A Midsummer Night's Dream: Shakespeare's Globe [DVD] [2014]

How many times does watch a Shakespeare "comedy" and wonder why there are no laughs? There is no such problem with this Globe presentation, which plays the comedy for all that its worth and, especially in the final scene with the "mechanicals" is absolutely hilarious. Perhaps Oberon and Titania were a little lacking in the magic they were supposed to rule over, but this is a minor quibble about an otherwise funny and thoroughly enjoyable version of this, one of the Bard's most popular plays.

As described

This production may not be everyone's cup of tea but I love the Globe on Screen editions in front of a live audience, in view on screen, which creates, for me at least, something of the atmosphere of live theatre. I also like the fact that the players wear what I take to be costumes contemporary to Shakespeare's time. I don't actively dislike Shakespeare in modern dress, I can watch it, but I much prefer the Globe's approach. There is also a distinct bawdiness to this production (and other Globe on Screen productions I have viewed) which I enjoy and which I presume is intended to reflect the drama and theatre of Shakespeare's day. The consequence I think is that the production does not strive to show how Shakespeare is relevant to today's "issues" but lets the viewer enjoy the play as it might originally have been performed. On a purely practical level, the only problem I had was that I had to view it in 4:3 aspect rather than the recommended 16:9 anamorphic in order to see all of the English subtitles which I for one find very helpful when watching Shakespeare: 16:9 cut off the bottom line of the subtitles. However, this did not spoil my enjoyment at all and I expect the problem may well be with my TV's aspect ratios rather than the DVD. As can be seen it did not make me deduct any stars from the rating. But it may be worth noting.

This production brings out the humour in the situations brilliantly. Worthy Shakespeare

not the best version I have seen, became tedious.

This production nailed it. Although the first scene is flat, lacking in affect, the play takes off as soon as the fairies and mechanicals arrive on scene. The gymnastic by-play between Oberon and Puck is spot-on. Two highlights: Oberon having a Tarzan moment on a rope above the action and Puck's runner's warmup before he sets off around the world to find the little flower. Overall, this was a masterful Puck--all gobsmacked vacancy and puppyish lolloping. The doubling of Hippolyta/Titania and Theseus/Oberon worked particularly well here, with extra attention to Hippolyta's character. They went some way towards rescuing Hippolyta for modern womanhood. Tap dancing, sleight-of-hand and clever use of the Globe's stage space--all part of a wonderful viewing experience.

Literally the only Shakespeare play I have ever actually enjoyed. John Light is amazing as Oberon, powerful while still believable in his joy over his plans working and the chemistry between Oberon and Puck (the amazing Matthew Tennyson) is perfect. The casting for all of the women is amazing, especially Hippolyta/Titania and Hermia, they show just the right amount of wonder and disdain at events to be perfectly believable. And let's not forget Lysander and Demitrius who were both wonderful in equal measure. A special mention to Helena who's actress actually made me enjoy her performance for once and to all of the fae who were frightening and ethereal at the same time. Absolutely wonderful!

This is by far the best production currently available of the play on film, very ingeniously performed in the reconstructed Globe theatre. Given that it is 172 minutes long, the text would seem not to have been cut. I was irritated by the actor playing Theseus adopting a sort of west country accent when he appeared as Oberon. And why, oh why, the repeated and silly additions to Bottom's lines when he is addressing Peter Quince? They are not funny and not called for. The business of Titania playing with Bottom's donkey ears was very funny and very naughty.