Young Victoria, The

In the historical and romantic drama "The Young Victoria," a young and inexperienced Queen Victoria (Blunt) is resolved to establish her authority over those who rule in her stead. She draws strength from the love of Albert (Friend), the handsome prince who's stolen her heart. Based on the courtship and early reign of England's longest-serving monarch in a tale of romance, intrigue, and power. (Gary Reber)

Special features include five featurettes: "Making The Young Victoria" (SD 05:42), "Lavish History: A Look At The Costumes And Locations" (SD 07:20), "The Coronation" (SD 02:46), "The Wedding" (SD 02:35), and "The Real Queen Victoria" (SD 07:28); 17 deleted and extended scenes (SD 21:38); up-front previews; and BD-Live functionality.

The 2.35:1 1080p AVC picture is royally elaborate in its complex textures, as seen in meticulous set designs and costumes. The filtered light of overcast skies and the candlelit night interiors are revealing of varying shadows and contrasts that enhance the impressive visual nuances. There is plenty of eye-candy to fill your vision. Amazingly, the color palette expresses a perfectly natural range of hues, no matter what the time of day or night. Yet colors are never exaggerated of over saturated. Blacks are deep and solid, and fleshtones are perfectly natural throughout. Resolution is wonderful, with plenty of detail and sharpness expressed in facial features, clothing, robes, and crowns, as well as the elaborate and ornate-textured settings depicted in furniture and buildings. Dimensional depth is noteworthy as well, providing a sense of palatial scale. The entire visual experience is cinematic in character and epic in scope. This is a magnificent, warm visual experience that never fails to impress. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is well produced and is scored with classical music that spreads across the soundstage and into the surrounds. While the music score perfectly enhances the period depicted, the recording quality is slightly veiled compared to the finest classical recordings. Still, instrumental timbre is clearly evident, though not as finely defined as desired. Dialogue is wonderfully integrated spatially throughout, with the exception of exterior scenes, which must rely on ADR. Low-level atmospheric effects and Foley are delivered naturally, and the sense of dimensional ambiance is audibly noticeable. While low frequencies are solid and provide a satisfying foundation, at times, deep rumbles are present that do not relate to the visuals. Surround envelopment is nicely balanced with the soundstage and provides generally solid holosonic® immersion. Nearly all surround energy is comprised of atmospheric sound effects and the orchestral music. This is a majestic soundtrack that feels warm and cuddly and well suited to the storytelling. (Gary Reber)