When it comes to going for Oscar gold, making period British movies is usually as safe a bet as any. And this year looks to be no different. The Best Actor statuette is practically Colin Firth’s to lose in The King’s Speech, with plenty of other awards within grasp for the $73 million grossing flick.
After the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon) and the scandalous abdication of his brother King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce), Bertie (Colin Firth) – who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life – is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually forge a genuine friendship. Through this unexpected bond, the new monarch will overcome his stammer to find his voice, inspire his people, and rally the world. THE KING’S SPEECH is cinematic royalty: a magnificent production, studded with glittering performances, based on a true story of friendship, triumph and, ultimately, glory.
You still have a chance at catching the Tom Hooper-directed film in theaters as The Weinstein Company makes that big push for glory; but, in case you don’t, you won’t have too long to wait for the home release. Hitting Blu-ray and DVD on April 19th, 2011, The King’s Speech includes an audio commentary with director Tom Hooper, a 20-minute “Making Of The King’s Speech,” archival footage of the actual King George VI, and more.
Presented by Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company, The King’s Speech Blu-ray will retail for $39.99 while the DVD will go for $29.98.