Search - Mrs. Brown on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Adult Situations Movie Release: 1997 DVD Release: 06/15/1999 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 45 mins Studio: Miramax Members Wishing: 34 Genres: Drama, Historical Film, Romance, Romantic Drama, Period Film, British Empire Film

The ruler of England discovers the value of common friendship in this historical drama. After the death of her husband Prince Albert, Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) is despondent, and she remains in mourning for two years after Albert's passing. When one of her servants suggests that a daily ride on horseback might be a tonic for the Queen's health and spirits, a Scotsman named John Brown (Billy Connolly) is hired as her guide and groom. At first, the Queen shows no interest in riding, though Brown readies a horse for her each day; finally, after several days, Mr. Brown speaks frankly to the Queen, announcing, "Honest to God, I never thought I'd see you in such a state!" While her court is shocked, the Queen is refreshed that someone would speak to her so directly. Soon the Queen is riding with Mr. Brown every morning, and she discovers him to be a friend and confidante who will speak to her as a person and not as a potentate. However, many are shocked by their relationship, believing that the commoner Mr. Brown is using his friendship for political advantage -- or worse, that he's become her lover. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Judi Dench - Queen Victoria
Billy Connolly - John Brown
Geoffrey Palmer - Henry Ponsonby
Antony Sher - Disraeli
David Westhead - Prince of Wales
Gerard Butler - Archie Brown

This single-layered widescreen letterbox (1.85:1) film comes with Dolby 2.0 Surround, closed captioning, and a theatrical trailer, but no other special features. In the "Bonus Materials" selection are the trailer and some advertising for three other films (including a teaser video for one of them). The plastic keep case includes a glossy insert with a chapter listing. About 60 seconds of ads and warnings dominate the start of the film. Sound quality is crisp but nondirectional and includes a persistent background hiss that lasts throughout the film. Color contrast is minimally adequate, with black smudginess and a fuzzy details in many scenes; in others, very bright surfaces and shades contrast unpleasantly with very dark ones. ~ Craig Chalquist, All Movie Guide