Production Year: 2007 - Drama - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Gabrielle Anwar, Henry Czerny, Jeremy Northam, Sam Neill, Jonathan Rhys Meyers more
Focusing on the early years of King Henry VIII's reign, THE TUDORS looks at the colourful personal life and tremendously influential political life of the monarch. King Henry VIII... more
controversial, yet compelling period piece, that dramatically tells the story of the early years of King Henry VIII. Not for nothing though has it attracted its fa...
controversial, yet compelling period piece, that dramatically tells the story of the early years of King Henry VIII. Not for nothing though has it attracted its fa...
King Henry VIII's infamous 40-year reign. With a lust for power and an appetite for love this young Monarch (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) rules his kingdom as he lives...
the lusty King Henry VIII during his early reign.Special Features * On Set with the Tudors: Three Scenes in Production * Henry's Magnificent Palace: An Exclusive Tour of Hampton Court * To Play a Pope * Love and Passion in Tudor Times * Soul Queen meets Tudor King: Joss Stone as Anne of Cleves * *Artwork Subject To Change
Tudors is a controversial, yet compelling period piece, that dramatically tells the story of the early years of King Henry VIII. Not for nothing, though, has it attracted its fair share of awards attention. ForThe Tudorsis a complex drama, and not one to simplify its storylines. The young Henry, for instance, is exploring his muddled romances and his insecurities, against the challenges his kingdom is facing. Its a plate-full for him to deal with, and in the hands of a superb performance from Jonathan Rhys Meyers--a real revelation in the role--as the young Henry, its all vividly and skillfully knitted together.But The Tudors isnt just about its central character, for theres a terrific supporting cast at work too. Sam Neills Cardinal Wolsey, Jeremy Northams Thomas More and Natalie Dormers Ann Boleyn are just some who earn plaudits here. Behind the camera theres the pen of Elizabeth writer Michael Hirst at work, and he too deserves much credit, clearly getting his teeth into the fascinating subject matter.The Tudorsis, undoubtedly, a graphic production, and earns its 15 certificate comfortably. Its also been knocked for the liberties it takes with its history when putting its story across, with some justification. But its also most certainly terrific television, mixing in high production values with strong performances. In short, the ten episodes here will simply have you thirsting for the next series. Not before youve re-watchedSeason Onea few times, though... --Jon FosterSeason 2The Tudors: Season 2begins with all the passion, violence and dark intrigue of the award-winning first series. King Henry (the dashing Jonathan Rhys Meyers) has appointed himself head of the Church of England. Meanwhile, upon the insistence of Anne Boleyn (Natalie Dormer), Henry breaks all contacts with Katherine and the noble Queen is banished from her court. Furthermore, a cook is blackmailed into poisoning a high-ranking bishop--then boiled alive for his crime. The Reformation has begun.
Drama - Director: Martin Scorsese, Dennis Hopper - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Harvey Keitel, Albert Brooks, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson, Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper
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Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 1981 - Drama - Director: Franco Zeffirelli - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Brooke Shields, Martin Hewitt, Shirley Knight, Don Murray, Richard Kiley, Penelope Milford, Beatrice Straight
A review by Entwife on The Tudors - Series 1 - Complete (DVD) January 13th, 2008
Author's product rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Loved it
Story
Good
Characters / Performances
Outstanding
Special Effects
Standard
How does it compare to similar films?
Good
Advantages:
lush, seductive and enthralling
Disadvantages:
more style than substance, historical inaccuracies
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
This four disc set offers up the tension, power, and lush sensuality of England's monarchy during the 1500's like pale flesh against dark and bejeweled velvet. Showtime's series, The Tudors, delivers a lavish feast for viewers. The settings, the complex and unique costuming, the stellar array of talent that moves each scene, like the next course in an impossibly well-choreographed fete, even the grace of dramatic lighting conjoins within this show to assemble a magical meal before our wondering eyes.
However, this banquet... like cakes with Queen Mab, doesn't always satisfy and is often more dream than reality. Those looking for true and consistent historical accuracy will not be satisfied by the Tudors savory but hollow sustenance. I could bewail the creative drift, and I won't deny that we have fun afterward discussing the differences between truth and fiction, much as we did after watching another lush and semi-historical series by another studio.
This succulent meal comes with a few unhealthy tidbits, but the momentary indigestion really doesn't make you regret the meal. Ultimately, Tudors is a wonderfully refreshing and appetizing celebration compared to the bland and tasteless fare usually found on television. I could not possibly find enough superlatives to describe in detail the piquant talents combined here. An intoxicating Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, indulgent Sam Neill, fateful Jeremy Northam, riotous Gabrielle Anwar, flawless Natalie Dormer, and bittersweet Maria Doyle Kennedy are just a few of the exuberant talents whose unique performances help comprise our illusory repast.
Season one begins with Henry the VIII's signing of the "Treaty of Universal Peace" and ends with Cardinal Wolsey facing Henry's justice. Between those two events are spread generous portions of intrigue, manipulation, powerful attractions, personal and political disaster, like an infinitely intricate and unfolding puzzle of lives and choices. Truly, a breathtaking sensual feast just waiting for you to pull up a chair and dig in!
extras:
This isn't a bare bones edition, but it doesn't offer a wealth of treasures in the Special Features area either. One commentary, and I was actually quite disappointed at finding not a single deleted scene. The Tudors: Production is a 4 minute featurette on production design, and The Tudors: Wardrobe is a 5 minute featurette on a wardrobe that could have easily been an hour long discussion. Both are distressingly brief, and unsatisfying as extras. I love to sew and I'm especially fond of Medieval fashions. The costumes in the first episode alone could have been a half hour study for me! The Tudors: Locations is a bit better at a 22 minute run time. Professional tour guide, Kevin Conroy, gives us a historical glimpse of London and some of the places that influenced the life of Henry the VIII.
While it was nice of Showtime to include free episodes of Californication, This American Life and Penn & Teller B.S.!, it would have been far more satisfying and enticing to me as a consumer if due attention had been paid to the extras of this show. Don't try to sell me on another product if you haven't fully met my desire to explore the intricacies of the show that originally caught my attention.
final thoughts:
Perhaps Showtime should consider supporting the wonderfully seductive gloss they've given this historically inspired show with more substance? Explicit sexual content does not change historical facts, I don't care how good the sex is! Season one certainly captures the attention and even offers some alluring performances for viewers. I have been particularly enjoying Natalie Dormer as Anne Boelyn and Maria Doyle Kennedy as Catherine of Aragon. Both are very strong women in their own ways in a time that did not favor women of any sort.
However, inexplicable departures from perfectly interesting historical facts, and erratic jumps in time from one episode to the next that span months without any warning could be serious drawbacks if the series is to continue evolving. This show is often compared to the wildly popular HBO series, Rome, and they do share certain key elements. I would hate to see Showtime repeat the errors of Rome though. Entertain us, yes, but keep us reasonably apprised of the passage of time and stick to the facts because that's what audiences want from a historical drama. Perhaps the most important note from Showtime to consumers is to keep it affordable! No matter how much I enjoy or desire to own a particular series or film on DVD, I will not buy it if it is not reasonable to my family budget.
Season one was nominated for four Emmies ("Outstanding Art Direction for a Single Camera Series", and "Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series"), and walked away with two well-deserved awards for "Outstanding Costumes for a Series" and "Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music". Lavish, captivating, brimming with talent and truly entertaining, The Tudors is well worth the viewing for those who enjoy historical drama... just don't expect a lot of accuracy.
Handled properly, each course of this tale could be served to perfection. Additional seasons could right the shows few key missteps, and successfully evolve into some of the most potent entertainment ever offered on television. The Tudors could easily reset standards for historical dramas in years to come, and I find myself thinking... Huzzah! and long live the King!
Advantages: historic truth, great soundtrack, exceptional acting Disadvantages: none
I was reading the work of one of the finest British historic novelists, regarding Henry VIII's six marriages when I heard about the TV series itself. I purchased the DVD immediately and watched the first part, season one, over and over again. For me it was a unique sensation, like travelling back in time. The locations, the costumes, the lively, natural acting are at least astonishing. I enjoyed the high quality of the images and the exceptional ... ...actually experiences and feels at the same time with the characters. The series starts with King Henry's youth. Jonathan Rhys Meyers was the perfect choice for the king's character, because historically speaking, Henry VIII was indeed until his late 30s a prototype of male beauty. He is a young, dashing king, who's married to Catherine of Aragon, the daughter of Isabela of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, six years his senior. The film gradually ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Stunning costumes, great performances from the cast, juicy scandal Disadvantages: historically inaccurate in places, may be too showy for some viewers
...told that many people felt the series was too raunchy. However, before the end of the first episode I had cast this scepticism aside and thoroughly immersed myself in the spirit of the show.
Aspects of the show may be historically inaccurate; particularly the modern twists to the costumes and the glamorous cast members who look nothing like their portraits but both are thoroughly enjoyable to watch none the less. The theatrical costumes are beautiful ... ...detailing are very clear.
The basic storyline is a well-known one in which Henry VIII falls in love with Anne Boleyn and must find a way to divorce Katherine of Aragon in order for him to marry Anne. Although we know what will happen, this production keeps the viewer enthralled by re-telling this story with as much scandal and theatre as possible. Anne Boleyn's father also does a very good job of making the viewer dislike him.
Thoroughly enjoyable ...
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12.05.2009
The Tudors Review ofThe Tudors - Series 1 - Complete (DVD)by
barberanna72
Advantages: Brilliant insight into the Tudor History Disadvantages: Quite explicit in places
...all those people interested in the Tudor History, this is a must.
Cast:-
King Henry VIII - Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Cardinal thomas Wolsey - Sam Neill
Sir Thomas More - Jeffrey Notham
1st Duke Suffolk - Henry Cavill
Anne Boelyn - Natalie Dormer
Queen Katherine of Aragon - Maria Doyle Kennedy
And a few more....
Once you can get past the fact that King Henry is young, handsome and nothing like you see in any portraits, this drama is a pleasure ... ...at 9.00pm. It covers the entire history of Henry VIII while married to Katherine of Aragon and trying to get a divorce so he can marry Anne Boelyn. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey is under immense pressure from Henry to persuade the Catholic Church to grant him this divorce. This will obviously lead to the creation of the Church of England. Meanwhile, Henry continues to carry on with Anne. Henry has great respect for Katherine but is desperate to have his ...
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Plot: Focusing on the early years of King Henry VIII's reign, THE TUDORS looks at the colourful personal life and tremendously influential political life of the monarch.
Release details
DVD Region: DVD, Blu-ray
Studio(s): SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT; CINRAM LOGISTICS
Languages
Main Language: English
Subtitle Language: Greek, Hindi, English
DVD Description
Focusing on the early years of King Henry VIII's reign, THE TUDORS looks at the colourful personal life and tremendously influential political life of the monarch. King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) was obsessed with having a male heir, which led to him marrying six times. Rome's decision not to grant him a divorce led to him taking on the power of the Catholic Church, changing Christianity forever in England. Features all ten episodes of the first series.
Technical information
Special Features: Cast and crew interviews
Aspect Ratio: 1.78 Anamorphic Wide Screen, 1.78 HD Widescreen
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1, PCM 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1
Professional reviews
Review: ...So juicy that you couldn't have made it up (The Times, 06/11/2007)
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Listed on Ciao since : 14/08/2007
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