presentation. There is a 45-minute A&E biography (1996) on the life of Elizabeth, an audio reading by Jackson of a number of period documents, behind-the-scenes' photos of Jackson in make-up and costume fitting, a portrait gallery with stills of various characters displayed beside portraits of the originals, and a text-based guide to who's who in the cast. A wonderful feature (which I highly recommend viewers take advantage of!) is the audio commentary provided by Alison Weir, which one can turn on while watching the episodes. Weir provides a lot of background information and other tidbits, as well as highlighting areas where liberties have been taken.

Born in 1533 to Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth was a woman of formidable intelligence who proved herself to be an extremely capable and dedicated monarch, and Glenda Jackson's portrayal of her from youth through old age is nothing short of a masterpiece. I have seen other actresses in the role but Jackson's portrayal is and (for me) always will be the definitive one. It is sheer perfection--one in which realism (thankfully) is not sacrificed on the altar of vanity. Jackson went so far as to blacken her teeth to mimic the rotting teeth of the ageing Elizabeth; also, she partially shaved her head in order to better resemble the high-foreheaded Queen.

Familiar faces to fans of British television include: Robert Hardy (All Creatures, Edward the King), who is magnificent as the dashing Robert ("Robin") Dudley, Earl of Leicester, the life-long love of Elizabeth. The late Michael Williams (A Fine Romance) is highly enjoyable as Elizabeth's "Frog", the Duke of Alencon--the only real contender for her hand. The late Peter Jeffrey is superb as Phillip II of Spain. Robin Ellis (Poldark) is splendid as the young, handsome, highly ambitious but petulant and self-destructive Earl of Essex, whom the Queen rather foolishly favoured--indeed doted on--in her old age.

In conclusion, I HIGHLY recommend this series to anyone interested in history or historical biography. Being a 70's dramatisation, it may not have the slick production values of more recent endeavours (ie. it feels at times as though we are watching a play that's been filmed), but don't let that deter you. You'll have to look far to find a more authentic dramatisation or one that is better written or more consummately acted. If you are familiar with and have enjoyed other superb historical productions of the time--shows like I Claudius or The Six Wives of Henry VIII, for example--you will surely enjoy this one! Finally, for those interested in delving a little deeper, I highly recommend Alison Weir's well-researched, captivating book entitled The Life of Elizabeth I.

Rating:
Summary: Great production
Review: I was expecting the sets and costume to look like it was produced in 1971, but I was much surprised that it could have passed being produced early 1990s. I have seen some period movies produced in 1990s with much worse sets and costumes. Plus, Glenda Jackson's acting is just fab! This production is as old me and still looking very much up to date!

Rating:
Summary: Elizabeth brought to the screen--accurate and riveting
Review: If you really like Elizabeth I, or find her fascinating, then you should splurge and buy this series rather than Elizabeth with Cate Blanchett. Now, Cate Blanchett is a very good young Elizabeth. I think she's even better than Glenda. However, the bulk of Elizabeth's reign happened after she was 30, and Glenda Jackson is magnificent as Gloriana. The supporting cast is equally amazing, and you can practically identify real portraits of the characters based on the actors appearances. This work is extremely accurate, but doesn't lose one ounce of enjoyment because of it. Elizabeth's fascinating life and times leap out at the viewer, and though the production budget was noticeably low (compared to Elizabeth or even Mary Queen of Scots) the dialogue is so spectacular you'll stop noticing it after a while

Rating:
Summary: A masterpiece portrayal of "Gloriana, the Virgin Queen".
Review: I remember first seeing this series on PBS when I was 12 years old. I was entranced with Queen Elizabeth I ever since. After its release on video, I've seen each part in this six part series at least ten times!! And yes, I DO have a life. Glenda Jackson is one of the greatest actresses of our time (besides the fact she earned two "Best Actresss" Oscars) . Her potrayal of Elizabeth is the pinnacle of the countless other portrayals, and believe me, I've seen them all from Bette Davis and Flora Robson to Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench. However, what is also so amazing is the historical accuracy. Of course it is impossible to have a completely historically accurate account of her life and reign since it was so complex. However, for Elizabethan buffs like myself, you can see that the writers really made that effort. This is demonstrated in the court intrigue, the actual times and places of important events, and the recoded quotes and speeches of the Queen and her courtiers. The detail also was evident in the way sixteenth century Europeans may have dressed and lived; this included the aging Elizabeth's apparence right down to her rotting teeth, false red wigs, and heavily caked white makeup. Even the actors LOOK amazingly like their painted historical counterparts. The detail, the costume, the accuracy, and most of importantly, the ACTING were superb and spine tingling. I think it is a must for anyone who is studying Tudor History or for anyone who enjoys great drama for that matter. If you love this, also watch "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" which was a precursor to "Elizabeth R". Some of the actors in "Six Wives" reprise their roles in early portions Elizabeth R.

Rating:
Summary: Reliving History
Review: Elizabeth R is the third part in the BBC trilogy dealing with The Tudor royal dynasty of England, albeit the second that was filmed and transmitted. The story of Henry VII, the first Tudor King, came later. First broadcast in 1971, this six-part, nine-hour drama still remains one of the finest and most lavish costume dramas ever produced by any TV company in the world. The story follows on from the previous year's similar six-parter Henry VIII, and each epsiode deals with a particular aspect of Elizabeth's life from the time of her brother King Edward VI death, through to her own death. Double best actress Oscar winner Glenda Jackson is the definitve actress to play the role, and is surrounded by a stellar cast, including Robert Hardy, Robin Ellis, Peter Egan, Michael Williams, Angela Thorne and Vivian Pickles. The story is presented in a theatrical style, with very few film inserts, which somehow adds to the intensity of the piece. The picture quality and sound remain superb, depite the age of the material, and the extras on the fourth disc in the set are worth the price alone. Here, Ms. Jackson, who retired from acting upon her election to the British Parliament in 1992, gives a fascinating (although a little badly edited) interview on the role and her life since, alongside Tudor expert Allison Weir giving her thoughts on the historical aspects of the drama. Weir also provides a commentary soundtrack during the drama itself. Also included is A&E's biography of Elizabeth, and Jackson reading some of the Queen's more famous speeches. I would certainly recommend seeing the earlier Six Wives of Henry VIII before viewing this drama, simply for continuity sake and for getting the story in it's full perspective. Sadly, only a rather poor quality DVD of that series is available, but the VHS version has been around for over a decade. They certainly don't make dramas like this anymore, which is a great pity, but now it can be enjoyed over again on DVD

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding portrayal of Elizabeth
Review: Glenda Jackson's portrayal of Elizabeth I was and remains the definitive performance of this queen. Ms. Jackson plays her in this series of the early seventies from young princess to her death in 1603. We see Elizabeth surviving the unruly reigns of her half-brother and half-sister, avoid being caught up in conspiracies, her first years as queen, the lifelong friendship with Robert Dudley, her foreign politics, her policies with suitors or her dealings with the queen of Scots. Ms. Jackson's performance is etched upon my memory, her performance as Elizabeth is multi-faceted and many-layered (for example Elizabeth's death-scene took my breath away). And historically accurate too, with great costumes. Cate Blanchett certainly can't hold a candle to this landmark performance.

Rating:
Summary: More extras than listed
Review: There's little I can say that others haven't already stated: this is a brilliantly acted, extremely well-written arc of six plays. Each play could stand on its own, though of course, you'll want to watch them in order. It should be noted, however, that there are a few more extras than are listed here on Amazon or even on the box itself, including a 44-minute documentary on the Queen by A&E, especially useful to those who might want a little historical background, and a conversation with historian Alison Wier which runs for an interesting 21 minutes. This is not the same as the commentary track which I haven't listened to yet, though, from occasionally flipping to it, it seems to be full or information and no silences--amazing for a nine-hour drama. Everything, including the extras, has captions--rather than subtitles--which unfortunately are generated by the TV and not the TV player, but that's a minor quibble for such a great disc.

Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A stunning drama
Review: I had dim memories of enjoying this miniseries, and used my very generous Christmas Amazon gift certificate to buy it. I have been spellbound ever since it arrived. The dialogue is brilliant, subtle but precise in multiple layers. It is amazing to watch Elizabeth calculate, plot and scheme her way through obstacle after obstacle, clearly aware that a queen in her position can rely upon nobody but herself. As the viewer, there are times when I wonder, "How will Elizabeth deal with this?" and I am as astonished as the characters with the deft and nimble way she manipulates everyone around her. What is even more amazing is how some characters are aware of the subterfuge and others are taken in, and how Elizabeth has planned that all along.

I don't know if the actual Elizabeth I had the presence of mind that Glenda Jackson gives her. I doubt that any human is really that capable. But it makes for an engrossing drama. And I can't help but note how our current political leaders would wither in the light of such a towering intellect.