Elizabeth Double Feature (Elizabeth / Elizabeth: The Golden Age) [Blu-ray]

I say 'mostly' because some incidents and people in the two films are out of place chronologically, but although this may disturb true history gurus, it doesn't dim the drama in either film. One thing that truly bothered me was the use of late 18th Century music of Mozart's "Requiem" to underscore scenes which actually took place during the 16th Century. Why, when music from the 16th C could have been chosen to 'background' the drama just as well?

Blu ray received as advertised. Both movies included.

I'm not big on the history of England, not my major in college. However...I do love a good story and these two show us a story of a virgin queen who, against the odds, becomes a great and powerful ruler. I do not consider these movies to be action, romance, or comedy. You may find these movie characteristics from time to time, but all in all, this movie is a drama. A good drama movie that may or may not be historically correct. I am sure some elements to the story are historically correct, but I am sure not all of them are as this is a work of fiction and not a documentary.

Love the story and actors. Quite impressive arrangement story lines and plots.

Great historical movies of England and European politics and machination, which truly fascinates me, not the least are the juicy tidbits of their intermarriages, collusion and espionage. Elizabeth should be seen first then Elizabeth: The Golden Year, this way the viewer will have better chronological grasp and understanding of the narrative as events are unfolded. Good acting and colorful recreation of the period, setting and wardrobe. Although the faked English accent does detract somewhat from its authenticity. I'm happy to have learned more about the details of England's first queen Elizabeth, her wit and fortitude, aside from the expected dramatization of this obscure period in history. This is best viewed in a good surround 5.1 home theater setting to fully benefit from the Blue Ray cinematography and its great sound.

I adore the movie Elizabeth. I thought it was a good showing for Elizabeth's ascent to the throne.I ended up buying this blu-ray double movie pack because my DVD of Elizabeth was dying. Since the double feature wasn't that expensive, I decided to get that.Elizabeth was great to watch on blu-ray.Elizabeth: the Golden Age. Visually, I loved it. The movie itself? It didn't gel as a movie.It didn't have the tension needed for the defeat of the Spanish Armada.So, Elizabeth, I give 5 stars, and Elizabeth: the Golden Age I give 3 stars.Which is why the double feature has 4 stars.

I received the order on time and in good shape.

Thoroughly enjoyed both! Brought the opulence .... and the incredible intrigue and dangers rulers faced daily, into clear focus. The historical accuracy was moderately "fudged" (according to Luminarium & Britannia) but generally faithful to actual events. Very pleased with the presentation of the life of Elizabeth and now have a far better understanding of the transitional times she navigated so successfully. Bravo to the actors and their portrayals of the principle charectors.

This set contains the two films, Elizabeth and Elizabeth the Golden Age. There are two discs, one for each film in a standard DVD case. Disc one is the special edition of Elizabeth.Elizabeth - This is a visually superb film, set in the 16th century it recreates the time and place beautifully. At its heart it is the story of Elizabeth Tudor, known to history as Elizabeth I, and her struggle to survive in the court of Queen Mary then later in the first few fragile years of her own reign. In a time of religious war, when Europe was divided by the Catholic/Protestant question and men would willingly die, kill and horrifically murder all in the name of faith, hers was not an easy life or reign at first.Cate Blanchett excels as Elizabeth, and largely carries the film with her commanding performance, along with Geoffrey Rush's machiavallian Walsingham. She creates a believable character, a very real seeming person struggling to survive in a cruel world. We see the political intrigue and are presented with a rather touching personal story in the form of Joseph Feinnes as the ill fated Robert Dudley. I must also metion Richard Attenborough as William Cecil - it's a subtle performance that is worthy of note. Seeming like a cuddly old man every now and then a hint of steel comes through and he shows waht is really beneath the loveable exterior.Elizabeth the Golden Age - Set some years into the reign of Queen Elizabeth, when religious war was still dividing Europe, this is a film that tries and succeeds to recapture the original magic of the excellent drama Elizabeth. Re-teaming Cate Balnchett as the Queen and Geoffrey Rush as Walsingham we are presented with an entertaining tale as the Spanish launch the Armada against England, backed by a convoluted plot involving Mary, Queen of Scots.Cate Blanchett recreates the role of Elizabeth beautifully, giving us a character who is a strong ruler and yet still a real person, with a real persons needs and character flaws. Rush is once again superb as the Machiavellian Walsingham. Samantha Morton is a revelation as Mary, Queen of Scots, presenting a character full of dignity in a memorable performance. As well as the political intrigue, we are presented with another personal story for Elizabeth, showing how she deals with her feelings for Walter Raleigh and her jealousy as he goes off with someone else. It's a well scripted, acted and directed piece that manages to contrast the personal with the great threat to the country.In both films the Director has created a beautiful image of the Elizabethan age, as costume dramas go it is very very well done indeed. My only small gripe is the extent to which script writers and director have played fast and loose with historical accuracy - The names and the general underlying story are about right, but little else. Do not look here if you are searching for the real story of Elizabeth.That aside, it is as enthralling a four hours of cinema as one could wish for, adsorbing and entertaining films. Four stars.

I bought this disk to replace my 14 year old copy of Elizabeth which had become unusable due to DVD rot. Part of centre of disc had lost it's silver coating so my DVD player could not play it. It pays to keep checking your old, and probably much loved DVD's, just in case then you may be able to replace them.

Absorbing, engaging, entertaining, and provocative. High-quality at every level. If you were being really picky, you'd say, "ah yes, but they didn't look or sound or behave like that at all. Back then things were very different." To counter this you then say, "quite so, but as no-one can possibly know what it was really like, let's reveal our best possible guess based on historical fact, and then breathe some life into it to make the story roar along." Beyond the costumes and glamour, the writing, the visual impact and direction, not to mention the superlative acting, make this a fantastic collective achievement.

Although I have watched this in the past, and would have given it at least a 4 then, I now find that the torture, cruelty and beheading very upsetting - even though they are accurate. The acting and dialogue are very good, but I no longer find watching films depicting this period enjoyable - hence the 3 star.

Brilliant! I rate this alongside Annette Crosby's portal from the 1970's