The Movie
Albert, the Duke of York (Colin Firth), second son of King George V, has stammered as long as he can remember, an especially painful affliction for someone called upon so frequently to speak in public, sometimes to a global audience. And after years pursuing every quack treatment (therapeutic cigarettes!) and enduring a lack of sympathy even from his own family, he undertakes a radical course of rehabilitation under a brash, unconventional expert (Geoffrey Rush).
But when his father dies and his older brother is uninterested in embracing his proper duties in leading the British Empire, will Albert suddenly become one of the most powerful men in the world, stepping into one of its most difficult jobs? And just to make it all even more daunting, these events occur while World War II is brewing, and with a populace widely unhappy about the upheaval in the monarchy.
Firth's recent Oscar was well-earned, as he not only convincingly embodies one of the great figures of the 20th Century, he also manages to convey in almost every scene both the sorrow of his affliction and a fair amount of self-loathing, lending a pathos that draws us in and holds us fast. As Logue, Rush is superb too as his capable, complicated savior and friend, while Helena Bonham Carter brings a touch of humor and so much more as Albert's wife and eventual queen.
Sometimes people are given a "moment" in life, a singular opportunity to define themselves, and the newly crowned King George the VI's arrives as he must address his people when war breaks out with Germany. Not to give too much away, but he inspires them at their most dreadful, just as this film is destined to inspire audiences everywhere.
Be sure to read Joe Lozito's review of The King's Speech too, aloud if so desired.
The Picture
Despite a high bitrate, I found the 16:9 image to be a trifle soft, although some details like the geometric weave of the well-crafted costumes usually pop, and the character of Logue's deliciously ramshackle office is revealed. I noted a weird, noisy effect as we pass through British fog, while the colors tended to be disappointingly flat and blacks were often dull and lifeless. A pity for such a high-profile film.
The Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack is fine for the subject matter at hand. We believe that a public address system is accurately "vintage," and the home theater comes alive with some nice touches like a small airplane flying overhead or some construction inside Westminster Abbey or the experience of being crammed inside a rickety private elevator. Alexandre Desplat's musical score floats pleasingly above or below the action.
The Extras
Director Tom Hooper provides the audio commentary and looms large in the on-camera Q&A panel recorded following a screening of the film, along with key members of the cast. There's also a pre-packaged 23-minute "making of" special with the usual talking heads, in SD.
The two speeches from the real King George VI are an historical treat, including the one from the climax of the film (audio only) and a newsreel of another, following the victory in Europe, 1945. There is also a ten-and-a-half profile of the real Logue, as told by his grandson. Rounding out the disc is a public service announcement for The Stuttering Foundation. Only the Q&A is in high-definition.
Final Thoughts
A fairly traditional choice for Best Picture among the ten varied nominees, The King's Speech is nonetheless a compelling, rewarding, emotional drama. The Blu-ray is not destined for such superlative accolades (the extras in particular are a mixed bag, and why mostly SD in this day and age?) but most assuredly worth at least a rental for all and is a safe purchase for any collector.
Product Details
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