Search - The Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare A Midsummer Night's Dream on DVD

Shakespeare As It Should Be Done - A Magnificent Production

Kenton Couch | Overland Park, Kansas | 05/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of the many versions of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" I have seen, this wonderful production is the one most true to the spirit of Shakespeare's beloved comedy.
I want to compliment the director of this play. So many directors take silly liberties with Shakespeare and let their oversized egos override the script they have in front of them. They feel required to present their "unique vision" of Shakespeare. What then becomes important is the director, not the play. The result, almost always, is a bad production being extolled as a "new and daring interpretation" of the bard.
The director of this fine production, to his everlasting credit, stays true to the play, and the result is a magical production I know William Shakespeare would be proud of.
Performed with Elizabethan costumes, beautiful sets, and wonderful lighting, the actors have the perfect environment to bring to life the magic, beauty, and mystery the play evokes. They succeed magnificently.
The acting is superb, and all performers are to be complimented for their fine ensemble work. The lighting is hauntingly beautiful, the music weaves its own fairy magic, and the beauty of this most performed of Shakespeare's plays is presented in all its glory.
I hope this DVD will become available again, as it deserves to be seen and enjoyed by as many people as possible. It is what excellent theater should be.
I have directed four high school productions of "Dream," and I have always used this show as a guide and inspiration. It never let me down.
The play is currently available as part of the BBC Shakespeare boxed set series. The five play comedy set contains "Dream." I have only watched one other production in the set and that was "The Tempest." It was an outstanding production starring the magnificent Ralph Richardson as Prospero. His performance is another reason it is worth buying the set. So, you might think about purchasing it if you're Shakespeare lover.
If you want Shakespeare at his best, give this marvelous production a chance. These "shadows" won't offend; they will give you a sterling show."