portobellolinda Faultless. I have been watching this series recently on YouTube and I cannot find one single aspect of it to whinge about. The portrayal of Elizabeth 1 is utterly breathtaking. The costumes perfect, lighting ditto, direction magnificent. The entire series is, for me, a sign that when everything is in place and knows its place - its been done with such skill that the expertise doesn't show, like a dancer on pointe, its seemingly effortless and yet, therein is its craft. The script is magnificent and one feels that the characters would approve of their portrayal. This character has been portrayed countless times yet, this series from the 1970's though showing its slip of age just a little, remains absolutely THE best.When the actress went into politics, I felt like shouting 'No...she's the queen!' Glenda Jackson is stunning, her face precisely shot from varying angles to accentuate her authority, her voice marvelous as she bellows out and acts the churlish girl when confronted by the possibilities of marriage. A wonderful cast. This is probably, for me, the most perfect historical drama ever made for television.

GalaxyGal I'm not rating it so low because it was bad; I just can't remember all the details. "Elizabeth R" was one of the first miniseries on WGBH-TV's "Masterpiece Theatre" in 1971 (the other was, if I remember right, "The Six Wives of Henry VIII"--appropriate that, really). I was 10 years old, watching on an incredibly small black-and-white portable TV, but I knew what I wanted--those costumes. I wanted those incredibly lush, ornamented, heavy, hot, corseted gowns that Elizabeth wore as queen. Since then, I have always been attracted to 'period' films, historical re-enactments, and Shakespeare (but that's a whole 'nother topic).The costume designer on "Elizabeth R" was Janet Arnold, one of the first well-known clothing historians and researchers. Her research and publications changed the way historical costumes have been treated in movies since then. If you have any question about the truth of my statement, rent "Shakespeare in Love" and pay attention to the garb. It holds for fantasy movies as well--Peter Jackson knew very well that "The Lord of the Rings" would succeed or fail based on how real he could make Middle-Earth.About Elizabeth I: There are many movies about her, and many great actresses have played her--from Bette Davis, to Glenda Jackson (here), to Dame Judi Dench (SiL), to Helen Mirren, in 2006's Showtime entry, "Elizabeth." Depending on the era in which the movie was made, some events are highlighted, others downplayed. Just watching any of these films is a treat.I don't know if there are added features about the costumes in the DVD package of "Elizabeth R;" it's on my short list of films to get. I hope it holds up to scrutiny after all these years; it made a lasting impression on me when I first saw it.

August1991 I bought this DVD collection because of reviews here and elsewhere. I enjoyed 'A Man For All Seasons' and 'Elizabeth'. So, I attentively watched all episodes of this series.If you're new to high-end BBC dramatic series, you must understand that production design stops at costumes. The sets are studio flimsy. I found the dialogue to be modern Shakespearean pretentious. (No one in fact knows what words Elizabeth spoke nor with what accent she spoke them.)I pity any student forced to watch this series. But I strongly recommend it to anyone, captivated by a history book, and dreaming to see the characters on a screen. And while I prefer the series "Claudius" and "Les Rois Maudits", I have to admit something: Glenda Jackson's play is a tour de force. Ultimately, this series is worth it because of her. Margaret Thatcher said that she went home some days and cried. Acting, Glenda Jackson makes this comprehensible.

rcole1958 Don't be put of by the typical BBC production values, this mini-series is astounding in its scope.If you don't know much about Queen Elizabeth before watching this series, spend an hour reading brief sketches on her father Henry VIII and mother Ann Boleyn. Also, be sure to read about Elizabeth's younger brother Edward and older sister Mary, both of whom who preceeded her as England's King and Queen, respectively.You may have to look hard for a copy of the series, or ask your library to find it for you, but it will a wonderful 9 hours of viewing.