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Rating: 
Summary: There are better films of this play
Review: Firstly I'd just like to point out that on the box it says: "Staged as seen in the 16th century". In fact 'The Tempest' wasn't even written until around 1610/11, the 17th century, and thus it's highly unlikely that it was seen in the 16th.This is a brilliant play, which has been adapted more successfully to film in the following versions: - The Tempest, director: Derek Jarman, 1979 - Prospero's Books, director: Peter Greenaway, 1991 I wouldn't reccommend viewing Greenaway's version unless you have know the play quite well as it's a very artistic interpretation, and doesn't lend itself to storytelling, it's more preoccupied with the specifics of Prospero's 'art' (i.e. magic).
Rating:
Summary: There are better films of this play
Review: Firstly I'd just like to point out that on the box it says: "Staged as seen in the 16th century". In fact 'The Tempest' wasn't even written until around 1610/11, the 17th century, and thus it's highly unlikely that it was seen in the 16th. This is a brilliant play, which has been adapted more successfully to film in the following versions: - The Tempest, director: Derek Jarman, 1979 - Prospero's Books, director: Peter Greenaway, 1991 I wouldn't reccommend viewing Greenaway's version unless you have know the play quite well as it's a very artistic interpretation, and doesn't lend itself to storytelling, it's more preoccupied with the specifics of Prospero's 'art' (i.e. magic).
Rating: 
Summary: Banal
Review: This play is performed on an American stage with appropriate costumes and scenery. However, the acting is not what I expected as there are no accents - except for Ron Palillo's New York accent which sounds terribly wrong. The city of Milan - which should be pronounced "Mil-on" or "Milano" is here pronounced "Mil-en", making the play appear Americanized and flat. I would prefer the crusty, almost unitelligible British accents to this poor version. This play was written, directed, and acted to make it easy for Americans to appreciate. It comes off rather amatuerish. Shakespeare wrote this play as his farewell to theater. Knowing this and seeing the play acted without the proper accents, the line "We are such stuff as dreams are made of" looses all flavor and meaning. To fully appreciate Shakespeare's poetry and prose I suggest the viewer watch a British production of the play or try to find the BBC production shown on PBS.
Rating: 
Summary: Authentic production of The Tempest
Review: This was a very entertaining production of Shakespeare's play. I particularly found Ariel's character very true to the qualities of 'airy spirits.' The costumes of all the characters were well-done. I was not as keen on the parts with the jester and drunken butler as I was with the other characters, but overall, the scenes were played well. For anyone who has never had a chance to see a stage production of The Tempest in a style close to the original play, this would be a good introduction. Though some people may find Woodman's production of The Tempest banal, it could be very appealing to fans of Shakespeare's time and history, not just his plays. If you only like lavish sets and modern ideals of stage productions, this edition may not be appropriate, but it need not be for the masses; only for select fans.
Rating:
Summary: Authentic production of The Tempest
Review: This was a very entertaining production of Shakespeare's play. I particularly found Ariel's character very true to the qualities of 'airy spirits.' The costumes of all the characters were well-done. I was not as keen on the parts with the jester and drunken butler as I was with the other characters, but overall, the scenes were played well. For anyone who has never had a chance to see a stage production of The Tempest in a style close to the original play, this would be a good introduction. Though some people may find Woodman's production of The Tempest banal, it could be very appealing to fans of Shakespeare's time and history, not just his plays. If you only like lavish sets and modern ideals of stage productions, this edition may not be appropriate, but it need not be for the masses; only for select fans.
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