Richard II [1978] - Dd Video

A treasure chest

Real devotees (and English teachers), don't hesitate. This box set includes the 2nd tetralogy (Richard II, Henry IV, parts 1 & 2, and Henry V) and Richard III in impeccable productions. Nothing earth-shattering, no soldiers dressed as Nazis, GIs, ballerinas or cavemen. Just good actors who can speak Shakespearian verse with grace, intelligence and fluency, in period costume and realistic settings, directed with clarity and taste. For the rare plays alone this set would be worth the price of admission; getting Derek Jacobi in the role of Richard II makes it priceless.

The videos have been remastered for DVD, well if not perfectly (some echo momentarily escaped retouching, and DVD as usual introduces the microscopic glitch), and the subtitle option (English only) is a boon to students of the text. Those interested in seeing the entire 1st trilogy may complete this set by buying the Henry VI plays individually (also edited by Ambrose DVD - at steep prices, but as the saying goes, buy now while supplies last).