| |||||||||||||||||||||
Save now on popular hit TV series such as Justified, Breaking Bad, Jesse Stone, and many more. Offer ends May 31, 2013. |
Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Special Features
Commentary by Gregory Doran, Sebastian Grant, and Chris Seager
The Making of Hamlet
The Making of Hamlet
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
It's to director Gregory Doran's incredible credit that his staging of that most familiar of English-language plays, Shakespeare's Hamlet, should be completely reinvigorated by a modern interpretation of the tragedy as a true psychological thriller. This Hamlet, filmed in 2009, presents the inner torment of the Danish prince Hamlet as a believable, relatable controlled explosion of emotions, each more unmanageable than the last. Besides the director, the casting is also brilliant, including the Scottish actor David Tennant (Doctor Who) as Hamlet and Patrick Stewart as Hamlet's uncle Claudius and the ghost of Hamlet's father--who, Hamlet becomes convinced, was killed by Claudius. The direction is brisk, and the acting is first rate. Tennant plays a heartbreaking Hamlet, whose paranoia and weird inner reflections are given a modern spin by the lush, shiny mirrorlike surfaces in the palace, as well as by small but excellent details, like a closed-circuit camera system. And Stewart is menacing but completely collected as Claudius, and unnerving as his brother's ghost. Other strong performances are contributed by Penny Downie as Hamlet's mother, Gertrude; Mariah Gale as Ophelia (who's not quite up to par with the rest of the cast, until she goes mad; then boy does she ever go mad); and Oliver Ford Davies as Polonius. But it's Tennant as the mad prince who is riveting in Hamlet. His "To be or not to be, that is the question" soliloquy--perhaps the best-known speech in English theater--is delivered in a hushed, anguished, all-too-believable manner--occasionally addressing the camera, which is fixed close on Tennant's face. The DVD also includes a must-see documentary on making Hamlet, which includes great interviews with director Doran, cast members and the art directors, set designers and others who give this Hamlet a fresh, polished sheen--while keeping the ages-old tragedy of Shakespeare's words and the explosion of needless death close to the original. The impact is unforgettable; this Hamlet is a terrific achievement. --A.T. Hurley
Product Description
David Tennant and Patrick Stewart star in this critically acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s masterpiece from Britain’s renowned Royal Shakespeare Company. No recent stage production in Britain has attracted the excitement and nearly unanimous critical praise as this Hamlet. Tennant's interpretation was recognized as defining the role fora generation, and Stewart’s complex Claudius won the Olivier award, Britain’s highest stage honor. In this specially-shot screen version, filmed on location rather than in the theater, Tennant and Stewart reprise their roles. Dynamic, exciting and contemporary, it breathes newlife into Shakespeare's greatest play.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
144 of 153 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
"Hamlet" doesn't need any introduction -- the tortured Dane, the ghost, meditations on suicide and a climax full of death. But while many adaptations of Shakespeare's classic play feel stuffy and distant, this "Hamlet" has it all -- sleek elegant sets, powerful acting, and clever modern twists on the age-old stuff. And the best part is the brilliant performances by David Tennant and Patrick Stewart.
Prince Hamlet of Denmark (Tennant) is understandably upset when, only a short time after his father's death, his mother Gertrude (Penny Downie) marries his uncle Claudius (Stewart). But when Hamlet encounters the tormented ghost of his father (Stewart again), he learns that his dad was murdered by his uncle -- but he's plagued by indecision, since he's unsure if the spirit was truly his dad.
Hamlet's behavior becomes more bizarre and erratic -- he dumps his girlfriend Ophelia (Mariah Gale), arranges a play that mimics real life a little too closely, and generally acts like a loon (yodeling with a fake crown?). But when an argument with his mother ends in tragedy, Hamlet's fate is sealed as Claudius begins plotting to get rid of him too...
"Hamlet" is one of those plays that only really comes out two ways -- either you have a passionate, intense tragedy full of very human characters, or you have two boring hours of some whiny guy talking to himself. Having suffered through the latter in the past, it makes me appreciate a well-done performance all the more -- and this "Hamlet" is full of energy, vitality and wit.
A lot of that comes from Tennant, who is simply brilliant as Hamlet -- loads of energy, and a weird edge to his "madness" (example: freaking out Polonius by pulling a weird face). And he runs the entire emotional gamut here -- love, pain, puckish comedy, loathing, sorrow and shock, with the absolute peak being the hauntingly sad "to be or not to be" scene.
And Patrick Stewart is casually brilliant in his double role -- Claudius seems like a genial guy, but Stewart lets out little hints of his true nastiness; on the other hand, the ghost is all heavy intensity. Downie is excellent as Gertrude, and Gale is rather flat in her first few scenes, but after Ophelia goes mad she's amazing. Ripping off her clothes, leaping around, smacking Gertrude -- it's frighteningly good.
And the settings and costumes are similarly amazing. The entire play is done in a sleek, elegant modern style ("mad" Hamlet runs around in jeans), but the grandeur of a royal court is still there -- lots of elaborate formal clothes, and a looming, columned black palace-stage. There are some clever modern twists (Polonius spies through a one-way mirror and security cameras), and there are some truly brilliant bits of symbolism sprinkled through the story (Gertrude seeing the mad Ophelia in a shattered mirror).
This adaptation of "Hamlet" is a solid piece of work, with the smooth feeling of a classic play done by insanely talented people. Also: David Tennant is astounding.
Prince Hamlet of Denmark (Tennant) is understandably upset when, only a short time after his father's death, his mother Gertrude (Penny Downie) marries his uncle Claudius (Stewart). But when Hamlet encounters the tormented ghost of his father (Stewart again), he learns that his dad was murdered by his uncle -- but he's plagued by indecision, since he's unsure if the spirit was truly his dad.
Hamlet's behavior becomes more bizarre and erratic -- he dumps his girlfriend Ophelia (Mariah Gale), arranges a play that mimics real life a little too closely, and generally acts like a loon (yodeling with a fake crown?). But when an argument with his mother ends in tragedy, Hamlet's fate is sealed as Claudius begins plotting to get rid of him too...
"Hamlet" is one of those plays that only really comes out two ways -- either you have a passionate, intense tragedy full of very human characters, or you have two boring hours of some whiny guy talking to himself. Having suffered through the latter in the past, it makes me appreciate a well-done performance all the more -- and this "Hamlet" is full of energy, vitality and wit.
A lot of that comes from Tennant, who is simply brilliant as Hamlet -- loads of energy, and a weird edge to his "madness" (example: freaking out Polonius by pulling a weird face). And he runs the entire emotional gamut here -- love, pain, puckish comedy, loathing, sorrow and shock, with the absolute peak being the hauntingly sad "to be or not to be" scene.
And Patrick Stewart is casually brilliant in his double role -- Claudius seems like a genial guy, but Stewart lets out little hints of his true nastiness; on the other hand, the ghost is all heavy intensity. Downie is excellent as Gertrude, and Gale is rather flat in her first few scenes, but after Ophelia goes mad she's amazing. Ripping off her clothes, leaping around, smacking Gertrude -- it's frighteningly good.
And the settings and costumes are similarly amazing. The entire play is done in a sleek, elegant modern style ("mad" Hamlet runs around in jeans), but the grandeur of a royal court is still there -- lots of elaborate formal clothes, and a looming, columned black palace-stage. There are some clever modern twists (Polonius spies through a one-way mirror and security cameras), and there are some truly brilliant bits of symbolism sprinkled through the story (Gertrude seeing the mad Ophelia in a shattered mirror).
This adaptation of "Hamlet" is a solid piece of work, with the smooth feeling of a classic play done by insanely talented people. Also: David Tennant is astounding.
68 of 74 people found the following review helpful
By samarkand
Format:DVD
Director Gregory Doran has firmly positioned his Hamlet in the realm of the psychological thriller, a story that starts moodily and then begins to careen towards its inevitable end. Showcasing why the Royal Shakespeare Company is considered one of the world's premier classical theater companies, the entire cast shines--especially David Tennant as Hamlet, Patrick Stewart as a quietly devious Claudius, and Oliver Ford Davies as a strangely sympathetic Polonius. Tennant's remarkably naturalistic line readings, and ability to make even the most famous soliloquies sound brand new, make the language easy to understand and immediate. This is a pacey, unfussy, modern-dress version that will draw in younger viewers and would be perfect for use in the classroom. Even in the US, where David Tennant isn't a household name as he is in Britain, his portrayal of the Prince will charm viewers with his wit, charisma, and depth of feeling. The wonderful chemistry between David Tennant and Peter de Jersey (Horatio) makes their deep friendship an integral part of the unfolding tragedy. Patrick Stewart's Claudius is subtle, a consummate politician, almost never letting his mask slip to show his true nature.
A fantastic production for a modern audience, the RSC's Hamlet will go down as one of the greats.
A fantastic production for a modern audience, the RSC's Hamlet will go down as one of the greats.
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
Having studied Shakespeare my entire adult life, (my Masters Degree is from the Shakespeare Institute in England) I was thrilled that instead of mouthing along the lines of Hamlet, David Tennant breathed new life into this production. He was a revelation as was Patrick Stewart and the rest of the cast. I felt like I was hearing the play for the first time. I have been raving about this performance for weeks and am responsible for other people purchasing it. What a thrill.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
He, Claudius
This production was enjoyable, but I have a few quibbles with it. First of all, Tennant, at times goes against Hamlet's directions to all players: "suit the action to the word, the... Read more
Published 18 days ago by RS Wayment
5.0 out of 5 stars
Do you recognize Claudius?
Patrick Stewart's portrayal of Claudius in the early scenes is, I think, excellent. (His portrayal of the dead King Hamlet is not, but that's primarily because, I think, of his... Read more
Published 22 days ago by A. Ouellette
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent adaptation
I have to confess that the main reason I purchashed this DVD was that David Tennant is in it! However I was soon hooked on an excellent adaptation of this play. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Vanessa
5.0 out of 5 stars
love David Tennant
Definitely one of the best versions of Hamlet I have seen. Though unsure part of the famous soliloquy was missing..
Published 2 months ago by N Harper
5.0 out of 5 stars
to be or not to be
This Hamlet is very good . The whole production and cast makes this worth while .I enjoy this version better then the other Hamlet I have seen. Well worth the cost
Published 2 months ago by G. McManus
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the most understandable performances
Recently I was given the assignment to read and understand the play Hamlet. This was not an easy task for someone like me. When I was reading the book I was utterly lost. Read more
Published 2 months ago by EMSFREAK
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sucker Not only for Hamlet but Tennant too
I've only read Hamlet when I was in high school loved it, never seen any movies over it so this was my first taste and it was FANTASTIC.
Published 2 months ago by K. Bailey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant!
David Tennant is, by far, one of the most diverse actors I've ever been privileged to watch. This contemporary version of Shakespeare's classic, Hamlet, brings you all of the... Read more
Published 2 months ago by HomeBody
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great take
Exciting rendition of the play so I enjoyed watching the film, especially the use of mirrors and the dark feel to the performance
Published 2 months ago by Joy E. Hancock
4.0 out of 5 stars
Dr Hamlet
I was surprised at David Tennant's performance. I had only seen him in the Doctor Who series--not known for its great acting--and didn't expect as good a Hamlet as he gave. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mort Payne
