The Windsors: From George to Kate

Inspired by the renewed interest in the pomp and spectacle of the British royal family in the wake of the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, The Windsors: From George to Kate—narrated by actor Brian Blessed—reviews the 100-year history of the House of Windsor, from King George V to the long reign of Elizabeth II. Viewers will learn that the family's German roots were a distinct disadvantage in the days leading up to World War I, and so the name “Windsor” was adopted to make them seem more English. Writer-director Robert Garofalo covers much of the ensuing familial drama, including the abdication crisis of George VI, scandalous divorces, and the death of Princess Diana in a Paris car crash. Unfortunately, most of the material consists of old newsreel footage (of processions, nuptials, and coronations), the narration suffers from gushing overtones, and little new information or insight is presented. We learn that the monarchy has been required to accept changes as it gradually adapts to modern society, including greater media access to the Windsors' daily lives; nevertheless, as the program notes, the British monarchy remains a bulwark of stability in an increasingly fractured and turbulent world. DVD extras include archival footage of George VI, clips from Will and Kate's wedding, text bios, and a 16-page viewer's guide. Since this is still likely to appeal to die-hard Anglophiles, it's a strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (S. Rees)