Product Description

By popular demand, Trevor Nunn brings the 2007 stage-to-screen high definitiion presentation of the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of King Lear.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4950 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-10-06
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 172 minutes

Synopsis
The Royal Shakespeare Company's adaptation of the Bard's famous tale/ this lavish interpretation features an all star cast that includes Sir Ian McKellen, Frances Barber, Sylvester McCoy and Romola Garai.

Review
***** - a superlative performance from Ian McKellan --The Times

Review
McKellan is arguably the finest living interpretor of Shakespeare --Arts Review LA

Customer Reviews

Beautiful performances, but low budget
If you are looking for amazing special effects, then this isn't the one for you. Unsurprisingly, throught the film there is an intense feeling of a tight budget. However, with the performances inside, it hardly matters.

I had the fortune to see this while it was at the New London Theatre. None of the magic created by the actors is lost in the film - Romola Garai (Cordelia) is stunning, Frances Barber (Goneril) is absolutely wonderful with perfect timing and a voice to match, Monica Dolan and William Gaunt (Regan and Gloucester) are brilliant, but the shining lights are Sylvester McCoy and Ian McKellen, as the Fool and Lear. McCoy plays a hilarious, spoon-playing fool, and there is a great sympathy towards the character, making his fall incredibly tragic. And McKellen is pitch perfect. His performance as the great King is the definitive version.

There are many more visually stunning versions of this on film, but performance wise, it doesn't get better. I'm inclined to say that if you're studying the text in class, it's probably the best bet. It's very close to the stage production, and isn't inhibited or enhanced by large sets or costumes.

Stellar Cast and Incredible Production!
I was fortunate to see the RSC's stage production of "King Lear" twice during it's World Tour stop in Minneapolis and Ian McKellan was impressive to say the least. His command of the role kept me on the edge of my seat. I was also impressed with the performances of Frances Barber, Romola Garai and Sylvester McCoy, all of whom held their own very well when on-stage with McKellan. Having this production preserved on DVD is a real treat. My only disappointment is they didn't also record "The Seagull", which used most of the same cast and was running with "King Lear" in repertoire.

Very Strong Performance... bar Edmund
It's a really strong performance, although the televised nature of the DVD does detract somewhat from the original stage performance. However, given that this is to be expected, the overall film is good.
McKellan's Lear is unique and visceral, whilst retaining the gentlness and moving qualities that are essential in the protagonist. However, at times, his performance can, I think overtake the actual text itself - it's quite hard to understand what he's saying at times. Nevertheless, another astounding achievement from McKellan.
Edmund, on the other hand, is pretty rubbish. I think his portrayal of a psycopathic brother is legitimate, but his acting of the part is far too over the top. It's essential that a portrayal of Edmund as insane be conducted with subtlty, and this guy certainly doesn't do that.
Luckily, Frances Barber is spectacular as Goneril - she's obviously evil, but with a depth that expands the role very effectively. Romola Garai is a good and moving Cordelia, without being two-dimensional, and Sylvester McCoy's Fool is an excellent portrayal.
Ben Meyjes is a fantastic Edgar, almost stealing the show. His madness is wonderfully portrayed, and the complexities of his character are constantly held throughout his performance, with his aiding of Gloucester's fall an incredibly moving scene.
Overall, a very very good production, and well worth seeing... just.. try not to let Edmund irritate you!