Olivier's Shakespeare
Henry V Hamlet Richard III
Directed by
Laurence Olivier
UK 19
Dubbed the greatest actor of the twentieth century, Sir Laurence Olivier, the classically trained and majestically handsome English theater veteran, first transplanted his passion for Shakespeare to the big screen in the 1940s, and in so doing, allowed Elizabethan verse to break free of its stage-bound origins. Olivier directed only five films in his sixty-year career, yet his three Shakespeare adaptations (Henry V, Hamlet, Richard III), presented here together on DVD for the first time, are still widely considered the definitive film adaptations. Faithful to the playwright’s words yet open to the unique possibilities of the cinema, these works transcend both screen and stage with timeless passion. Criterion is proud to present this unprecedented filmmaking legacy.
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DVD Review: Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC
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I've not a lot to say - this is a 3 keep case set of previously released Criterion DVDs - spine #'s 41, 82 and 213. The obvious link is that they are all Laurence Olivier directed and acted Shakespeare plays - specifically Henry V (1944), Hamlet (1948) and Richard III (1955) 2-disc. Richard III and Henry V have commentaries (and other supplements) where Hamlet is bare bones - offering only the film. To see the specific details of the DVDs see our individual reviews. I think it's a great deal if you don't own any of the single titles - certainly a healthy savings. The films helped define the word 'classic' and hold value even if you are not a die-hard Shakespeare fan. It is Sir Laurence in his prime as director and actor! - Magnificent. |
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