The First Churchills DVD Review

***Complimentary copy received in exchange for an honest review***

Based on Sir Winston Churchill’s biography of his ancestors the first Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, the addictive BBC drama The First Churchills arrives to DVD from Acorn on June 4, 2013. Emmy®-nominated for Outstanding Drama Series (1971), the classic miniseries follows the couple from their budding romance in the bawdy court of King Charles II through five tumultuous decades and five Stuart monarchs. The series launched Masterpiece Theatre as the venue for acclaimed British productions and stars John Neville (The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, The X-Files), Susan Hampshire (Monarch of the Glen, The Pallisers) in an Emmy®-winning performance, and Margaret Tyzack (I, Claudius) in a BAFTA-winning role. Now with SDH subtitles and slimmer packaging, the reissued DVD 3-disc set contains all 12 episodes, plus an exclusive interview with Susan Hampshire (19 min.), photo gallery, and 10-page insert with a sampling of the Churchills’ real love letters ($59.99, AcornOnline.com).

At a time when most marriages were motivated by money and position, Sarah Jennings and John Churchill married for love. Their union lasted through long lives spent at the epicenter of political power in 17th- and 18th-century England. He was a military genius who never lost a battle; she was the intimate friend of a queen. The series co-stars Sheila Gish (Mansfield Park), and Arthur Pentelow (Emmerdale).

Bonus: Exclusive interview with Susan Hampshire (19 min.); photo gallery; and 10-page insert with a sampling of the Churchills’ real love letters, glossary of historical figures and terms, and House of Stuart family tree

Street: June 4, 2013              SRP: $59.99

DVD 3-Disc Set: 12 episodes - Approx. 532 min., plus bonus - SDH subtitles

My Thoughts  

The First Churchills is a realistic step back in time and a true story so wrought with intrigue, it needs no embellishments. It has all the qualities I look for in entertainment--romance, mystery, and adventure. You are plunged into the world of Duke and Duchess of Marlborough as they fight for survival in a world that is drastically changing all around them. The characters bring forth rich and diverse personalities from sad and lonely queens to political tyrants. The beautiful sets, the elegant costumes, and the suburb acting are blended to give you historical accuracy rarely seem in film. The First Churchills is a classic that any history buff is going to want to watch. The DVD also includes some great extras, including interviews and behind the scenes info.

 If you are interested in checking out The First Churchills DVD set for yourself, it is available at Acorn Media for the low price of $39.99. Check it out today and get immersed in a great drama. You won't be disappointed.



***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way. ***