William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream

Starring: Kevin Kline, Michelle Pfeiffer, Rupert Everett, et al.

MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM (DVD/RE-PKGD) NLA

• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• UPC: 086162123085
• Release Date: April 2014
• Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
• Publisher: 20th Century Fox
• Director: Michael Hoffman
• Starring: Kevin Kline, Michelle Pfeiffer, Rupert Everett, Stanley Tucci, Calista Flockhart, Anna Friel, Dominic West, Christian Bale, David Strathairn, Sophie Marceau
• Runtime: 1 hour, 56 minutes
• Number of Disks: 1
• Other Video Info: multiple_formats
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 7.5"

Customer Reviews

A tale well told.

There are many good versions of William Shakespeare's “A Midsummer Night's Dream.” Among which is this well-played Michael Hoffman (1999) version. The innovative use of the bicycle and being filmed in Tuscany adds to the magic. As with earlier versions, contemporary actors are used. Only at first, you say, "Now where have I seen Puck? (Stanley Tucci),” to realize it was in "Undercover Blues." Or anticipating who will play Titania? Later, you will be so engrossed in the play that you will only see the characters for themselves. Now the situation. We have overlapping tales, which in the confusion become even more overlapping and confusing. We have Theseus (David Strathairn), Duke of Athens, about to marry Hippolyta (Sophie Marceau), Queen of the Amazons. Practicing in the solitude of the Woods is a troop of actors that will appear at the wedding. One of the troops is a married man with a roving eye, Bottom (Kevin Kline); he soon encounters a group of fairies. Now, this is an interesting situation on its own. However, there is more. Hermia is being forced by her father, Egeus, to marry Demetrius. However, Hermia (Anna Friel) is in love with Lysander (Dominic West). Wait, there is more. Hermia's friend Helena (Calista Flockhart) is in love with Demetrius, who ignores her. Yep, into the wood escape Hermia and Lysander. Hot on their trail is Demetrius (Christian Bale), doggedly followed by Helena. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Fairy queen and king have a slight falling-out. So, the fairy king intends to correct everyone's situation and teach a few lessons along the way. You get the idea. Now sit back and watch the fun. And stay tuned for the play in the end.