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Product Description
Previously unknown Australian actor Keith Michell stars as England's infamous, fickle king in a splendid period production. Winner of 15 awards, including the Prix Italia, an Emmy and 5 BAFTAs, the drama brings Tudor England to life as each wife's story unfolds, from Catherine of Aragon to Catherine Parr.
Henry's marriage to the rawboned Anne of Cleves is the story of an uneasy alliance between England and Germany, a political convenience. But while the annulment of that marriage amounts to a corresponding escape from political dilemmas, it also means the parting of two close friends.
The cast is dotted with familiar faces, with supporting roles for the likes of Annette Crosbie, Dorothy Tutin, Patrick Troughton and Angela Pleasance.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
128 of 130 people found the following review helpful
The series comprises a series of screen plays, each dealing with a Queen's story. The series is held together by the magnificent performance of Keith Michell. He IS Henry VIII. He is ably supported by his consorts; Annette Crosbie as Catherine of Aragon shows anger dignity and pain, Dorothy Tutin as Anne Boleyn gives a glimpse of the spirited, single minded woman who mothered Elizabeth I, Anne Stallybrass leaves us wondering if Jane Seymour was a gentle innocent or the willing tool of a ruthless court faction, Elvi Hale as Anne of Cleves portrays a shrewd woman who seems to achieve exactly what she wants, Angela Pleasance gives a display of innocence, native cunning and unbelievable foolishness, and finally Rosalie Crutchley as Catherine Parr shows a woman driven by duty who survives the treachery all around her. It is the strong casting of other key characters which gives the series depth; Patrick Troughton as Norfolk, and Bernard Hepton as Archbishop Cranmer were born to play those parts.
The series is well researched and soundly based in fact, and although there are of course inaccuracies they are few in comparison with more modern productions. Watch "The Other Boleyn Girl" which is included as a bonus and the contrast is obvious - nor does this series rely on gory special effects to achieve its impact.
I was fascinated by this series when I first watched it as a teenager and it inspired a passion for the Tudor period which has never left me.
The DVD set is excellent value even if the quality of reproduction is not always as sharp as the original.
It is well worth watching. Enjoy!
The series is well researched and soundly based in fact, and although there are of course inaccuracies they are few in comparison with more modern productions. Watch "The Other Boleyn Girl" which is included as a bonus and the contrast is obvious - nor does this series rely on gory special effects to achieve its impact.
I was fascinated by this series when I first watched it as a teenager and it inspired a passion for the Tudor period which has never left me.
The DVD set is excellent value even if the quality of reproduction is not always as sharp as the original.
It is well worth watching. Enjoy!
68 of 69 people found the following review helpful
By Green Knight
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Amazon Verified Purchase
Long overdue, but worth the wait. This superb series of lengendary 90-minute plays is at last available on Region 2 DVD - re-mastered, and looking wonderful.
If you remember that television drama was never meant to be poor man's cinema, the series has a theatrical quality about it which works to its advantage and makes it all the more riveting.
The acting is superb, and there is a standard of English speech that has now virtually disappeared - especially from the small screen. This quality gives a required weight to the excellent and literate scripts.
(If you don't know what I mean, have a look at the frightful 'The Other Boleyn Girl' on the extra disc, and compare. The cast of this look and sound like estate agents in fancy dress.)
In the Henry plays, we can believe in this magnificent King and his world utterly - sharing in his triumphs, tragedies, and vulnerability - just as we can also believe in every one of the wives, and the machiavellian court that surrounds them.
So what if a microphone shows in one scene ? So what if there are occasional boom shadows ? Just enjoy the drama. They don't make 'em like this any more. Unfortunately.
If you remember that television drama was never meant to be poor man's cinema, the series has a theatrical quality about it which works to its advantage and makes it all the more riveting.
The acting is superb, and there is a standard of English speech that has now virtually disappeared - especially from the small screen. This quality gives a required weight to the excellent and literate scripts.
(If you don't know what I mean, have a look at the frightful 'The Other Boleyn Girl' on the extra disc, and compare. The cast of this look and sound like estate agents in fancy dress.)
In the Henry plays, we can believe in this magnificent King and his world utterly - sharing in his triumphs, tragedies, and vulnerability - just as we can also believe in every one of the wives, and the machiavellian court that surrounds them.
So what if a microphone shows in one scene ? So what if there are occasional boom shadows ? Just enjoy the drama. They don't make 'em like this any more. Unfortunately.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
I'm too young to have seen this BBC masterpiece when it was first shown in the late 1960s/early 1970s but I'm glad to have seen it released on DVD now. Being a past student of history I'm always keen to see that dramatists reflect events which really happened and don't pad it too much with ephemeral stuff but with the exception of the Anne of Cleves episode this has been beautifully produced and the raft of awards which it received were duly deserved.
The Catherine of Aragon episode was well acted by Annette Crosbie in the title role, although I thought that she didn't hide her native Scottish accent particularly well at times, especially as Catherine was Spanish. However, she was able to recount Catherine's early days in poverty as Prince Arthur's young widow and Henry's first with panache and retain a regal composure when he ultimately annulled their marriage. Anne Boleyn played by Dorothy Tutin was excellent as the intelligent, albeit impulsive, passionate and moody Queen. The sheer number of opposing factions at court was a force to be reckoned with. Anne Stallybrass as Jane Seymour seemed very comfortable in the role and played the doomed Jane with a sweetness and deft manner.
In regard to the three final Queens, the Anne of Cleves episode was most disappointing and it was the scriptwriter's fault rather than the actors. Anne was only married to Henry for 6 months and didn't take much part in the religious issues occurring around her. Elvi Hale was commendable but lost in a stodgy script - surely this episode needed to be trimmed to 1 hour instead of the 90 minute running time of the others? Angela Pleasance who played Catherine Howard unfortunately didn't look young or beautiful enough to play the part.... Read more ›
The Catherine of Aragon episode was well acted by Annette Crosbie in the title role, although I thought that she didn't hide her native Scottish accent particularly well at times, especially as Catherine was Spanish. However, she was able to recount Catherine's early days in poverty as Prince Arthur's young widow and Henry's first with panache and retain a regal composure when he ultimately annulled their marriage. Anne Boleyn played by Dorothy Tutin was excellent as the intelligent, albeit impulsive, passionate and moody Queen. The sheer number of opposing factions at court was a force to be reckoned with. Anne Stallybrass as Jane Seymour seemed very comfortable in the role and played the doomed Jane with a sweetness and deft manner.
In regard to the three final Queens, the Anne of Cleves episode was most disappointing and it was the scriptwriter's fault rather than the actors. Anne was only married to Henry for 6 months and didn't take much part in the religious issues occurring around her. Elvi Hale was commendable but lost in a stodgy script - surely this episode needed to be trimmed to 1 hour instead of the 90 minute running time of the others? Angela Pleasance who played Catherine Howard unfortunately didn't look young or beautiful enough to play the part.... Read more ›
41 of 43 people found the following review helpful
By Stew Carr
Watching Keith Michell in this drama is like watching Henry VIII resurrected on to your television screen. Unlike any other actor before or since, Michell nails the character in its entirety - capturing all the machoism, selfishness and egocentricity of the King, while still keeping that sensitive underbelly that makes Henry VIII such a fascinating figure. The writing of this drama shows the King's personality in all its extremities - at one moment hatefully cruel and at another warmly affectionate, and you can't help but admire him for his lion-like ability to stay head above the intrigue and conspiracies of his court.
Michell's performance is matched with strong, intellectual performances of all the six wives, my favourite was Annette Crosbie's strong and regal Katherine of Aragon. Other great character performances are Thomas Cromwell, Lady Rochford and of course Bernard Hepton's perfect Thomas Cranmer.
All in all, a more or less perfect recreation of Henry VII's life - historically accurate in both it's storyline and setting, this is a top notch production with superb character performances and talented writing. A classy, clever series that's a step above the rest.
Michell's performance is matched with strong, intellectual performances of all the six wives, my favourite was Annette Crosbie's strong and regal Katherine of Aragon. Other great character performances are Thomas Cromwell, Lady Rochford and of course Bernard Hepton's perfect Thomas Cranmer.
All in all, a more or less perfect recreation of Henry VII's life - historically accurate in both it's storyline and setting, this is a top notch production with superb character performances and talented writing. A classy, clever series that's a step above the rest.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Six Wives of Henry VIII Keith Michell DVD
Keith Michell gave a magnificent and probably true characterisation of Henry. The Wives also were natural and not over glamourised.
Published 15 days ago by Blondie
5.0 out of 5 stars
First class production
A first class TV series first shown on BBC TV in 1970. However it does not betray its age, having a strong cast with some stunning sets and striking outdoor scenes. Read more
Published 2 months ago by H. Galloway
5.0 out of 5 stars
the six wives of henry the eighth
the dvd set is of good quality. i love tudor history and would recomend them to people of the same mind.
Published 2 months ago by eileenbriggs
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely to revisit one of TV's best series.
I was anavid fan when this was on TV and was delighted to be able to get this set at such a good price. Great!
Published 2 months ago by B. C. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Historical TV series
A good historical series.
For the series from this period, is is clear that theater is not far away from the TV series.
For the series from this period, is is clear that theater is not far away from the TV series.
Published 3 months ago by Luc Schevernels
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great service
As described, bought for my wife, arrived very promptly.
She is interested in this era, too young to appreciate the series when released on tv, now has enjoyed watching this... Read more
She is interested in this era, too young to appreciate the series when released on tv, now has enjoyed watching this... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mr. David Baron
4.0 out of 5 stars
I would have given this 5 stars if they hadn't included "The Other...
I first saw this series just after it was released in 1970, and after all these years it is still the best tv presentation of Henry and his wives that I have seen. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Not happy
3.0 out of 5 stars
some great, some dissapointing
The pageantry, magnificent costumes, background music, background setting was gloriously done and made this series far more engaging to view. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Gary Selikow
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Good
I like old Films better than the modern ones and this is one of my favourites. I supose I am a bit old fashion I like the old ones best.
Published 6 months ago by BJH
5.0 out of 5 stars
Henry VIII
This dvd was bourght as a present for my Mum for christmas. I remember watching this film with my parents and we were fascinated with it. My Mum will love it am sure !
Published 6 months ago by beanie
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