Rating: 
Summary: Better the second time around
Review: I remember seeing the original run of the series on PBS. Since then, it has shown up here and there, and in various "politcally correct" forms. This DVD edition is complete, unmodified, and just plain great! The transfer to DVD was done with great care, and the color and clarity are outstanding. I won't even mention how great the overall production is. Buy it, buy it, buy it.
Rating: 
Summary: "I, Claudius" rocks, the transfer doesn't
Review: "I, Claudius" is one of the best of Masterpiece Theatre, sadly they didn't feel like honoring it by cleaning it up for DVD transfer. If you're going to buy "I, Claudius," then, yes, buy the DVD, but don't think you're getting a version that's better than the VHS.
Rating:
Summary: As good as television gets...
Review: This is the best mini-series ever. Just a word of warning for videophiles--this was shot on VIDEO not FILM. The important thing is that THIS DOESN'T MATTER. Once you get used to it, you don't even notice it anymore. The only unfortunate effect is that there must have been some magnetic bleed-through on the soundtrack because we hear screems before they actually happen.As for content, this series brings Robert Graves' Claudius novels to life in a way that no movie ever could. Don't believe me? Look at the pseudo-intellectual porn film Caligula that Gore Vidal did on the same subject matter. It is just a joy to watch this cast act. Think Patrick Stewart will only be Captain Pickard to you? Wait till you see him as Sejanus. No matter how many hours this is, you won't want it to end.
Rating:
Summary: Great series marred by poor audio
Review: As many others have written, this is a great dramatic series. I've nothing to add to the accolades. HOWEVER: I was greatly disappointed by the poor audio quality of this DVD. The sound is quite muffled -- as though you're listening to it through a pillow. Yes, you can make out what's being said -- especially if you turn the volume up. But I expected much more from this DVD series. It's a 5-star series -- content-wise -- but I have to downgrade the rating because of the audio.
Rating:
Summary: An Outstanding Historical Soap Opera
Review: This series just gets better with each viewing. The makeup effects are the most realistic and believable I've ever seen, better than what you see when similar effects are done on film. This drama plays out in 13 episodes just like a regular season of the "Sopranos". It is about a very dysfunctional family and how one member in particular (Claudius) uses the perception that other people have of him (that he is a fool) to his advantage in order to stay alive amidst plots of poisonings, murders, poisonings, adulteries, poisonings, manipulations, and poisonings. The sets are not spectacular, but they are believable, and the acting is what really shines here. A recurring character is Herod Agrippa, the very one who becomes King of the Jews during the early Christian era. When I saw the original series on PBS in the late 1970's I don't even recall him being there, but upon review via DVD, I see that his character plays a vital role in several key subplots. With comic moments sprinkled liberally throughout, "I Claudius" is a must-see. The DVD includes a copy of the family tree so that you can follow who is who and how they are related to each other. Most helpful!
Rating:
Summary: The Granddaddy of Historical Fiction?
Review: Yes, this mini-series is the triumph of the small screen. Yes, it's among the best programs ever put on TV. On VHS, it costs about ten times more than a big-screen movie-and it's worth it! (Although catching the series on PBS would have been a lot cheaper.) I recommend this film to anyone who can get their hands on it. What Robert Graves does with "I, Claudius" is to take a piece of history and spin it into a captivating work of fiction. Some writers and moviemakers can do this by rearranging the facts and "dramatizing," but Graves seems to remain loyal to what we know about the ancient Romans. The largest part of the people and events he describes are factual, which helps make this experience what it is. Books, by their nature of introspection, tend to be better than their movie counterparts. However, some movies are so good that they rival their book sources. "I, Claudius" is one of those movies. The book, "I, Claudius," and its sequel are excellent. Still, by the time you reach the sequel, "Claudius the God," most of the gripping characters are dead (Claudius is one exception). This change of pace felt in the transition from first to second book is less apparent in the movie version. Whoever adapted Graves' story to the small screen did a fine piece of work.
Rating:
Summary: BEST THING EVER ON TELEVISION, PERIOD.
Review: Spellbinding, funny, terrifying, and MAGNIFICENT. The acting is unsupassed. Brian Blessed as Agustus is wonderful. Livia is terrifying (equal to Caligula, who has some of the funniest, and most disturbing moments). John Hurt is a genius--nobody else IS Caligula (hear that, Malcom McDowell). But, there is one perfect performance...Derek Jacobi as CLAW, CLAW, CLAUDIUS. Never has a performance moved me as this. Do not wait for the price cut on this video. Buy It NOW. It is well worth the cash.
Rating:
Summary: All Roads Lead To Rome
Review: Extraordinary is the first that comes to my mind when describing this engaging and colorful epic tale that takes place between 24 b.c.e. and 54 a.c.e.. It covers the lives of the first four Emperors of ancient Rome and their personal and political lives which were inseparable. This is a complex, moving story masterfully acted and extremely well-written. It took me the first two episodes to get the cast straight, then I was hooked. I have watched it twice already and was sad both times when it was over. Derek Jacobi does an astounding job portraying the bungling, stuttering, limping and twitching Claudius (a feat in itself!) as does Sian Phillips as the evil manipulative Livia who controls all their lives. The rest of the cast is also superb. There is not one disappointing performance in this wonderful drama loaded with plot twists and humerous moments. Although I question the actual occurrences (such as Livy poisoning everyone that stood in her way) it doesn't take away from the enjoyment factor which for me was immense. A true study into the lives of the imperial families and a must-see for anyone who enjoys great entertainment. I can't recommend it highly enough. One word of advice: sit through at least two episodes before you decide whether or not you like it.
Rating:
Summary: claw, claw claudius
Review: I first watched this drama way back in the 70's when I was a young teenager. Nothing quite like it has been produced since (nice try Gladiator, was that Brian Blessed in the audience?). O.K the sets look dated and the film quality is almost home camcorder, but I challange you to watch one episode and not be hooked. The twists and turns of the story, the acting and the very black humour....... will have you wanting more even after the 7hours are up. If you are after building up a quality DVD library this is a must. May I also recommend The World At War and The Planets to compliment this very fine DVD.
Rating:
Summary: A captivating story of the early Roman empire
Review: This video rendering of Robert Graves, massive novel about the Roman history is just as captivating as the original book was. Jacobi is a wonderful actor and he holds our attention during all the episodes. The cast was great. The director and the producer must be congratulated for this classic. This is surely a piece that may be enjoyed repeatedly.
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