Richard III

Starring: Olivier, Laurence and Bloom, Claire

Shakespeare's crouchback king works his mad way from the battlefield to the bedroom. Directed by Olivier.

• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• UPC: 037429126721
• Release Date: January 2014
• Rating: Not Rated
• Publisher: Image/Sphe
• Director: Olivier, Laurence
• Starring: Olivier, Laurence, Bloom, Claire
• Runtime: 2 hours, 35 minutes
• Number of Disks: 20
• Weight: 0.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.5" x 5.4"

Customer Reviews

Better than the real thing. A blend of Shakespeare plays.

A review of the Criterion version. I have to admit that I only saw a couple of Richard III plays, but this presentation stands out as it is the unique blending that explains the history and purpose of Richard III (Laurence Olivier) for those of us who only have a cursory knowledge of English history through film. We also get a look at the major players in the War of the Roses. The presentation, at times, comes from our world and at others seems surreal. Therefore, I suggest you watch the presentation as designed, and then watch with the commentary and again without. You will find yourself periodically re-watching this Criterion version and each time finding nuances that were missed on the original viewing. This film also gives a lot of known actors a chance to express their talent and show that they do not outshine their character. Even though Claire Bloom (The Lady Anne) has been inserted in the play, she adds significantly to the understanding of the events. See Clare Bloom in a different role, “The Illustrated Man” (1969).