DVD

Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman and Eric Bana head the cast of this impressive period drama based on the best-selling 'historifiction' novel, with Bana's King Henry VIII (in his early, non-fat years) caught in a love triangle between Johansson's shy Mary Boleyn, and her calculating sister Anne (Portman).

There are lots of big shoulder-pads, heaving bosoms, candlelit castle corridors and whispered conversations (as you'd expect) but this (almost) true story is carried off with some aplomb, as the schemings of Anne and her nasty old uncle the Duke of Norfolk fall apart with disastrous consequences.

Those who know the story of the Boleyns might bicker over the portrayal of some of the events in the movie (mainly that Mary Boleyn was hardly known as a virtuous maiden, but more some kind of trollop) but you can always play 'Which castle are they filming at now?' while the tragedy unfolds – or wait until Season Two of The Tudors. And the long-suffering wives of HCC readers might appreciate a break from Revenge of the Sith.

Universal's R2 DVD has a solid 1.85:1 picture, with the muted colour palette coming through well, and no loss of detail in the dark scenes. The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is fine too, with plenty of portentous rumblings in the LFE channel and atmospheric use of the surrounds. As for extras, well, there are none on the UK DVD, which is a shame, considering Sony's US release had a commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes and more.

Universal Pictures, R2 DVD, £20, On sale now
HCC VERDICT: 3/5