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A Midsummer Night's Dream [1996] | ![A Midsummer Night's Dream [1996]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ETKFHJ8GL._SL75_.jpg)
 enlarge | Director: Adrian Noble
Actors: Lindsay Duncan, Alex Jennings, Desmond Barrit, Finbar Lynch, Osheen Jones
Studio: Cinema Club
Category: Video
Buy New: £5.99
New (1) Used (4) from £5.98
Avg. Customer Rating:  6 reviews
Sales Rank: 3602
Format: Pal
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: Parental Guidance
Media: VHS Tape
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 99
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.3 x 4.2 x 1.1
EAN: 5014138035969
ASIN: B00004CUE2
Theatrical Release Date: November 29, 1996
Release Date: September 4, 2000
Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.co.uk Review
With its clearcut "play within a play" narrative and simple contrasts between the human and spirit worlds, A Midsummer Night's Dream has long been a popular introduction to Shakespeare, and Adrian Noble's 1994 RSC production reinforces why. It's a colourful and physical presentation (the latter explains the PG rating), portraying character confrontations with often reckless abandon. The ploy of giving the whole play the appearance of a child's dream is a neat touch that doesn't quite work, as the child himself, Osheen Jones, can have only a minimal amount to do on stage. Casting the main actors in dual roles works well. Alex Jennings is secure as Theseus and Oberon, but Lindsay Duncan all but steals the show as Hippolyta and Titania; her amorous encounter with Bottom, given with gusto by Desmond Barrit, has a lewd quality that Elizabethan audiences might have appreciated. Despite his dreadful 1980s hairdo, Barry Lynch is animated as Puck, while Emily Raymond's plaintive Helena is the pick of the lovers. Howard Blake turns in a sensitive and atmospheric score. On the DVD: The 16:9 anamorphic picture reproduces excellently in the widescreen format, Dolby Surround sound vividly conveying the spatial realism of Noble's staging. No subtitles, which could be a drawback, but the 12 access points divide the 99-minute production into educational-sized chunks. Sensibly edited, and imaginatively directed, this production ought to have wide appeal. --Richard Whitehouse
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| Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...
 Bottom's Dream January 21, 2008
I thought this production of A Midsummer Night's Dream was outstanding. Alex Jennings is searingly sinister as Oberon and Lindsay Duncan makes a formidable Titania. Adrian Noble directs with great visual imagination and flair. Desmond Barrit is superb as Bottom. I thought the device of introducing The Boy (and having The Boy introduce us to the play) worked especially well. The whole production is colourful, rich, powerful and strange - just as it should be. Highly recommended.
 Entertaining and clever January 26, 2006
8 out of 11 found this review helpful
I bought this version of A Midsummer Night's Dream to assist with writing my English degree essay. The production is visually colourful in its portrayal of the play. I think the characters are played to a very high standard. The staging of the mechanicals (the characters Quince, Bottom, Snug, and others) is a joy to behold being so animated. Puck (the assistant to the Fairy King) causes terrible trouble for the lovers Helena, Hermia, Lysander and Demetrius. This production takes the trouble to use features of the film: particularly interesting are its different camera angles. This is a very high standard production in my opinion and I believe that anyone with an interest in drama will take something from this version. It may interest the reader that some sections of the script are ommitted in this film. Also, in my opinion some parts of the film are unsuitable for young children.
Enchanting fairy tale December 8, 2004
15 out of 15 found this review helpful
This is an enchantig fairy-tale adaption of Shakespeare's comedy. Since it is performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company, all actors are excellent (of course they are - it's the RSC!), but Alex Jennings as Oberon really stands out, he IS the fairy king. For 2 hours it transported me into another world, with fairies, enchanted woods, Amazons and Athenian noblemen. It is the most entertaining adaption of Shakespeare's play I have ever seen. Unfortunately, there are no subtitles, but I could still follow and enjoy it, even as a non-native English speaker.
 Excellent entertainment July 22, 2004
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I enjoyed this production. It was more than a studio recording of a staged play. The sets are very creative. The performances are lively. It is brings out the humor in the script very well. If you enjoy Shakespeare, this DVD is a great addition to a collection.
The best interpretation January 20, 2004
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
This interpretation of A Midsummer Night's Dream by the Royal Shakespeare Company is the best take on Shakespeare's play I have ever seen.
The simplicity of the film will suit young children who will be captivated by the movement whilst adults will find the different levels within the film interesting.
I thouroughly enjoyed it but the film also allows you to understand the text a little better. Perfect for A level theatre studies!!!
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