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King Lear [DVD]
 
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King Lear [DVD]

DVD ~ Ian McKellan
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
RRP: £19.99
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Customers buy this item with York Notes on William Shakespeare's "King Lear": (Advanced) (York Notes Advanced) by William Shakespeare

King Lear [DVD] + York Notes on William Shakespeare's "King Lear": (Advanced) (York Notes Advanced)
Price For Both: £10.70

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King Lear [DVD]
89% buy the item featured on this page:
King Lear [DVD] 4.2 out of 5 stars (10)
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Product details

  • Actors: Ian McKellan, Frances Barber, Romola Garai, Sylvester McKoy
  • Directors: Trevor Nunn
  • Format: PAL
  • Language 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: U
  • Studio: Metrodome
  • DVD Release Date: 6 Oct 2008
  • Run Time: 172 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B001EXBWX6
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 2,771 in DVD (See Bestsellers in DVD)

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Product Description

By popular demand, Trevor Nunn brings the 2007 stage-to-screen high definitiion presentation of the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of King Lear.


Synopsis

The Royal Shakespeare Company's adaptation of the Bard's famous tale/ this lavish interpretation features an all star cast that includes Sir Ian McKellen, Frances Barber, Sylvester McCoy and Romola Garai.
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Customer Reviews

10 Reviews
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 (1)
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Average Customer Review
4.2 out of 5 stars (10 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful performances, but low budget, 14 Oct 2008
By Richard Kirwan "RB" (London, England) - See all my reviews
If you are looking for amazing special effects, then this isn't the one for you. Unsurprisingly, throught the film there is an intense feeling of a tight budget. However, with the performances inside, it hardly matters.

I had the fortune to see this while it was at the New London Theatre. None of the magic created by the actors is lost in the film - Romola Garai (Cordelia) is stunning, Frances Barber (Goneril) is absolutely wonderful with perfect timing and a voice to match, Monica Dolan and William Gaunt (Regan and Gloucester) are brilliant, but the shining lights are Sylvester McCoy and Ian McKellen, as the Fool and Lear. McCoy plays a hilarious, spoon-playing fool, and there is a great sympathy towards the character, making his fall incredibly tragic. And McKellen is pitch perfect. His performance as the great King is the definitive version.

There are many more visually stunning versions of this on film, but performance wise, it doesn't get better. I'm inclined to say that if you're studying the text in class, it's probably the best bet. It's very close to the stage production, and isn't inhibited or enhanced by large sets or costumes.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Stellar Cast and Incredible Production!, 3 Oct 2008
By Louis E. Sather (Madison, Wisconsin United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
I was fortunate to see the RSC's stage production of "King Lear" twice during it's World Tour stop in Minneapolis and Ian McKellan was impressive to say the least. His command of the role kept me on the edge of my seat. I was also impressed with the performances of Frances Barber, Romola Garai and Sylvester McCoy, all of whom held their own very well when on-stage with McKellan. Having this production preserved on DVD is a real treat. My only disappointment is they didn't also record "The Seagull", which used most of the same cast and was running with "King Lear" in repertoire.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Very Strong Performance... bar Edmund, 19 Mar 2009
By V. Stephenson (England, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
It's a really strong performance, although the televised nature of the DVD does detract somewhat from the original stage performance. However, given that this is to be expected, the overall film is good.
McKellan's Lear is unique and visceral, whilst retaining the gentlness and moving qualities that are essential in the protagonist. However, at times, his performance can, I think overtake the actual text itself - it's quite hard to understand what he's saying at times. Nevertheless, another astounding achievement from McKellan.
Edmund, on the other hand, is pretty rubbish. I think his portrayal of a psycopathic brother is legitimate, but his acting of the part is far too over the top. It's essential that a portrayal of Edmund as insane be conducted with subtlty, and this guy certainly doesn't do that.
Luckily, Frances Barber is spectacular as Goneril - she's obviously evil, but with a depth that expands the role very effectively. Romola Garai is a good and moving Cordelia, without being two-dimensional, and Sylvester McCoy's Fool is an excellent portrayal.
Ben Meyjes is a fantastic Edgar, almost stealing the show. His madness is wonderfully portrayed, and the complexities of his character are constantly held throughout his performance, with his aiding of Gloucester's fall an incredibly moving scene.
Overall, a very very good production, and well worth seeing... just.. try not to let Edmund irritate you!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars goodresponce
i bought king lear for my grandson as he is studying it for a level. he says it was a very good adaptation .it arrived well on time
Published 1 month ago by Pamela Goodwin

4.0 out of 5 stars Towering performance
King Lear is a mountain of a part to play. Ian McKellan's recent RSC performance was a triumph, both in the UK and on tour and this is a DVD of the production. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Ripple

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for all who were not able to see it on stage
Because of an unfortunate foot injury I wasn't able to see this play live on stage in London. But this DVD gives the chance to see this fantastic performance 'nearly live'... Read more
Published 4 months ago by rogerthorpe

1.0 out of 5 stars Region problem
DVD:"King Lear",from UK, purchased (unsuspectingly) through Amazon.com is not intended for viewing in our Region. Read more
Published 4 months ago by David W. Elmore

5.0 out of 5 stars The excellence of Sir Ian MCKellan
Sir Ian McKellan is a brilliant Shakesperian actor, it was interesting to see him play now Lear after having seen him many years ago on the stage as Edgar. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Amets Sorgin

4.0 out of 5 stars just what I needed for my essay
This DVD came at just the right time to save my essay on Lear -I was convinced lear was a boring old git like shakespeare-but this production and Ian mc kellans performance made... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Mr. G. L. Oldershaw

5.0 out of 5 stars King Lear
This is probably the best King Lear I have seen. It is my wife's favourite play, but I usually fall asleep before the end, but this time I stuck it out and actually enjoyed it... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Peter Clynes

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