- Actors: Kenneth Branagh, Julie Christie, Derek Jacobi, Kate Winslet, Riz Abbasi
- Directors: Kenneth Branagh
- Writers: Kenneth Branagh, William Shakespeare
- Producers: David Barron
- Language English
- Classification: PG
- Studio: Warner
- VHS Release Date: 6 Aug 2001
- Run Time: 121 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00005NBUS
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 3,987 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Kenneth Branagh's four-hour production of Shakespeare's full text for Hamlet is visually lush (shot in 70mm, which is rarely done) and full of fascinating story moments that normally get cut from shorter stage versions. (Your idea of what kind of fellow Polonius is may change quite a bit.) The unexpurgated approach is truly enlightening, and Branagh intermittently succeeds at giving familiar moments in the drama an original cinematic spin, including Hamlet's spooky confrontation with his father's ghost (Brian Blessed). (Branagh also imposes some Hollywood glitter on the proceedings by casting the likes of Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Charlton Heston and Jack Lemmon in the smaller parts.) The pre-Titanic Kate Winslet is very good as the doomed Ophelia, and Derek Jacobi delivers a wonderfully nuanced performance as Claudius, whose character is definitely filled out by the restored material. Branagh's own performance is a little revisionist--some viewers have quibbled with it while others seem fine. --Tom Keogh
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
Here's a film to take your breath away. Branagh is outstanding in the lead and has gathered a star cast to make a visually stunning and beautifully realised interpretation of Shakespeare that will appeal to today's audience. How tragic that this, the full version, is no longer available and the only video now on the market is a horribly butchered travesty that contains only half the original footage.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
Kenneth Brannagh is with very little doubt one the the best directors and actors of Shakespeare's texts. His ability to clarify meanigs of the play through precise interpretation is beautifully exemplified in this production of Hamlet. It is clear to any observer that Brannagh understands Shakespeare with ease. This enables the observer to understand the words and story beter themselves. If any one has any qualms or difficulties with understanding Shakespeare then just buy this; it is enjoyable for all and easily understandable.
32 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
DON'T BUY THIS FILM IF YOU'RE EXPECTING TO OWN THE COMPLETE FILM OF BRANAGH'S HAMLET. THIS EDITION IS ABRIDGED AND SEVERAL KEY MOMENTS FROM THE FILM ARE CUT OUT. THIS IS MORE LIKE A FILM THAT HAS BEEN EDITED FOR TELEVISION. ON THE PLUS SIDE, IF YOU'VE NEVER SEEN THE COMPLETE VERSION THIS IS VISUALLY STUNNING AND FEATURES SOME WORLD CLASS ACTORS. PRE TITANIC KATE WINSLET'S PORTRAYAL OF OPHELIA IS NOT TO BE MISSED. ADMITTEDLY THE FILM IS A LOT EASIER TO WATCH HAVING BEEN SHORTENED BUT I FOR ONE WAS A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED WITH IT.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Branagh as bleached-blond Hamlet
This is a very well-directed film. The great joy of watching a Branagh-directed Shakespeare is the effort put into ensuring that the diction is as clear and natural as possible... Read more
Published on 16 Jan 2008 by Nicholas Casley
"Would Macy's Tell Gimbels?"
I recall having to scout about all over the county to find a cinema that even knew Brannagh HAD a full-length Hamlet on release... Read more
Published on 26 Sep 2007 by D. Oxford
Kenneth Brannagh's 4 Hour Hamlet
I felt compelled to write something just to correct what a reviewer below (Orlando) stated; that this isn't the 4 hour version. Read more
Published on 22 Aug 2007 by Stephen Macdonald
Not the 4 hours version
This item is not the complete 4 hours version, contrarily to what the Amazon.co.uk review may lead you to believe, but a 2 hours version. Read more
Published on 22 Feb 2006 by Orlando
Hamlet......Branaghs best
I thought this version of Hamlet outstanding and well worth the time to sit and watch.outstanding cast appearences by robin williams and Richard Briars and including well known... Read more
Published on 24 Feb 2004 by mr B.Austin
Abridged HAMLET
I wanted the full four hour version. I got the abridged two hour version. Please make sure you have ordered the correct one.
Published on 22 Feb 2004
Sadly "abridged"
I received my copy of Hamlet, dying to watch the unabridged version (or based on the unabridged text) as mentioned in the amazon video details page, and to my dismay, realised my... Read more
Published on 8 Feb 2004 by Tanja Gehren
one word - fantastic (if you know what you're talking about)
The acting in this film is what really sets it apart from other versions of Hamlet - indeed other versions of Shakespeare in my opinion. Read more
Published on 23 Dec 2003
Shakespearian splendor
Kenneth Branagh stars in and directs this elegant and articulate version of Shakespeare's great play. I have to say, this is excellent. Read more
Published on 29 Nov 2003 by M. D. Hart
The best Hamlet by far.
I have watched all the Hamlet's, and can honestly say that this is the most watchable, and certainly the most enjoyable. Read more
Published on 7 Nov 2003 by Mr. E. Selous
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