DVD Review: “The Tempest” [Blu-ray]

The Tempest [Blu-ray]

Released: September 13, 2011

Studio: Touchstone Pictures

Running Time: 110 minutes

ABOUT:

This modern retelling of William Shakespeare’s final masterpiece is an exciting, mystical and magical fantasy with Academy Award(R)-winner Helen Mirren (Best Actress, The Queen, 2006) leading a star-studded cast including Russell Brand (Get Him to the Greek) and Alfred Molina (The Sorcerer s Apprentice). Exiled to a magical island, the sorceress Prospera (Mirren) conjures up a storm that shipwrecks her enemies, and then unleashes her powers for revenge. Directed by the visionary Julie Taymor — and complete with exclusive bonus features and an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design (Sandy Powell, 2010) — The Tempest, with its innovative twist, is a supernatural dramedy filled with Shakespearian villains, lovers and fools that will leave you spellbound.

BONUS FEATURES:

• Los Angeles Rehearsal — Features Julie Taymor, Dijmon Hounsou, Russell Brand & Alfred Molina
• Raising The Tempest— Julie Taymor Documentary About The Making Of The Movie
• Julie Taymor Audio Commentary
• Annotated Shakespeare — View The Tempest With Audio Commentary By Renowned Shakespeare Experts Virginia Vaughan & Jonathan Bate
• “O Mistress Mine” Music Video
• Russell Brand Rehearsal Riff

MY THOUGHTS:

First off I will say I have never seen an adaptation of “The Tempest” before so I have nothing to compare it to.  I was somewhat familiar with the Shakespeare story before watching the movie but I will say I liked the movie.  It was slow at first as I had to get used to the Shakespeare language but once I really listened to the dialogue and watched the characters, the movie flowed.  I was amazed at how many great actors and actresses are in the movie – Helen Mirren, Russell Brand, Julie Taymor.

It is a great story of revenge and betrayal and the acting is well portrayed.  If you are going to watch this DVD though just remember it is Shakespearian dialect.  I would think big Shakespeare fans would really like this movie as it seems true to the story.  It is a movie with some neat special effects and one I could watch again.  I think my favorite character was Russell Brand and his uniqueness.

Mom and More Disclosure: I was sent this DVD to review in exchange for my honest opinion. Please see my Disclosure Policy.