Search - Richard III [Criterion Collection] on DVD

Content Advisory: Mild Violence, Adult Situations, Questionable for Children Movie Release: 1955 DVD Release: 02/24/2004 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Edition: Dual Layered,Restored/Remastered Audio Tracks: English SwapaDVD Credits: 2 Number of Discs: 2 Run Time: 2 hrs 38 mins Studio: Criterion Members Wishing: 19 Genres: Historical Film, Tragedy, Historical Epic See Also: Essential Art House: Richard III [Criterion Collection]

Laurence Olivier was the director, co-screenwriter (with Alan Dent), and star of this robust adaptation of Shakespeare's drama, which, as Bruce Eder has written, "was the final, crowning glory of the British studio system and the end of the great cycle of British films aimed at international audiences." Olivier begins his Richard III with Edward IV (Cedric Hardwicke) being crowned king. In the background of the celebration, Richard (Laurence Olivier) jealously views the proceedings and begins to pick off those obstructing his pathway to the throne. Eventually, Richard becomes king and, after proceeding with a succession of intrigues and duplicities, he finds his kingdom in dire peril, set upon by Henry Tudor (Stanley Baker) and mustering a final defense for his realm at the Battle of Bosworth. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide

Cedric Hardwicke - Edward Plantagenet (King Edward IV)
Laurence Olivier - Richard III
John Gielgud - George, Duke of Clarence
Nicholas Hannen - Archbishop of Canterbury
Claire Bloom - Lady Anne Neville
Ralph Richardson - Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham
Alec Clunes - Thomas, Lord Hastings

In an interview included on this set's supplementary disc, Laurence Olivier confesses that he never knew a more exciting creative experience than directing a feature film, and this DVD edition of his sterling 1955 adaptation of William Shakespeare's Richard III captures not only a handful of superb performances but Olivier's obvious enthusiasm for the cinematic medium. The Criterion Collection has given Richard III a letterboxed transfer to disc in the widescreen aspect ratio of 1.66:1, which is also enhanced for anamorphic playback on 16 x 9 monitors, and the picture is sharp and well-detailed with the Technicolor tonal palate rendered with a pleasing subtlety. While the booklet mentions that the elements for this transfer where drawn from a number of sources to assemble a complete version of the film, the quality is consistently strong for the most part and never looks substandard. The audio has been mastered in Dolby Digital Mono and sounds rich and clear. The film is, of course, in English with optional English-language subtitles for the hearing impaired but there are no multiple language options.

Chief among the bonus materials is a commentary track from Russell Lees, who discusses Olivier's techniques as an actor and a filmmaker as well as Shakespeare's original text and various interpretations of it; John Wilders, former head of the Royal Shakespeare Company also interjects his thoughts on occasion. A bonus disc includes the original theatrical trailer for Richard III, a 12-minute television preview of the film including a behind-the-scenes look at its production, a gallery of production stills accompanied by relevant passages from Olivier's autobiography, and most enjoyably a 1966 television interview in which noted critic Kenneth Tynan questions Olivier about his career, offering a fascinating perspective on Olivier's approach to acting and his thoughts on film and the theater. Anyone who loves Shakespeare, great acting, and fine filmmaking will revel in Richard III, and Criterion is to be commended for bringing it to DVD with such obvious care. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide