ROYAL PAINTBOX: ARTISTS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY

 

THE PLOT THUS FAR

For the first time on film, HRH The Prince of Wales reveals an extraordinary treasure trove of rarely seen art by members of the Royal Family past and present, exploring a colorful palette of intimate family memory and observation. Shot in the spectacular landscapes of Balmoral, Highgrove, Windsor Castle, Frogmore, and Osborne House, Royal Paintbox features art by members of the Royal Family down the centuries including some of HRH The Prince of Wales’s own watercolors. The film also features artist Sarah Armstrong-Jones, along with contributions from Lady Antonia Fraser, Jane Roberts, Charles Saumarez Smith, Marina Warner, Jane Ridley, Catherine Goodman, Susannah Fiennes, Warwick Fuller, and Countess Mountbatten of Burma.

WHAT WE THOUGHT

“Royal Paintbox” focuses on Prince Charles opening up archives and showing off the various royal paintings throughout the years. While some might expect to see portraits of the Royal Family, what we get are random family members who dappled in art. Hell, you even get to see some Prince Charles’ originals. If Dubya can do it, then why not ol’ Frumpy? That being said, it’s 71 minutes of getting an art tour from an old British man.

There is something amazing about capturing art history like this. While these events very rarely happen, the novelty of Royal art gets old at the 30 minute marker. Hell, I was hearing about Royal that I didn’t know existed. The only way it could’ve lasted longer is if they set it to a Lorde loop. But, I guess the HRH is too classy for that. I did enjoy the landscapes presented in the documentary, but they were more interstitial bumpers.

The DVD comes with bonus scenes, trailers and related material as the special features. The standard definition transfer is crisp enough. The Dolby track is a supportive surround mix. It’s typical for most documentaries. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to fans.

RELEASE DATE: 09/16/2014