The Shakespeare Collection [DVD] [1978]

This massive box set contains all 36 of Shakespeare's plays on 37 discs (Richard III is split across two discs). As far as I can tell (though I'm no expert so might be wrong) the productions follow the original texts faithfully, and no cuts have been made. All the DVD's have English subtitles, which also have no cuts. The discs are presented in 36 slim line cases, contained in a sturdy and well decorated cardboard box. The hinge on the lid is the only let down, this seems to tear quite easily.The productions all date from the period 1978-1984. Set design is usually pretty basic and typical of stage productions, though there are some imaginative variations, notably the water garden/forest sets of Midsummer night's dream, and the playground setting for Henry VI parts 1,2 and 3 and Richard III.The series employs a wide range of actors, from notable Shakespeareans such as Gielgud and Jacobi to more unusual choices such as John Cleese (as a notable Petruchio in taming of the shrew) and Bob Hoskins (as a gangsterish Iago)Using this range of actors, not all of whom are familiar with Shakespearean acting, often provides a different characterisation than we're used to, and makes the plays quite accessible.There are a lot of plays here, so it's impossible to discuss all of them. The particular highlights for me were Richard III - we're all used to Olivier's pantomime villain, rabidly chewing whatever scenery comes to hand. Here we're presented with Ron Cook's very understated performance, the complete opposite of Olivier. This makes some of Richards deeds seem the more shocking, as he seems an ordinary person. John Cleese as Petruchio is a revelation. It would have been so easy for him to play it as Basil Fawlty, but here he makes Petruchio a considerate character, with whom we have much sympathy. Titus Andronicus, usually considered one of the 'difficult' plays is here made quite watchable by a superb Trevor Peacock, with Hugh Quarshie making a suitably slimy Aaron. The best plays though have to be Henry IV parts 1 and 2. For two reasons - Jon Finch's perfectly nuanced Henry IV, and Anthony Quayle as the greatest Falstaff I have ever seen. He nearly brought me to tears in the final scene with his reaction to Harry's devastating "I know thee not old man". Compare this to Richard Griffiths' Falstaff in Merry Wives Of Windsor - it's a good performance (and one of my favourite plays) but just not in the same class as Quayle.There are very few low points here. And those are due to the writer, not the productions. Two Gentlemen of Verona and Love Labours Lost are particularly difficult to get through, but that is true no matter who puts them on.At the price being asked this is an excellent way to get hold of all the Bard's plays on DVD, worth while for the casual fan (such as myself), and I would guess to teachers and scholars, due to the textual faithfulness and the interesting slant and different readings of some well known characters. Highly recommended.

I recommend this collection highly to all Shakespeare lovers. Ever since I've received it, I've watched one play almost every night,and I've enjoyed very much the plays I've seen so far. It is great to have the entire collection, and not just a few plays, and even though there are edits and inevitable directorial interpretations, I feel these productions are more faithful to Shakespeare than some cinematic endeavours we've been used to, if only because the relative barrenness of the settings is more historically faithful to original practices and thus more attention is paid to Shakespeare's language. For in language, both spoken as well as body language, is where the power of Shakespeare's drama lies, and this is very evident in the BBC productions. Having said that, I will add that a lot of attention has been paid to settings and costumes.Casts of wonderful actors make the characters really come alive. Jane Lapotaire is wonderful as Cleopatra and as Lady Macbeth, Anthony Quayle is a memorable Falstaff in the two parts of Henry IV, Tim Piggott Smith captures Hotspur perfectly in the same, Jon Finch looks exactly as I've imagined the usurping Bolingbroke to look, the 14 year old Rebecca Saire is a superb Juliet, the plebeians in Julius Caesar resemble contemporary tradesmen and speak in a sort of delightful Cockney accent. These are just a few examples from the plays I've had time to watch so far. Crucially, I was delighted to see the actors do the roles in different ways than the cinematic productions often condition us to think about the characters. For instance, look out for Juliet's nanny in the BBC production as opposed to that in Zefirelli's film.It is also interesting to see some very well known British actors, a mix of Shakespeareans like John Gielgud and Derek Jacobi, along with more popularly known actors such as Bob Hoskins, Brenda Blethyn, Anthony Hopkins or Clive Swift.All 37 DVDs come in slim cases, there is also a little brochure with some stills from the productions, an introduction which I found quite interesting, and details about the date, director, and cast of each production. It all comes in a beautiful box, which is a joy to behold. Yes, the top flap on mine is also torn, it seems to have happened to everyone, and the top and bottom of the Antony and Cleopatra slim case was also broken, but I wouldn't exaggerate. It's hardly reason to fault the entire collection. The DVD's themselves are fine, and of excellent quality.In sum, the collection is very worth investing in, and I'm very glad I bought it. I dare say it is a must for any lover of Shakespeare and something that will stay with you for many years to come.