I Claudius - Complete BBC Series (5 Disc Box Set) [1976]

Amazon.co.uk Review

A truly epic saga of dynastic conflict at the heart of Imperial Rome, I Claudius was the landmark BBC drama series of the 1970s. Originally transmitted as 13 50-minute episodes, the series dramatises the human face of ancient Rome as interpreted by Robert Graves in his two enormously complex novels, I, Claudius and Claudius The God. Derek Jacobi gives one of the greatest television performances ever as Claudius, the appalled chronicler of the decadence, corruption, intrigue and carnage which comes with the absolute power of his ruling family. Augustus (Brian Blessed) is Emperor and Livia (Sian Phillips) his scheming, ambitious wife, Claudius's aunt. By virtue of his stammer and uncontrollable twitches, Claudius passes for a fool, thus escaping the poisonous machinations of Livia, all the while recording the comings and goings of the Imperial household.

Events become increasingly frenzied as Caligula (John Hurt playing the tyrant with psychotic fury) bloodily slaughters his way to power, making a senator of his favourite horse along the way. Claudius eventually becomes Emperor himself, and Jacobi is simply magnificent in the intensely moving finale, which is not to overlook the rest of a fine cast, including: George Baker; Ian Ogilvy; Christopher Guard; Stratford Johns; John Rhys-Davies; Bernard Hepton and Patrick Stewart as the murderous Praetorian Guard Captain Sejanus. Inevitably lacking the visual scale of cinematic features such as Ben-Hur, and today looking more studio-bound than ever, I, Claudius remains a television masterpiece of intelligently written and rivetingly intense character drama. --Gary S Dalkin

Customer Reviews:

An Important Benchmark in Television Drama - Superb.......2007-10-10

This is a wonderful series covering the scandal and intrigue of Rome's first family from the reign of Augustus through to Nero, as told through the eyes and pen of Claudius. Claudius appears to be a stuttering, lame half-wit, but these apparent weaknesses disguise a keen intellect and an historian's eye for detail. The casting is inspired and the performances are first-class, particularly Derek Jacobi as Claudius, John Hurt as Caligula, and Brian Blessed as Augustus. The series is based on two books by Robert Graves: "I, Claudius" and "Claudius the God" - the script is powerful, intelligent and entertaining. This really is spellbinding television and was years ahead of its day when first aired. This series set the standard for all period pieces that followed and it remains the benchmark for quality television drama today. It turned many virtually unknown actors into stars. Highly recommended.

An absolute classic!.......2007-09-06

Superbly acted BBC drama... A wonderful experience. To subtract stars for it not being historically accurate is petty beyond belief... Of course it's fiction... It's based on a novel, not an historical text!

I Claudius.......2007-07-23

I don't remember this series when it was first aired on TV in 1976 (hey, I was only three), but I do remember it being repeted in the eighties. I think that may have started my facination with the ancient Roman empire.

My dad bought it on VHS in the nineties. I watched it then & my love for this series grew. I practially begged my dad to get me my own copy of this wonderful series & he did on DVD about three years ago.

I make a point of watching it at least once every 6-8 months (FANTASTIC!!)

Historically, it is not all fact (but there are a lot of true facts within the program (as a reader of the classics I didn't worry too much about the plot, it just made great viewing)).

Kind of starts off where the new HBO/BBC series 2 "ROME" finishes. Trust me - you'll love it.

ROMAN MASTERPIECE .......2007-05-27

I Claudius must be the finest TV drama of them all.The roll-call of actors is truly amazing.Derek Jacobi Brian Blessed John Hurt, Patrick Stewart and Sian Phillips,giants of their profession.The quality of the writing and historical integrity at the heart of these thoughtfully produced segments of Roman aristocracy is truly impressive.This has a feeling of an entertaining fly on the wall drama laced with tears, ambition,malevolence,hate and some situations are even amusing.
I find it impossible to watch one episode at a time and therefore several episodes just race by in quick succession your imagination fully surrenders,craving for more.
It could have been a heavy sluggish drama instead it is alert,alive and adorable

You don't have this set ? You are not a roman empire fan........2007-05-10

What can i say about this series ?
I Own the books and these dvd's and i really believe they are ahead of their times and one more thing. This IS NOT FICTION. Claudius wrote the history of his family and things happened generally like the way u saw it in this series.
You don't have this series ? You are not a "roman empire" fan.

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