Fiction
DVD
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1 videodisc (118 min.) : sound, color ; 4 3/4 in
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Originally produced as a British motion picture in 2010
"The King's Speech" presents a sideways glance at a crucial period in 20th-century history--as the monumentally awkward Prince Albert, or Bertie, becomes King George VI unexpectedly in 1936 when his older brother Edward VIII abdicates to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson. In imperial Britain between the wars, that was problem enough, but Bertie suffered from a chronic stammer that made his public appearances painful for everyone. In an age of radio, the monarch has become a symbol, which means that the King speaks to his people--regularly. Bertie and his wife, the high-spirited Princess Elizabeth find their way to an Australian-born speech therapist and amateur actor named Lionel Logue. Logue isn't a doctor, has no academic credentials, and is viewed by proper authorities as a charlatan. Oddly enough, each of these men is a desperate misfit badly in need of a new friend and a bit more self-esteem. A real friend, it seems, was exactly the medicine the future king required
Special features: Feature commentary with director Tom Hooper [audio feature]; Featurette The king's speech: an inspirational story of an unlikely friendship (24 min.); Q & A with the director and cast (22 min.); Speeches from the real King George VI (8 min.); The real Lionel Logue (11 min.); The Stuttering Foundation (public service announcement) (1 min.); Previews (4 min.)
Cinematography, Danny Cohen ; editor, Tariq Anwar ; music, Alexandre Desplat
Colin Firth, Derek Jacobi, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter
MPAA rating: R; for some language
DVD, region 1; NTSC; anamorphic widescreen presentation; Dolby Digital surround 5.1
In English, with optional subtitles in Spanish subtitles; English for the hearing impaired
Academy Awards, 2011: Best Picture (Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, Producers); Best Actor in a Leading Role (Colin Firth); Best Director (Tom Hooper); Best Writing (Original Screenplay) (Screenplay by David Seidler)
Golden Globe Awards, 2011: Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama (Colin Firth)
BAFTA Film Awards, 2011: Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music (Alexandre Desplat); Best Screenplay (Original) (David Seidler); Best Supporting Actor (Geoffrey Rush); Best Supporting Actress (Helena Bonham Carter); Best Actor (Colin Firth); Best Film (Gareth Unwin, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Producers); Alexander Korda Award for Outstanding British Film of the Year
Screen Actors Guild, 2011: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role (Colin Firth); Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture