Product Description

In Christopher Marlowe's historical play, King Edward summons back his l

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #31320 in DVD
• Brand: Warner Brothers
• Released on: 2009-05-26
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 125 minutes

Features

• In Christopher Marlowe's historical play, King Edward summons back his lRunning Time: 125 min. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION Rating: NR Age: 883929069583 UPC: 883929069583 Manufacturer No: 1000095965

Customer Reviews

A Different Version
"Edward II"

A Different Version


Amos Lassen

Coming soon from Warner Brothers is a new and different version of Christopher Marlowe's "Edward II". Do not be confused this is not the Derek Jarman film but a film adaptation originally broadcast by the BBC. It stars Ian McKellen and James Laurenson and was filmed almost 40 years ago. The production was hailed by the critics and it caused quite a sensation in the way it portrayed the king's sexuality and it provided the first kiss by two men ever to seen on British television.
What is surprising is how modern Marlowe's play is even though in actuality it is over 400 years old. Edward had a flawed rule and that is not only because he, himself, was flawed but his reign had to deal with civil war. What ultimately turned the nobles against him was not his ineptitude to rule but his Edward's sex life. The play begins when the king's favorite courtier, Gavezton, returns from having been exiled and his open declaration of love for Edward. His decision and refusal to give his love up is what provides the heart of the play and the tragedy that follows. The film is wonderfully acted and remains contemporary. It is a wonderful look at the way modern gay cinema began.

Thank you, BBC!
Wow, have I been hoping against hope that this production would one day make it to DVD. I just gasped out loud when I saw it popup! I've had an old VHS tape that was taped off broadcast in 1975! Needless to say, it is very worn out by now.

If you are a fan of McKellen or great classical theater, you've got to have this. Now, if the BBC would only put out their great "Wars of the Roses" series from the 60s (those old VHS tapes are nearly worn out too!), I would be grateful forever! Thanks again, BBC! Your collections of Chekhov, Ibsen and Noel Coward were fantastic, and the fact that they are now putting out this Edward II is very admirable.

Technical Difficulties
Mostly well-staged and well-acted version of Marlowe's Edward II sometimes hampered by technical limitations of 1969 studio recordings: color variations and ghosting not too bad, but unfortunately the sound boom operator often misses covering the actors--the variable sound quality isn't "drop out"--just the guy holding the pole not moving fast enough.
For some reason the "Three poor men" sequence with Gaveston is trimmed in the beginning (you'll note the bad cut a few minutes in)--yet the actors names appear in the credits.
A strange "Marlowe Coroner's Inquest" narrated by Patrick Stewart is an extra.
Performances mostly 5 & Technical aspects mostly 3 = 4 overall