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VHS : Hamlet (Widescreen Edition)
Digital Life Average Rating:  out of 5 stars


 : Hamlet (Widescreen Edition)
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Hamlet (Widescreen Edition)
starring: Richard Attenborough, David Blair, Brian Blessed, Richard Briers, Michael Bryant

Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9780780629455
Format: Color, Letterboxed, Special Edition, Widescreen, NTSC
ISBN: 0780629450
Label: Turner Home Ent
Manufacturer: Turner Home Ent
Number Of Items: 2
Publisher: Turner Home Ent
Release Date: April 18, 2000
Running Time: 242 minutes
Sales Rank: 18804
Studio: Turner Home Ent
Theatrical Release Date: December 25, 1996




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Editorial Review:

Amazon.com:
Kenneth Branagh's four-hour production of Shakespeare's full text for Hamlet is visually lush (shot in 70mm, which is rarely done) and full of fascinating story moments that normally get cut from shorter stage versions. (Your idea of what kind of fellow Polonius is may change quite a bit.) The unexpurgated approach is truly enlightening, and Branagh intermittently succeeds at giving familiar moments in the drama an original cinematic spin, including Hamlet's spooky confrontation with his father's ghost (Brian Blessed). (Branagh also imposes some Hollywood glitter on the proceedings by casting the likes of Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Charlton Heston, and Jack Lemmon in the smaller parts.) The pre-Titanic Kate Winslet is very good as the doomed Ophelia, and Derek Jacobi delivers a wonderfully nuanced performance as Claudius, whose character is definitely filled out by the restored material. Branagh's own performance is a little revisionist--some viewers have quibbled with it while others seem fine with it. --Tom Keogh



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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:  out of 5 stars

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars - 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. His use of certain unsuitable actors, his lack of real passion, and his inability to always keep things moving have made this a merely enjoyable movie rather than a great one.
I don't say that American actors can't do Shakespeare. There have been some great American actors, such as Orson Wells, who ... Read More



Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - 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 probably the next best way to experience Shakespeare's masterpiece. The majesty of the Edwardian set blends perfectly with the mysterious plot and shrouded characters and the visuals add life that viewers would expect of any performance.
Branaugh's adaptation, the full text of the original play, is consistent with basic interpretations of the plays but plays down the idea of Hamlet as truly crazy. While Branagh ... Read More



Rating: 3 out of 5 stars - 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.



Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - 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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