Empires: Queen Victoria's Empire

This series offers an engaging portrait of the Queen who ruled over one-fifth of the world's population for 64 years, as well as influential figures who shaped British imperialism: Gladstone, Disraeli, Livingstone, Rhodes, and Prince Albert. Personal accounts, re-enactments, and cinematography from imperial outposts recount the dramatic clash of personalities and cultures during Victoria's remarkable reign. Donald Sutherland narrates.

another awesome pbs empire entry finally on dvd

donald sutherland ably narrates arguably england's greatest age and longest-lived dour queen and her renowned attendant p.m.s during one of its most profitable and controversial eras. the chronicles of the sceptered isle's victorian era is definitely recommended for initiates to this kingdom and its tentacles covering the globe. March 10, 2008

A hit!

The Empires series is all over the place:

SUPERB:
Napoleon

GOOD:
Martin Luther
Islam
The Greeks

ALRIGHT:
The Medici
Peter&Paul
Japan
The Kingdom of David

SNORE-FEST:
Egypt
Rome

So I didn't know WHAT to expect from Queen Victoria. But I really enjoyed it. It's one of the best of the Empires series: The Crystal Palace, The Crimean War, Dr. Livingston, India, The Boer war, The Diamond mines etc. Very informative and entertaining.

One other thing: why is Donald Sutherland narrating this thing? Of all people, can they not get someone British? January 28, 2008

definitely worth watching

As a professor of Victorian literature, I think this film is quite good. It astutely captures the complexity of Queen Victoria, 19th-century Britain, and empire building. The level of detail is impressive, and it's incredibly informative. August 31, 2006

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