Product Details

• Actors: Chris Barrie, Ed Bishop, Vernon Dobtcheff, Liza Goddard, Ben Kingsley
• Format: Classical, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English (Stereo)
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Tony Palmer Films
• DVD Release Date: September 15, 2009
• Run Time: 151 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• ASIN: B001PSJT44
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #159,108 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

TESTIMONY tells the story of the turbulent life of the great Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich. Most importantly for a movie about a composer, there is always the feeling that Tony Palmer understands the music. Palmer puts to rest the cliché that the private Shostakovich is only to be found in his chamber music but he also brings vividly alive musical details in color sequences showing the orchestra, as in the climax of the Fifth. Starring Ben Kingsley.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Know your Shostakovich to watch this film, September 9, 2011

By 

Ultrarunner - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tony Palmer's Film of Shostakovich: Testimony (DVD)

You must know your Shostakovich to understand what is going on in this film, otherwise you may be confused. This DVD is based upon the memoirs of the composer as edited by Volkov. Some academics have taken it upon themselves to question the books authenticity. There are counter arguments which state it is true. This I believe, for I grew up in a police state. I can assure you, that you are watched. Step out of line and you are in trouble as I was. I suggest you read Shostakovich, A life remembered by Elizabeth Wilson and Shostakovich Reconsidered by Ho and Feofanov,whose arguments destroys these ivory tower Academics. They should get a life.

Tony Palmer who directs, writes and Edits the film, uses Shostakovich's music to illusrate his life. Kingsley plays Shostakovich, Rigby, Stalin, Pickup the general,Robert Stephens Meyerhold. These are the well known actors in the film. The film lasts for two hours thirty minutes and is in black and white. Many of the composers friends were shot, but this did not stop his bravery in standing up to Stalin via his music. The Symphonies are played by the London Philharmonic conducted by Rudolf Barshai, who knew Shostakovich. Also the Violin Concerto No 1,plus the piano concerto no 2 and two of his string quartets. Without prior knowledge of his life, you will be confused. I think this film is for the composers fans. I liked Testimony .