Customer Reviews:

Avg. Customer Rating: 4.4 / 5.0

Reviewing this film is a trap:

Consider this: Shakespearean films more than other films are dependent upon the director's translation of the text. HAMLET in particular has been adapted roughly 43 times in film. I'll say up front that this version is not my favorite interpretation, but I won't deny that it certainly set the standard back in its day.

For those unfamiliar with the play, Hamlet's father, the king of Denmark, has recently passed away and he resents the speed with which his mother, Queen Gertrude, remarried. It doesn't help... more info

The indispensable film version:

There have been many film Hamlets and Sir Laurence, even after he won the Academy Award for his performance here, felt that he was far from ideal. But every Hamlet makes for a different show. Olivier is a frantic Hamlet, energetic even in his melancholy, and he gives a great show. With gorgeous black-and-white cinematography that brings to life the castle Elsinore and great supporting performances, this is one classic that is never dull.

Criterion as usual does a fantastic job. The picture and sound... more info

Another good Lawrence Olivier adaptation of Shakespeare:

This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film.

In this release Olivier's second adaptation of a Shakespeare play, Olivier again plays the title role. Unlike the previous film, this one is in black and white,

It follows the story of a Danish prince bent on avenging the murder of his father by his uncle.
I would assume that most people know the plot so that is all I will say about it,

The DVD has no special features which is not normal for a Criterion release.

Similar Products:

Richard III - Criterion Collection from Criterion Collection

Henry V - Criterion Collection from Criterion Collection

Hamlet from Warner Home Video

King Lear from Kultur Video

Macbeth from Columbia Tristar Hom

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