Search - The Oscar Wilde Collection (The Importance of Being Earnest / The Picture of Dorian Gray / An Ideal Husband / Lady Windermere's Fan) on DVD

Captivating set, not for the Brett fan alone......

retroredux | 09/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this set because it contains two performances by the much beloved late Jeremy Brett. Though I'm happy to say that all four plays, and the fascinating biography on Oscar Wilde are exceptionally well done! The other reviewer summerized the four productions excellently, so I just wanted to add my two cents.

The two Brett plays-The Picture of Dorian Grey, and The Ideal Husband, showcase Mr. Bretts superb acting ability. He's wonderfully dark and morose in Dorian, but equally light, witty and charming in Ideal. This set should be in the Library of any Brett aficionado.

The other two productions-The Importance of Being Ernest and Lady Windermere's fan, are in many ways even surperior to the other two productions. Joan Plowright is exceptional in Ernest and proves why she's a Grand Dame of British threatre. The BBC should be applauded for putting these productions on TV as it enables the everyday person, like myself, to see quality theatrical productions when most would not have the means or ability to do so in person. I hope the BBC brings more plays like these to TV for modern viewers.

All in all, I highly recommend this inexpensive, quality set to any period piece fan. 5 stars!"

"I can resist anything except temptation."

Giordano Bruno | Wherever I am, I am. | 01/10/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's nearly impossible to believe that just a century and a few decades ago, people lived, dressed, behaved, spoke as they are portrayed in these four opulent productions of works by Oscar Wilde. But one can't help wondering if they were even half as witty and self-possessed as the characters of Wilde's imagination. Even the dullest duchess is granted a witticism now and then, that has me snatching up my notebook to record it for future recycling. I suppose Wilde must have scribbled such spontaneous repartee on the lining of his velvet jacket, for eventual condensation in dramatic form. I've known some rapier-sharp gay blades here and there, but none with as polished an edge as the typical dissolute dilettante of Wilde's wild imagination.

They were a handsome race of people, Wilde's upper-crust Brits in their finery, though perhaps that's a 'willing suspension' of disbelief based on the art of casting and costuming. In effect, it's a tribute to the skillful acting of every figure in these BBC productions, that they all seem utterly plausible as Victorian Britons. Their style, their wit, their sense of 'comme il faut', is such that it makes our current mode seem hideously drab and lax. Yes, yes, "they" were the few, amid throngs of drudges and destitute, and I have no particular desire to dress my wife and daughters (the latter imaginary) in corsets and bustles, or myself in a frock coat, but it does seem that we've "let ourselves go". I fear Oscar Wilde would find us dreadfully lackluster.

These four adaptations are a lot of fun, and a blessed relief from "action" films and vampire romance."

The oscar wilde collection

Milko Calla | Italy | 03/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of course everything Wilde wrote that is turned into a video is a worth of attention,but this collection is really impressive.It is interesting to see how textual details are rendered in visual images. The only problem for Italian viewers like me is turning the video into a suitable format to see it on PCs. Once the problem is solved, the view is pure pleasure!"

Wonderfully done

Alice in Wonderland | 06/07/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Among other things, the BBC is well known for bringing excellent classical plays and stories to the small-screen - complete with excellent actors and beautiful costumes. One of the vehicles for this was the Play of the Month television shows that ran from 1965 to 1983. Among the many plays presented were these four by that magnificent man-of-letters, Oscar Wilde.

The production of each of these four plays is excellent, and really captures the look and feel that the story must have. Admittedly, the productions are a bit on the old side (The Importance of Being Earnest being first aired in 1974, The Picture of Dorian Gray in 1976, An Ideal Husband in 1969, and Lady Windermere's Fan in 1972), but they are nonetheless wonderfully done, and a real joy to watch.

If you are a fan of great literature and great plays, then you will like these productions of four of Oscar Wilde's best. I guarantee it!

(Review of The Oscar Wilde Collection - BBC Play of the Month)"