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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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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
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.
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
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!!!
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!!!
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Only some scenes
The film as a whole film is not really felicitous.
But some scenes are quite ok.
But some scenes are quite ok.
Published 10 months ago by Happy Family
midsummer Nights dream
This is a great DVD and my 13 year old daughter and friends really liked this production and found it very watchable compared to other productions. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Enda Farrell
Bottom's Dream
I thought this production of A Midsummer Night's Dream was outstanding. Adrian Noble directs it with great visual flair and imagination. Read more
Published on 21 Jan 2008 by Oliver Twist
Entertaining and clever
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. Read more
Published on 26 Jan 2006 by "bottweiser"
A truly magical performance!
This is one of Shakespeare's plays put on video/DVD and it is a magical performance. This is suitable for children as well as adults as it has wonderful charaters and a real... Read more
Published on 6 Jun 2003
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