A United Kingdom Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "A United Kingdom" by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is commendable for its high-definition video quality and meticulous transfer. The 1080p/AVC encoded video offers a clear and crisp portrayal, complemented by a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The film's color palette, ranging from natural and subdued hues in London to the vibrant and sunlit tones in Africa, is reproduced faithfully. The African sequences, suffused with a buttery yellow tint, contrast beautifully against the drab, fog-enveloped scenes in Britain. This deliberate use of color grading enhances the mood and period authenticity that directors Amma Asante and cinematographer Sam McCurdy aimed to achieve. Notably, the images are stable with no noticeable compression anomalies or artifacts.

The lush cinematography is further bolstered by exceptional contrast and clarity. The exterior shots of Botswana present gorgeously scenic vistas, while deep black levels and precise shadow delineation ensure detail is not lost in darker scenes. Flesh tones are well-rendered, exhibiting sharp close-ups and fine facial textures that accentuate the actors' performances. Throughout the film, there's an appreciable sense of depth and dimension, with well-handled spacing showcasing the film's rich backgrounds and patterned costumes. Subtle light treatments add a dream-like atmosphere to certain scenes without compromising image fidelity.

Overall, the Blu-ray transfer maintains outstanding image quality with no discernible issues related to noise or digital artifacts. The warm glow bathing several sequences heightens the period feel, while details in both interior British settings and rugged African landscapes are rendered naturally and elegantly. This meticulous presentation makes "A United Kingdom" visually captivating, particularly on larger displays.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack for "A United Kingdom" delivers a well-rendered and balanced audio experience perfectly suited to this dialog-driven film. The front-loaded presentation ensures that dialogue is crisply articulated and seamlessly extended into the room, with clear and well-defined reproduction. Although the soundtrack doesn’t feature highly dynamic elements, it excels in reproducing subtle nuances and low-level details with precision.

Surround activity, while generally understated, is effectively utilized to enhance spatial cues and occasional directional sounds, especially notable during crowd scenes and weather sequences. Patrick Doyle's sweeping music score, inclusive of ethnic music elements used in the African setpieces, is presented with a wide dynamic range and no audible distortion. Ambient environmental sounds are prominent in these scenes, contributing to an immersive auditory backdrop. Low-frequency effects are subtly employed without overshadowing the track.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track provides a cohesive and immersive audio experience. Dialogue remains clean and well-prioritized throughout, free from imperfections such as hiss or surface noise. Sonic details such as camera clicks and flashbulb pops are precise and distinct. The inclusion of English Descriptive Audio 5.1 further enhances accessibility. While the soundtrack refrains from being overly dramatic, its balanced and discerning clarity ensures an engaging aural experience that complements the visual narrative of "A United Kingdom."

The Blu-ray extras for "A United Kingdom" offer a concise yet informative look into various aspects of the film's production and historical context. Through several short featurettes, viewers gain insight into the challenges of filming on location in Botswana and the historical legacy of Seretse and Ruth. Featuring interviews with key cast and crew members like David Oyelowo and director Amma Asante, these extras add depth to the understanding of the film's themes and production nuances. While some may find these additions somewhat brief, they aptly capture the film's essence and the dedication of those involved in its creation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Of: Standard EPK with decent interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Filming in Botswana: Details challenges and significance of shooting on location.
• The Legacy of Seretse and Ruth: Touching homage to the real-life couple.
• London Film Festival Opening Night Gala Premiere: Red carpet interviews.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original film preview.
• DVD Copy of the Film
• Digital HD Copy of the Film

"A United Kingdom" is a compelling historical and romantic drama, skillfully portraying the real-life love story between Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo), the heir to the throne in Bechuanaland (modern-day Botswana), and Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike), an Englishwoman. Their romance defied grave societal and political challenges in the late 1940s, standing against the backdrop of South Africa's burgeoning apartheid regime and British colonial interests. The film effectively balances its narrative between an emotional, personal story and broader historical implications without becoming overly didactic or losing its heartfelt core.

Director Amma Asante and screenwriter Guy Hibbert provide a nuanced depiction of the turmoil and resistance faced by Seretse and Ruth, both domestically and in Europe. Exceptional performances anchor the film, with David Oyelowo delivering a passionate and measured portrayal of Seretse, emphasizing his poignant speeches that call for racial harmony and social justice. Rosamund Pike aptly portrays Ruth’s transformation from a relatable bank clerk to a resilient supporter of her husband’s cause. Jack Davenport excels as the antagonistic British bureaucrat, lending authenticity to the political tensions depicted.

The film’s cinematography captures the essence of its locales, with Botswana's lush landscapes providing a stark contrast to London's more subdued environment, symbolizing the lovers' journey from restricted societal confines to political emancipation. While the British villains can occasionally appear one-dimensional, the familial conflicts and tribal dynamics offer more grounded opposition, enriching the film's emotional resonance. "A United Kingdom" eloquently blends its romantic and political themes, ensuring that it is engaging and historically enlightening without lapsing into excessive sentimentality. The narrative remains true to real events, providing an absorbing examination of love’s power to instigate social change.

"A United Kingdom" is a compelling historical drama that intricately weaves love and political conflict into a captivating narrative. Directed with passion by Amma Asante, the film chronicles the tumultuous yet inspiring true-life story of an African leader's controversial marriage to an English white woman. This union not only challenges societal norms but also rattles the foundations of the British Empire and incites tensions in the leader's homeland. The performances are exceptional, adding depth and authenticity to a movie that holds viewers' attention from start to finish.

Technically, the Blu-ray release of "A United Kingdom" does not disappoint. The video transfer is top-notch, highlighting the film's exotic locations with vivid clarity, while the audio presentation ensures every word and sound is distinctly audible, enhancing the viewing experience. The disc includes a collection of short featurettes that provide additional context and enrich the narrative. This well-rounded package makes it a significant addition to any collection, appreciated both by those interested in historical dramas and fans of high-quality filmmaking.

In conclusion, despite its lack of widespread fame, "A United Kingdom" stands out as one of the better dramas of its release year. Its depiction of love overcoming societal barriers is a testament to human resilience and defiance against oppressive norms. With excellent technical merits and engaging supplementary content, this Blu-ray presentation is highly recommended for both purchase and rental.