Mary Queen Of Scots 4K Ultra HD

"Mary Queen Of Scots" explores the turbulent life of the charismatic Mary Scott (Ronan). Queen of France at 16, widowed at 18, Mary defies pressure to re-marry and instead returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. By birth, she also has a rival claim to the throne of Elizabeth I (Robbie), who rules as the Queen of England. Determined to rule as much more than a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth's sovereignty. Rivals in power and love, the two Queens make very difficult choices about marriage and children. Betrayal, rebellion and conspiracies within each court imperil both Queens, driving them apart, as each woman experiences the bitter cost of power (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Director Josie Rourke and Composer Max Richter, the featurettes "An Epic Confrontation," "Something About Mary," and "Tudor Feminism"; upfront previews; and a Movies Anywhere digital code.

The 2.39:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD HDR10/Dolby Vision picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, was photographed digitally using the Panavision Millennium DXL and Red Helium camera systems and sourced from a 2K (not 4K) master Digital Intermediate format. As the 2K Digital Intermediate has been upconverted to 2160p, there is no real gain in native resolution. The picture exhibits a very natural appearance.The color palette produces the natural with no hue exaggerated, even with Mary's bright dress. Hue differences, such as fine shadings, are easily discerned. Fabrics, as with the clothing worn by the Queens and men in Mary's court, are incredibly visual. Fleshtones are perfectly natural. HDR contrast is perfectly balanced with natural black levels, resolved shadows, and natural brights. The scene in the farmhouse of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth exhibits cinematography that is impressive. Resolution is superb, exhibiting fine detail throughout. Nuances in facial features and heads, fabrics, weapons and object texture are excellent. WOW! segments are from 03:25 to 04:53, 10:05 to 10:37, 12:36 to 13:30, 22:43 to 23:22, 01:00:02 to 01:01:23, 01:24:26 to 01:25:34, 01:40:50 to 01:51:31 and 01:51:52 to 01:56:24. This is a very cinematic picture with a naturally warm and rich color palette and imagery that is incredibly engaging for a reference experience. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is nuanced throughout with superb Foley sound effects and a dynamic orchestral/choral score. The music envelops the soundfield with a wide soundstage, strong surround extension, and depth and dynamics. Atmospherics abound in both the natural settings and the interiors of the stone buildings. The march of horses, the rustles of fighting men, a rain storm, birds, a stabbing, and other numerous segments are wonderfully articulated. Sound effects such as the reverberation in halls with Queen Eliizabeth and Queen Mary and their courts are nicely and effectively aggressive during numerous segments while subtle throughout the other segments. Deep bass extension sounds natural and at times the .1 LFE energizes to 25 Hz, such as an explosion. Dialogue is ADR during many scenes and wanting in spatial integration. Dialogue in other scenes is integrated, and Mary's narration is well positioned forward.

The Immersive Sound element consists of a strong extension of the music, a ringing bell, men in hallway mumbles, a flying chirping bird, atmospheric low-level din, wind, a wedding announcement and dinner chatter, rain, a drum roll, a scream, a shouting crowd of men, and other low-level ambient sounds.

This soundtrack perfectly complements the period and the settings that combine, to produce a wonderful holosonic® experience. (Gary Reber)