or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
 
 
More Buying Choices
25 used & new from £2.73

Have one to sell? Sell yours here
 
   
The Merchant of Venice [DVD] [2004]
 
See larger image
 

The Merchant of Venice [DVD] [2004]

DVD ~ Al Pacino
3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
RRP: £15.99
Price: £4.88 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
You Save: £11.11 (69%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
In stock.
Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.co.uk. Gift-wrap available.

Want guaranteed delivery by Wednesday, November 18? Choose Express delivery at checkout. See Details
21 new from £2.73 4 used from £2.80
Christmas Offers--Up to 70% Off DVD and Blu-ray
Low-priced gift ideas, TV box sets, Blu-ray documentaries and recent drama, action and sci-fi hits. Go easy on your wallet this Christmas. Shop now
Learn about Lovefilm
Amazon's choice for DVD rental.
With a 14 day FREE trial. Learn more

Frequently Bought Together

Customers buy this item with Hamlet (2 Disc Special Edition) DVD ~ Kenneth Branagh

The Merchant of Venice [DVD] [2004] + Hamlet (2 Disc Special Edition)


Product details

  • Actors: Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Joseph Fiennes, Lynn Collins
  • Directors: Michael Radford
  • Format: Anamorphic, PAL
  • Language English
  • Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
  • Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Classification: PG
  • Studio: MGM Home Ent. (Europe) Ltd
  • DVD Release Date: 11 April 2005
  • Run Time: 127 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B00075HULA
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 1,691 in DVD (See Bestsellers in DVD)

    Popular in this category:

    #32 in  DVD > Classics > Drama

Reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review

Rarely has The Merchant of Venice, one of Shakespeare's most complex plays, looked as ravishingly sumptuous as in this adaptation, directed by Michael Radford (Il Postino). In a decadent version of renaissance Venice, a young nobleman named Bassanio (Joseph Fiennes, Shakespeare in Love) seeks to woo the lovely Portia (Lynn Collins), but lacks the money to travel to her estate. He seeks support from his friend, the merchant Antonio (Jeremy Irons); Antonio's fortune is tied up in sea ventures, so the merchant offers to borrow money from a Jewish moneylender, Shylock (Al Pacino). But Shylock holds a grudge against Antonio, who has routinely treated the Jew with contempt, and demands that if the debt is not repaid in three months, the price will be a pound of Antonio's flesh. The Merchant of Venice is famous as a "problem play"--the gritty matters of moneylending and anti-Semitism sit uncomfortably beside the fairy tale elements of Portia and Bassanio's romance, and some twists of the plot can seem arbitrary or even cruel. The strength of Radford's intelligent and passionate interpretation is that he and the excellent cast invest the play's opposing facets with full emotional weight, thus making every question the play raises acute and inescapable. Irons is particularly compelling; kindness and blind prejudice sit side by side in his breast, rendering the clashes in his character as vivid as those in the play itself. --Bret Fetzer, Amazon.com


Synopsis

One of the immortal bard's most frequently performed works gets a first-rate cinematic treatment here, via director Michael Radford (IL POSTINO). Al Pacino is virtually unrecognisable as Shylock, bringing an old-world gravitas to the role and clearly inspiring the rest of the cast to match his intensity. They succeed, and the result is riveting, rousing entertainment. Even if one is familiar with the play in advance, this is white-knuckle suspense and swooning romance all the way through. A 16th-century Venetian sea merchant (Jeremy Irons), devoted to a young lord (Joseph Fiennes), owes a debt for 'a pound of flesh' to the anguished Jewish moneylender Shylock. Lovingly filmed in Venice, the film looks great, with settings and costumes all sporting a dusky, lived-in look that matches the subdued, naturalistic interpretation of the dialogue. Lynn Collins is excellent and ethereal as Portia, and her love scenes with Fiennes have an alchemical power that lifts them to dizzyingly mythic romantic heights. Vague homoerotic content and the grim realities of Jewish oppression are not shied away from here, which lends the film further richness and complexity. With the play's rich array of dramatic and comedic elements all perfectly in tune, MERCHANT OF VENICE earns its place as the first truly great Shakespeare film of the 21st century.

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream [DVD] [1999]

William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream [DVD] [1999]

DVD ~ Kevin Kline
4.0 out of 5 stars (24)  £4.98
Twelfth Night [DVD] [1996]

Twelfth Night [DVD] [1996]

DVD ~ Helena Bonham Carter
4.4 out of 5 stars (30)  £3.98
Much Ado About Nothing [DVD] [1993]

Much Ado About Nothing [DVD] [1993]

DVD ~ Kenneth Branagh
4.4 out of 5 stars (56)  £3.48
Henry V [DVD] [1989]

Henry V [DVD] [1989]

DVD ~ Kenneth Branagh
4.6 out of 5 stars (16)  £4.98
The Merchant of Venice (York Notes)

The Merchant of Venice (York Notes)

by Martin Walker
4.5 out of 5 stars (2)  £3.86
Explore similar items

Tags Customers Associate with This Product

 (What's this?)
Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
 

Your tags: Add your first tag
 

 

Customer Reviews

29 Reviews
5 star:
 (13)
4 star:
 (7)
3 star:
 (2)
2 star:
 (3)
1 star:
 (4)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
3.8 out of 5 stars (29 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Worth seeing just for Pacino's Shylock, 3 Aug 2006
By Catfish "Ania" (Cambridge, UK) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   
Al Pacino delivers a stunning performance as the humiliated, embittered Shylock coming back to claim his own with a vengeance. It's worth watching the film just to hear his anger reverberating in the courtyards of the rich mansions of intolerant Christians. We feel compassion and even some slight justification for his desire for Antonio's heart; however, the director makes sure that the sympathy is balanced and though initially I could understand Shylock's fury, his own stubborn lack of mercy saves him from a complete humiliation...if it wasn't for Shylock's dark, relentless side I don't think his fate could possibly have been acceptable to a 21st century audience.

What I didn't like was the fact that Jessica did not shine as brightly as she could have, her role being cut considerably to make room for Portia and Bassanio. At the same time, the Portia - Bassanio bits dragged on for too long, with excessive music interludes during which nothing at all happened; this simply slowed the pace down unnecessarily and chould have been cut down slightly to keep the audience's interest up. Don't get me wrong, the music was beautiful, it was just too long and the pace suffocated as a result.

Overall though, a film well worth watching - whether you like Shakespeare or not, it addresses issues of religion, race and nationality so relevant today, once again proving that Shakespeare is timeless!
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
154 of 173 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT PRODUCTION AND GREAT CAST MAKE "MERCHANT" MUST SEE, 19 Feb 2005
By F. Sweet (Midwestern USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   
"The Merchant of Venice" has undoubtedly become the most controversial play in Shakespeare's repertoire. Therefore, the first task of any modern adaptation is confronting the anti-Jewish bigotry that moves its plot and informs its poetry.

Director Michael Radford approaches the problem of Shylock (Al Pacino) by placing the character in context. This is accomplished by early making clear to us that the story takes place in "Venice, 1596." Although Shakespeare would not have announced this as the actors took their places on the stage of The Globe Theater, the movie's titles offer background about the marginal status and civic oppression of that city's Jewish population. Of course, just as in other parts of Europe, Venetian Jews were forced to practice usury because they were legally barred from most other ways of earning a living. In 1596, lending money at interest -- vital in the economy of the city-state and its merchants -- was something Christians wouldn't be caught dead doing. At the time, pimping and prostitution were considered much loftier occupations.

Still, none of this explains Shylock's character. Nor does it soften the taint of blood libel in Shakespeare's play. The only real choices for Radford were either to simply not to make "The Merchant of Venice" or to permit its uglier qualities to continue to complicate its wonderful rhetoric and brilliant examination of law, loyalty, the ethics of making promises -- and even issues of empathy, sympathy, and mercy. Redford decided to make the movie.

The movie has a bumpy beginning. Well of course, Shakespeare's 16th century dramas take longer in getting to the point than do 21st centiry movies. Today's audiences are used to having everything defined and in place after the first 10 minutes. But Radford, who wrote the screenplay, succeeds in making the story's complexities clear and vigorous. Too many modern productions of Shakespeare's plays push them into a contrived modern setting or chase after an irrelevant authenticity. But Radford [vitally aided by production designer Bruno Rubeo and the unbelievably talented cinematographer Benoît Delhomme] ingeniously bring us Shakespeare through the eyes of his artistic peers and contemporaries.

In this rendering of "The Merchant ...," Shylock's tragic grief is emphasized more than his predatory viciousness. His estrangement from the other characters makes sense because Shylock is, after all, an outsider who delivers much rougher verses than do his privileged, establishment Christian antagonists.

A depressed Antonio, the titled merchant, is quietly made to penetrate our consciousness by Joseph Fiennes, as his young friend Bassanio (whose courtship of Portia causes Antonio to mortgage his infamous pound of flesh to Shylock), speaks his lines beautifully. Fiennes is, nevertheless, upstaged by Kris Marshall, his feisty second, Gratiano, and also by Lynn Collins. She brings a radiant authority to her portrayal of Portia. Collins' charisma is vital for Radford in making his movie-play effective. Portia must convincingly both be a shrewd seductress and also an exacting ethicist. Her defeat of Shylock is among the great courtroom scenes in recent movies -- presented as an intense, emotionally boiling cauldron of cruelty and beauty. Like most of the rest of Radford's carefully creative interpretation of this impossible play, his Portia comes across with fresh dramatic intensity -- while her well lighted and photographed beauty are a banquet for our eyes.

Shakespeare's "Merchant" was trimmed by Radford to a manageable movie length and, for the most part, it is faithful in letter and spirit to the original play. Radford's 21st century version is exciting and completely entertaining -- and you won't want to miss it.

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



 
23 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars I wish I had read the play before watching the film, 22 Jul 2005
By Daniel Jolley "darkgenius" (Shelby, North Carolina USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   
Having watched this film, methinks one is best served by reading Shakespeare's play before watching this adaptation of it. I've always liked and truly appreciated Shakespeare, and never before have I found myself saying "huh" after certain lines of dialogue, but certain parts of this film quite lost me - to a large extent, I think, this is due to the fact that an infernal number of lines are whispered and hard to pick up, let alone translate from Shakespearean English to modern English. I also had trouble early on distinguishing between two of the male characters (they both had the same grubby, long hairstyle). And then you've got characters donning and doffing hideous masks left and right, which doesn't help either. I had no trouble following the principal storyline, but this film left me with questions concerning some of the minor subplots - had I read the play beforehand, I'm sure these questions would not nag me. The film does feature wonderful cinematography and some really strong actors and actresses in the main roles, and the most crucial scene vibrates with suspense and nervous energy, but I think it plays much, much better to those already familiar with the play.

This is an immensely complicated story that leaves you with much food for thought. Al Pacino is incredible as Shylock, imbuing his character with power and vehemence that comes off the screen in waves. I find myself quite torn in my appraisal of Shylock; he is both victim and devil, and Pacino captures his dual nature to outstanding effect. As a Jew living in 16th century Venice, Shylock (like all of his people) was cruelly treated and persecuted for his race and faith. One can certainly understand why he tried to exact revenge on one of the wealthy Christians who treated him worse than a dog and personally spat upon him a mere week before coming ask him for a loan. The situation with his daughter then threw oil on an already burning fire. Shylock wants revenge, and he has the merchant Antonio (Jeremy Irons) at his mercy, for some ill-timed shipwrecks prevent the far from noble Christian from repaying his debt. The bond, of course, states that Shylock can extract a pound of his flesh in payment, and Shylock zealously sets out to take Antonio's heart and will be dissuaded by no one. His race and religion render him all but powerless, so he lusts for the opportunity to legally extract a most bitter revenge. Shylock is best summed up in his famous "do we not bleed?" speech - even the court scenes toward the end cannot match the power of that incredible speech.

The reason Antonio secured the loan in the first place was to enable his young friend to sail to the manor of a fair, rich young lady whose betrothal is basically up for sale - to whomever solves what is basically a puzzle. There are three small caskets with different clues, and whoever makes the right choice wins the hand of Portia (a perfectly enchanting Lynn Collins). Several ill-matched suitors fail (much to Portia's relief) before Antonio arrives to take his chance. The problem with this is the fact that any idiot would know which casket to choose, as it is blatantly obvious. Portia goes on to play an integral role in Antonio's final appeal, introducing yet another somewhat ridiculous aspect to the story. The movie doesn't end there, however, as it carries through another new subplot that, in my mind, renders the most dramatic moments of the film anticlimactic - and that's why the movie is well over two hours long.

I really must read Shakespeare's play now because I do want to clear up, if I can, some of the ambiguities I am left with after watching the film. The central story surrounding Shylock, Antonio, and the bond is very powerful, but those subplots and my difficulty understanding some of the often-whispered dialogue did impede my enjoyment of this particular film as a whole.

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

2.0 out of 5 stars Appalling sound quality, variable acting
The first things that struck me (and others watching with me) about this DVD was the mumbling of the actors and generally appalling sound quality, particularly early in the film... Read more
Published 25 days ago by J. S. Hardman

5.0 out of 5 stars An Italian American with a feel for Shakespeare and Venice
Al Pacino is great in this wonderful Shakespearean tale. The film is a lust for the eye and I have enjoyed not only the actors but also Venice and its surroundings, the beautiful... Read more
Published 2 months ago by J. H. Kirchner

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Film
Al Pacino IS Shylock, and gives a masterful perfermance.

The supporting cast are excellent.

A film I have watched twice already.
Published 5 months ago by Mrs. Margaret Campbell Grier

5.0 out of 5 stars Shakespeare's plea for racial tolerance
An amazingly powerful performance by Al Pacino! The film presents clear evidence that Shakespeare felt strongly that "jew-baiting" was to be abhorred and the images at the end of... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Davingh

4.0 out of 5 stars The Merchant of Venice
Very good film if a bit heavy in places, there again it isn't exactly a comedy along the same lines of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" or "Much Ado About Nothing". Read more
Published 6 months ago by Huggles

4.0 out of 5 stars Merchant of Venice
We and several mates, who watched the DVD with us, thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this brilliantly produced version of the Bards clever play. Read more
Published 9 months ago by I. R. Clarke

5.0 out of 5 stars The Merchant of Venice
An excellent production with a great selection of present day actors and acted to perfection.
It is rare to see many productions which draw the viewers into the plot /... Read more
Published 9 months ago by J. Thomson

5.0 out of 5 stars Portia genius
I have read the other eloquent and edifying comments on this wonderful production.

I loved every minute and the court scene where Antionio keeps his 'pound of flesh'... Read more
Published 9 months ago by P. ROWE

4.0 out of 5 stars yes and no- a review for late 2008
A spendaholic with a poor credit rating persuades his mate to borrow off his worst enemy so that he can get the rich girl he fancies and pay off his debts. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Julie Cutler

5.0 out of 5 stars Who says Americans can't play Shakespeare?
Living in London and with relatives in Warwickshire within half an hour's drive of Stratford, I'm spoilt for choice in indulging my love of the Bard. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Bookworm

Only search this product's reviews



Customer Discussions

This product's forum
Discussion Replies Latest Post
No discussions yet

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


Active discussions in related forums
Discussion Replies Latest Post
Language & Subtitle Info 11 17 hours ago
help me find this french tv series 2 20 hours ago
Wandering Hand? 11 1 day ago
Unreleased films. 1 1 day ago
most memorable film openings 42 1 day ago
Betty Grable 1 5 days ago
where can i obtain................? 46 6 days ago
   
Related forums


Listmania!


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

Ad

Your Recent History

 (What's this?)

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.