Shakespeare in Love
From 1998, “Shakespeare in Love” was a brave move of a film. I mean, who messes with Shakespeare? However, one look at the cast list and most doubters were put at ease. Dame Judy Dench, Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Affleck are just the start. Add Colin Firth, Rupert Everett, Simon Callow and even Martin Clunes and who have one hell of a “who’s who”…
This film could so easily have turned out a rather cringe-worthy spin on the Shakespeare story. However, the script is well thought through and the movie makes for a really entertaining couple of hours. It doesn’t dawdle and is engrossing enough that often I was drawn into a new character long before recognising the actor.
The film follows an undeniable parallel with the bard’s own “Romeo and Juliet”. Sometimes it’s a little hard to pick out where the play Shakespeare writes differs from his love affair with Viola (Paltrow). Nonetheless the story keeps the attention beyond the star spotting and even keeps a couple of surprises up its sleeve. For lovers of something on the light hearted side of drama it has much to offer.
For the home cinema enthusiasts there’s also much to enjoy. Colour work particularly is of interest. The contrast between the dull and muted tones of the commoners’ clothing and the vivid colours of the actors’ costumes provides real eye candy on a good system. Audio too is highly enjoyable especially when the Stephen Warbeck musical score is in full flight.
If 6 Oscars and 7 other Academy nominations were not enough, this DVD transfer will surely show what great home cinema is about.
Geoff Meads,
Brand Manager
Sheryl Crow - Live in New York
Music concerts have proved a popular sector for DVD, and this is an excellent
example of the genre. It's been a long road for Sheryl since her big break
as Michael Jackson's backing singer. A plethora of great solo albums followed
her debut "Tuesday Night Music Club". Her latest and more gentle
"Wildflower" album is where this tour emerged from. Picture quality
on the disc is superb even on a revealing system. The sound is the technical
treat, however, and demonstrates just how far mastering engineers have come
in recent years when preparing concert DVDs in surround. If you are a fan
you will love it, if you are not it may just convert you. The only disappointment
for me is that the filming was not taken from the concert I saw at the Hammersmith
Odeon! A great night and a great DVD.
Geoff Meads,
Brand Manager