Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #59826 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-12-03
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 99 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
With its clearcut "play within a play" narrative and simple contrasts between the human and spirit worlds, A Midsummer Night's Dream has long been a popular introduction to Shakespeare, and Adrian Noble's 1994 RSC production reinforces why. It's a colourful and physical presentation (the latter explains the PG rating), portraying character confrontations with often reckless abandon. The ploy of giving the whole play the appearance of a child's dream is a neat touch that doesn't quite work, as the child himself, Osheen Jones, can have only a minimal amount to do on stage. Casting the main actors in dual roles works well. Alex Jennings is secure as Theseus and Oberon, but Lindsay Duncan all but steals the show as Hippolyta and Titania; her amorous encounter with Bottom, given with gusto by Desmond Barrit, has a lewd quality that Elizabethan audiences might have appreciated. Despite his dreadful 1980s hairdo, Barry Lynch is animated as Puck, while Emily Raymond's plaintive Helena is the pick of the lovers. Howard Blake turns in a sensitive and atmospheric score.

On the DVD: The 16:9 anamorphic picture reproduces excellently in the widescreen format, Dolby Surround sound vividly conveying the spatial realism of Noble's staging. No subtitles, which could be a drawback, but the 12 access points divide the 99-minute production into educational-sized chunks. Sensibly edited, and imaginatively directed, this production ought to have wide appeal. --Richard Whitehouse

Special Features
16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
DVD 5
English
Region 2
Dolby Digital Surround English
Dolby Digital Surround
Interactive Menus
Scene Index
None

Synopsis
Shakespeare's comic romance is once again translated to the screen in this lively adaptation. The fantasy is brought to live by the cream of the Royal Shakespeare Company who introduce a new character, 'The Boy', to tell the tale.

Customer Reviews

Enchanting fairy tale
This is an enchantig fairy-tale adaption of Shakespeare's comedy. Since it is performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company, all actors are excellent (of course they are - it's the RSC!), but Alex Jennings as Oberon really stands out, he IS the fairy king. For 2 hours it transported me into another world, with fairies, enchanted woods, Amazons and Athenian noblemen. It is the most entertaining adaption of Shakespeare's play I have ever seen. Unfortunately, there are no subtitles, but I could still follow and enjoy it, even as a non-native English speaker.

The best interpretation
This interpretation of A Midsummer Night's Dream by the Royal Shakespeare Company is the best take on Shakespeare's play I have ever seen.
The simplicity of the film will suit young children who will be captivated by the movement whilst adults will find the different levels within the film interesting.
I thouroughly enjoyed it but the film also allows you to understand the text a little better. Perfect for A level theatre studies!!!

Excellent entertainment
I enjoyed this production. It was more than a studio recording of a staged play. The sets are very creative. The performances are lively. It is brings out the humor in the script very well. If you enjoy Shakespeare, this DVD is a great addition to a collection.