Review of Romeo And Juliet

Introduction

This version of the famous story is part of the series of Thames TV versions made in the 1980`s. The plays are filmed very simply with the stage sets used in the theatrical production usually with a TV director replacing the stage director.

Once again there is an array of British talent from the period who will be strangers to the likely viewers of this play so here`s a reminder of faces that look vaguely familiar. Romeo is played by Christopher Neame whom older readers will remember as Lt Dick Player from Colditz. Robin Nedwell who made his name as Duncan Waring as Doctor in the House is an intense Mercutio. Juliet`s nurse is played by Patsy Byrne, a certain Nursie from Blackadder Series 2. The version in this performance is certainly similar but much toned down.

Video

A very basic transfer in full screen the picture is adequate and the camera work fairly limited.

The scenes are all shot in the studio with set changes similar to the theatrical production.

Audio

The music is fairly standard stuff and unmemorable. The script-well it couldn`t be improved upon and the delivery of it is superb. There are no problems with the sound reproduction.

Features

None nonny nonny non.

Well there is chapter selection for access scene by scene. According to a retial site the package does include study notes for students but I cannot confirm as I only received the disk itself.

Conclusion

Despite begin a very basic and unprepossessing version of this almost clichéd play this production is very good. No scene is underplayed .There is delightful flirting between Romeo and his Juliet, excellently judged sword fights and a touching but not mawkish death scene from Mercutio.

Having experienced fellow teenagers reading this with `feeling` this version was a revelation. I`ve always thought the death scenes faintly ludicrous but I have changed my mind having seen this. It moved me far more than I thought it could. Words that on the page or in the mouths of fellow pupils were so flat had an intensity and breadth that made the whole experience very emotional.

This DVD probably won`t get a large audience because of its fairly uninviting cover and that it is being pushed at the student market. All I can say is I wish I was a student again. The price of theatre tickets and locations of a decent theatre make this an excellent budget option for schools and colleges and of course students can enjoy their own copy. Aah the wonders of modern technology.