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132 of 134 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Outstanding Historical Biography!, March 2, 2004
This review is from: Edward the King (DVD)
Edward the King is a superb seventies' dramatisation of the life of Queen Victoria's son Bertie, the Prince of Wales, who went on to become King Edward VII in 1901. The series (which consists of thirteen 50-minute episodes) is actually entitled Edward the Seventh (the title was for some reason changed to Edward the King on the packaging). As for the dvd, there are no extras; and the quality of the picture/sound, although good, is not outstanding, and I don't think the series has been remastered. Unfortunate as this may be, please don't be deterred on that account; the quality is as good as one would expect from any video and it is, after all, the content and the quality of the performance that is most important. The series covers the life of Bertie from his birth in 1841 through his coronation in 1901 and concludes with his death in 1910. Though extremely privileged, Bertie had a stiflingly sheltered youth dominated by strict, controlling parents, which culminated in an all-but-arranged marriage to the beautiful Princess Alexandra of Denmark. Because of their importance in shaping the character of the young prince, Victoria and Albert (played to absolute perfection by Annette Crosbie (One Foot in the Grave) and Robert Hardy (All Creatures)) are the primary focus of the first few episodes. Victoria did not like to share her power, and her marriage felt the strain of such an inability to delegate (a situation which was not improved by her many temper tantrums!). Ultimately, however, she was persuaded to share her power with her more-than-capable husband--something which, following Albert's death in 1861, she was sadly never to do with her son. Ironically, when he finally succeeded to the throne, Bertie proved himself a very capable and level-headed ruler. Bertie (played commandingly by Timothy West) longed for responsibility in the government but, thanks to his mother, was destined for the most part to a life of idleness, which he filled libertinely with entertainment, cigars, and of course mistresses--most notably Alice Keppel and Lillie Langtry (portrayed by the beautiful Francesca Annis, who went on to reprise the role in 1979 with Lillie). As the years pass, we see Bertie increasingly in the company of his mistresses. I might just mention (for those with a particular interest in his many affaires du coeur) that his relationships are not the focus here; and certainly, the physical aspects are not delved into (ie. don't expect the gratuitous, explicit sexuality that seems to be a given in current period productions). The politics of the time are, as one would expect in any profile of a monarch, intertwined with the social and personal life of the individual, and we see over 70 years worth of prime ministers come and go--most notably Benjamin Disraeli (played by John Gielgud) and the perennial thorn in Victoria's side, William Gladstone. We also see the rise to power of the highly unstable Kaiser Wilhelm II of Prussia, the son of Bertie's eldest sister Vicky (played wonderfully by Felicity Kendal (Good Neighbours)). Because of his instability, Wilhelm is an increasingly important figure in Bertie's life. In conclusion, this is an outstanding production--one which is consummately acted by an all-star British cast, and which I'd recommend very highly to anyone who enjoys quality British period productions or to anyone with an interest in historical biography. If you've enjoyed other classic series--like Lillie, the Pallisers, or Upstairs Downstairs, for example, this one is definitely worth checking out. Highly recommended.
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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"The Peacemaker", April 28, 2006
This review is from: Edward the King (DVD)
This review refers to "Edward The King" 6 volume DVD set(All Things Family)
I must add my 5 stars to the others already here. This was truly a superb series that gave a good look at the life and times of Edward VII of England. The King who waited a lifetime to sit on the throne, and while he didn't get to rule for very long, became known as Edward "The Peacemaker", for his gift of diplomacy around the world.
The series is well written, enlightening and entertaining as well. From Edward's birth, while his mother Queen Victoria ruled England,his education, his family, his Randy ways(he was quite the playboy, even after he married) through his years of waiting quite impatiently to be King, through his sickly years and finally his death, this series brings quite an awareness of the events.
Queen Victoria ruled for more then 50 years. The first several episodes, really revolve around her. The politics and family matters while "Bertie" as he came to be called(named Albert Edward after his father), was young. The quest to have him educated in a royal manner, the scandals he created as a young man(which continued into his older years), the need to find him a suitable wife, and finally the Queen's unwillingness to abdicate, even in her old age, to let Bertie take over. He was 60 by the time he did. Even then the political figures, tried to keep him from "ruling". But King Edward, left his mark in the early 20th century by being quite astute in foreign affairs, and keeping England safe.
Powerfully acted, Timothy West plays the adult Bertie. He gives him not just an air of regalness, but adds a very human, and fun-loving quality as well. Annette Crosbie, wonderful as always, is Queen Victoria. Also look for Sir John Gielgud in a few episodes. The screenplays for each episode are written in a way that will draw you into every word of the wonderful dialogue. It's a great history lesson spanning nearly 70 years, and giving faces(so to speak) to all the crown heads of Europe of the time. I was amazed to find out how so many of them were inter-related through birth or marriage.
This a 6 volume set. There are 13 episodes at about 50 minutes each. 2 episodes to a disc, except for volume 6, which has 3. Each DVD is in it's own case.
I thought the transfers were very good. The picture was clear, colors vivid, jewelry sparkled, and I loved the costumes. My only small complaint might be in the sound department. The dialogue would go in and out. I set my sound to 2-channel stereo, which worked better, but at times there was still some sort of echo. It wasn't enough to take away from the enjoyment of this series, or to take a star off of my rating. It also might have been nice if there were some kind of bonus features. It is apparent that much love and work went into every detail of this program and I would have liked to seen some interviews with cast and crew.
Looks like the outside sellers have the better deal, even for a new edition at this time.
A fabulous addition to your Royal collection
Here is an all regions edition(check with sellers for dvd details):
Edward the Seventh
Enjoy....Laurie
also recommended:
Gandhi
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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
HISTORICAL SERIES DO NOT GET ANY BETTER-IT DESERVES 6 STARS!, April 4, 1999
By A Customer
This is an absolutely wonderful 13 episode series that chronicles the life of the man rightfully called the Peacemaker of the World and named Prince Bertie and King Edward VII. It is a must for every serious student of British History, especially the Victorian and Edwardian eras. It should be available in every library, and the best colleges should give academic credit for viewing it. Among other things, this series gives full appreciation to the phrase "the Eurpoean Family of Nations" through the marriages of Victoria's many children and their in-laws. It begins with King Edward VII's mother, Queen Victoria, telling his father, Prince Albert, of the coming of their second child. It ends with him Lying in State with his Queen kneeling beside the coffin. Episodes 1-10 (Volumes 1-5) are dominated by Queen Victoria (as was his life), and Episodes 11-13 (Volume 6) deal with the reign of Kind Edward VII. This is an impecible production with a perfect cast drawn from the then current and future elite of the British acting community perfectly protraying their characters placed in remarkable settings that makes one feel that the viewer has been among the privledged in exclusive places during private events throughout. Its release on video tape is eagerly received and long overdue. In summary, to view this series is to experience and better understand these eras of history. The entire series is most highly recommended.
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