The Duke

"The Duke" is set in 1961 when Kempton Bunton (Jim Broadbent), a 60-year-old taxi driver, stole Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. It was the first (and remains the only) theft in the Gallery's history. Kempton sent ransom noes saying that he would return the painting on condition that the government agreed to provide television for free to the elderly. What happened next became the stuff of legend. Only 50 years later did the full story emerge –– a startling revelation of how a good man set out to change the world and, in son doing, saved his son and his marriage. (Gary Reber)

Special features include a making-of featurette (HD 02:50), theatrical trailer and upfront previews.

The 2.39:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, upconverted to 2160p with greater resolution and luminance, was photographed digitally and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. The color palette is strongly saturated throughout. with a very darkly hued presence. Primaries pop such as the red of a telephone booth and London buses. Hues are warm and rich. Flesh tones appear natural. Contrast is generally good though black levels appear deep but crushed. Likewise shadows lack definition. Bright day light scenes and well-lit interior scenes are wonderfully realistic. Resolution is excellent with fine detail exhibited in revealing facial features, especially closeups of lines, pores, and hair. Clothing threads are nicely detailed. Object textures also are finely detailed. Environments, such as inside the Bunton's home are realistic. This is a rather beautiful picture that nails the time period. Image quality is pleasing and appealing for its warmth and often excellent clarity and textural sharpness. (Gary Reber).

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1-channel soundtrack is dialogue focused with excellent English pronouncement. Dialogue is nicely integrated spatially. Sound effects enhance the realism as well as the convincing atmospherics. There is a superb jazz score as well as other orchestrations including choral segments, all with excellent instrumental clarity. The soundfield is enveloped with an aggressive surround presence. This is a wonderful soundtrack that is full of English humor and dialogue execution. Fidelity is excellent. This holosonic® soundtrack is fun and engaging. (Gary Reber)