Julius Caesar DVD

 Not the best version around
Not one for the sword and sandal lover - follows the Shakespearian format but, unfortunately Jason Robarts and a few other American actors fail to convince as Roman dignitaries. Altogether too much effort on Gielgood type acting and not much in way of entertainment - may be of use in school tutorials but the book would be better for this in any event
Submitted by ian.thomas (England, United Kingdom) 
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 Terrible transfer-l
This DVD was absolutely the WORST quality that I have ever seen. Muted colors, barely audiblesound. It appeared to be like one of those cheap bootlegs that you buy in th street. Do not buy this title until a legitimate company offers a quality copy. BUYER BEWARE--
Submitted by Steve (Scotch Plains, NJ)
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 Second-string Caesar
A largely American cast does a credible job of bringing Julius Caesar to life and death, but acting and directorial misconceptions prevent complete success. John Gielgud makes a strong title character, but the heart of Shakespeare's play are two very different schemers, the conflicted Brutus and the vengeful Antony. It's interesting to see Charlton Heston's face on the box, as well as listed here as the star, because that's how director Stuart Burge sees this play. He presents Marc Antony as full-on leading man hero. Heston's typical bombast suits that idea fine without bringing anything new to the part. Meanwhile, Jason Robards offers a Brutus who is so low-key that he's hardly even there. The imbalance between these two roles makes hash of Shakespeare's nuanced view of how both power and ideals can lead to corruption and unfortunate outcomes. The Joseph Mankiewicz production, with Marlon Brando, Gielgud and James Mason offers far superior performances. If you can find it, rent it. In defense of this version, though, it's in color, the action is well paced and far less stagey. The supporting cast also is workmanlike, although Richard Chamberlain, who at least looks good, said he walked out of a screening in boredom. Certainly Robert Vaughn deserves attention as a suitably simmering Casca. He doesn't have many lines, but Vaughn casts a long, dark shadow. Richard Johnson makes a serviceable Cassius, although Robards gives him little help. British actress Diana Rigg delivers her lines well, and in meter. But Rigg is so under-developed that she looks more like Robards' barely adolescent daughter than his wife. Despite such shortcomings, this makes a fairly painless introduction to Shakespeare for teens. The production quality of the US tape is very poor, though, so teachers should search for the somewhat better DVD.
Submitted by Joe (Bucks County)
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 Increadable
I have to say this movie is one of the best I ever watched. It is a true classic. Buy it or Rent it. I give it * * * * * * :-)
Submitted by a reviewer (Corpus Christi, TX, USA)
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