The King’s Speech Blu-ray review

            The King’s Speech is a very likeable film. I can completely understand why it won Best Picture at this year’s Academy Award ceremony, and I can also understand why it was released with language removed for the opportunity of a wider audience and a lesser rating. I can’t say I agree with either of these decisions entirely, but I can completely understand them, because The King’s Speech is a very likeable film.

            The film follows the true story of King George VI (Colin Firth) and his work to overcome a lifelong speech impediment. After having seen countless doctors with no help whatsoever, it is his understanding wife Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) who finds the eccentric speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush). This relationship begins tenuously, but the success of the strange methods keeps King George coming back.

            There are several events which make it of significant importance that the King be able to speak without the impediment, seeming as strong of a leader as he actually is. The invention of the radio and recording devices makes it so that he is aired to the entire country, and these speeches are heard by all of his people. With the threat of war looming and rumors of Adolf Hitler’s power, it is even more important that King George be able to appear confident and competent.

            The Blu-ray includes an audio commentary with director Tom Hooper, along with a making-of featurette and a Q&A with Hooper and the cast. There is also actual footage of speeches from the real King George VI.