The Reduced Shakespeare Company
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: C+ Main Program: B
Shakespeare is often very hard for people to grasp or find
entry into, but if you are a big fan or no fan, you might want to see The
Reduced Shakespeare Company (2001) in action on this fun DVD from Acorn
Media. Though they give away every plot
point and secret from all the work they “abridge” for the entertainment of
their audiences. This includes Romeo
& Juliet, Titus Andronicus, Othello, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Antony &
Cleopatra, Hamlet and many others.
Though absurd, it is not a duplicate of something Monty
Python, the Christopher Guest crew or anyone else is doing. Some of this was shown on PBS, but after
watching it, I can imagine what public television had to cut out. With that said, the trio of Adam Long, Reed
Martin and Austin Tichenor have amazing energy and enthusiasm about the great
literary works. As a matter of fact, it
opens up a new window on the work, which is impressive indeed.
The 1.33 X 1 images are taped and the mian program looks
fine for a recent taping, though the first performance is a bit more worn
looking. The Dolby Digital 2.0 offers
simple stereo on the main program and monophonic sound for the first taping in
the extras. Extras include 17:37 of
taped footage of the group’s first public stage performance, text on the three
members and The Bard, a fun quiz and an “all things reduced” list of other RSC
materials. This might not sound fun, but
it is, so check it out when you can. The more Shakespeare you bring with you, the funnier it gets. If you are going with The Bard long term,
this will have much rewatchability.
- Nicholas Sheffo
