Romeo and Juliet (Thames Shakespeare Collection)

Starring:Michael Macowan, Christopher Biggins, Robin Nedwell, Clive Swift, Laurence Payne, Robin Halstead, David Robb, Seymour Green, Peter Jeffrey, Arthur Hewlett, Trevor St. John Hacker, Robert Oates, Mary Kenton, Martin Read, Roger Tallon, Peter Dyneley, Christopher Neame (III), Ann Hasson, Simon MacCorkindale, Stephen Churchett
Director: Joan Kemp-Welch
Studio: A&E Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

Romeo and Juliet
Impression of Romeo & Juliet years after first seeing it.
A Great Love Story
The power of love.
"For never was a story of more woe Than this of Juliet and her Romeo."

Romeo & Juliet
Starring: Leonard Whiting , Olivia Hussey , John McEnery , Milo O'Shea , and Pat Heywood (II)
Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Manufacturer: Paramount Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0792165055
Release Date: 2000-05-23

Amazon.com

Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet was unique in its day for casting kids in the play's pivotal roles of, well, kids. Seventeen-year-old Leonard Whiting and 15-year-old Olivia Hussey play the titular pair, the Bard's star-crossed lovers who defy a running feud between their families in order to be together in love. Typically played on stage and in previous film productions by adult actors, the innocent look and rawness of Whiting and Hussey resonated at the time with a burgeoning youth movement from San Francisco to Prague. The tragic romance at the center of the story also clicked with anti-authority sentiments, but even without that, Zeffirelli scores points by validating the ideals and passions of strong-willed adolescents. Less successful are scenes requiring the actors to have a fuller grasp of the text, though the best thing going remains the unambiguous duel between Romeo and Tybalt (Michael York). Lavishly photographed by Pasquale de Santis on location in Italy, this Romeo and Juliet brought a different tone and dimension to a story that had become tiresome in reverential presentations. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Romeo and Juliet.......2007-06-28

My favorite version of this oft-filmed classic is Zeffirelli's Oscar-nominated version. Starring two unknowns in the title roles (17-year-old Whiting and 15-year-old Hussey), the movie remains true to Shakespeare, while making the language more accessible to modern audiences. Both Michael York (as Romeo's nemesis, Tybalt) and Milo O'Shea (as Mercutio) lend strong support, while Zeffirelli's unabashed romanticism is enhanced by magnificent period detail and a sweeping score from Nino Rota. The story of youthful rebellion also spoke to basic issues arising in the restive sixties. A top-notch rendering of an eternal classic.

Impression of Romeo & Juliet years after first seeing it........2007-06-16

I first saw the 1968 version of Romeo & Juliet the year it was released.
In our small town, we had only one theatre, and it showed the same movie
for about 5 days. I was studying Shakespeare in college and decided it
might be a good idea to see the film. The first viewing made such an
impression on me that I was left wanting more. I know I went the first
night it opened and then went every night again till it left the theatre.

In the period between 1968 & 2007, I didn't see the movie...even though
VHS & DVD releases made it possible. I'm not sure why I decided to see
it again...by accident, I guess. After so many years, I was surprised
to have the same emotions as I'd felt so long ago. Leonard Whiting &
Olivia Hussey are perfection in their title roles...both in appearance and delivery of the famous lines. If nither of them had never done anything else in their careers, they've left a lasting impression (as teenage actors) which will be ageless. Others may try to better this production of Shakespeare's famous play, but none will ever come even close to equalizing the 1968 production by Franco Zeffirelli. Do yourself a favor and buy the movie in DVD or VHS. You'll want to watch it again and again to see scenery you've missed and understand lines you've heard.

I've read some reviews indicating [...] aspects of the 1968 production.
These people need psychiatric help. Their repulsive suggestions toward
the acting/actors in this production couldn't be more off the mark.
There is nothing [...] or degrading about this movie.

A Great Love Story.......2007-06-08

I saw this movie when I was in High School. I have LOVEd it ever since. The Nurse charater just cracks me up. Olivia Hussy was really beautiful. For you kids out there that think nothing existed before 1980, this version is just as good as the Leonardo DiCaprio version.

The power of love. .......2007-05-25

I only have one thing to say. This movie shows what true love really is.

"For never was a story of more woe Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.".......2007-04-28

I've loved it since I saw it first time - I was 16 and for me, Romeo and Juliet were not the Shakespeare's characters, they were just a girl and a boy who loved each other and died together because they could not live without each other. I did not know the names behind the production but I remember that the costumes were gorgeous (I still remember the red and gold dress Juliet wore in her first scene), the score and song were sweet and tender, and the cinematography brought to life a very real Verona, colorful and violent. Only much later I learned that Nino Rota was the composer, Danilo Donati a costume designer, and Pasqualino De Santis a cinematographer. Both Donati and De Santis won very well deserved Oscars.)

I was absolutely charmed by Olivia Hussey - she could be the most beautiful (and sensual and youngest) Juliet ever on screen. The only other film I've seen her was "Death on the Nile" - and she was not lost among very famous costars (Peter Ustinov, Bette Davis, and Angela Lansbury among others). I also remember that even though I was in love with Leonard Whiting's Romeo, I realized that as an actor he was much less interesting than John McEnry (whimsical Mercucio), Milo O'Shea (Friar Laurence) and Pat Heywood (the Nurse). Zeffirelli came from a successful career as an international opera designer and director in London, New York, and Milan with a reputation for opulent spectacle. It may explain his ability to handle crowds on the screen so effortlessly and skillfully. He also at one point of his career worked as Luchino Visconti's assistant - perhaps he learned a lot from him. In "Romeo and Juliet" he was able to make a very dynamic film that did not feel at all as an adapted play and also was a great romance which made me feel incredibly close to its characters. Four hundreds years seemed to disappear and Shakespeare became my contemporary. I've seen "Romeo and Juliet" many times and I believe Zeffirelli's is the best adaptation of the play. Well, there is of course, the ballet with the Sergey Prokofiev's music - but it is a different story altogether.

Average customer rating:

Great dvd
Pochahontas
Pocahontas purchased from Amazon
Pass On the "Gold Collection" and get the "10th Anniversary"
Special Edition Nothing

Pocahontas (10th Anniversary Edition)
Starring: Irene Bedard , Judy Kuhn , Mel Gibson , David Ogden Stiers , and John Kassir
Director: Mike Gabriel , and Eric Goldberg
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0007KTBIU
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Amazon.com

Disney's take on this historical confrontation between European settlers and Native Americans follows the paths of two future lovers. One is British adventurer John Smith, who travels the Atlantic with the Virginia Company to establish Jamestown. On the shore is Pocahontas, a typical Disney heroine: bright, beautiful, mischievous, and motherless. The two meet in the untamed wilds of America (the first meeting is quite divine), fall in love, and try to ward off the warring factions. It's Disney's version of a Native American West Side Story. Two Disney trademarks do not quite muster up: the villain isn't hissable and the score's only high point is the Oscar-winning "Colors of the Wind." Calling it "historical" is a stretch, but Disney created a very natural look at the two cultures. The Native American characters are handled especially well, and kids should be intrigued by their world; the movie is a far different lesson from the one their parents and grandparents learned. Disney has discovered a few things, though: you don't have to kill to solve your problems, and you can end the film without a happily-ever-after, illustrated by a touching final visual. (Ages 5 and older) --Doug Thomas

Description

All the music, adventure, and colorful fun of Disney's POCAHONTAS come to life like never before in the 10th Anniversary Edition 2-Disc Set. Bursting with all the "Colors Of The Wind," POCAHONTAS tells the story of a free-spirited girl who wonders what adventures await "Just Around The Riverbend." Pocahontas -- along with her playful pals Meeko and Flit -- relies on the guidance of her loving and wise Grandmother Willow when English settlers arrive on the shores of their village. Her chance meeting with the courageous Captain John Smith leads to a beautiful friendship that bridges the gap between two cultures, and changes history. Now fully restored, POCAHONTAS includes the song "If I Never Knew You," and never-before-seen animation seamlessly integrated into the original film. This 2-Disc 10th Anniversary Edition is loaded with spectacular bonus features, all-new games, and soaring Academy Award(R)-winning music (1995 Best Original Musical Score, Best Original Song, "Colors Of The Wind"). Disney's POCAHONTAS is a fun-filled adventure your whole family will enjoy.

Customer Reviews:

Great dvd.......2007-03-11

My favorite Disney movie of ALL time and this is a wonderful DVD! It has extras on a second dvd and the scene of Pocahontas and John Smtih singing together was added back in! GREAT DVD!!

Pochahontas.......2007-03-07

great storyline - a bit of history in animation . teach the children while watching a great film. The music is very well done and a great film to watch.

Pocahontas purchased from Amazon.......2007-02-26

I was under the impression that the dvd would be enclosed in a cardboard cover like it was picture, because there was no indication that it wouldn't be. I was disappointed at this, but other than that I have no complaints, it was a rather speedy delivery and the product worked wonderfully.

Pass On the "Gold Collection" and get the "10th Anniversary".......2007-01-27

The Gold Collection disc is too flawed to seriously consider at this point with the "10th Anniversary{ two-disc set now out.

Gold Collection:
1. Worst DVD tranfer of a Disney film in recent memory
2. No "If I Never Knew You". Not even the rough cut.
3. Extras: a Trailer and some music videos. Not much going on here.
4. Not anamorphic

10th Anniversary:
1. Anamorphic 16:9
2. Great new transfer
3. "If I Never Knew You" in the movie and completely animated. Major addition to the last half of the movie.
4. Both versions of the film, the 1995 cut and the 2003 "Director's Cut".
5. Loads of extras including a documentary, updated audio commentary track, sections for each major character with art, concept drawings, deleted scenes, scenes that never made it past the concept stage......you get the idea.

Special Edition Nothing.......2007-01-08

Of course, Pocahontas is a beautiful film. It's a great story, pretty good animation, and some of the best Alan Menken songs. But the special Extras DVD is a joke. This DVD set is worth it just because of the added If I Never Knew You sequences, but was passed over for the special treatment other classic films got.

Shakespeare in Love (Miramax Collector's Series)

Average customer rating:

if you have any theater experience
Brilliant and So Clever
Bill's Great Works
Timeless Love
The best Shakespeare

Shakespeare in Love (Miramax Collector's Series)
Starring: Geoffrey Rush , Joseph Fiennes , Tom Wilkinson , Antony Sher , and Martin Clunes
Director: John Madden
Manufacturer: Miramax
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ASIN: B00001U0E1
Release Date: 1999-12-07

Amazon.com

One of the most endearing and intelligent romantic comedies of the '90s, the Oscar-winning Shakespeare in Love is filled with such good will, sunny romance, snappy one-liners, and devilish cleverness that it's absolutely irresistible. With tongue placed firmly in cheek, at its outset the film tracks young Will Shakespeare's overwrought battle with writer's block and the efforts of theater owner Philip Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush, in rare form) to stage Will's latest comedy, Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter. Jokey comedy, though, soon takes a backseat to ravishing romance when the beautiful Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow) disguises herself as a young man to wangle herself an audition in the all-male cast, and wins both the part of Romeo and, after much misunderstanding, the playwright's heart. Soon enough, Will's pirate comedy becomes the beautiful, tragic Romeo and Juliet, reflecting the agony and ecstasy of Will and Viola's romance--he's married and she's set to marry the slimy Lord Wessex (Colin Firth) in the near future.

The way that Oscar-winning screenwriters Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard enfold their story within the parameters of Romeo and Juliet (and even Twelfth Night) is nothing short of brilliant--it would take a Shakespearean scholar to dissect the innumerable parallels, oft-quoted lines, plot developments, and thematic borrowings. And most amazingly, Norman and Stoppard haven't forgotten to entertain their audience in addition to riding a Shakespearean roller coaster, with director John Madden (Mrs. Brown) reigning in his huge ensemble with rollicking energy. Along the way there are small gems to be found, including Judi Dench's eight-minute, Oscar-winning turn as a truly regal Queen Elizabeth, but the key element of Shakespeare in Love's success rests on the milky-white shoulders of its two stars. Fiennes, inexplicably overlooked at Oscar time, is a dashing, heartfelt Will, and as for Best Actress winner Paltrow, well, nothing she'd done before could have prepared viewers for how amazing she is here. Breathtakingly beautiful, fiercely intelligent, strong-willed, and lovestruck--it's a performance worthy of Shakespeare in more ways than one. By the film's end, you'll be thoroughly won over--and brushing up your Shakespeare with newfound ardor. --Mark Englehart

Description

Triumphant winner of 7 Academy Awards(R) -- including Best Picture -- this witty, sexy smash features Oscar(R)-winning Best Actress Gwyneth Paltrow (SLIDING DOORS, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS) and an amazing cast that includes Academy Award-winners Judi Dench (Best Supporting Actress), Geoffrey Rush (Best Actor -- SHINE), and Ben Affleck (GOOD WILL HUNTING, PEARL HARBOR). When Will Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes -- ELIZABETH) needs passionate inspiration to break a bad case of writer's block, a secret romance with the beautiful Lady Viola (Paltrow) starts the words flowing like never before! There are just two things he'll have to learn about his new love: not only is she promised to marry someone else, but she's successfully impersonating a man in order to play the lead in Will's latest production! A truly can't-miss motion picture event with outstanding critical acclaim to match its impressive collection of major awards -- everyone will love this funny behind-the-scenes look at the writing of the greatest love story ever told!

Customer Reviews:

if you have any theater experience.......2007-06-27

It has a great pace and a great turn of phrase. If you have any theater experience at all you will be in on the jokes. It makes one appreciate good acting from great acting. Their perfomances pull you in even when they are acting at acting.

Brilliant and So Clever.......2007-05-16

This is my all time favorite movie. I have always adored Romeo and Juliet. I love Shakespeare's poetic language. This movie is both funny and moving and poignant. The first time I watched it I was thrilled. And it has gotten better every single time I have watched it. And by now, I have probably watched it 35 times. It still makes me laugh. It still makes me cry. It still makes me sigh. It still makes me put my hand over my heart and gently shake my head at it's brilliance.

Bill's Great Works.......2007-05-14

Although the history may incomplete, this film transports one back to the glory days of Elizabeth 1, who we owe so very much to; her father might also be in line for a little credit! On one hand, it is frightening to think of living back then, but the excitement of what was happening is amazing.
Since Bill's complete known works can be downloaded via the Guttenberg project, this movie can lead to an obsession with all things English. When we realize how much that small piece of real estate has contributed (Calculus, Physics, Chemistry......) it seems like a valid obsesssion.
There would also seem to be an important political lesson, which many need to go back and consider, if they can read...hint hint.

Timeless Love .......2007-04-28

I was extremely pleased with the outcome of this movie. The screenplay is very well written, incorporating mainly Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet into the movie while also adding other various works of Shakespeare's. The movie has a semi-historical basis to it and portrays vast romantic comedy throughout. One of my favorite feel good romantic comedies to watch! Joseph Fiennes and Gwyneth Paltrow have great chemistry on set!

The best Shakespeare.......2007-04-04

Well done, moving.
The music, the acting, the classic performances from Romeo and Juliet.
Loved it

William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet (Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

A surprisingly original idea
the gay romeo and juliet = a waste of time by !idee
English teacher gives this DVD an A-
The classic tale..
Incredible modern adaptation

William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet (Special Edition)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio , Claire Danes , John Leguizamo , Harold Perrineau , and Pete Postlethwaite
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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ASIN: B000060OFT
Release Date: 2002-03-12

Amazon.com

Baz Luhrmann (Strictly Ballroom) takes a shot at reinventing Shakespeare's story of star-crossed lovers as a visual pastiche inspired by MTV imagery, Hong Kong action-picture clichés, and Luhrmann's own taste for deliberate, gaudy excess. The result is explosive chaos, both in terms of bullets and visual sensibility, which some may find impossible to stick with for more than a few minutes. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes play the leads, though not with much distinction, while Pete Postlethwaite makes a huge impression as this movie's version of Friar Laurence. The film is successful in spots, but overall its fever-dream game plan is difficult to ride out. --Tom Keogh

Product Description

This brilliant and contemporary retelling of the world's most tragic love affair makes this wildly inventive "Romeo & Juliet" unforgettable. This special edition DVD contains audio commentary by Baz Luhrmann, early rehearsal scenes and an inside look at the making of the movie.

Baz Luhrmann's dazzling and unconventional adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic love story is spellbinding. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes portray Romeo and Juliet, the youthful star-crossed lovers of the past. But the setting has been moved from its Elizabethan origins to futuristic urban backdrop of Verona Beach.

System Requirements:
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, Brian Dennehy, John Leguizamo, Pete Postlethwaite, Paul Sorvino, Diane Venora.
Directed By: Baz Luhrmann.
Running Time: 120 Min., Color.
This film is presented in "Widescreen" format.
Copyright 2002 Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

A surprisingly original idea.......2007-06-09

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

In my personal opinion, I believe Shakespeare's writing is way too obscure and out there, and when hearing people say "Shakespeare wrote for the common people", I can only cringe in terror at what plays written for educated people must have sounded like.

This movie doesn't change the dialect or dialogue of the movie, and gives it a weird sort of artistic modern setting, which makes it not only a surprising and original twist, but makes it much more watchable to see a timeless tale truly tested with its claim to timelessness. Even if it took place in the year 3010 AD, it'd still be the same.

I love the way the adults on the newscasts and police speak, and the way the police officer at the end of the movie scolds the Capulets and Montagues, and the beginning scene, with the Montague nerds biting their thumbs at the Capulets was amusing.

Harold Perrineau as Mercutio is spellbinding, and John Leguizamo is equally spectacular in this movie.

What keeps this movie from being a great one in my opinion is the two lead characters played abysmally by Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. DiCaprio, normally a great actor, sounds like he's just memorized the lines and is reciting them like a schoolchild forced to read them aloud in class--lifeless, with little to no emotion, and an apparent lack of understanding as to what he is saying.

Claire Danes is even worse, delivering lines in such an awkward manner as to make me cringe. It sounds literally like a giggling, bubbly school girl reading from a script for the first time while distracted by something else.

Another thing which surprisingly irritated me was the SCREAMING. In many scenes, there was mindless screaming at the hands of Juliet's mother and maid, especially that scene where Romeo is at Juliet's window, and the maid calls for her, and Danes (awkwardly) says "By and by I come", the maid's line is literally a grating, irritating scream: JULIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET! for at the very least, 3-5 seconds long

There's a lot more screaming at the maid's hand and Juliet's mother, though thankfully it's limited just to that scene and scarcely any other. But it is SERIOUSLY annoying having her scream like that when Juliet is CLEARLY shouting back "By and by I come"

All in all, the show is all but stolen by John Leguizamo and Harold Perrineau as Tybalt and Mercutio (respectively), while the lead actors are weak in their roles.

3.5/5

the gay romeo and juliet = a waste of time by !idee.......2007-05-23

review

During the past week I saw the movie, Romeo and Juliet, directed by Baz Luhrmann and starting Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.
The story is based on the play written by Shakespeare but there are many differences.
For on there are guns that are called swords in the movie which I find totally ridiculous. Another difference was the fact that it was set in modern times, which made the movie very hard to understand
Also I think that the actors and actresses were very flat. I think this is because of the setting and language doesn't really go together, and therefore it is really hard to get into the characters mind set.
Over all I think that the movie wasn't very good at all and it is definitely a waste of money and time.

English teacher gives this DVD an A-.......2007-05-23

Let me begin my review by addressing those who are undecided whether to purchase this version (Luhrman) or the Zeffirelli. There seems to be a bias amongst educators (bordering on the arrogant) that the Luhrman version is somehow less "authentic" than the Zeffirelli. Simply performing "Romeo and Juliet" in doublet and hose, however, does not make it any more "Shakespearean". In fact, I would argue that modern-dress is more in keeping with the spirit of the original as Elizabethan drama had no elaborate sets or costumes; doublet and hose WERE modern-dress in Shakespeare's time. If we discount "updating" as a reason to discount the Luhrman version (which in my experience is invariably the excuse), we have to judge the movies on how well they illuminate/connect/inspire Shakespeare's words for our students. In my opinion, the Luhrman version does a better job of this than the Zefferilli.

First, the updating works (for the most part). My students clearly understood gangs and rivalries; presenting the Montagues and Capulets as such, eliminated questions as why the two families hate each other or how the feud got started (answers which are outside the text). The guns and cars appealed to the boys; the love and romance appealed to the girls. My students could see themselves in the context Luhrman provided; they could relate to what was going on screen as present and relative, not merely events from 400 years ago.

Secondly, casting famous actors (DiCaprio and Danes) as the leads hooks many of my students at the beginning. They watch the movie BECAUSE Leonardo DiCaprio is in it, but soon the magic of the Bard's words (which they struggle to follow at first) keeps them interested. DiCaprio IMO is uneven; some scenes he performs better than others. Danes's performance (other than her fake crying in the Capulet vault) was generally strong and very believable; her words did not seem "acted" but rather natural. The supporting cast was also very good with Tybalt and Benvolio standing out.

There were some scenes that didn't work well for me. The Capulet ball in particular was strange. Mercutio came dressed in drag and this (unfounded) homosexual subtext was amplified by him prancing around on the stairs with some Chippendale dancers. Just plain strange. Also, the Queen Mab speech was weird and luckily cut short; Luhrman did try to tie it into the events as a sort-of intoxicated rambling at the "pre-party" (complete with Ecstasy) before Romeo crashes the ball. Another weak performance was Lady Capulet who played it for laughs (which again I couldn't see from the text), and it was an unconvincing performance played that way. The only time Lady Capulet seemed believable was when she played it serious (Tybalt's death, the argument with Juliet and Capulet). Some students also didn't care for all of the musical numbers, but most liked how Luhrman tried to include contemporary songs into the movie.

Some of the sequencing of scenes are a bit off, but this is a movie students definitely love and get into... which I think is how Shakespeare would want it.

The classic tale.........2007-05-09

..Re-done and beautified. Some parts are wacky but this is a very good story if you enjoy Romeo and Juliet. The dialogue is the same as the story, by the way.

Incredible modern adaptation.......2007-04-26

Truly an amazing cinematic experience, this flick totally flies out of the box by sticking to the original Old English dialogue while still maintaining the portrayal of a modern setting. Every actor gives an impressive performance and each shows their understanding of the Old English dialogue they use to express themselves. In fact, I gained a greater understanding of some of Shakespeare's terminology by the inflection and timing the actors used to speak the playwrite's words. Well worth the watch. An impressive piece of cinema.

Shakespeare Collection (Hamlet 1996 / A Midsummer Night's Dream 1935 / Othello 1965 / Romeo & Juliet 1936)

Average customer rating:

Warners continues to go highbrow with this new boxed set

Shakespeare Collection (Hamlet 1996 / A Midsummer Night's Dream 1935 / Othello 1965 / Romeo & Juliet 1936)
Starring: Kenneth Branagh , and Laurence Olivier
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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Film Noir Classic Collection, Vol. 4 (Act of Violence / Mystery Street / Crime Wave / Decoy / Illegal / The Big Steal / They Live By Night / Side Street / Where Danger Lives / Tension)
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The First Films of Samuel Fuller - Eclipse Series 5 (The Baron of Arizona / I Shot Jesse James / The Steel Helmet) (Criterion Collection)

ASIN: B000QC6O98
Release Date: 2007-08-14

Customer Reviews:

Warners continues to go highbrow with this new boxed set.......2007-05-12

I was very pleased with my "Literary Classics Collection" and "Motion Picture Masterpieces Collection" that I purchased from Warner's, and it looks like the studio originally known for gritty urban dramas continues to go highbrow with this collection of four movies featuring interpretations of works by the Bard. The press release by Warner Home Video has the following extras listed for each movie:

A Midsummer Night's Dream (1935)
Cast includes James Cagney, Olivia de Havilland (in her screen debut), Joe E. Brown, and Mickey Rooney. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It won for Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing.
DVD Special Features:
Commentary by film historian Scott MacQueen
Olivia de Havilland screen test
Vintage featurette "A Dream Comes True" (8 minutes)
Presenting... Gallery of 6 teaser trailers showcasing cast members
Warner Bros. Studio Café teaser trailer
Musical short "Shake Mr. Shakespeare"
Theatrical trailer
Subtitles: English, French and Portuguese (feature film only)

Romeo and Juliet (1936)
This was actually an MGM production. George Cukor directs with Norma Shearer and Leslie Howard in the title roles. Nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Picture.
DVD Special Features:
Vintage short "Master Will Shakespeare"
Classic MGM cartoon "Little Cheeser"
Theatrical trailer
Subtitles: English (feature film only)

Othello (1965)
Lawrence Olivier in the title role, Maggie Smith as Desdemona, Joyce Redman as Emilia, and Frank Finlay as Iago. All four performers were nominated for Academy Awards for their performances.
DVD Special Features:
Vintage featurette "Olivier Talks About Othello"
Theatrical trailer
Subtitles: English (feature film only)

Hamlet 2-Disc Special Edition (1996)
Cast includes actor/director Kenneth Branagh, Kate Winslet, Derek Jacobi, Julie Christie, Robin Williams, Jack Lemmon, Billy Crystal and Charlton Heston. This rendition is set in the 19th century.
DVD Special Features:
Introduction by director/star Kenneth Branagh
Commentary by Kenneth Branagh and Shakespeare scholar Russell Jackson
New digital transfer from original 70mm elements
Soundtrack remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1
Featurette "To Be on Camera: A History with Hamlet"
1996 Cannes Film Festival promo
Shakespeare movies trailer gallery
Subtitles: English, French and Spanish subtitles. (feature film only)

The Thames Shakespeare Collection: MacBeth/King Lear/Romeo & Juliet/Twelfth Night

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The Thames Shakespeare Collection: MacBeth/King Lear/Romeo & Juliet/Twelfth Night
Starring: Patrick Mower , Ann Lynn , Philip Brack , Beth Harris , and Patrick Magee
Director: Tony Davenall , Paul Kafno , and Philip Casson
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Olivier's Shakespeare - Criterion Collection (Hamlet / Henry V / Richard III)
The Shakespeare Collection (Romeo + Juliet / Titus / A Midsummer Night's Dream)
King Lear
Othello
William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

ASIN: B000G1R3ZS
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Product Description

This collection of televised adaptations includes some of Shakespeare's finest works, all produced for British television. Among them are interpretations of MACBETH (with Ian McKellen and Judi Dench), KING LEAR, ROMEO & JULIET, and TWELFTH NIGHT (directed by Kenneth Branagh).

System Requirements:

Running Time 600 Mins.

Format: DVD MOVIE

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IGNORANT PEOPLE - RUS, not Russia!!!
Low quality DVD
Love the movie - Hate the DVD transfer
Shakespearean Overtones in this Forgotten Epic
Pleasant engaging Cossacks

Taras Bulba

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Quo Vadis
El Cid (1961) [Import]
The Vikings
SAMSON AND DELILAH/ DVD
Prince Valiant

ASIN: B000B6GE30

Product Description

PLOT SUMMARY: A "Romeo and Juliet" story that takes place in 18th century Ukraine. Taras (Yul Brenner) has settled into comfortable farm life after years of adventures and swashbuckling with his cossack companions. Though not wealthy, he is able to send his son Andrei (Tony Curtis) away to a Polish school. At this time the Poles are overlords of Ukraine and the origin of the cossacks is struggle of the Ukrainian serfs to free themselves and their land of Polish domination. Toward this end Taras hopes that his son will be educated in the ways of the enemy. Instead, Andrei falls in love with the daughter of a Polish nobleman, setting the stage for a clash between love, family honor, and a struggle for national identity. [IMDB]

Customer Reviews:

IGNORANT PEOPLE - RUS, not Russia!!!.......2007-06-20

let's get something straight

UKRAINIANS and their cossack ancestors are not RUSSIANS - they are RUSYNS, not to be confused with their so-called similiar northern kin and centuries old enemeies, the MUSCOVITE RUSSIANS. The latter would want you to believe that the Ukrainians are Russian so that they can keep the land that is wealthy of natural resources for themselves, for they usurped the title of KIYIV-RUS and called themselves RUSSIANS and tried many brutal campaigns of assimilation to destroy Ukrainian identity. Also, you do not place "THE" in front of UKRAINE - it's a country, not a region of Muscovy Russia. You do not say "THE BELOROSIA", "THE POLAND", "THE CROATIA", "THE ITALY", "THE ISRAEL", get the idea now?

Going back to the movie, it depicts Ukrainian cossack warriors in the 16th century, not the 18th century and is supposed to be parallel to the life and times of the famous Ukrainian Hetman BOHDAN KHMELNITSKIY.

It's a pretty decent depiction with a whole lot of drama and romance that also kind of blurred the historical narration of things.

Low quality DVD.......2006-02-20

While the movie is good, thanks to Yul Brynner, this DVD is very bad. It looks like it was transfered from a worn out VHS tape to DVD. My old VHs version of it plays better than this DVD. The jacket has a few mis spelling names! Yul is Yel and other typos. I am almost sure that it is not released by MGM.

Love the movie - Hate the DVD transfer.......2005-11-03

The other reviewers have already written about the movie - which gets my 4 stars. My comments here deal with the 1-star DVD transfer quality of the Kung Kuao "Best Movie Collection" edition from Taipei ... the one that lists YEL Brynner (sic) as the star of the film. First appearances are deceiving. This has nicely produced sleeve and disc artwork (despite the typos) but things go downhill when the disc goes into the player. The picture quality has deteriorated and it bears all the hallmarks of a second or third generation dub from tape. The menus are amateurish. It looks like it's been lifted from a TV broadcast or from a second-rate projection (track-marks across the screen from high contrast areas, weak colour and clearly visible texture and flaws in the projection screen). It's certainly watchable but a very far cry from the sort of quality we've all come to expect from DVD and DVD prices. It does run the full, uncut 122 minutes so if you're a collector and fan of the film then I'd recommend it to round out your catalogue. Copies are still to be had on e-Bay. If you're a videofile looking for a mint print then this one isn't for you. My old MGM VHS copy is far superior in both picture and sound but at least the DVD version provides a more stable copy that is less prone to damage. Be prepared to be disappointed. Roll on the studio-quality DVD release from MGM so we can really enjoy this great epic the way it deserves to be seen.

Shakespearean Overtones in this Forgotten Epic.......2005-10-24

Yul Brynner with his gypsy background and larger than life screen presence is the quintessential TARAS BULBA. Brynner plays the title character with great bravado accentuating his charisma with his unique and appealing mannerisms. Set in the sixteenth century, TARAS BULBA is an enticing, emotional and enjoyable action historical epic focusing on battles between Polish cavalry and Russian Cossack's for the control of the Ukraine. Composer Franz Waxman's score is both rousing and romantically haunting and along with Brynner's performance is truly the centerpiece of this intriguing film. Waxman's score beautifully captures the magnificence of the Cossacks as they ride with gathering momentum across the screen and equally captures the obsessive nature of the love affair between Tony Curtis and Christine Kaufmann. Tony Curtis, no stranger to this genre, gives a very credible performance as Taras Bulba's son torn between love and duty. Director J. Lee Thompson's flair for impressionistic storytelling is quite evident. There are many indelible images that the viewer can take away from this film. Norma Koch's costumes, Edward Carrere's art designs, Joseph MacDonald's cinematography and Franz Waxman's brilliant score again all contribute to the enduring nature of this underrated film.

Pleasant engaging Cossacks.......2005-10-20

While visiting Taiwan, I was lucky enough to spot a copy of this in a large bin of DVD's. Though apparently not well known here, DVD's of older American films can be found in Taiwan for about $3 a disc. The films are not usually high quality transfers and at that low price are obviously not intended to be. It is startling to see them resold in this country at regular DVD prices. Apparently some merchants trading on ignorance decide to make a handsome profit by reselling the DVD's at current American prices often 5 or 6 times the original retail price of the DVD. It is important to keep this in mind when reviewing the quality of the DVD. I saw this film when it was first released in theaters and thought it was very good. However, I have discovered over time that the film seems to have been loathed not only by critics but even by some of the people who made the film. Watching the film as an adult, I would say the film is neither loathsome nor a classic. Yul Brynner plays a cossack warlord who sends his sons to study the ways of the Europeans. The experiment fails but not before one of the sons falls in love with a Polish noblewoman. When the cossacks declare war on the Poles, things get ugly. The film seems to want to capture some of the boistrous feel of The Vikings with a bit of Romeo and Juliet for good measure. The cossacks sing and drink and kill each other in unpleasant sort of ways. The Poles treat them with the withering contempt that Ted Knight had for Rodney Dangerfield. If Caddyshack had involved swords and horses and large armies of Argentine extras, I am sure it would have turned out something like this. There is a bit of overacting but that is hardly a flaw in a film about cossack warriors. Yul Brynner is as much at home here as he was in Siam. Tony Curtis does get a bit cloying especially in his scenes with Christine Kaufmann. Kaufmann is a bit deferential as an actress but absolutely radiant in a way that transcends acting. The story has holes and leaves things hanging but there is enough going on to make this pleasant entertainment for those longing for this kind of historical adventure. It should be mentioned that composer Franz Waxman seems to have taken the film to heart and provided one of his most magical scores for it. If the score were a measure of a picture's success, this one would have won an Oscar. One note on the Taiwan print which is the one I think is most currently available on DVD. The print is badly faded. A quick glance at the publicity stills used to illustrate the back of the box will show you by just how much.

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Romeo & Juliet - The Music Edition
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio , Claire Danes , John Leguizamo , Harold Perrineau , and Pete Postlethwaite
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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Romeo & Juliet
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Volver

ASIN: B000K7VHLY
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Description

Baz Luhrmann's dazzling and unconventional adaptation of William Shakespear's classic love story is spellbinding. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes portray Romeo and Juliet, the youthful star-crossed lovers of the past. But the setting has been moved from it's Elizabethan origins to the futuristic urban backdrop of Verona Beach.

Romeo and Juliet (Royal Ballet)- Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn

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A sensual joy
Better than the play . . .
Sound Quality
Historically significant
The Ballet That Spoiled All Other Ballets For Me

Romeo and Juliet (Royal Ballet)- Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn
Starring: Margot Fonteyn , Rudolf Nureyev , David Blair (VI) , Desmond Doyle , and Julia Farron
Director: Paul Czinner
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
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Great Pas De Deux - Fonteyn, Nureyev, Makarova, Dowell, Baryshnikov, Bessmertova, and more
Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, John Lanchbery
Don Quixote / Baryshnikov, Harvey, American Ballet Theatre
Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Makarova, Dowell, Royal Ballet Covent Garden
The Kirov Celebrates Nijinsky / Sheherazade, La Spectre de la Rose, The Polovtsian Dances, The Firebird

ASIN: B00003M5GE
Release Date: 1999-11-30

Amazon.com

It's not a stretch to call Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn the most sublime of all dance partners and Sergei Prokofiev the most gifted 20th-century ballet composer. And so it goes without saying that the 1966 film version of the Royal Ballet production of Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet featuring Nureyev and Fonteyn as the star-crossed lovers is an absolute must-have for anyone who cares a whit about the art. Director Paul Czinner has made all the right moves, alternating between full shots of the performers with long shots that accentuate how Kenneth MacMillan's fastidious choreography is inexorably linked to the characters, their story, the elaborate sets, and the viewer. Nicholas Georgiadis's costumes are sumptuous without being overdone, the supporting dancers and ensemble are as exquisite as the leads, and John Lanchbery conducts the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House with just the right mixture of joviality and tragedy that Prokofiev's classic score needs but doesn't always receive. --Kevin Filipski

Customer Reviews:

A sensual joy.......2007-04-11

This is an extraordinarily enjoyable spectacle, a true feast for the senses. First of all, the sets and costumes are beautifully formed and colored. Then, the music by Prokofiev is perfect, exquisiely toned to evoke love, excitement, sorrow; it's as excellent as the play or the ballet. And the protagonists are perfectly cast, with an added poignancy coming from what one knows of their tragic personal lives, doomed lovers indeed: Nureyev dying from AIDS, Fonteyn descending into poverty and loneliness (see Tony Palmer's excellent bio), David Blair (the perfect Mercutio) dying suddenly at 43.

There are many truly memorable moments: the formal stepping out of the males and then the females at the grand ball, the High Renaissance itself; the duel between Tybalt and Mercutio, and the latter's dying moments; the exuberant mass dances in the marketplace. I especially liked the three harlots for their devil-may-care elan..

Better than the play . . ........2007-01-10

This film by Paul Czinner dates from 1966 and was the first time he used his new technique of filming a live performance. Although these roles became synonymous with the two legendary principals, this ballet was actually created on Lynn Seymour and Christopher Gable, two of the Royal Ballet's rising young stars of the era. Seymour, however, took ill right before the premier and Fonteyn took over - and when she took over, Nureyev naturally became her partner. It was bitter for Seymour and Gable, but they had no choice but to become the second cast. Although Fonteyn was about 46 at this time her technique was still equal to the choreography, and although she does not look young, her ability to project the gamboling, youthful character of the young Juliet is remarkable. For this feat alone, the film is worth having. Nureyev was at the height of his powers, only 6 years past his defection from the Kirov Ballet, and his passionate response to Fonteyn is also one of the strengths of this performance. I must acknowledge here that he has never been one of my favorite dancers and his self-involvement on stage is one reason why, but here credit must be given where it is due. The blending of his passion and Fonteyn's dramatic and lyric gifts make this familiar story riveting. The supporting cast is no less extraordinary in dramatic conviction, and they could serve as a lesson in dance-theater to today's young dancers who seem to rely on mime and broad gestures when not moving on stage. Although past his technical prime, David Blair is superbly cynical as Mercutio, and Derek Rencher brings deadly purpose to Juliet's cousin Tybalt. Without exception, this is a cast that brings the characters to life and whose attention to dramatic values honors their country's literary as well as balletic heritage. I enjoyed Nicholas Georgiadis's sets, although they came in for some criticism at the time as being "heavy". This is most definitely worth seeing and keeping - it was probably one of the last performances of Fonteyn's where she was still fully in command of her technique and did not need choreography tailored to what she still could do. And as a personal note, I prefer this ballet version of "Romeo and Juliet" to all the others I have seen, and that includes the legendary one produced by the Kirov in the 1930s, for which Prokofiev wrote this score, and which starred the immortal Galina Ulanova (this is also available on film, I believe).

Sound Quality.......2006-03-13

The dancing was as expected wonderful, but, unfortunately the sound quality was not. I tried playing it over my amp,no way, so normal sound was called for, also very shakey, not what I had hoped for !!

Historically significant.......2006-01-29

Overal excellence by two of ballet's stars. Prokiev's music may be difficult for some to enjoy compared to Tchaikovsky. Choreography just so so.

The Ballet That Spoiled All Other Ballets For Me.......2005-04-30

Tonight I watched Romeo and Juliet again, this time with two of my granddaughters. I have seen it with my parents, with my wife and three children, and now with my grandchildren. I attended the movie in Washington, in Boston, and in Albany, NY many years ago. This version has become part of my life, as have its stars, Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn. Why I have not reviewed it before, I do not know.

This Royal Ballet version of Romeo and Juliet is so fine, so spectacular, so moving, and so incrediblly beautiful that in my opinion there is no other ballet that can compare with it. First there is the poignantly tragic love story of Shakespeare. Add to it the hauntingly expressive, classic-yet-modern music of Prokofiev. Stir in Kenneth MacMillan's sensitive and exuberant choreography. And as the supreme touch, have it danced by the most exhilarating male dancer who every performed, in partnership with the most delicate and vulnerable ballernina of the past century. Here you have the masterpiece of all masterpieces. A ballet that puts other ballets to shame with their weak plots and lack of emotional substance.

My two favorite scenes are the balcony scene, and the scene where Romeo dances with a lifeless Juliet. The first exudes love and passion, as Nureyev and Fonteyn are transported by their new-found love to a height beyond all measure. In the second, your heart freezes and you strain to hold back tears as Romeo tries to coax the life back into Juliet by dancing with her limp but still graceful form. There are no touchingly valid moments such as these in any other ballet I have seen.

The superb costumes are worthy of a Zefferelli production, although this is not one, of course. The scenery is adequate but not impressive. But most important, all the dancers communicate a vitality that is convincing and contagious. The swordplay is amazing in its complexity and realism. Tybolt's death and his wife's grief are overdone with just the right touch of modernity.

But mainly, Nureyev and Fonteyn bring each scene they dance into brilliant flower. And when they dance together something of the mystery and tragedy of their two very different lives comes to the surface and animates their performance, giving it a realism that communicates their deep emotion for each other.

This is heartfelt and heart-wrenching art. When it finishes, one is exhausted and drained, but also inspired and delighted that this one-of-a-kind performance was recorded so that one may enjoy it over and over again.

Pocahontas (Disney Gold Classic Collection)

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Great dvd
Pochahontas
Pocahontas purchased from Amazon
Pass On the "Gold Collection" and get the "10th Anniversary"
Special Edition Nothing

Pocahontas (Disney Gold Classic Collection)
Starring: Irene Bedard , Judy Kuhn , Mel Gibson , David Ogden Stiers , and John Kassir
Director: Mike Gabriel , and Eric Goldberg
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
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ASIN: B00004R99J
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Great dvd.......2007-03-11

My favorite Disney movie of ALL time and this is a wonderful DVD! It has extras on a second dvd and the scene of Pocahontas and John Smtih singing together was added back in! GREAT DVD!!

Pochahontas.......2007-03-07

great storyline - a bit of history in animation . teach the children while watching a great film. The music is very well done and a great film to watch.

Pocahontas purchased from Amazon.......2007-02-26

Pass On the "Gold Collection" and get the "10th Anniversary".......2007-01-27

Special Edition Nothing.......2007-01-08

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