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Much Ado About Nothing
Studio: MGM
Year: 1993
Rated: PG-13
Film Length: 111 minutres
Aspect Ratio: 16X9 Enhanced Widescreen (1.85:1)
Subtitles: English, French and Spanish
Wow!
If anyone would have suggested to this "simple-
minded" reviewer that I even consider watching a
film based on a William Shakespeare play, I would
have laughed loudly. So why then would I even
consider reviewing Much Ado About Nothing?
You can blame it on my extended vacation weekend
and a lack of other titles to watch.
Somehow fate brought me to this moment, for I have
just watched a surprisingly wonderful film that with
all logic, I should have hated miserably. After all,
this is a film based on the play by William Shakespeare
and adapted for the screen by Oscar nominee Kenneth
Branagh. The language of the film is entirely in old
English, the type of dialogue that would scare away
most movie audiences. So what was it about this film
that completely enthralled me? Most likely the fact
that director/producer Branagh has taken this old
material and reinvented it into a funny, merry musical
romp that features strong performances from its
stellar cast that includes Kenneth Branagh, Emma
Thompson, Denzel Washington, Micheal Keaton and
Keanu Reeves who stands out as he always has --
a man with a very limited ability to act.
Since I am unfamiliar with the original Shakespeare
story this film is based upon, I am going to assume
that movie closely represents the original subject
matter. As the film opens, we find a group of people
sitting on a Tuscan hillside listening to Beatrice
(Emma Thompson) reading lighthearted poetry about the
mistrust that lies deep within men. Suddenly, we are
harkened to the arrival of Don Pedro (Denzel
Washington), Prince of Arragon, who returns
victorious from battle with his half-brother Don
John (Keanu Reeves) and his follower, Claudio (Robert
Sean Leonard). Claudio immediately falls for a
beautiful maiden named Hero (Kate Beckinsale) and the
two soon plan to marry much to the dismay of Don
John who concocts a plan to tear the two lovers apart.
One of the great joys in this film is watching the
repartee between Benedick (Branagh) and Beatrice
(Emma Thompson) who both swear that they are incapable
of loving one another, and are later fooled into
what always was meant to be. Not only are Branagh
and Thompson in top acting form here, but I was
surprised that Denzel Washington was able to carry
the part of Don Pedro. To my complete astonishment,
I was amazed by just how utterly marvelous his
presence is here. I even greatly enjoyed watching
Micheal Keaton as Constable Dogberry. Though his
portrayal is quite hilarious, one can't help but
think he's regurgitating BeatleJuice all
over again.
How is the transfer?
Up until this point, I had no idea this film
was previously released to DVD. From what I have
read, it was like most early MGM releases -- bare-boned
and with no subtitles. I wish I had the opportunity
to see what the transfer looked like on that original
release. MGM has given no indication in their press
kit whether this is a brand new transfer or not. The
reason why I am so curious, is because I am just
blown away by how gorgeous this film looks.
MGM has given us a transfer that reeks of perfection.
Here is a picture full of razor-sharp images that
never hinder the gorgeous backdrop of the Italian
hills near Chianti. Colors are gorgeously vivid
throughout, though facial tones often look a bit
too red. There's also just a hint of occasional film
blemish. Nevertheless, this is an immaculately detailed
picture that ranks with the very best catalog transfers
out there. A highly pleasing visual experience to
be certain!
I could have sworn that the film was recorded in
5.1 stereo while listening to it. Much to my
surprise, I discovered I was listening to standard
stereo surround. There is a distinct sense of
stereo separation across the front channels --
especially in the musical numbers. I detected
dialogue bleeding from the center channels into
the main. The rears do a nice job of not only
supporting Patrick Doyle's often triumphant and
often sweet score, but with background noises as
well. Though I wouldn't label this as a highly
active mix, it is the music that gets the most
attention in this surround presentation.
Special Features
Nothing overly special here, and surprisingly
omitted, a commentary track by Kenneth Branagh.
Making Ado about Nothing is an original
1993 promotional featurette that begins with producer/
director Kenneth Branagh describing his film as a
"fairy tale with hot blooded things going on." There
are interviews with cast members Emma Thompson, Keanu
Reeves and in particular, Denzel Washington who decided
to do this film because of Branagh, Shakespeare and
the fact that this role would test him as an actor.
Michael Keaton also admits to taking the role of
Constable Dogberry out of pure fright. Emma Thompson
brings out the fact that this movie based on British
works is flawlessly played out mostly with American
actors, showing that the language of the film works
for anyone. The cast was greatly inspired by coming
to Italy and acting amongst the Tuscan countryside
which inspired much passion in their performances
(and sweat on their foreheads due to the extreme heat).
Not a bad featurette, though it only glosses over
what went on behind-the-camera.
(length: approx. 6 minutes)
The film's original theatrical trailer is
included here in addition to trailers for the DVD
releases of The Princess Bride and When
Harry Met Sally.
Final Thoughts
Simply brilliant! Though lovers of Shakespeare will
frolic to see this film adaptation, it is the naysayers
that I most recommend this film to. Much Ado About
Nothing doesn't come across heavy-handed, and even
if the language becomes an obstacle, you'll find
yourself quickly enchanted by the superb acting and
wonderful choreography, set against the film's
beautiful Tuscany setting.
Highly Recommended!
Release Date: January 7, 2003
All screen captures have been further compressed.
They are for illustrative purposes only and do not
represent actual picture quality
