The Taming of the Shrew [DVD] [2001]

What a wonderfull theatrical feast this Burton - Zeffirelli production is. Elizabeth Taylor gives the definitive performance of Katharina the shrew, with beautifull menacing eyes and almost insane aggression, which turns to classic charm and elegance, as she learns to love and respect.
Richard Burton at his peak delivers a commanding and humourous and equally powerful performance as Petruchio visiting Padua to find a wife. To eveyones relief, especially her father, Petruchio takes on Kate, a 'lusty wench' and it is obvious there is an immediate attraction, as they unravel Shakespeare's eloquent battle of the sexes magnificently. A coffer of 20,000.00 crowns, is no small incentive to the Bridegroom.
They are backed by an excellent cast, including Michael York as Lucentio, greatly enamoured of Kate's fair sister Bianca, (Natasha Pyne) who being the youngest is not allowed to marry before Kate. He and his Valet Hortensio (Victor Spinetti) swap roles in true Shakespearian manor, to gain access to the household, and woo Bianca. Giancarlo Cobelli plays the nervous priest at the wedding ceremony.
The success of this lavish spectacle owes a lot to the authentic and imaginative 16th Century costume designs. Costumes which Elizabeth Taylor displays radiantly were designed by Irene Sharaff, overall costume design by Danilo Donati, and production design by Renzo Mongiardino.
Music composed by Nino Rota, conducted by Carlo Savina, keeps the Paduan Festival atmosphere rolling
with lutes, flutes and sackbuts, and one or two very nice minstrell songs.
Running time is 117 minutes, but seems shorter because of the complete entertainment value; and this Columbia Tristar DVD of 2001 gives excellent wide screen colour and sound quality.
Special features include a short conversation with Elizabeth taylor, and Richard Burton, and their presentation at the Royal Command performance in London to Princess Margaret in 1967. That featurette alone is now memorable.

I watched this film with absolute delight - at the raucous humor, the very real chemistry between Taylor and Burton, the spectacle of scenes and costumes, and a great musical score. It is an entirely different animal from Zeferelli's Rome and Juliet, more of a comedy than tragedy, but extraordinarily vivid. Its underlying psychology, involving the "disciplining" of a very difficult adolescent in crisis, is also deeper than Zeferelli's other Shakespeare, with layers that can be discussed. My father, for example, was a psychiatrist, and he saw it as Petrucio handling a "borderline" personality with masterful insight. My wife and daughter disagreed, highlighting the "sexist" aspects of it. I think it is just fun.

Though I had seen it when it came out, I got it for my daughter (16), who is interested in Shakespeare. (My son, who thought it "weird" at 12 is the same age that I was when I saw it.) We like to get multiple versions of these classics, so even though she wasn't sure she liked it, it is food for thought, re-watching at another time. It is a wonderful, indeed indispensable, addition of our film library.

Recommended with enthusiasm.

I saw this film many years ago and remembered it with a hazy impression of enjoyment. On the news of her death I determined to obtain it and could not believe the price being quoted by Amazon.
My hazy memory was not at fault and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the film again. Elizabeth was so beautiful and talented and together with Richard Burton this is an amusing and lovable tale about a temperamental woman who finally becomes a joy to her husband.
If it is still available, buy it and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.