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Kenneth Branagh's HAMLET -- the ultimate, merged, when-oh-when thread - Page 2

post #31 of 308
I've been waiting for this one on DVD. It's on my top 10 most wanted list.

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post #32 of 308
Been waiting, and waiting, and waiting...
post #33 of 308
This was put out on Laser Disk. I almost bought it and a laser disk player (which I have never owned) just to have this one movie. Questions about when it's going to show up on DVD have been ongoing on many DVD forums since the advent of DVDs. No one has a definitive answer as of yet.

You would think that it would eventually show up on DVD. It's the only full version of Hamlet ever filmed, it's got well known actors, a beautiful production, and most of Branagh's other films have made it to DVD. I saw it in the theater and it was wonderful.
post #34 of 308
This is at the top of my must-own list, alongside the Three Colors and Star Wars trilogies. I don't know what the hold-up is, but I wish they'd get a move on.
post #35 of 308
Branagh's Hamlet is among my most wanted DVDs. I wish Warner hurry it up, without sacrificing quality, of course.
post #36 of 308
I particularly want this title after my Laserdisc rotted to the point of being unplayable.
post #37 of 308
Thread Starter 

Ken Branagh's Hamlet

Does anyone have any clue or idea about when this film will be released?

I think it's owned by either Warner or Columbia.

Once again I ask the same question. I say once again becuase I seem to be posting this question every six months or so for the last three years. Through 2000 it was scheduled to be released in 2001. In 2001 there were strong rumors it would hit the shelves this year.....

Very frustrating.

I realize that such modern masterpieces as Death To Smoochy, Corky Romano and Freddy Got Fingered were higher priorities. But surely Hamlet will get it's chance now the quality films have hit the shelves

All the best
Rob
post #38 of 308
To be or not to be? That is the question.

Will we ever get this outstanding movie? PRETTY PLEASE: A SPECIAL EDITION!!!
post #39 of 308
Yup, this should definitely be on DVD. I'd sure buy it.

There were some rumours a long time back, but nothing has panned out.
post #40 of 308
A wee bit of an extra question - does anyone know of an on-line list or link of "Shakespeare on DVD"?

I was lucky the other day to find Richard III (McKellen) on sale.

TIA
post #41 of 308
Warner seems hellbent on NEVER releasing this Hamlet, Wyatt Earp or Once Upon a Time in America.
post #42 of 308
Thread Starter 
Can we confirm it's definitely Warner?
I have seen posts also mention Columbia.

I would then send them a "nice" email and politely ask for them to consider a DVd of this film.

Rob
post #43 of 308
IMDb lists:

Castle Rock Entertainment [us]
Columbia Pictures Corporation [us]
Fishmonger Films
Turner Pictures [us]
post #44 of 308
It is castle rock. When released to theaters and VHS it was distributed by Columbia. Now WB distributes castle rock product.
post #45 of 308
A special edition would be nice, but I'd settle for a good-looking, good-sounding movie-only disc.

Saw this in 70 mm last fall, and was reminded how great it is. It's a shame it never really found an audience.
post #46 of 308
Or a good-looking, good-sounding pair of movie-only discs as it's over 4 hours long!
post #47 of 308
Quote:
It's a shame it never really found an audience.


I'll tell you what audience it should find: high school students. Branagh's Hamlet is almost the perfect substitute for the Shakespeare text.
post #48 of 308
Adam, when I was in High School, this version, along with the Sir Olivier version was required viewing. To make things even better, for some reason, my school (small city too) owned a 70mm print of it. I can't tell you how many times I saw it on our big screen (which, again for some reason, my school had).

cheers!

Josh
post #49 of 308
Thread Starter 
Glad that I'm not the only one.

So does anyone have any suggestions how we can politely petition Warner to release this film?

Like many I'd be happy with a movie only (widescreen please), high quality audio visual presentation.

Of course a 2 disc collectors edition would be nice, but I guess that's me dreaming.

Rob
post #50 of 308
Quote:
I'll tell you what audience it should find: high school students. Branagh's Hamlet is almost the perfect substitute for the Shakespeare text.


Shakespeare wrote these as PLAYS not sonnets. Meant to be seen AND heard

Therefore it's even BETTER than the text
post #51 of 308

I would pick this one up in a heartbeat as well. I don't think that all of Branagh's stunt casting pays off (Jack Lemmon and Gerard Depardieu come immediately to mind). However, on the other hand, there are a few performances that caught me by surprise. For instance, Billy Crystal's performance as the grave digger was extremely effective (and funny).
post #52 of 308
This would be a definite buy for me as well should Warner release it. I was fortunate enough to see it at a theater in Abilene after it had been out a while (but still during it's initial release). It was only a 35mm print, but it was still impressive.
post #53 of 308
Add me to the list of the people wanting to see this film on DVD. I still remember the New Yorker cartoon that showed a movie theater with Branagh's Hamlet on the marquee and "two hour parking" on the meters outside the theater. (As was the case where I saw it in DC!)

I'd like to see Mel Gibson's Hamlet on DVD, too, so that I can dump my P&S videotape. I like Gibson's performance better, and I like Branagh's completeness. Give me both.
post #54 of 308
My wife would love to have a DVD of this film as well; add her to the list of "ooo-ooo-ooo-Iwantthis" people!
post #55 of 308
My favorite things about this particular version of Hamlet are 1) Derek Jacobi (who is an amazing, brilliant Claudius, in my estimation), 2) Julie Christie, 3) Kate Winslet, and 4) the production design. I also find the completeness novel and rather satisfying.

I'm not a Mel Gibson fan at all, but I don't think his Hamlet is bad -- I just can't get past the typical dark, dank castle setting. I might buy it anyway, though -- I like Glenn Close as Gertrude.

Yes, I guess two discs would be necessary in light of the length. I'd still be cool with movie-only. And (as should go without saying), widescreen is ESSENTIAL for this film. I shudder at the thought of it in pan-n-scan. Yuch.
post #56 of 308
I've only seen this film once (fortunately in 70mm) and I'd also buy this in a heartbeat. Among its great moments, I think Branaugh's staging of Hamlet soliloquy against the mirrors was a master stroke.

-greg
post #57 of 308
This is one of my DVD Holy Grails. Hopefully, it'll come out soon.
post #58 of 308
Every now and then, I kick myself for not buying the laser disc back in the day. I bought very few (rented mostly), but this is one to have. (Although I think there are problems with the LD.) I remember what a great experience the theatrical presentation was (and going across the street during the intermission for a burger and shake).

I also remember FOX-TV broadcast a P&S version of this one Thanksgiving.

Where oh where is the dvd?
post #59 of 308
Thread Starter 
Stacie

My favorite things about this particular version of Hamlet are 1) Derek Jacobi (who is an amazing, brilliant Claudius, in my estimation), 2) Julie Christie, 3) Kate Winslet, and 4) the production design. I also find the completeness novel and rather satisfying.

I could not agreemore. Allow me to add that the music is quite stunning.

Rob
post #60 of 308
Thread Starter 
Bill

Every now and then, I kick myself for not buying the laser disc back in the day.

I so agree. I had it in my hands 3 years ago - grrrrr

I am constantly amamzed that each week I see the release lists cluttered up with c*** and this filmdoes not get a lookin. I don't expect it to doMonsters Inc type volume, but.....

Rob
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