Product Description

Four of William Shakespeare's ageless tales of drama and passion come together in this stellar collection featuring award-winning actors and acclaimed directors. From royal family struggles and star-crossed lovers to a shipwreck romance and witches' prophecies, the productions in this collection represent the finest in Shakespearean stage adaptation. MACBETH: Witchcraft, manipulation, and murder mark Macbeth's ascension to power and his subsequent downfall. This classic production features the unsurpassed talent of Ian McKellen, Oscar® winner Judi Dench, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. KING LEAR: When King Lear renounces his throne to divide his kingdom among his daughters, treachery, madness, and murder follow. This compelling production stars Patrick Magee (A Clockwork Orange) and other mainstays of stage and television. ROMEO & JULIET: This moving interpretation of Shakespeare's ageless tale of family feuds, star-crossed lovers and tragic, untimely death features a first-rate cast, authentic sets and colorful costumes that will envelop you in world's most famous love story. TWELFTH NIGHT: Showcasing the directorial talents of Kenneth Branagh, this popular and enduring comedy revolves around unrequited love and mistaken identity. An insightful and witty performance by the Renaissance Theatre Company provides a humorous commentary about who and how we love. DVD Features: Interviews with Kenneth Branagh, Ian McKellen and Patrick Mower; "Romeo & Juliet - A Family Feud" Featurette; Cast and Director Biographies; Timeline of William Shakespeare's Life and Plays; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19128 in DVD
• Brand: A & E HOME VIDEO
• Released on: 2006-08-29
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Box set, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 4
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 652 minutes

Customer Reviews

Mushy sound - needs subtitles...
I was disappointed... the films of live plays are visually flat, and the sound was mushy, and I really wished there were subtitles. In my opinion, the BBC productions are much better.

Excellent to watch, but at best FAIR to GOOD as a teaching tool
This is a WONDERFUL production, well acted and interestingly staged, using modern costuming. McKellan and Dench are in fine form, both as malevolent as they need to be.

As a teacher, however, I found this DVD to be a major disappointment, because for some silly reason the publisher did not bother to offer subtitles (which are immensely valuable to aid students' comprehension of a fairly difficult text).