The Shakespeare Collection (2000)

A Midsummer Night's DreamA stellar cast headed by Michelle Pfeiffer and Kevin Kline bring Shakespeare's romantic comedy to life. When two pairs of star-crossed lovers a feuding pair of supernatural sprites and a love potion gone awry all come together in an enchanted moonlit forest the result is a delightful mix of merriment and magic. Also starring Calista Flockhart Stanley Tucci and Rupert Everett.Romeo & Juliet Special EditionBaz Luhrmann's dazzling and unconventional adaptation of William Shakespear's classic love story is spellbinding. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes portray Romeo and Juliet the youthful star-crossed lovers of the past. But the setting has been moved from it's Elizabethan origins to the futuristic urban backdrop of Verona Beach.Titus 2-Disc Special EditionAcademy Award winners Anthony Hopkins and Jessica Lange ignite the screen in a strikingly original "coup de cinema" (The New York Times). "Titus" is a "wild ride" (Chicago Tribune) - a shocking journy into the depths of the human heart - a place where vengeance and passion reign supreme. A film by Julie Taymor acclaimed creator and director of Broadway's "The Lion King."System Requirements:Running Time: 427 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: COMEDY Rating: Unknown UPC: 024543231622 Manufacturer No: 2233162 Product Description

Comments on DVD disk sets

Amazon is not at all consistent when providing shoppers with the technical specs of DVDs in general and multi-disk box sets in particular; specifically whether or not they're all ANAMORPHIC.
I assumed (incorrectly) that this version of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' would be anamorphic, as are the other two DVDs in the box set. Turns out it's the same NON-anamorphic, widescreen letterbox version released on 25 January 2001 (UPC 086162123085), and occupies less than half the area of a 50" screen. Six years on, 20th Century Fox still hasn't managed to bring this movie into the 21st century.
Moral: if the description doesn't explicitly say that a DVD is anamorphic, better assume it's not.
September 22, 2007

terrific collection

three of possibly the most interesting films you'll see, all are dramatic, comical and beautiful in their own way. August 10, 2007

Interesting and modern interpretations of Shakespeare for general audiences

These movies are a real value and a good introduction for modern people to Shakespeare. They are not done in a very classical way, but rather take a lot of poetic license in their approach. They are a refreshing interpretation of Shakespeare that are very accessible to a general audience. Serious Shakespeare fans may want something more traditional, but overall these tapes bring a refreshing approach to these classical plays. Titus was especially powerful and provides a lot of creative visual interest, great acting and high emotional impact. While it was a bit disturbing, it was also quite interesting in a way that is unique to Anthony Hopkins. Purists may want to look elsewhere, but I enjoyed seeing these interpretations and recommend them given the caveats above. December 29, 2006

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