Richard III (Special Edition) - Richard III

The great classical version and a very watchable film

Stylistic, quite lavish, fantastically directed and photographed, this is a very charismatic version of the great Shakespeare tragedy that not everyone likes because of its so called politicisation of history. Well, if that is the case, then even that holds some historical value now, as it was done even before the young writer picked up the story. And this very traditional version is the one given by the great Olivier here, having a wail of a time hamming it up as evil Richard Crookback, machiavelian usurper of the English crown. It's wonderful, it's great to look at while being a treat for the ears as well, as one of the great theatrical orators rolls out those perfect decasyllables in that loud declamatory voice of his, while his eyes roll about just as much as his tongue, and his arms occasionally flap up and down. This is one of my two favourite Shakespeare movies, it beats both his Hamlet and Henry V for me, for being so well contained and narrated. The text of course is second only to Hamlet in the whole of the Shakespeare canon, so what we get is line after line of powerful stuff.
Now is the winter of my discontent
Made glorious summer by this DVD.

The Trial Of Richard The Third

I bought this DVD for the extra - 'The Trial Of Richard The Third' - whether I will bother looking at Shakespeare's character assassination of the real King Richard III remains to be seen, although I am sure that Olivier was good in it. The Trial itself is an enthralling piece of television with a real Judge presiding over a mock court. Real witnesses for the Defence and for the Prosecution are called, and are examined and cross examined by two barristers. There is a jury who are asked to consider their verdict at the end and the whole Trial is taken very seriously indeed. Exciting television, highly recommended for anybody who questions the doubtful claims made by the Tudors and some modern day historians about the character of the last of the Plantagenets, King Richard III. It is time for a serious rethink about a King whose good name has been besmirched and trodden into the ground in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

A Shakespeare Classic with some modern treatment

This has been on my `To-Get' list for a long long time, but I've never been happy with the offerings to date. That all changed when I picked up this gem - an excellent package and fully deserving the five stars I've awarded it. The bonus `Trial' documentary is invaluable as it's been years since I've seen that aired on TV. It's a definite must-have - so much so, that I bought a second copy for my father! Well-recommended.

Not the Criterion Cut

I had hoped that this was the same cut that was released by Criterion, but it isn't. However it is an improvement on the previous British DVD, better framed with improved colour and sound. Nevertheless it is still missing the meticulous reconstruction of the Criterion release, so we get the annoying jumps between edits now and then. Somehow it appears to be over 5 minutes shorter as well! The aspect ration is 16:9 when it should be 1.66:1 as well I think. Never mind. The epic Channel 4 program is an excellent 'special feature' though. To conclude, it should, I think, go without saying that this a marvellous film, whether you are a Shakespeare fan or not, which is why I gave it 4 stars.

Is this Olivier's Magnum Opus??

Finally, it is good to see this film get the special edition DVD treatment it deserves. Top quality for a top film. I first saw this when I was 15 and struggling with Shakspeare alot. Finally I understood due to the performances in this film. This for me is Oliviers Magnum Opus. Even more so than Henry V. The greatest performance from arguably the greatest acting talent this fair isle has ever produced. The set's are a bit crude yes and look very early cinema rather than 1950's but if you've seen Shakespeare on the stage you will know that is par for the course. The point is the acting. Because when a great actor is giving a great performance, as everyone does here not just Olivier, all else is mere cosmetics. Buy it, watch it and be mesmerised by the greatest performance you are ever likely to see. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.