William Shakespeare's Hamlet (Two-Disc Special Edition) @ richardeward.com

William Shakespeare's Hamlet (Two-Disc Special Edition)
from Warner Home Video
starring Kenneth Branagh, Julie Christie, Billy Crystal, Gérard Depardieu, Kate Winslet
directed by Kenneth Branagh

Features:

• AC-3
• Closed-captioned
• Color
• Dolby

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

• Good, but not great Dane
  Branagh's Hamlet
  Watching Kenneth Branagh's massive film of the complete text of Hamlet for about the fourth time, I realized that this film mirrors the talents and career of its talented actor/director. Ever since his highly successful film of Henry V, which ably competes with the classic version of Olivier, it seems that Branagh has been trying to film another great Shakespeare movie, but has not quite been able to repeat his early triumph. His long Hamlet has not been able to change that pattern.... more info

• Shakespeare the way it was meant to be exeperienced
  Before I go into the visual and interpretive masterpiece that is Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet, let me begin by asserting my firm belief that Shakespeare was meant to be experienced, not merely poured over. While the language is obviously crucial to understanding the play as a whole, simply watching the emotional interactions and contemplations of this play can be just as powerful. If you don't have the opportunity to see a live performance of Hamlet (which would be the real tragedy) Branagh's adaptation is... more info

• Know when to step aside.
  Yes, this is one of Kenneth Branagh's productions of Shakespeare; and he typically saves the most interresting role for himself. He is a good actor, but in my opinion, the multi-emotional role of Hamlet is beyond his ability. When Hamlet is instructing the actors he hires for the play within the play, he begins to act, but then stops himself in deference to the troupe of real actors, headed by none other than Charlton Heston. Branagh should have taken a cue from Hamlet.

• Branagh
  Amazing version. Branagh makes Hamlet enjoyable for the Shakespeare buff or the reluctant viewer. Easy to follow, incredibly visual, epic performances from an all star cast. Highly, highly recommended.

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