After all the celebrations of the last few weeks Network Distribution present us with a brilliant look back in time.
We view history in black and white but live through it in colour and never more so than events we ourselves have been alive to witness or have been told about by our parents.
This is especially true of a monarch, the most famous woman in the world who has sat on the British throne for sixty years, Queen Elizabeth the Second.
I was but someone in the future when the Queen was crowned but she as a figure has been on the throne all of my life.
Her Coronation which we celebrate this year was the first televised coronation in history.
That medium still in its infancy witnessed and recorded history in black and white.
In that magical little box in our living room a young woman was crowned and entered into our daily lives.
On grainy images history played out and there she is forever fixed in the radiant bloom of her youth as a new Queen and head of state.
Unknown at the time and very much by way of experiment the Coronation was recorded in colour film
Glimpses of that footage has surfaced over the years and has wetted the appetites of fans of history and the Monarchy.
In the Jubilee year we now have this mesmerising film of the Coronation and what a delight and revelation it is to watch
Filmed in glorious colour in razor sharp picture definition the film is a triumph of production, elegance and craft.
Narrated with great authority and charm Lord Olivier commands in elucidating the events that are presented to us.We are advised and educated as to the religious and historical significance of the words and actions of the Coronation.
Music is provided by Sir William Walton.
This film provides insight into the woman who is Queen and why she is loyal to her “duty”.
If you want to know why The Queen is so popular and respected look at this film.
Her story and that of her Nation during her sixty years on the throne started her
Moving and enjoyable this film held me as a proud Irishman mesmerised and in awe of a figure I respect and consider being of exemplary character and poise.
Every home in the United Kingdom should have a copy of this important film.
Long may she reign.
A Queen is Crowned (DVD) Network Distribution