Much Ado About Nothing (WS/BD) [Blu-ray]

Good Blu-ray transfer of this visually delightful film. In many ways this is the best filmed version of Much Ado, certainly the most joyful with the most endearing characters. The ‘80s BBC version, though on a cheapie stage set, sharply presents the one important element that gets lost here: that behind the warm & fuzzy family world stands the reality of patriarchal power where if the men believe the accusations about Hero she loses not just her lover but all chance of her life as she knows it, and forever. Still, this version is exquisitely done Shakespeare, and one of the happiest feel-good movies I know of.

I love this movie. In fact, I must admit that it is likely to be my favorite movie of all time. Lighthearted yet providing some depth and involvement; the plot is timeless as are the emotions presented. For all the complaining that reading Shakespeare generates from so many, the reason we still read Shakespeare is because he is still relevant. There is no person alive that can deny that the emotions that Shakespeare explores and exposes in his plays/sonnets are those which prove valid and timeless with each passing generation. This movie, a very worthy adaptation to the screen by a wise and entertaining Kenneth Branagh, does a valiant and valuable job of providing one of Shakespeare's great works to a widespread audience. Great acting, great presentation, beautiful cinematography, excellent entertainment. I could not imagine NOT owning this movie.Some other reviewers have complained about the quality of the audio on this Blu-ray presentation. Please do not let this dissuade you. I assure you that, save for the less than 1% of society that could ever detect any difference in quality, you will appreciate the audio. I have high end equipment and enjoy the immersion of a movie/music as much as most folks. There is nothing in the audio of this disc that would prohibit you from not only enjoying this movie but allowing you to cherish it as well.

How did I go so long without having my own copy? This movie is awesome and stands the test of time.

There are many fine Shakespeare films, but of them all this is my favourite. The story is a tricky one for modern audiences because of the uncomfortable misogyny at the heart of the plot, but Branagh negotiates it well. The exuberance and beauty of the production, along with the excellent acting of the outstanding British and American cast, distract us from the creaky narrative. Michael Keaton and Ben Elton are truly hilarious in the roles of the law enforcers. And on BluRay the whole enterprise is luminous.

We loved the original DVD. The blu ray versions has more detail. Since we watch this film at least twice a year, I got the blu ray even though I also own the standard DVD. I thought it worth it. If buying for the first time this the blue ray is probably better. If you already have a standard DVD of this film, I am not sure the blu ray adds that much unless you really love the movie.

Great movie- Bluray looks better than the DVD, audio is great. Well worth it if you are moving from dvds to Bluray in my opinion.

Not my favorite Shakespeareplay, lacking the rich, playful complexities of some of the Bard’s other comedies, on a pure plot level this feels more simplistic, ill-logical and forced than most. That said, Branagh’s adaptation has some sensational elements. The best of all is the relationship between Branagh and Emma Thompson as Benedick and Beatrice. As they showed in their brief time together in Branagh’s “Henry V” the two are both magnificent at making Shakespeare feel human, spontaneous, modern and above all fun. Both create terrific characters – two bull headed intellectual wits who obviously belong together, but who managing to use their words and wit to keep tripping themselves up, like some Shakespearian version of the best of Tracy and Hepburn. The star studded cast all do good work, although the much lesser known Richard Biers is perhaps the most wonderful in his simple, warm human reality as Leonato. The film looks great, filmed on an estate in Tuscany with beautiful grounds and light forming a backdrop too our story. But, in the end, the play’s the thing, and much of the other character’s stories. well acted as they are, feel too melodramatic and heavy handed for the fun tone of the film (Robert Sean Leonard and Kate Beckinsale both do solid work as Claudio and Hero, but their storyline’s sudden and over-dramatic swings are hard to overcome). The score also feels over-the-top, especially in the more dramatic sections, which in turn adds to the feeling that there’s something too uneven in the tone. Some of the comedy (e.g. Michael Keaton’s very weird but entertaining Dogberry), is so broad, that it’s hard to put it in the same film with the over-sober approach to the story of the young lovers.None-the-less there’s a lot to like if one overlooks some unevenness in both story and presentation.

Great movie. Bought as a gift for someone that would appreciate a movie with great actors having a Shakespearian theme, If you never saw this movie and like movies with Shakespearian themes, I highly recommend this movie,

My favorite Shakespeare play and my favorite video adaptation

The sound and picture quality from this blueray transfer l think is brilliant and truleygives the movie its rightful splendour which shows off the brilliant productionand brings this movie to life.The stars and the scenery shine compared withthe DVD and is great fun.

Lovely adaption by Kenneth Branaugh of this wonderful Shakespeare play. Unconventional casting, beautiful locale and the Bard. Who could ask for anything more.So great to add this to my movie collection

As advertised

The film is a great adaptation of the play. You can't help feeling that they had a great time making it as the comedy is spot on.My only issues are that some scenes do not appear in Hi Def, so think that perhaps the blu-ray transistion was a little sloppy in some parts. However, the show's the thing, and it is a great watch.