Richard Burton's Hamlet [1964] (NTSC)

Customer Reviews:

not the best but..........2006-06-05

This is not exactly a film of the play. It is a filmed LIVE PERFORMANCE which was intended for a one-off series of showings in provincial towns and cities in the United States (as explained by an enthusiastic Burton to his interviewer in a documentary which accompanies my VHS copy - I assume this is included in the DVD which I have not yet acquired). The idea was to give movie-goers a taste of the live performances not long after the Broadway run in 1964, and then to ditch the prints (contractually) with no possibility of a re-release; rather like a stage run coming to its natural end. Fortunately, that did not happen, and the tapes survived. For this single, solitary example of Richard Burton performing Shakespeare live, this is one of the most important issues of any play on film. Forget the basic setup of (I think) only two cameras, forget the very variable quality, take Gielgud's strange production and some of the supporting actors with a pinch of salt (stick to acting, Johnnie...), and enjoy Burton's moody, unpredictable, excitingly old-style "performance". And it really is a performance on the grand scale, which must be something like Burton used to give at the Old Vic in the early '50s, when he played Coriolanus, Henry V, doubled Iago and Othello (!), etc., etc. Yes, Nicol Williamson is more believable, Olivier more poetic, Derek Jacobi (on the BBC edition) undoubtedly the best all-round Hamlet of the last 25 years. But for a taste of great acting in a great role by a great performer...don't miss this.
...P.S. and the wonderful Hume Cronyn is a terrific Polonius too!

Worthwhile.......2006-04-08

We are lucky to have this filmed version of Gielgud's revolutionary broadway production with Burton in the lead role. The recording was ordered and, indeed, was thought to have been destroyed only to reappear in the early 1990s after the Welshman's death. Though Burton's is a perfectly good interpretation, one can't help feeling that his natural machismo will have been better suited to the heroic role of Henry V or even Macbeth rather than the hesitant, self-doubting Hamlet. As such it's only worth three stars and the only reason for watching this instead of others is for the sheer novelty of being able to see this rare film version of the groundbreaking stage production. If you want my choice of the best version of Hamlet on DVD, then opt for Nicol Williamson's 1969 performance -- he was born for the role and carries it off with aplom. Richard Burbage himself couldn't have done much better!

Hamlet saved from the ashes.......2004-12-10

Hamlet is the prince of Denmark. His father has just died and before the funeral meats were cold his mother marries his uncle. His father's ghost returns to tell him of a murder most foul. Now hamlet must decide what to do about this, and how.

This version of the play is well done however Hamlet is up for interpretation and everyone has a favorite.

The DVD its self has very little goodies other than the play.
According to the pamphlet that comes with the DVD the prints of this film were contractually ordered to be destroyed. So we are lucky to have this interpretation.

It is easy to see why ratings are all over the spectrum. First this is a film of a play. Therefore it is neither a film nor a play. Secondly they use rehearsal clothes and minimum trappings (or distractions). Now if you enjoy the novelty of the presentation style, your next hurtle is trying to understand Richard Burton's speaking style for the first 20 minutes or so. What may appear to be a long viewing time is actually a pared down version of Hamlet witch leaves out many subtleties.

It is intriguing to see the actors in the play and see how far they came. If you do not take the time to analyze, then this really is a good version and you will find yourself kibitzing.

Average customer rating:

charming not corny

Charlie And Lola : The Absolutely Complete Series 1 (4 DVD Set In Tin Lunchbox Gift Set)
Charlie and Lola
Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Children's TV | Television | Categories | DVD | Video
All Children's DVD | Children's DVD | Categories | DVD | Video
DVD | Format (binding_browse-bin) | Refinements | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000HXDM3C
Release Date: 2006-11-13

Customer Reviews:

charming not corny.......2007-02-21

As a mother of three year old twins, I am often subjected to all kinds of rubbish on TV/DVD that may placate my children but often numbs my brain to the point of no return. I often find myself wondering, 'Kids' programmes were SO much better in my day!'.

Charlie and Lola reminds me, in its gentle humour and charming characters, that there IS some decent viewing available for the children of today. This box set is fantastic value for money and is something the whole family can enjoy. As a a parent, it does come with a warning though...you will start talking like Charlie when your son/daughter turns into a mini-Lola and you will find yourself interacting with your children when watching this DVD-no brain numbing here for anyone!

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