The Hollow Crown - TV Mini Series [DVD]

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Product Description ------------------- The series re-imagines the classic tetralogy of William Shakespeare’s most celebrated history plays - Richard II, Henry IV Parts One and Two, and Henry V - with unprecedented ambition, exploring themes of succession, power, corruption, and greed in a singular sweeping production. Four Parts Include: Richard II (140mins) Henry IV Part 1 (120mins) Henry IV Part 2 (120mins) Henry V (140mins) Review ------ The latest show to close the gap between the production values of the big screen and television, The Hollow Crown is a sumptuous piece of work, filling the screen with simply glorious visuals, and real period detail. It pulls together and reimagines four of William Shakespeare's plays, from Richard II and Henry V to both parts of Henry IV. Then, it brings in a cast boasting the likes of Jeremy Irons, Patrick Stewart and Tom Hiddleston, acting heavyweights who make much of the already strong material. The end result is something very special indeed. The idea of bringing four plays together in one mutli-part production is a strong one anyway, but The Hollow Crown really is an accessible yet deep look at three different kings and their differences. Of course, that leaves ample room for politics, power struggles, family and conflict, and the sheer ambition of what's on the screen is refreshing and engrossing. The disc release also digs into how it all came together, spending some time looking at the making of the series and includes a collection of interviews from some of the substantive cast. It's terrific to see something as bold, interesting and risky as The Hollow Crown working as triumphantly as it does. Clearly made by people with a love for the material, it's exquisitely done Shakespeare, very much for all. --Jon Foster