Join Amazon Prime and get unlimited Free First Class Delivery. Already a member? Sign in.

 

or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
 
   
More Buying Choices
12 used & new from £3.58
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
 
   
Stage Beauty [DVD] [2004]
 
See larger image 
Share your own customer images

Stage Beauty [DVD] [2004]

DVD ~ Claire Danes
4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
RRP: £17.99
Price: £4.68 & eligible for Free UK delivery on orders over £5 with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
You Save: £13.31 (74%)
In stock.
Items for dispatch to UK will be sold by Amazon's Preferred Merchant. (Why?) Gift-wrap available.

Only 3 left in stock--order soon (more on the way).

8 new from £3.59 4 used from £3.58
Learn about Lovefilm
Amazon's choice for DVD rental.
With a 14 day FREE trial. Learn more

Frequently Bought Together

Stage Beauty [DVD] [2004] + Dangerous Beauty [DVD] [1998] + Amy Foster [DVD] [1998]
Total RRP: £47.97
Price For All Three: £14.44

Some of these items ship sooner than the others. Show details

  • This item: Stage Beauty [DVD] [2004] DVD ~ Claire Danes

    In stock.
    Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.co.uk.
    Eligible for FREE UK delivery on orders over £5 with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions

  • Dangerous Beauty [DVD] [1998] DVD ~ Catherine McCormack

    In stock.
    Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.co.uk.
    Eligible for FREE UK delivery on orders over £5 with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions

  • Amy Foster [DVD] [1998] DVD ~ Rachel Weisz

    Usually dispatched within 6 to 10 days.
    Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.co.uk.
    Eligible for FREE UK delivery on orders over £5 with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

Stage Beauty [DVD] [2004]
89% buy the item featured on this page:
Stage Beauty [DVD] [2004] 4.8 out of 5 stars (14)
£4.68
Dangerous Beauty [DVD] [1998]
5% buy
Dangerous Beauty [DVD] [1998] 4.9 out of 5 stars (7)
£4.88
Amy Foster [DVD] [1998]
3% buy
Amy Foster [DVD] [1998] 4.4 out of 5 stars (10)
£4.88
The Jane Austen Book Club [DVD] [2007]
2% buy
The Jane Austen Book Club [DVD] [2007] 3.8 out of 5 stars (22)
£3.97
Explore similar items

Product details

  • Actors: Claire Danes, Billy Crudup, Ben Chaplin, Zoe Tapper, Tom Wilkinson
  • Directors: Richard Eyre
  • Format: PAL
  • Language English
  • Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Classification: 15
  • Studio: Momentum Pictures
  • DVD Release Date: 27 Dec 2004
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B0006FGHUQ
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 8,048 in DVD (See Bestsellers in DVD)

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

Reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
Edward "Ned" Knyaston (Billy Crudup) is a beautiful man, and as an actor in 17th-century London that means he's quite popular portraying women, since females are forbidden to tread the boards. His mischievous air of entitlement, unfortunately, soon sets in motion a chain of events that will see King Charles II (Rupert Everett) lifting the ban on actresses, allowing Ned's devoted dresser, Maria (Claire Danes), to become the city's reigning theatrical diva.

Director Richard Eyre (Iris) is still best known for his stage work, and it shows: Stage Beauty is rich in character and attention to detail, yet it doesn't have a popcorn-and-soda pop ease. Jeffrey Hatcher's well-observed script, based on his own play, romps a little self-consciously in Eyre's hands--you can tell it would like to be Shakespeare in Love if it could only relax. The gorgeous Crudup and dewy Danes don't quite click here, but the supporting cast is having a good time going way over-the-top, so if you're hungry for an elaborate historical confection there's enough here to satisfy your taste buds. --Steve Wiecking

Synopsis
In the seventeenth century the roles of women in live theatre are played by men and one of the most famous is Ned Kynaston. When Charles II tires of the same old faces he decides to allow real women on the stage. Overnight Ned becomes a nobody and heads towards suicide until an actress named Maria decides to rescue him.

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

Dangerous Beauty [DVD] [1998]

Dangerous Beauty [DVD] [1998]

DVD ~ Catherine McCormack
4.9 out of 5 stars (7)  £4.88
Lost In Austen [DVD] [2008]

Lost In Austen [DVD] [2008]

DVD ~ Jemima Rooper
4.3 out of 5 stars (110)  £6.58
The Jane Austen Book Club [DVD] [2007]

The Jane Austen Book Club [DVD] [2007]

DVD ~ Kevin Zegers
3.8 out of 5 stars (22)  £3.97
Vanity Fair [DVD] [2004]

Vanity Fair [DVD] [2004]

DVD ~ Reese Witherspoon
3.5 out of 5 stars (20)  £3.98
The Duchess [DVD] [2008]

The Duchess [DVD] [2008]

DVD ~ Keira Knightley
4.1 out of 5 stars (55)  £6.28
› Explore similar items

Suggested Tags from Similar Products

 (What's this?)
Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product)
Check a corresponding box or enter your own tags in the field below
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)

Your tags: Add your first tag
 
See most popular tags
 

Customer Reviews

14 Reviews
5 star:
 (11)
4 star:
 (3)
3 star:    (0)
2 star:    (0)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.8 out of 5 stars (14 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Love of language and theatre, 21 Jul 2006
By pgagge (Gävle, Sweden) - See all my reviews
Cross dressing Shakespearean actors on the Restoration scene. The eternal questions of rôle and identity. Wit and vulgarity. A scene-stealing Merry Monarch and his delectable Nellie. The bustle, filth and sheer energy of 17th century London. Not least, a light touch and clear sense of fun from the entire cast, with some outstanding performances. What's not to like?

I can live with the artistic license taken with the period -- at times, one gets the impression that Bardolatry was anywhere near as widespread as it is today, and the post-Brando acting at the end would probably have elicited boos rather than cheers from its audiences -- but anything true to its time would be alien to us. And, hey, the ever-iterated Desdemona death scene really does finally work!

On the minus side, the four-plus initial minutes of unskippable commercials and previews definitely robs this DVD issue of one star. Would that there were a warning system -- or better, that DVD producers recognized simple politeness as a selling point.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A beauty, 23 Dec 2004
Without knowing why, I was intrigued by this film from seeing it advertised. I consider myself thoroughly intrigued now I've seen it! "Stage Beauty" possess a magestic grace and effortless wit that even "Shakespeare In Love" did not possess. A riot of colours, rich fabric and make-up and a splatter of absorbing characters (not to mention the intelligent acting behind it) makes Stage Beauty one of the best films I have had the pleasure to see this year. The sets are glorious, the costumes quite exquisiste and there is a fresh humour in the script I haven't seen the like of since Moulin Rouge.
the two leading actors. (Clare Danes and Billy Crudup) give a superb performance, particularly as Crudup would have been greatly challenged to find the awkward character of Ned in himself. Danes, of course, is quite on form and is truly excellent as Ned's dedicated dress mistress. A fresh, honest film about love, truth and the true meaning of beauty. Buy it.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen, 25 April 2005
By David Henry (Paris, France) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
As a non-English native speaker, it is difficult for me to express my enthusiasm for this magnificent movie - especially since it deals with one of the richest, unique elements of English culture - the world of Shakespeare.

But I'll try, because the movie is just extraordinary.

Stage Beauty is conceived much like a play by Shakespeare, with its layers of complexity behind the apparent simplicity of its powerful story, its well-crafted characters, and its underlying themes (interactions between genders, definition and pursuit of Excellence, disorder versus order). In fact, it is highly reminiscent of Othello in its central themes - and, not surprisingly, Othello the play is at the heart of the movie.

The performance of the actors is simply stunning - they effortlessly take viewers from one emotion to the next; and watching them portray players who in turn play roles (of their own gender or not) is an absolute delight.

However, acting skills are enablers - what really allows the cast to deliver such a compelling performance is the movie's overall structure, and the consistent way in which it deals with its core themes. In fact, the movie progresses in such an irresistible way that it culminates with a man and a woman simply greeting each other before a rehearsal - the masculine Excellence and the feminine Excellence, finally defined, and facing each other at last - after a period of disorder and conflicts.

An absolute jewel.

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


Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 
 
Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent movie of gender and the theater
It's London in the 1660's when women were forbidden by law to appear on the stage. Female roles were played by male actors who were raised and trained for this specialty. Read more
Published 23 months ago by C. O. DeRiemer

5.0 out of 5 stars I just loved it!
I am not a movie critic; therefore all I will say is that I loved the film from beginning to end. I enjoyed the characters, (their stories and complexity), the costumes, the story... Read more
Published on 1 Jun 2006 by M. Spilman

5.0 out of 5 stars A gem
I didn't see that film at the cinema because of some bad reviews I had read! I should have gone! Anyway, now I have the DVD and keep playing it... Read more
Published on 26 Nov 2005 by H. Lacroix

4.0 out of 5 stars Crudup's amazing, but the film lacks depth and chemistry
As a general rule, I try to avoid movies featuring men dressed as women. In the case of Stage Beauty, though, the cross-dressing is built upon the historic foundation of male-only... Read more
Published on 5 Aug 2005 by Daniel Jolley

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect - one of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen
As a non-English native speaker, it is difficult for me to express my enthusiasm for this magnificient movie - especially since it deals with one of the richest elements of... Read more
Published on 25 April 2005 by David Henry

4.0 out of 5 stars Good film - shame about the master
A good film (if you enjoy "historical romps" and stage stuff) shame about the poor quality of the mastering and also poor quality of the sound. Read more
Published on 8 Mar 2005

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Heaven
Not since the film Elizabeth have I seen a film I have enjoyed so much. This one is a dark horse - it'll make you laugh, cry and everything else. Read more
Published on 29 Jan 2005 by Freespirit

5.0 out of 5 stars Stage Beauty
A battle of the sexes when both women and men face challenges due to their sex.

Ned Kynaston has made his fortune through acting as a woman on the stage. Read more
Published on 12 Jan 2005 by Jenny Stuart

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating!
I sat down to watch this thinking I would have an hour or so's worth of 'sugar' history, pretty but not that fulfilling. I'm pleased to say I was so wrong! Read more
Published on 20 Dec 2004 by L. K. Elmer

5.0 out of 5 stars truly beautfiul
As the title suggests, this film was for me, very beautiful..and Billy Crudup was absolutely amazing, his identity confusion portrayal...superb! Read more
Published on 19 Dec 2004 by nevaeh24

Only search this product's reviews


Customer Discussions

 Beta (What's this?)
This product's forum (0 discussions)
  Discussion Replies Latest Post
  No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
  [Cancel]


Active discussions in related forums
   
Related forums

Listmania!

Create a Listmania! list

Look for similar items by category

Look for similar items by subject






i.e., each product must be in subject 1 AND subject 2 AND ...

Feedback

Health & Beauty at Amazon.co.uk

Elemis Resurface and Renew Skin Care Gift Set of 4 Products
From soap to shavers, massagers to mascara, stock up on your daily essentials or truly pamper yourself.

›Discover Health & Beauty

  

Make A Wish

Get what you want with an Amazon.co.uk Wish List 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

Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificates--available in any amount from £5 to £500 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

  
Ad

Where's My Stuff?

Delivery and Returns

Need Help?

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

amazon.co.uk 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
Conditions of Use & Sale |  Privacy Notice  © 1996-2009, Amazon.com, Inc. and its affiliates