Search - Henry V [Criterion Collection] on DVD

Content Advisory: Mild Violence Movie Release: 1944 DVD Release: 06/22/1999 Format: DVD - Pan and Scan Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 17 mins Studio: Criterion Members Wishing: 19 Genres: Historical Film, Historical Epic

Laurence Olivier's adaptation of Henry V is one of the finest Shakespeare films ever made, full of rousing action, beautiful colors and passionate performances. Henry V is the story of the newly crowned king of England who fights the French for possession of Normandy. Olivier's direction is inventive, beginning the film as if it were a performance at the Globe Theatre, and having it slowly expand so the final battle scenes take place in realistic settings. Released in 1944 during the height of World War II, Henry V didn't receive an American release until 1946, upon which Olivier won a special Academy Award for "his outstanding achievement as actor, producer and director in bringing Henry V to the screen." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Movie Guide

Laurence Olivier - Henry V
Robert Newton - Ancient Pistol
Renée Ashershon - Princess Katharine
Esmond Knight - Fluellen
Leslie Banks - Chorus
Leo Genn - The Constable of France
Felix Aylmer - Archbishop of Canterbury
Janet Burnell - Isabel of France

Presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, the DVD version is derived from a 35 mm internegative made from masters in England. Film historian Bruce Eder provides a detailed and extensive commentary on the history and making of the film. Other special features include a piece on the costumes of the period, a chronology of the history plays -- "Shakespeare's Royalty," 11 black-and-white production photos, the theatrical trailer, and color bars, presumably for making color adjustments. The audio is monaural and sounds it, and the colorization is rather obvious. ~ Craig Chalquist, All Movie Guide