Product Details

• Format: Closed-captioned, 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
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Applause Books
• DVD Release Date: February 1, 2005
• Run Time: 142 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• ASIN: 1557835330
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #283,583 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

A fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most talked about theatre events of our time - Tantalus, the ten-hour, nine-play cycle written by Royal Shakespeare Company co-founder John Barton and directed by Sir Peter Hall.The filmmakers take a "no-holds-barred" approach, exposing the fears, creative tensions and euphoric breakthroughs through the rehearsal period. We are present for the volcanic conflicts between author and director, the grueling rehearsals, the resignations, the schedule havoc, and finally the triumphant opening night. The film team was granted full access, roaming freely through rehearsal halls, climbing catwalks as they captured the gargantuan challenges of mounting this epic reinvention of the ancient Greek myths. 2 DVDs (00314650) or 2 Videos (00314649). 1 hour, 54 minutes.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars the "sausage making" aspects of a great modern theatrical event, July 25, 2009

By 

John Michael Albert "John-Michael Albert" (Portsmouth NH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tantalus (DVD)

The subject of this documentary is the evolution of an amazing 10-hour play, premiered in Denver in 2000. A Google search on the internet will provide contemporary review: audiences raved despite the incredible ticket price, the 10 am to 10:30 pm running time, with two meal breaks. The story is based on an amalgam of Greek myth, centered around yet another human tortured by the Gods, this time, with thirst. The play uses every imaginable resource available to modern theater: masks, giant puppets, contemporary characters, gods and goddesses, a stage covered in sand with a pool in it and assembles an international array of theater technicians, each to provide their unique take on costumes, lighting, puppetry, music, set design etc. Knowing that it was spectacularly successful doesn't prevent the viewer of this documentary from sharing the tension, raw panic, primal fear etc. shared by all the professionals that this might just not work--or it will work in an unimaginable way. I saw it when it appeared on PBS in Dec 2001 and rewatched my tape many times before I wore it out. it's great to have it available on DVD.