All Rise...

Judge David Johnson played power forward for the Killer Queens. State champs '94, baby!

The Charge

Girl power.

The Case

The hardcore dudes of English history might get the adulation for their strength and general badassness, but as this release sets out to prove, there were some women who knew how to bring the pain as well.

Killer Queens is a six-part British documentary (each episode runs 23 minutes) looking at five English females who exerted massive amounts of power, which led to the occasional shedding of gallons and gallons of blood. The spotlighted femme fatales:

• Boudicca
• Matilda
• Isabella
• Bloody Mary Tudor
• Lady Mary Bankes

(Boudicca receives two episodes devoted to her, and why shouldn't she? She distributed an epic smackdown to the Roman invaders by putting awesome spikes on her chariot wheels.)

British entertainer Rory McGrath hosts the program and he does well, obviously interested somewhat in the material and delivering the knowledge with wit and charisma. And there is much knowledge to be gained. Bloody Mary is certainly recognizable but I thought the story of Lady Mary Bankes, who defended Corfe Castle in 1643, was particularly interesting.

Killer Queens episodes are made up of McGrath's presentation, interviews with historical experts and some dodgy dramatic recreation footage that looks more like a Renaissance Faire filmed through an orange filter.

Straightforward DVD: 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen, 2.0 stereo, no extras.

The Verdict

Not Guilty.

Give us your feedback!

Did we give Killer Queens a fair trial? yes / no

What's "fair"? Whether positive or negative, our reviews should be unbiased, informative, and critique the material on its own merits.

Share This Review

Follow DVD Verdict

Other Reviews You Might Enjoy

• Simon Schama's Power Of Art
• Terry Jones' Medieval Lives
• The Oath
• Aquaria