Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4642 in VHS
• Released on: 1996-04-15
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Formats: Color, NTSC
• Number of tapes: 1
• Running time: 126 minutes

Customer Reviews

Gielgud At The Top Of His Craft
I remember reading John Gielgud's obit in the New York Times this spring, and near the end, he is quoted saying that among all of his roles, his Prospero in Prospero's Books was his most satisfying. Since I've always liked his acting, that sent me on the trail of this film.

Wow! What a film! First, I highly recommend that you read The Tempest just prior to viewing this film, or at least be familiar with it--find a plot summary in a Shakespeare book. It will help in carrying you through the transitions, of which there are none in this film.

Second, if you are the least bit squeamish about nudity, male and female, in films, pass over this one. You won't enjoy it for watching all the bodies.

With that said, enjoy. What I found fascinating about the entire film is Greenaway's interpretation. I really don't agree with it all (three Ariel's, in different ages, play the sprite of fire and air), but he still pulls it off so that it works, and I credit him for that. Who knows? Maybe it was all a part of Prospero's imagination and infatuation with books.

Further, it is a cinematic smorgasbord. The camera just cannot contain all the visuals.

And then there's Gielgud, he really is smooth, polished, and enjoying himself. I loved watching his performance because he was putting in all the nuance, innuendo, and shades of meaning in the language, while presenting Prospero with all dignity.

A complete rip off
First, I love this movie. It's five stars in my book.

The $50 version being offered here by 'classics_vhs_dvd' is a complete rip off. It's not a proper DVD-Video, it's a DVD-R that's been made from a VHS tape and one of those cheap home recording boxes. It's shame this movie isn't available in a better format.

GReat film, skip this VHS
This VHS version of the film for sale here is eight minutes short (118 vs 126) and pan and scan.

IE it is the "Blockbuster" video store version of a film, hacked to pieces in content, and 1/2 the picture lopped off the sides.

Boycott this version. get the DVD just released in Europe. A few minutes of research will tell you haow to play it just fine in the US