Product Description
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"Engrossing and glittering" -- The Washington Post
"Superb performances" -- The New York Times
The award-winning drama about Englands first truly 20th century
monarch
Though he waited nearly 60 years to become king and reigned for
only nine, Edward VII changed the British monarchy forever.
Derided by his mother, Queen Victoria, as frivolous and
untrustworthy, Edward was in fact a skillful, determined diplomat
who longed to be useful to his country. This classic 13-part
British miniseries dramatizes his life from frustrated prince and
inveterate philanderer to loving her and respected statesman.
Firmly grounded in history, it ly depicts the palace
dynamics that reverberated in Parliament and beyond during the
years preceding World War I.
Winner of an Emmy® and multiple BAFTA awards (including best
drama series), this deluxe production boasts a star-studded cast,
including Timothy West, Annette Crosbie, Robert Hardy, John
Gielgud, Felicity Kendal, Charles Dance, and Francesca Annis.
With richly detailed sets and costumes, Edward the King recreates
England at the height of its empire and a monarchy on the verge
of transformation.
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE commentaries for selected episodes
by Timothy West, Annette Crosbie, and director John Gorrie; two
featurettes; introductions for selected episodes by Robert
McNeal; trailers; and photo gallery with commentary by the stars
and director.
.com
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Royal politics have rarely been given as engaging a portrait as
in Edward the King. This 13-episode miniseries aspires to redeem
the reputation of a British monarch often considered frivolous:
Edward VII, the heir to Queen Victoria, whose lengthy reign left
Edward waiting in the wings for decades. Though this was a source
of frustration for the future king, it's a boon for the
miniseries, as Annette Crosbie's interpretation of Victoria is a
fascinating mixture of domineering will, petulance, and genuine
grief. Equally fortunately, she's matched by Timothy West as
Edward, who turns genial affability into a charismatic character
trait. Edward the King follows Edward from his days as a young
libertine (Edward had mistresses throughout his life) to his
older days as a seasoned diplomat, struggling to make peace among
the European heads of state--almost all of whom were relatives,
thanks to the arranged marriages Victoria brokered for her
children. Though his efforts led him to be known as "Peacemaker,"
Edward dies with the world on the brink of World War I. Thirteen
hours of turn-of-the-century politics may seem daunting, but
every episodes moves briskly, packed with personal detail and
wily machinations, as well as a rich and thoughtful exploration
of the period's social and cultural fabric. The supporting cast
is packed with superb actors like John Gielgud, Francesca Annis,
and Michael Holdern. Though Edward was only king for nine years,
his reign was a crucial transition into the modern age, which
would be marked by both democratic reform and horrific warfare.
It's juicy material for a miniseries and Edward the King does it
justice. --Bret Fetzer
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Review
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A simply wonderful series. -- British American TV DVD blog
A tremendous treat. -- PilotOnline.com
British television has always had a knack for bringing history to
life and making the famous real, Edward The King is another
shining example of that talent. -- Blogcritics Magazine
Grade A. The writing and acting are still as sharp and engrossing
as ever. -- DVD Corner
One of the best historical series that has ever been filmed. --
PopMatters.com
The series stands the test of time brilliantly and deserves fresh
accl. -- British Heritage magazine
Unmissable! -- MemorableTV.com
You will get an unmatched history lesson with this piece. -- DVD
Talk
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