Kingdom Of War. Parts One & Two (2011/Magnolia/MagNet Blu-ray)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C     Film: C+

 

 

Based on the historical hero King Naresuan, the Siamese boy King who liberated his people from Burma comes Kingdom Of War now on Blu-ray.  In a nation full of nobility fighting one another for the crown, backstabbing and betraying each other while the people suffered, Naresuan through his wisdom and guidance faced incredible odds and survived to reform its people and its nation.
 
The boy who would be king, Naresuan was taken away as a 'hostage' to live his early years of his life in the monetary as monk.  He would later grow into a man, and showed military prowess in the field to overcome difficult odds, but unlike all previous rulers he did not fight to rule or take it all for himself.  In the end he united his people and shows them how to live not under any foreign or unjust power.
 
Based on the historical events of Siam's hero/legend, Naresuan is seen as a liberator from the ancient rule of the kings.  That the divine right of kings was anything but divine and the kings, princes before him ruled with an iron hand, they were cruel with their power, and it stemmed from the abuse of their power to make others fear them, and then subjugate to them.  Naresuan who was raised by monk was instead raised in humility learn how not to be corrupted by power, wealth, or money.  As he grew to a man, his fellow rival princes feared his wisdom, leadership and inspiration as a fellow contender for the throne.  Extras include behind the scenes, royal lineages, characters, music videos and international trailer.
 
Part 1: Young Naresuan is taken away to live the impoverished life a novice monk, but there he learns world outside of royal life, how spoiled, pampered of those who lived in court life. There he learns how to rule with wisdom before he is finally set free in exchange for his sister's marriage.
 
Part 2: Naresuan as a young man show his military skills and leadership as he leads the troops into battle. But his fame and legend gathers unwanted attention and he is ordered to go on a mission in which he is betrayed and to be assassinated. But Naresuan sees through the ambush and then proceeds to further strengthen his countries borders. Afterwards he is crowned king and he fends off the Burmese aggressors in his country.

 

Though there is good sound and picture here, the 1080p 1.78 X 1 image can be soft and have some issues with the print, while the DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 5.1 lossless mix has some highlights, but is not as consistent or active throughout as I would have liked, but this can still look and sound better on Blu-ray than it would on a DVD.

 

 

-   Ricky Chiang