Review: A Royal Romance William & Kate DVD

STUDIO: Inception Media
RELEASE DATE: 4/12/2011 | PRICE: DVD $14.98
BONUSES: none
SPECS: Not rated | 52 min. | Biography | 1.78:1 aspect ratio | Dolby Digital 2.0 audio

RATINGS (out of 5 dishes): Movie | Audio | Video | Overall

The title A Royal Romance is deceiving for this documentary, clearly designed to attract fans of the tabloid stories that follow every move of Prince William and Kate Middleton. But the film is much more and will appeal to anyone with an interest in the royal family and the ups and downs of their lives.

Originally titled Destiny: An Unauthorized Story On Prince William, this biography is not just a look at the romance between Prince William and his bride, but also an examination of the man who most likely will be king. From his first public appearance as a baby in the arms of Princess Diana, through his grief over his mother’s untimely death and his dedication to charitably organizations, the film covers all aspects of Will’s life.

And, of course, there’s plenty about his relationship with Kate, from their living together in college, her dealings with the papparazzi, their breakup and eventual reunion and engagement.

For fans clamoring to know more about the woman who will most likely be queen, this isn’t the documentary for them. This one focuses on William, but judging by the information in the film, that’s exactly the way he would prefer it. Blaming papparazzi as partly responsible for his mother’s death, we’re told that William has been careful to shield Kate from them as much as he can.

The program has a decidedly TV feel, with very forced, unnatural narration by Laurie Atlas. But its goal is to look at the couple’s relationship in the context of the history of the royal family. It delves into the most recent royal weddings, pointing out the difficulties of being a married couple in the spotlight as most of the royal marriages fail. Hope goes out for William and Kate.

Watching this documentary, it made me think how similar this couple’s story is to William’s grandmother, a commoner who turned down two marriage proposals to the future King George VI (the same one shown in The King’s Speech) because of the public life she would have to endure. This is perhaps one of the reasons why the Queen Mom was so well loved. Seeing old footage of them, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Di and others is what makes this documentary so charming.

And with Prince William’s grace and sensitivity toward charities, it’s clear why he is becoming as loved as his mother.

The BBC’s coverage of the wedding ceremony will be released in the DVD The Royal Wedding: William & Catherine on May 24.