| Richard Burton's Hamlet |  | Director: John Gielgud
Actors: Richard Burton, Alfred Drake, Hume Cronyn, Robert Milli, Linda Marsh
Studio: Bmg Video
Category: Video
List Price: £16.99
Buy Used: £4.90
You Save: £12.09 (71%)
Used (4) Collectible (1) from £4.90
Avg. Customer Rating:  3 reviews
Sales Rank: 16649
Format: Pal
Rating: Exempt
Media: VHS Tape
Number Of Items: 1
UPC: 743214037638
EAN: 5024165637036
ASIN: B00004CUSG
Release Date: September 28, 1996
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: VERY GOOD CONDITION posted next day
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| Customer Reviews:
 Hamlet saved from the ashes October 25, 2002
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
The version I watched was on DVD.
Do not let the five stars inhibit you as Hamlet is up for interpretation and everyone has a favorite.
The DVD its self has very little goodies other than the play.
According to the pamphlet that comes with the DVD the prints of this film were contractually ordered to be destroyed. So we are lucky to have this interpretation.
It is easy to see why ratings are all over the spectrum. First this is a film of a play. Therefore it is neither a film nor a play. Secondly they use rehearsal clothes and minimum trappings (or distractions). Now if you enjoy the novelty of the presentation style, your next hurtle is trying to understand Richard Burton's speaking style for the first 20 minutes or so. What may appear to be a long viewing time is actually a pared down version of Hamlet witch leaves out many subtleties.
It is intriguing to see the actors in the play and see how far they came. If you do not take the time to analyze, then this really is a good version and you will find yourself kibitzing.
virile, pithy and wonderful March 9, 2002
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
Richard Burton's rhythm selection and intonation are incomparably vital, and this filmed live performance is easily the best version I have ever seen on or off the stage. The rest of the cast also show wit and sensitivity, (Polonius' scenes with Hamlet have the audience in regular fits of laughter!).
The matter of less than perfect sound quality is comparable to a knat on the back of a dinosoar.
 Historic Interest Only June 13, 2001
2 out of 6 found this review helpful
A great pity really. I had the feeling that Burton would have made a good if slightly OTT and mature Hamlet, which he was, but the production is sadly let down by the perhaps inevitably TERRIBLE picture quality and framing. I know it was taken from a live performance, and at a time when technology was less advanced, but considering the quality that film could produce at the same time, this is antediluvian stuff. It was only possible to recognise any character when in extreme close - up (rare). Avoid unless for scholarly interest.
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