What is it? The Crown, Season 1, 10 episodes on four discs from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
When? Now
How much? $45.99, $55.99 (Blu-ray)
What crown? The crown of England. This engrossing historical drama examines the reign of England's Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy). While the series as a whole plans to follow the monarch on up to present day, the first season focuses primarily on her early years, starting with her wedding.
The year is 1947 and Great Britain is still feeling the effects of World War II. The approaching wedding of Princess Elizabeth, the heir apparent, gives the country a much-needed lift.
The story then jumps ahead to 1951 as King George VI's (Jared Harris) health deteriorates and the young princess, now a wife and mother, finds herself thrown into a high-profile role in a rapidly changing world.
She not only has to respond to crises like the 1952 Great Smog of London and learn how to interact with seasoned statesmen including Winston Churchill (John Lithgow), but she also faces troubles at home. Her husband, Prince Philip (Matt Smith), is mostly supportive, but struggles to find his place in the new family order. Meanwhile, younger sister Princess Margaret's (Vanessa Kirby) love life threatens scandal and disgraced "Uncle David," (Alex Jennings) aka the former King Edward VIII, keeps making his presence felt.
Constantly torn between duty to her country and to her family, Elizabeth quickly learns that it's not easy being queen.
How is it? Gorgeous, fascinating, very addicting. No expense seems to have been spared in creating the world of England's royal family.
It would have been easy to make the story salacious and play up the drama and scandals (like the former CW series Reign that largely fictionalized the life of Mary, Queen of Scots), but this series takes a more stately, dignified approach.
Don't take that to mean it's boring. Far from it, though it is slower-paced than some series.
It gives great insight into real-life figures -- living and dead -- as well as a peek behind the scenes at major events of the mid-20th century.
Is this for Anglophiles and royal-watchers? Yes and no. Yes, they'll love it, but it's not intended solely for people already well-versed in the royal House of Windsor. Some knowledge of, for instance, the abdication crisis of the 1930s may help, though.
Extras? Just photo galleries
New this week: C.S.I., complete series; The Fall, Season 3 and complete series; The Incredible Hulk, complete series; The Librarians, Season 3; Living Single, Season 3; Mystery Science Theater 3000, XXXIX; Red Dwarf, XII
Next week: Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, Season 1; Inspector George Gently, Season 8 and complete series
Style on 11/19/2017