Product Details

• Actors: Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, John Bown, Susan Dury, Judith Harte
• Directors: Joan Kemp-Welch, Paul Kafno, Philip Casson, Tony Davenall
• Writers: Trevor Nunn, William Shakespeare
• Producers: Charles Warren, Francis Coleman
• Format: Box set, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 4
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: A&E Home Video
• DVD Release Date: August 29, 2006
• Run Time: 652 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000G1R3ZS
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #100,213 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "The Thames Shakespeare Collection (Macbeth / King Lear / Romeo & Juliet / Twelfth Night)" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Four of William Shakespeare's ageless tales of drama and passion come together in this stellar collection featuring award-winning actors and acclaimed directors. From royal family struggles and star-crossed lovers to a shipwreck romance and witches' prophecies, the productions in this collection represent the finest in Shakespearean stage adaptation. MACBETH: Witchcraft, manipulation, and murder mark Macbeth's ascension to power and his subsequent downfall. This classic production features the unsurpassed talent of Ian McKellen, Oscar® winner Judi Dench, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. KING LEAR: When King Lear renounces his throne to divide his kingdom among his daughters, treachery, madness, and murder follow. This compelling production stars Patrick Magee (A Clockwork Orange) and other mainstays of stage and television. ROMEO & JULIET: This moving interpretation of Shakespeare's ageless tale of family feuds, star-crossed lovers and tragic, untimely death features a first-rate cast, authentic sets and colorful costumes that will envelop you in world's most famous love story. TWELFTH NIGHT: Showcasing the directorial talents of Kenneth Branagh, this popular and enduring comedy revolves around unrequited love and mistaken identity. An insightful and witty performance by the Renaissance Theatre Company provides a humorous commentary about who and how we love. DVD Features: Interviews with Kenneth Branagh, Ian McKellen and Patrick Mower; "Romeo & Juliet - A Family Feud" Featurette; Cast and Director Biographies; Timeline of William Shakespeare's Life and Plays; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Mushy sound - needs subtitles..., July 16, 2007

By 

Roglio (Emeryville, CA United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Thames Shakespeare Collection (Macbeth / King Lear / Romeo & Juliet / Twelfth Night) (DVD)

I was disappointed... the films of live plays are visually flat, and the sound was mushy, and I really wished there were subtitles. In my opinion, the BBC productions are much better.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent to watch, but at best FAIR to GOOD as a teaching tool, December 28, 2008

By 

Marc Pollitt (California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Thames Shakespeare Collection (Macbeth / King Lear / Romeo & Juliet / Twelfth Night) (DVD)

This is a WONDERFUL production, well acted and interestingly staged, using modern costuming. McKellan and Dench are in fine form, both as malevolent as they need to be.

As a teacher, however, I found this DVD to be a major disappointment, because for some silly reason the publisher did not bother to offer subtitles (which are immensely valuable to aid students' comprehension of a fairly difficult text).

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shakespeare Goes Home, February 14, 2010

By 

Dah Deb (Florida) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Thames Shakespeare Collection (Macbeth / King Lear / Romeo & Juliet / Twelfth Night) (DVD)

These DVD's are high quality acting with an excellent rendition of Shakespeare's classics. Affordable luxuries are always the best.