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Elizabeth - The Golden Age (Widescreen Edition)
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List Price: $29.98
Our Price: $14.99
Your Save: $ 14.99 ( 50% )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Geoffry Rush, Clive Owen, Samantha Morton
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Average Customer Rating:   
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Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Binding: DVD
Brand: Universal
EAN: 0025193333223
Format: AC-3
Label: Universal Studios
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Universal Studios
Region Code: 1
Release Date: 2008-02-05
Running Time: 114
Studio: Universal Studios
Theatrical Release Date: 2007
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Editorial Reviews:
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Academy Award® winners Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush join Academy Award® nominee Clive Owen in a gripping historical thriller full of suspense, intrigue and adventure! When Queen Elizabeth's reign is threatened by ruthless familial betrayal and Spain's invading army, she and her shrewd advisor must act to safeguard to the lives of her people. But when a dashing seafarer, Walter Raleigh, captures her heart, she is forced to make her most tragic sacrifice for the good of her country. Elizabeth: The Golden Age tells the thrilling tale of one woman's crusade to control her love, destroy her enemies and secure her position as a beloved icon of the western world.
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: "I have a hurricane in me that will strip Spain bare if you dare to try me."
Comment:
In this sequel to Shekhar Kapur's 1998 Elizabeth, The Golden Age addresses Elizabeth's status in 1585, faced with war with Spain and the fate of her cousin, Mary Stuart, ousted from the Scottish throne and seeking Elizabeth's aid in reclaiming her rightful place. While plotting treachery against England, Stuart (Samantha Morton) enjoys the freedom to send secret missives to Spain. And Philip II of Spain (Jordi Molla) schemes to deliver the rigors of the Inquisition to England and banish Elizabeth (Kate Blanchett). On a more personal level, Elizabeth is enchanted by an adventurous Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen), recently returned from the New World and bursting with ideas for England's expansion across the sea. Unwilling to release the charming Raleigh for a return voyage, Elizabeth increasingly depends upon him to fill the lonely hours of what is a very solitary reign. The ageing Francis Wallsingham (beautifully understated by the always precise Geoffrey Rush) stands guard at the queen's side, delivering the news she is reluctant to entertain, his conscientiousness grown tiresome, but increasingly necessary over the years.
As events unfold, Elizabeth will face two momentous decisions: how to dispose of her blood relative and fellow-queen, Mary Stuart; and how to successfully engage in war with Spain, Philip's armada soon to arrive off the coast of England, far superior to England's maritime efforts. More painful, personally, is Raleigh's betrayal- Elizabeth's handmaiden, Bess, is carrying his child, yet another bitter pill for this beleaguered queen to swallow on her solitary sojourn as queen of England. Despite Blanchett's perfect beauty in this role and her adaptation of a more mature, yet still deeply emotional monarch, the true star of the film is the extravagant cinematography. The plot line is less than stirring, yet I find it impossible to grade this film with less than four stars for its arresting images. Scene after scene captures the essence of an era, perfectly rendered, historically accurate details: Philip stalking through his palace, black-cloaked and followed by chanting monks, the air suffused with light and grace; Elizabeth, alone in her rooms, the castle huge and hollow without the comfort of one who loves more than serves her.
On the precipice of the battle, Elizabeth emerges to rally her troops, the daunting Spanish armada visible off the coast. She is magnificent in silver armor on a white horse, long red tresses streaming down her back, an iconic Joan d' Arc to spur the men to victory in the face of a superior force. While Raleigh directs the English ships, the battle is engaged, the sea eventually filled with the bodies of the vanquished, Spanish Inquisitors, men of God, horses plunging over the sides of ships, weighty crucifixes tumbling into the deep while Elizabeth and Wallsingham rejoice. Silent much of the time, Blanchett rules this role through the force of her personality, leaving no doubt about the queen's terrible choices and brilliant monarchy. Still as a statue, she stands, hands raised to her people, a vision in white, lonely yet unforgettable. I can still see the striking images in this film, a testament to art and cinematography. Luan Gaines/ 2008.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Phenomenal! Should Have Won Best Picture!
Comment: I had to catch this one on HBO as it was in and out of the theatres too quick for me to see it there and this is one to see on the BIG screen!
I can't believe Elizabeth:The Golden Age did not win best picture. The logistics of the movie must have been a nightmare what with the sets, costumes, wigs, makeup, cinematography,production design,etc.
I like this director's work. He uses the "God view" camera-work, we see the characters by hovering over their heads in many shots. I didn't find this distracting, quite the contrary, it was hypnotic, as was the "artsy" lighting and camera of whizzing around a holy looking Elizabeth.
I don't know if anyone noticed the possibility that Elizabeth was a lesbian or bi-sexual. She seemed to have a very close relationship with the stunningly gorgeous Bess played by Abbie Cornish whom I'd never seen before. I'm straight, but, omigod, if a pale yellow perfect rosebud could be transformed into a human face, it would be hers! Her face is so beautiful pure and innocent, she'll make you weep. Elizabeth seemed sexually torn between Beth and Raleigh which made it pretty interesting.
The costumes, wigs, makeup, sets, cinematography, and especially the bold music score was a feast! It makes me sick that No Country For Old Men beat this one out at the Oscars! I have a feeling that there's a trilogy here, but if this one did not make a profit, I doubt if we'll get to see how it all turned out. Cate Blanchett OWNS this character!!! That gal just couldn't do any bad acting if she tried.
Customer Rating:
Summary: She is the best
Comment: Magnificent, from the casting to the costuming. Cate Blanchett owns the Queen during this period!
Customer Rating:
Summary: One shouldn't always believe reviews!
Comment: I avoided watching this movie, for some time, because I fell prey to reviews that indicated this movie as a disappointment. And shame on me for allowing myself to be swayed in that manner!
I found this movie to be exceptionally well done - and people need to take a little harder look at HOW the filming was done - how Elizabeth's clothing is brighter and more colorful, to the grey/brown-dull colors for the majority of others. The point was HER - attention focused on her. That's what she expected and craved - demanded.
The movie may not be dynamic - but folks, that's the way life was during that time. (At least this is more believable than the tragic "Tudor" series!)
I, personally, hope there is a 3rd movie - let's see how they handle her (Elizabeth) when she was nearing the end of her reign and still very vain.
Customer Rating:
Summary: I love this movie!
Comment: This is a beautiful production, and of course, Cate is terrific. Clive Owen smolders as Sir Walter Raleigh, overall, a wonderfully entertaining movie.
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