Hedda Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I first saw this movie in a European Literature class in college, and I was fascinated from the start. I forget if we read it first or watched the movie, but in any case, Glenda Jackson embodies the character of Hedda Gabler so completely that I can't imagine anyone else playing Hedda in such a convincing fashion.
The script in this version is just about the same as in my old Norton Anthology, and I always appreciate when movies follow the original work with integrity. This Hedda is the same bored housewife that tries to endure her ridiculous, academic husband and distances herself from any mention of pregnancy and motherhood. She longs for high society and to have control over other people, as well as herself. She obsesses over beauty ("Do it beautifully!" she instructs Loevborg, referring to his suicide plan) and loathes ugliness, while her deep, dark wit will either enthrall or repel the viewer. It certainly enthralls me, though I have known certain people to find Hedda's character revolting in its selfishness and cruelty.
I hope this comes out on DVD soon...I had to buy my VHS on ebay a few years back, and it's not in the greatest condition.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hedda

Click here for more information about Hedda

Elizabeth R (1972) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a superb BBC miniseries, or "cycle of six plays", with extraordinary acting and most of all, a script that is a marvel, which uses original documents and the writings of Queen Elizabeth I as its source, making the story, so full of intrigue and drama, for the most part very accurate.
My favorites are the monologues, spoken with such power by Glenda Jackson, whose performance is a treasure. The cast that surrounds her is also wonderful, and often having a physical similarity to the historical character (with kudos to the make-up department).
There are so many reasons to buy this fantastic DVD package, which may seem expensive but is actually an excellent value. For historians this is a must, and anyone who appreciates great English theater will be delighted. The quality of the film is also exceptional, with an exceedingly clear picture and audio.
I bought it to prepare for a portrait of Queen Bess, and was enthralled by the detail of the costuming; what amazed me was how the fashion changed during the queen's forty-four year reign. It was a time rich with culture and style, with the emergence of Shakespeare and other great writers, and the queen loved clothes and jewelry, and surely set the trends.
The music by David Munro also adds to the atmosphere, and the sets have an authentic feel.
This is a brilliant production, and total running time is 540 minutes.
The DVD "extras" are terrific, are the entire content of the 4th disc, and should perhaps be viewed before the film, for full appreciation of the history. The "extras" are:
1: A lengthy interview with Glenda Jackson
2: An interview with historian Alison Weir
3: "Elizabeth I", an A&E documentary with commentary by various authors and historians, and marvelous imagery to illustrate it.
4, A: Glenda Jackson reads documents. B: Portrait Gallery (there is an error here, where the portrait of Robert Dudley is actually one of Sir Francis Drake). C: Historical Sites, including the queen's tomb, palaces, etc.
5: Behind the scenes, with a Who's Who of the cast.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Elizabeth R (1972)

Episodes: The Lion's Cub, The Marriage Game, Shadow of the Sun, Horrible Conspiracies, The Enterprise of England, Sweet England's Pride. This magnificent 6-volume collection recounts the epic life and times of the remarkable Elizabeth I in a cycle of 6 plays. Won multiple Emmy Awards.DVD Features:Audio CommentaryInterviewsPhoto gallery

Get 7% OFF

Click here for more information about Elizabeth R (1972)