Customer Reviews

The Plays of William Shakespeare, Vol. 9 - The Tempest

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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).

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.

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.

this movie is a recording of the play. The sound is a little off, but it is extremely accurate. I watched it for a ckass and suffered through it for the accuracy, follwing with the book. It is a weird story to begin with , but waching it in play form was slightly boring.

This indie production of Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST is a bit uneven, acting-wise.

While Efrem Zimbalist Jr. makes a fine Prospero, Ron Palillo as Trinculo is doing his Arnold Horshack "Welcome Back, Kotter" schtick. This edition, despite some performance and budget limitations, is true to the original and has the feel of an authentic 17th Century stageplay.

SYNOPSIS--
Prospero (the right Duke of Milan) and Miranda, his husband-hungry daughter are banished to a desolate island by Prospero's betraying brother Sebastian and the King of Naples. When a ship carrying his enemies comes near, Prospero casts a spell that creates a storm which wrecks the vessel, marooning all aboard on Prospero's prison island. One of these survivors, the King's son Ferdinand falls in love with Miranda, and she with him while Sebastian and the others wander dazedly around the island.

Related item--
The '79 British-made TEMPEST is probably the best version available.

Parenthetical number preceding title is a 1 to 10 IMDb viewer poll rating.

(5.6) The Tempest (1983) - Efrem Zimbalist Jr./J.E. Taylor/Nicholas Hammond/Duane Black/Ron Palillo/Kay E. Kuter/William Hootkins/Ted Sorel