THE MOVIE

I must admit that when I first saw Queen Margot about six years ago I was a rather impressionable young lad who was really only watching the film because I’d heard it had the most amazing fight sequence in it. Ah the impressionability of youth. Revisiting this film several years (and too many movies to remember) later it reveals to me another side. A side of incredible detail, care and exceptional storytelling. Even six years ago I knew there was something special about this film and now I can see why.

She was the daughter of a king, the sister of a king, the wife of a king... and the lover of an enemy.

Thrown into a political marriage of convenience by her ruthlessly power-hungry family, the beautiful Margot soon finds herself hopelessly drawn into their murderous affairs. It's then she realizes that her only hope of escape lies somewhere between the heroic soldier who loves her and the enemy husband who could save her!

I have a deep love of French cinema, especially when they turn to period pieces and Queen Margot is an excellent example of how to do things right. All of the ingredients are there. Firstly, the exceptional and interesting story, beautifully told. It holds viewers interest throughout its lengthy running time and gives them another perspective on several important historical events. The lavish production, including the beautiful camera work takes you away from the modern day and into a world of opposites. Of extreme and opulent wealth to squalor and poverty. The performances by a well known cast is also amazing. With stalwarts like Isabelle Adjani, Jean – Hughes Anglade, Daniel Auteuil and Vincent Perez doing their utmost to make these people leap off the screen.

Queen Margot is truly a cinematic experience and now we have a fine DVD version available locally so more people can see this remarkable film.

THE TRANSFER

Video:

The film is presented in 1.78:1 16x9 widescreen and looks really good. The image is clear and well defined and there is plenty of detail on offer. This really comes to the fore when you consider all the period details this allows you to look at and revel in. There really aren’t any major discrepancies with the picture which makes for a welcome relief given some other DVDs of the film come rife with grain. Wonderful.

Audio:

Not the most impressive soundtrack in the world but it gets the job done. The DD 2.0 French track sounds nice and clear and all of the dialogue is audible and syncs up well. The score itself is a nice blend of styles and although it could benefit from the 5.1 field it is still well represented in this mix and certainly plays its part. Nice.

THE EXTRAS

Just some trailers and filmographies.

SUMMARY

This is a truly remarkable film and one of the great French films of recent times. It is lavish and epic in scope while delivering a personal story that resonates no matter when you hear it or who you are.