Rating: 
Summary: One of the Very Best!
Review: Along with Glenda Jackson in "Elizabeth R", this production represents the zenith of Masterpiece Theater. By today's standards, the production values are -- well -- primitive. But who cares! What an awesome cast! What performances! And -- if we can believe Suetonius, on whose works Robert Graves largely based his magnificent Dualogy -- it's history brought vividly to life. As the story of the first five emperors of Rome, just after the demise of the Roman Republic, some of the greatest -- and also most infamous -- people in history are shown intimately. Perhaps the most memorable character -- apart from Claudius himself! -- is Augustus' Empress, Livia, played by the incomparable Sian Philips -- one of the most powerful, and evil, women in history. (After poisoning Augustus, she tells her son Tiberius, "Augustus is dead. I'll inform the Senate. Oh, by the way, Tiberius -- don't touch the figs." Like all the greatest villains, she is fascinating to watch. And of course, Sir Derek Jacobi is simply fantastic. A foundation item for any intelligent person's video library.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: The BBC production of 'I, Claudius', now decades old, still captures the imagination, and is as fresh and timeless as when it first was broadcast. This is a testimony to the skill not only of the actors and production crew, but also to the writer (Graves) who produced what is essentially an historical novel in colloquial English which gives a real feel for the day-to-day life in the imperial family in Rome. Drawing heavily on Suetonius (the People-magazine writer of his day, far more interested in intrigue and personality than great historic events), Graves constructed a storyline that covers the major events of the advent of the Roman Empire (from out of the Roman Republic) by following the lives of the first four Emperors, primarily narrated as a 'history' written by Claudius.The series consists of 13 one-hour episodes. They begin prior to Claudius' birth and continue through to his death. We are introduced to the men and women who were important imperial figures: Augustus, portrayed as a reluctant emperor; his wife Livia, mother of the nation, far more ambitious than any around her, and in many ways the power behind the dynasty; her sons Drusus and Tiberius, one destined to die early and the other to become emperor (the only emperor never to be deified, in fact); Agrippa, also ambitious but bumbling; Antonia, daughter of Marc Antony, and portrayed ultimately as the most honourable woman in Rome. With this mix, the story begins of the jockeying for position within the royal family. Livia is determined that Tiberius succeed Augustus, and systematically eliminates all rivals. Whenever someone rises to prominence such that he might pose a challenge (Julia's sons, Germanicus, etc.) they are either discredited and exiled or, for safety sake, an accident or illness is arranged. After Livia is gone we see the rise and fall of Caligula, and the unlikely succession to power of Claudius. Once again intrigue enters in the form of the emperor's wife, not once, but twice, with finally Nero being favoured over Claudius' son Britannicus, who is murdered shortly after Claudius' death. Nero is the last of the Claudians, a prominent family Livia worked to hard to secure on the throne. Perhaps the greatest scene is the dinner part in which Livia, Claudius, and Caligula are discussing prophecies and the future, at which point Livia confesses her crimes and her motivations to Claudius in hopes that he will, when emperor (a prediction he in no way believes), see to her deification. Derek Jacobi plays Claudius (from young man to old) with great skill and care. Fortunately for Jacobi, whose career spans stage and screen as well, he has the acting ability to avoid being type-cast, but there is a tendency to default to Claudius (see the scene in the movie 'Dead Again' in which Jacobi plays a man with a stutter). Sian Phillips almost steals the show with her masterful portrayal of Livia. Her speech to the dying Augustus, explaining to him as he slips away why she was compelled to poison him, is a remarkable performance. Brian Blessed plays Augustus with skill. John Hurt, known for bizarre and eccentric performances, manages to interject the right amount of mania into Caligula. Ultimately, Claudius did write histories and commentaries, but they have not survived. It is unknown if they did not survive due to political censorship (which I, Claudius implies) or because they simply weren't that good. Alas, in truth, Claudius was neither as competent or caring an individual as one would believe from this re-creation. But it is fair to say that he was a good sight better than those before and after his reign. If you'll invest 13 hours in this series (and yes, it is worth it), take the time to invest a few hours in a legitimate history to find some of the historical realities that were 'glanced over lightly'.
Rating:
Summary: Matchless drama, and picture quality is just fine
Review: As for praise, I can't add anything to the many compliments given by others for every aspect of this production. Simply amazing. I simply had to add a comment about picture quality, which one review complained was not as good as a copy of the original VHS tapes. I've seen the VHS tape version. This DVD release surely is no worse. The source material was perhaps softened a bit too much to lessen video noise on the original. In other words, the focus looks a bit soft. Other than that, there is nothing wrong with the picture quality. I've seen other video material from this era transferred to DVD, and this is about the best that can be expected. We watched the entire series on DVD with no complaints. I was very happy. You will be too, as you are drawn into this story, brought alive with consummate skill and passion.
Rating:
Summary: Great drama
Review: I remember seeing this series on TV many, many years ago when I was still in high school. And was very happy to find it on DVD now. The DVD transfer is very good too. But enough said about that. If you like British historical drama of outstanding quality or just Roman history, this is a set you ought to buy. The acting and script are spellbinding. I have watched all of the 5 DVD's in three days, which was sth of a marathon watch. There are no weak spots in the acting and it is fun watching a young 'captain Picard' (yes I also love to watch Star trek). The sets are old-fashioned and nothing like the sets of, for instance, productions like Elizabeth. But who cares about sets and the like if the acting is so good. The whole series breathes 'theatre' and I love it. It brings back the stories from Latin classes in High school. The Gods, Augustus, the Roman empire and all the Roman stories come to life, as seen through the eyes of Claudius. They are living and breathing (and very fascinating) people. No computer tricks and such needed. The script and the acting speak for itselves. Just buy, borrow or hire the set. Pretend you are not at home in the weekend, do not answer the door or the phone (better still, get it off the hook). And enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Trash your "Sopranos" and buy this!
Review: Engrossing, wonderfully told tale of intrigue, lust, power, deception and of course, murder that follows in the wake of the ambitions of ancient Rome's first "familia". Brilliantly adapted from the Robert Graves's intelligent novels (among my favorite works in print), this series is ranks among the greatest television's ever produced. It comes as no surprise that this comes to us from across the water--a 30 year old BBC production that owes as much to art direction and production values (even on a TV studio using video) as to the powerful performances by Britain's premier actors. Many of them, such as Derek Jacobi, John Rhys-Davies and Patrick Stewart (yes, that Patrick Stewart), hail from the country's Shakespearean ranks which adds extraordinary breadth as well as credible gravity to their roles. Brian Blessed gives an inspired performance as the remarkable, complex, and ultimately troubled Caesar Augustus. The absolute best, in my opinion, is Sian Phillips as his Machiavellian wife, Livia, the prime mover of the story's Byzantine plots and machinations. This is drama of the highest order and on the grandest scale--no stupid, white trash mob family beheading each other over garbage routes--an entire Empire is their chessboard. On every level (including the far more artful and judicious use of violence), "I, Claudius" makes overrated shows like "The Sopranos" look like the cartoons they really are. If you are not accustomed to deliberately paced, sentient drama, or particularly like Roman history, I recommend renting it first. Then sit back, and take a nibble to have a taste of what American television could and should be. (But beware of the plums and the mushrooms!)
Rating:
Summary: The Best Television Can Offer- History at its Best
Review: I think it was this incredible mini-series that got me hooked on history. This incredible production of the BBC portrays the intrigues, orgies, and murders that marked the reign of the Julio-Claudian dynasty of the Roman Empire around the first century. Based on the novels "I, Claudius" and "Claudius the God" by Robert Graves, the series is presented in the form of the autobiography of the Emperor Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus (or simply Claudius). Born mentally lacking and with a limp, his whole family thinks him a fool. But unlike his "intelligent" family members he survives the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the mad Caligula to become Emperor. Played by the brillant Sir Derek Jacobi, he leads an all-star cast, with an incredible performance from Sian Phillips as the diabolical Livia. The production costs are rather low but that in no way hinders the grandeur of I, Claudius. It only adds to it. But be warned! You must be totally alert in watching this thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable series. The number of characters and their complexity is dizzying but thats part of the uniqueness of this series. A soap opera, drama, and history lesson all in one, this is a must. There is nothing like this anywhere on tv. The novels are enjoyable too and will not hinder watching the mini-series. 5 stars all the way.
Rating:
Summary: Deserves 6 stars--not to be missed!
Review: This series has everything--love, lust, murder, revenge, humor, pathos, drama, horror. You don't have to be a history buff to watch it; it's terrific no matter what you like. I remember being spellbound when it was first broadcast in 1976, & it's just as mesmerizing & wonderful today. In fact, the more you watch it, the more you get out of it. This baby was really the blockbuster that put Masterpiece Theater on the map & deservedly so (with all due respect to "Upstairs Downstairs.") Watch it for the standout performances: Derek Jacobi is matchless as Claudius; George Baker as a surprisingly poignant Tiberius; Brian Blessed as a rollicking Augustus; John Hurt having a hootingly good time as Caligula; Patrick Stewart (with hair!) smoothly vicious as Sejanuis; & Sian Phillips etching one of the most truly evil performances ever as Livia. The amazing thing about these performances is that they manage to make even the evil characters at least understandable & sometimes sympathetic. Even though they have it coming, you're really sorry to see them go. This is also a who's who of British actors: Blessed has appeared in many Kenneth Branagh films (& as a FYI, did you know his real-life wife played Sybil Fawlty in "Fawlty Towers?"); Baker in many Connery "James Bond" films (as a good guy); Stewart in one of his first roles; John Rhys-Davies appears as the man who does in Stewart's character; John Castle (Geoffrey in "The Lion in Winter") as Posthumus; Ian Ogilvy (replaced Roger Moore in "The Saint) as Drusus, Claudius' father; Simon MacCorkindale; and many others. No matter what the reason, make a point of viewing this--with the whole family. My brother watched it with his sons, ages 10-12, & got them hooked on Roman history. Some of it was a bit graphic for tv back in the 70s, but times have managed to catch up with it--the violence will help it appeal to younger viewers used to (& wanting) such action. Above all, you'll walk away from this a British tv fan, a Roman history fan, a Derek Jacobi fan, (& I've always loved Brian Blessed ever since from this series)... You won't regret it
Rating: 
Summary: tedious and boring
Review: first i must explain that i am a longtime student of roman history and the julio-claudinians in particular. my expectations were very high in regard to this series and i was very disappointed. i knew i wasn't going to be seeing a visual spectacle like gladiator, but i expected something to happen. i don't mind the historical inaccuracies for the sake of drama too much. what bothers me is that the characters are nothing like the real people that are recorded in the history books. brian blessed's portrayal (or should i say betrayal) of augustus could not have missed the point any further. he was in fact a stern serious minded man devoted to his work, not the joking buffoon presented here. the pacing reminded me of dark shadows and it was almost as campy. this series is far too english for the subject matter. i give it 2 stars for the handful of good actors who couldn't save this flawed project. watch caligula to get a closer look at what rome was about during this time period.
Rating: 
Summary: One of the Greatest Series of All Time....
Review: ...but I have to give it only four stars because of its stunningly poor transfer to DVD. If you can imagine taping the series off the air with a VHS recorder and then taping the copy to another VHS, that's about the image quality you get. The picture isn't even placed properly. The only way I watch mine is to view it on a computer and make the image so small I can't see the imperfections. It's a lot like the old Video CD, where two hour movies were crammed on two standard CDs. If they did a better job on the transfer, I'd buy the series again. I'm not getting rid of mine because it's the only thing available. I do, however, expect more from my money than a production that looks like a poorly pirated copy. The VHS tapes are much better.
Rating:
Summary: In a league of its own
Review: This is a fantastic miniseries. Some people may be put off by the low-budget look, but this really doesn't matter. I won't repeat the praise that's been said before - it's true. I found it unforgettable, probably because the characters are amazing. These people do terrible things to each other, and it all seems completely real, because the acting is so good. The only warning is that it is quite disturbing. Watch for Jon Hurt in one of the funniest scenes ever. (As a bonus, it helped me ace a Roman history exam. Just try forgetting the Julio-Claudian emperors after this!)
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