Product Details

• Actors: Efrem Zimbalist Jr., William H. Bassett, Ted Sorel, Ron Palillo
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Kultur
• DVD Release Date: January 30, 2001
• Run Time: 127 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000059XTX
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #55,198 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Like other volumes in the Plays of William Shakespeare series, this production of The Tempest is stripped of interpretive artistry and presented with strict fidelity to the play. This can be frustrating, since the cast is burdened with a textbook approach to authentic presentation, drawing scant inspiration from moodless lighting and low-budget stage design. What matters, though, is the play itself, and the best performances, including an engaging turn by Efram Zimbalist Jr. as Prospero, do adequate justice to Shakespeare's tale of love and sorcery among island castaways. As Caliban, William Hootkins provides bluster aplenty, and Duane Black makes a mischievous Ariel. Other players are less fortunate (as Trinculo, Ron Palillo can't shake his persona from TV's Welcome Back, Kotter), and the technical quality of this series leaves much to be desired. Consider this a suitable introduction, offering a flavorful taste of The Tempest but not its fullest essence. --Jeff Shannon

Product Description
The clearest and most understandable Shakespeare productions ever made. Staged as seen in the 16th Century, featuring award-winning performers. The classic tale of spirits, sorcery, and shipwrecked scheming noblemen. Starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr., William H. Bassett, Ted Sorel and Ron Palillo. 127 minutes.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars There are better films of this play, May 27, 2004

By	Chris S (London, UK) - See all my reviews

Firstly I'd just like to point out that on the box it says: "Staged as seen in the 16th century". In fact 'The Tempest' wasn't even written until around 1610/11, the 17th century, and thus it's highly unlikely that it was seen in the 16th.

This is a brilliant play, which has been adapted more successfully to film in the following versions:

- The Tempest, director: Derek Jarman, 1979

- Prospero's Books, director: Peter Greenaway, 1991

I wouldn't reccommend viewing Greenaway's version unless you have know the play quite well as it's a very artistic interpretation, and doesn't lend itself to storytelling, it's more preoccupied with the specifics of Prospero's 'art' (i.e. magic).

28 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Authentic production of The Tempest, October 2, 2003

By	Stacy Barrington (Mobile, Alabama United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was a very entertaining production of Shakespeare's play. I particularly found Ariel's character very true to the qualities of 'airy spirits.' The costumes of all the characters were well-done. I was not as keen on the parts with the jester and drunken butler as I was with the other characters, but overall, the scenes were played well. For anyone who has never had a chance to see a stage production of The Tempest in a style close to the original play, this would be a good introduction. Though some people may find Woodman's production of The Tempest banal, it could be very appealing to fans of Shakespeare's time and history, not just his plays. If you only like lavish sets and modern ideals of stage productions, this edition may not be appropriate, but it need not be for the masses; only for select fans.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Tempest review, February 10, 2007

By	C. Butler (Canton, OH USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Extremely disappointing. I was hoping to share some scenes with my students to help them understand the play. I'm afraid I would turn them off Shakespeare entirely if I showed them even a touch of this version.