See buying choices for this item to see if it's one of the millions that are eligible for Amazon Prime.

4 used & new from �12.30

See All Buying Options

Have one to sell? Sell yours here

See larger image

Share your own customer images

Hamlet [DVD] [1990]

DVD ~ Mel Gibson

4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)

Available from these sellers.

2 new from �49.79 2 used from �12.30

Rent DVDs from LOVEFiLM.com

Amazon's choice for DVD rental.
With a 14 day FREE trial. Learn more

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	33% buy Hamlet [DVD] [1990] 3.0 out of 5 stars (2) �6.58
	23% buy Macbeth [DVD] [1971] 4.5 out of 5 stars (26) �4.88
	19% buy Twelfth Night [DVD] [1996] 4.4 out of 5 stars (30) �3.98
	13% buy the item featured on this page: Hamlet [DVD] [1990] 4.1 out of 5 stars (9)

Explore similar items

Product details

Actors: Mel Gibson, Glenn Close, Alan Bates, Paul Scofield, Helena Bonham-Carter
Directors: Franco Zeffirelli
Format: PAL
Language English
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Number of discs: 1
Classification: PG
Studio: Momentum Pictures
DVD Release Date: 26 Dec 2005
Run Time: 129 minutes

Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)

ASIN: B000BX6FU0
Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 25,615 in DVD (See Bestsellers in DVD)

Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

Reviews

Synopsis
Acclaimed director Franco Zeffirelli teamed with Mel Gibson for this energetic, earthy adaptation of the classic Shakespeare tragedy. From study abroad, the young Prince of Denmark returns home to find his mother has married his uncle, and his father's ghost is urging him to action; but what action? Gibson brings real gusto to Hamlet's anguish, and makes this full-blooded translation roar with life. Glenn Close, as his mother, and Helena Bonham Carter, as Ophelia, both lend excellent support. This is Shakespeare with teeth; it should please both students and casual filmgoers.

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

Twelfth Night [DVD] [1996]

DVD ~ Helena Bonham Carter

4.4 out of 5 stars (30) �3.98

Macbeth [DVD] [1971]

DVD ~ Jon Finch

4.5 out of 5 stars (26) �4.88

William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream [DVD] [1999]

DVD ~ Kevin Kline

3.9 out of 5 stars (23) �4.08

The Merchant of Venice [DVD] [2004]

DVD ~ Al Pacino

3.8 out of 5 stars (27) �4.88

Henry V [DVD] [1989]

DVD ~ Kenneth Branagh

4.6 out of 5 stars (16) �4.98

› Explore similar items

Tags Customers Associate with This Product

(What's this?)

Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.

mel gibson(1)

shakespeare(1)

shakespeare tragedy(1)

tragedy(1)

Customer Reviews

9 Reviews

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

Average Customer Review

4.1 out of 5 stars (9 customer reviews)

Share your thoughts with other customers:

Create your own review

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Suprisingly good., 16 Feb 2006

By	Bruno - See all my reviews

With casting Mel Gibson as lead, this film was always going to attract a type of movie goer that would probably not normally see a Shakespeare production. Hence it's no suprise that we don't have 100% theatrical authenticity here, it is perhaps (or was at the time) a suprise to see just how good Gibson's performance is. Intense and broody, it manages to convey the confusion of a mind being torn apart by fate in a way that is more convincing and watchable than Branagh's. The whole film is entertaining while still managing to bring something new to the much feasted upon Shakespearean table, just what every film adaptation of the bard's works should try to do.

Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a Hamlet for today's audience., 5 Feb 2006

By	bernie "xyzzy" (Arlington, Texas) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

This version of Hamlet is short and fast paced. It has plenty of energy and Mel Gibson is a convincing Hamlet. The balances of the cast are top-notch actors and are in excellent form. There is enough of the story to give cohesion. There are no stories or plays that could not stand a little reinterpreting. But some times this leave out the feel. Mel actually put more feel back in to the original intent. So do not compare while watching. And watch it a gain.

The story takes place in Denmark. Hamlet the prince is informed by the ghost of his father that his mother and uncle were responsible for his father’s death. His mother and his uncle get married before the funeral meat is cold. How will Hamlet deal with the situation and what effect will it have on others around him?

Comment Comment (1) | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Shakespeare's greatest play and an amazing film, 16 April 2007

By	Philip Murray (Consett, County Durham United Kingdom) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Purists of English literature would perhaps discredit this masterpiece of a film for its manipulation, and somewhat removal, of some scenes from Shakespeare's great revenge tragedy. However, the amazing acting from this all-star cast and the excellecent setting and realism of the film more than compensates. Highlights include the scenes demonstrating Ophelia's madness, a fantastically Freudian interpretation of the famous III.iv scene between Hamlet and Gertrude, and the breath-taking final scene. Credit must also be given for their ability to caputre the realism of Hamlet's many soliloquies and the Ghost as an Elizabethan audience would have seen it.The greatest interpretation of Shakespeare on this silver screen? My only criticism is the lack of any extra features on the DVD, hence only 4/5 stars.

Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 9 customer reviews...

Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Hamlet and Mel!
Surprisingly good, and another side to Mel Gibson. Don't have much to do with Shakespear normally but got this free in a Sunday paper and decided to watch it. Read more

Published 9 months ago by Mr. R. C. Auty

5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant
When I saw this on TV a few weeks ago, I was mesmerized. For the first time in my life I actually understood the story of 'Hamlet' and could follow what was going on. Read more

Published 12 months ago by Ben Dover

2.0 out of 5 stars Hamlet's hard enough!
I am currently studying Hamlet, and found this film version excessively irritating. Although some of the acting is good (Ian Holme's Polonius is remarkably well cast, and... Read more

Published 14 months ago by Helena Cadoux

3.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, slick, but...
First of all, what there is of this version of Hamlet is first class. Mel Gibson proves a warm, likeable, and surpisingly convincing lead. Read more

Published on 2 Feb 2006 by yorrick

4.0 out of 5 stars Try this movie as a good intro. to Shakespeare's Tragedies.
Firstly - a review of themis_athena's review - five stars: well written, well done. (Sorry I couldn't write that in Will's style, but it's late and I'm... Read more

Published on 9 Jan 2006 by Annie-lizzy

5.0 out of 5 stars Since brevity is the soul of wit ...
I will be brief; though whether witty, too, as this production is ... why, I know not.
For 'tis not a trifle thing to take a play like Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and cut... Read more

Published on 28 Dec 2005 by Themis-Athena

› See all 9 customer reviews...

.jsOffDisplayBlock { display: block; } .jsOffDisplayInline { display: inline; } .jsOffVisibility { visibility: visible; } .jsOnDisplayBlock { display: none; } .jsOnDisplayNoneBlock { display: block; } .jsOnDisplayNoneInline { display: inline; } .jsOnDisplayInline { display: none; } .jsOnVisibility { visibility: hidden; } .jsOnDisplayBlock { display: none; } .jsOnDisplayInline { display: none; } .jsOnVisibility { visibility: hidden; }

Customer Discussions

Beta (What's this?)

This product's forum (1 discussion)

	Discussion	Replies	Latest Post
	I've seen the video - but is the DVD any better?	0	April 2008

› See all discussions...

Start a new discussion

Topic:

First post:

Prompts for sign-in

[Cancel]

Guidelines

Active discussions in related forums

Discussion	Replies	Latest Post
drama worst film you've ever seen ?	393	3 hours ago
drama Favourite last scene.	65	3 hours ago
drama Hitchcocks' best?	42	4 hours ago
drama Greatest U.S. tv series?	129	6 hours ago
drama what's been the scariest film you have seen?	23	7 hours ago
drama best comedy film ever?	25	8 hours ago
classics British Police film.	12	4 days ago
classics Vertigo (1958)	8	10 days ago

Related forums

classics (28 discussions)
drama (108 discussions)

Listmania!

Stunning Costume Dramas.: A list by Edna Little.
Shakespeare on the Silver Screen: A list by Themis-Athena
Top major dvd: A list by Panacean

Create a Listmania! list

Look for similar items by category

DVD & Blu-ray > Classics > Drama
DVD & Blu-ray > Drama

Feedback

Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

Health & Beauty at Amazon.co.uk

From soap to shavers, massagers to mascara, stock up on your daily essentials or truly pamper yourself.

›Discover Health & Beauty

Make A Wish

Make sure you always get what you want with an Amazon.co.uk Wish List.

›More info on Wish Lists

A Close Shave

Philips Nivea Coolskin HS8060 Moisturizing Rotary Shaving System

For all types of hair removal, stay smooth with Amazon.co.uk.

›Discover Shaving & Hair Removal

Treat Someone

With an Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificate, you can get them what they want (even if you don't know what that is).

›Learn more about Gift Certificates

Where's My Stuff?

track your recent orders
view or change your orders in Your Account

Delivery and Returns

see our delivery rates and policies
thinking of returning an item? (See our Returns Policy)

Need Help?

Forgot your password?
Buy Gift Certificates.
still have questions? Visit our Help Pages

Your Recent History

(What's this?)

You have no recently viewed items or searches.

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.

Look to the right column to find helpful suggestions for your shopping session.

Continue Shopping: Top Sellers

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

4.5 out of 5 stars (72)�3.86

Breaking Dawn (Twilight Saga) by Stephenie Meyer

4.1 out of 5 stars (460)�6.49

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

4.1 out of 5 stars (162)�3.99

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

4.2 out of 5 stars (80)�3.86


Amazon Home

International Sites: United States \| Germany \| France \| Japan \| Canada \| China

Business Programs: Sell on Amazon \| Fulfilment by Amazon \| Join Associates \| Join Advantage

Customer Service \| Help \| View Basket \| Your Account

About Amazon.co.uk \| Careers at Amazon


Amazon Home

International Sites: United States \| Germany \| France \| Japan \| Canada \| China

Business Programs: Sell on Amazon \| Fulfilment by Amazon \| Join Associates \| Join Advantage

Customer Service \| Help \| View Basket \| Your Account

About Amazon.co.uk \| Careers at Amazon