Elizabeth: The Golden Age Blu-ray Review

"Elizabeth: The Golden Age" arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p VC-1 encoded 1.85:1 transfer, offering an intriguing visual experience that recreates the film's original theatrical presentation. The color palette is dominated by amber hues and light yellows, contributing to a painterly aesthetic. Director Shekhar Kapur's intention to contrast this sequel from its predecessor visually is evident, with less emphasis on riotous colors and sharp precision. This transfer is softer, attributable to the use of gauzy focus and frequent framing choices involving foreground elements. Despite the heavy post-processing, the Blu-ray still excels in delivering intricate details, especially noticeable in the ornate costumes and characteristically stoned buildings—although some CGI moments, particularly during the Armada sequence, can appear less convincing.

While the fine details in medium and close-up shots display excellent natural textures and skin pores, the overall clarity can sometimes reveal limitations, such as slightly weak black levels. This affects some nighttime outdoor scenes and low-lit interiors, which occasionally appear muddy or grey, detracting from the otherwise vibrant and elegant color palette. The contrast, however, is generally spot-on, offering impressive dimension and depth throughout the film. Bold reds and striking golds further enhance the visual splendor, although not quite achieving the grandeur of the original "Elizabeth." Ultimately, this Blu-ray serves its purpose well in replicating Kapur's vision but falls short of receiving top marks due to these subtle shortcomings.

"Elizabeth: The Golden Age" features a meticulously crafted DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that stands out for its exceptional clarity and immersive qualities. Dialogue is precisely centered, ensuring it remains clear and accessible amidst the opulent score and intricate sound effects. The sound design makes substantial use of all surround channels, creating an engaging and realistic auditory environment, from the subtle echoes of footsteps in grand halls to the discrete atmospheric effects aboard Raleigh's ship.

Particularly notable is the final Armada sequence, where the audio mix reaches its zenith. The bombastic cannon fire unleashes a powerful low-frequency effect, with the subwoofer and surrounds creating a visceral impact. The realistic details, such as the crackling of fire and the splash of water, envelop listeners from all directions, making the battle sequence particularly thrilling. Throughout the film, the balance between dialogue, effects, and score maintains an immersive viewing experience, enhancing both the emotional and dramatic elements of this historical drama. This lossless mix unquestionably enriches the overall narrative, making "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" a delight for any audiophile.

The Blu-ray of "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" includes a comprehensive set of extras, ported from previous releases, offering both quantity and quality. The standout is Shekhar Kapur’s engaging audio commentary, blending technical insights with behind-the-scenes anecdotes. The selection provides a mix of making-of featurettes and scene-specific explorations, though some contents may be perceived as slightly redundant. Despite varying levels of interest, every piece brings valuable insight into the film's production design, special effects, and historical context. This rich assortment should captivate both cinephiles and casual viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Shekhar Kapur's insightful track on the film’s technical and artistic decisions.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of extended and cut scenes that add depth to character interactions.
• The Reign Continues: A retrospective on Cate Blanchett's role with cast interviews.
• Inside Elizabeth's World: A production and costume design overview with stunning filming locations.
• Commanding the Winds: Behind-the-scenes look at the CGI and set creation of the naval battle.
• Towers, Courts, and Cathedrals: Examination of filming locations and historical visual contrasts.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age, directed by Shekhar Kapur, offers a visually stunning narrative set during the later years of Queen Elizabeth I's reign. Cate Blanchett reprises her role with an authoritative and nuanced performance that captures both the fury and fragility of the iconic monarch. The film primarily focuses on Elizabeth's rivalry with King Philip II of Spain and her platonic yet sexually charged relationship with Sir Walter Raleigh. The tension surrounding these characters is punctuated by breathtaking costumes and meticulously crafted sets, which vividly recreate historical England down to the smallest details.

While The Golden Age excels in visual splendor and Blanchett's compelling portrayal, it falters in its narrative execution. The script lacks the substance and emotional weight of its predecessor, Elizabeth. The film transitions into melodrama, eschewing traditional romantic subplots for a heavier focus on political and religious intrigue. Despite valiant efforts from Clive Owen and Geoffrey Rush, and an inspired performance from Abbie Cornish, the lack of a cohesive storyline and overindulgence in surreal imagery diminish the film's overall impact. Kapur's ambitious direction, while visually arresting, occasionally borders on pretension, creating a disconnect between the film’s historical context and its dramatic presentation.

In summary, Elizabeth: The Golden Age stands out for its remarkable production design and Blanchett's powerhouse performance. However, its departure from a grounded narrative and tendency for historical inaccuracies may leave viewers feeling underwhelmed. The film's stylistic choices and allegorical flair offer moments of brilliance but ultimately weigh down what could have been an equally stirring continuation of Elizabeth’s saga.

'Elizabeth: The Golden Age' reunites visionary director Shekhar Kapur with stalwarts Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush, taking another deep dive into the turbulent reign of Queen Elizabeth I. This sequel boasts the same opulent visual style as its predecessor, leveraging exceptional production design and cinematography to create a richly textured view of the Elizabethan era. However, the film falls short in terms of narrative substance, leaning more heavily on melodrama and less on historical accuracy. Despite these shortcomings, the film is carried by Blanchett's stunning portrayal of Elizabeth, which remains as compelling and nuanced as ever.

On the technical front, the Blu-ray release delivers an impressive audiovisual experience. The picture quality is pristine, with sharp details and vibrant colors that enhance the grandeur of the visual storytelling. The audio presentation is equally robust, offering a dynamic soundscape that immerses viewers in the film's intricate world. The Blu-ray also includes an array of supplements from the HD DVD release, providing fans with additional insights into the film's production and historical context.

The Golden Age never quite attains the heights of the first 'Elizabeth,' but it offers pomp and pageantry galore, if a bit too much unseemly religious plotting and scheming, most of which makes all of its characters seem at least partially unsavory. Blanchett, however, is magnificent in her second at bat in this role, and she helps the film overcome its shortcomings.