Hamlet

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Buy This Item Hamlet by Turner Home Ent  Available from Amazon  $24.98  on 8-28-2008     Kenneth Branagh's four-hour production of Shakespeare's full text for <I>Hamlet</I> is visually lush (shot in 70mm, which is rarely done) and full of fascinating story moments that normally get cut from shorter stage versions. (Your idea of what kind of fellow Polonius is may change quite a bit.) The unexpurgated approach is truly enlightening, and Branagh intermittently succeeds at giving familiar moments in the drama an original cinematic spin, including Hamlet's spooky confrontation with his father's ghost (Brian Blessed). (Branagh also imposes some Hollywood glitter on the proceedings by casting the likes of Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Charlton Heston, and Jack Lemmon in the smaller parts.) The pre-<I>Titanic</I> Kate Winslet is very good as the doomed Ophelia, and Derek Jacobi delivers a wonderfully nuanced performance as Claudius, whose character is definitely filled out by the restored material. Branagh's own performance is a little revisionist--some viewers have quibbled with it while others seem fine with it. <I>--Tom Keogh</I> Reader Reviews hello, all your Shakespeare fans! This version of Hamlet is perfect for the 21st century. The acting is phenomenal, the sets are gorgeous, and faithful to the time period. The clothing may be a little modern, but at least Hamlet isn't running around with a hand gun. Also, I think this is the most nuanced performance of Hamlet you will see on film. Unlike the 1945 version, Hamlet actually displays more range of emotion, rather than just degrees of melancholy. Also, the delivery of lines is unsurpassed. The pacing, emotion, and tone are perfect. It leaves you feeling as if you have actually experienced his story

Hamlet Available from Amazon Price: $24.98 Updated on 8-28-2008.

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