The Judi Dench Collection

Amazon.com

To call The Judi Dench Collection a treasure trove is indubitably cliché, but that's so much classier than "Dench-a-Palooza." Essential for fans of the great Dame, theatre buffs, and drama students, this eight-disc set is an embarrassment of riches, with nine BBC productions of classic and original plays, plus three radio plays and excerpts from televised interviews, one of which features her moving rendition of "Send in the Clowns" from A Little Night Music, for which she won an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical (is there nothing she can't do?). They etch an indelible portrait of an artist with a compelling presence and staggering range. Judi Dench is one of those actors who rarely seem to make a false move, handling wrenching drama, madcap farce, and witty comedy with equal aplomb. John Hopkins' Talking to a Stranger (1966) is a British television benchmark that is mentioned in the same breath as Dennis Potter's masterpieces. Dench won her first BAFTA (the British equivalent of the Oscar) for her role as a damaged sibling in a dysfunctional family. Dench stars as Anya in Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, a 1962 production translated by, and starring, John Gielgud and, as Madame Ranesvky, Peggy Ashcroft. Ashcroft is a hard act to follow, but Dench pulls it off in a 1981 production in which she assumes the role of the irresponsible aristocrat.

Georges Feydeau's Keep an Eye on Amelie (1973) is a carefree hour in which Dench stars as a coquette who agrees to marry a confirmed bachelor (Patrick Cargill) so he can inherit a million francs. This production is paired on disc 4 with writer Michael Frayn's (Noises Off!) award-winning comedy Make and Break, which unfolds at a trade fair in Frankfort and stars Dench as a devoted secretary to a work-consumed boss. Two powerful dramas comprise disc 8, Going Gently, for which Dench earned another BAFTA as a hospice nurse to two adversarial patients, and Can You Hear Me Thinking?(1990), starring Dench and her late husband Michael Williams (A Fine Romance) as parents whose lives are shattered when their teenage son develops schizophrenia. Ibsen's still potent Ghosts (1981) boasts a stellar ensemble, including Kenneth Branagh as doomed son Oswald and Michael Gambon as Pastor Manders, with Dench as Mrs. Alving, whose respected late husband led a dark, secret life. Anything but, Absolute Hell (1991) is a lost-souls black comedy starring Dench as Christine, the proprietor of a bohemian nightclub in post-World War II London. The cast includes her future Notes on a Scandal costar, Bill Nighy, as a washed-up writer. Stardom in the States came late to Dench. This collection allows her audience to catch-up with these mostly towering performances that established her as one of the premier actors of our time. --Donald Liebenson

Description

Dame Judi Dench is one of the most celebrated stars of stage and screen. She is the winner of an Academy Award(R), two Golden Globes, an unprecedented seven Olivier Awards, and numerous BAFTAs. At the BBC, she has appeared in a dazzling range of material from sitcoms to Shakespeare. This collection contains ten star-studded BBC productions spanning four decades and ranging from the Feydeau farce Keep an Eye on Amelie to Ibsen's Ghosts with Kenneth Branagh, Michael Gambon and Natasha Richardson and Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard with John Gielgud, Peggy Ashcroft and Ian Holm. And tucked away among the bonus features is a 1996 interview in which she sings "Send in the Clowns" from her Olivier-winning performance of A Little Night Music, just one of the many gems in this glorious testament to one of the greatest performers of our time.

DVD Features:
Featurette:Judi Dench: My Favorite Things (1985, RT: 30 min) BBC profile of Judi Dench in which she discusses her passions
Interviews:Judi Dench talks to Richard Eyre (2002, RT 59 min)
Other:Three Radio Plays With Great Pleasure (1991, RT: 44 min) Are You Still Awake?(1994, RT: 15 min) Amy's View (2000, RT: 123 min)

Customer Reviews:

Curtsies to the Dame!!!.......2007-08-09

Dame Judi is a remarkable woman, and these DVDs are a remarkable collection of the work that made her famous! Long live Dame Judi!!!!

not a review of the dvd.......2007-07-11

I want to comment on the review by "the scribe". Talk about pretentious!!! I don't know whether I think the item is worth the money or not because I've not seen it and haven't decided whether I'll buy it or not. But this person is obviously caught up in self importance. He/she could have said what he/she said in two or three sentences and that would have been more effective.

Also, I'm wondering if the dvd has any footage of Judi Dench playing the role of Sally Bowles in Cabaret??? I have a tape of an interview of Judi Dench from the Southbank t.v. show from years ago. It's very good and I really don't care about seeing more of "A Little Night Music" or even "The Cherry Orchard." I'd like to see more interviews and see info. from her early days. And more about Michael Williams.

J Wiley

EXCELLENT COLLECTION OF A GREAT DAME!.......2007-07-03

This is an excellent collection of Judi Dench's fine work for BBC Television. It spans her career from the early sixties to the nineties.
You will also get some very nice extras to enjoy.
This is a "must" for every fan of this great actress!

Not quite what I expected.......2007-06-19

I don't need to express how much I like Judi Dench. It would be excessive, and too sickeningly precious.

Although I thought Judi Dench deserved the Oscar for "Notes on a Scandal," (and other past films) this television and radio retrospective is one I could have lived without. It has nothing that remotely comes close to the quality of Ms. Dench's film work.

As for this interminable boxed set of Ms. Dench's dalliances into television and radio, I was never so disappointed. Indeed, to be subjected to two productions of Chekhov's "Cherry Orchard" is enough to free my point of any ambiguity. Simply put, two "Cherry Orchard's" are two too many. Where's my razor blade?

"Talking to a Stranger" was rather more than I could take. Can you say, manic?

The only reason to buy this collection would be for "Make or Break" with a marvelous supporting cast including the great Robert Hardy, (The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Elizabeth R, Edward the King, Middlemarch, Bramwell, and Harry Potter). Then there is, "Absolute Hell" with Bill Nighy, (The Lost Prince, The Pirates of the Caribbean II and III), Francesca Annis, (Cleopatra, Lillie, Edward the King, and Under the Cherry Moon) and another equally well rounded ensemble as "Make or Break." Both TV movies are wonderful.

The poetry readings are a nice touch. They are readings before an audience from several well versed poets. Each poem is read by Mr. Michael Williams and Ms. Judi Dench. Michael Williams (Elizabeth R, and Educating Rita) is Ms. Dench's late husband. He also co-starred with her in "Can You Hear Me Thinking?" in this collection. Despite the fact Williams and Dench are both in it don't expect too much viewing this 'illness-of-the-week-movie.' Its teleplay is short on facts and made with typical stiff British upper-lip for its subject matter. There is one exception. Michael Williams plays his role of father with greater depth of character then Judi Dench does playing mother. It remains to mention, Michael Williams played a minor role in the film "Tea with Mussolini." Sadly, the husband-wife team of the smash-hit sitcom, "A Fine Romance" (1981-1984) had no extensive scenes together in the film. Mr. Williams (a gifted actor by reason of his own ability) died of lung cancer shortly after his final TV film "The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns" on January 11, 2001 at Hampstead, London, England.

Judi Dench's portrayal of an actress in the radio play, "Amy's View," is that of another abhorrent virago to utterly despise. If one likes that sort of thing - or simply worships everything Dench - one can engage in uproarious Bacchanalian festivities. Perhaps that was the point. However, an actress playing an actress behind the scenes is rather a bore these days. Dench plays at being a selfish, temperamental, helpless character always in need. She's never happy with what shes got - no, not even with her own daughter. Yet, she's perfectly content living with a swindler - or so she tries to convince herself. Her character exists in a world of her own making and without any redeeming qualities. Compassion, love, and forgiveness do not exist in her narrow view of life off stage. Hence, the feeling that accompanies an experience of a thespian being indulgent exists in large quantities as one listens.

There is also a ghastly aggrandized installment called, "Ghosts" by Ibsen, starring Natasha Richardson (Patty Hearst, and Widows Peak) and the brilliant Kenneth Branagh (Chariots of Fire [uncredited], Henry V, Dead Again, Peter's Friends, Much Ado about Nothing, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Othello, The Proposition, William Shakespeare's Hamlet, The Theory of Flight, Conspiracy, and Shackleton). Unfortunately, "Ghosts" is a production cooked too long and anything but edible! It is a presentation to the mind in the form of an idea or image of life, which is, in fact, less than anything based in reality. Allow it to be stated, though, it is understood one person's idea of art (whatever the exact definition of art might be these days) can be another person's Grimm's fairytale!

The early interviews with Ms. Dench are charming. Yet, one might wonder about her later interviews before sinking their hard earned pennies into this collection. After all, not all of us live the life of a 'Superstar.' I shall say but this - they are a bit pretentious. One fellow 'board-walker' (acting as interviewer) is befitting those inclined to social exclusiveness, who rebuffs criticism of those considered inferior. His posturing is similar to W.S. Maugham's character 'Mr. Warburton' in Maugham's short story "The Outstation." That interview alone caused me to reevaluate how I view Ms. Dench (the actor) from such a distance. Often distance opens the mind to clarify the difference between falsity and truthfulness. Although I admit I like Ms. Dench's work I do not think I'd care to know her or meet her on the street. No star can sum up the life of anyone on a chance encounter. I've met, worked with (and been around) enough of them to know - ma'am.

Nonetheless, yes Ms. Dench, we know too well how difficult it is to do the work you do. Believe me 'Joe Public' (as you call us) really does understand. Work is work for all of us!

Ms. Dench singing "Send in the Clowns" was brilliant - the TV host sycophantic. At this price, two TV movies, a poetry reading, a song (and a partridge in a pear tree!) from the entire lot, aren't worth it for this Judi Dench fan falling out with the celebrated Dench charm.

With the lack of more recent readings for the BBC such as "Pangbourne," this box set is more like "mother's little helper," - about 40 milligrams forced for several days!

Who knows, I may watch again one snowy night and change my mind - but I doubt it - it doesn't snow where I live!

I don't expect too many positive ratings for this review either. Don't bother please.

Now I feel as if I got my money back - oh how delicious!

Bravissima Judi!.......2007-05-20

Proof that Ms. Dench is one of our finest actresses today. An important set to own and cherish! And as "icing to the cake" her superb rendition of "Send in the Clowns" is included.

Average customer rating:

different
Nibbled to Death By Ducks
Jack before Jack and great followup to Mac
A must for Richard Dean Anderson fans
Another flick from the bargin bin.

In the Eyes of a Stranger
Starring: Richard Dean Anderson , Justine Bateman , Géza Kovács , Cynthia Dale , and Colin Fox
Director: Michael Toshiyuki Uno
Manufacturer: Trinity Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Neo-Noir | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Drama | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( I ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B0001WTVHK
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Customer Reviews:

different.......2005-02-24

it was a good RDA flick but my copy the lips did not corespond is that meant to be like that it spoilt it a bit but never mind it was still well worth watching

Nibbled to Death By Ducks.......2004-09-17

This movie was well done for what it was. Unfortunately, the scriptwriter (my relative) had written a much darker, tighter and meaner script. The script was supposed to be filmed by a company we will refer to as "X". Unfortunately "X" tanked and the flick, which was supposed to be a big-screen production, was passed on to the CBS network. And that's when the changes were made...Lynn's character was meaner, the deafness thing was better integrated, Jack was unredeemable and the ending was...well, very unhappy. But you can't cast Richard Dean Anderson as a bad guy. And, oooh, Justine Bateman is too cute to be a really bad girl. And hey, we're CBS, so you can't HAVE that dark ending...and...well, I hope you get the idea...by the time the executives finished rearranging, cutting and tweaking, this is the product you had left. Can't help wondering what it might have looked like with real Hollywood treatment and less interference from the investors....

Jack before Jack and great followup to Mac.......2003-10-15

If you can follow my title than you want this DVD!!!!! RDA is excellent. The good cop/bad cop cliche works VERY well in this story. RDA plays Jack Rourke, a cop who was arrested years ago under false charges, was cleared but has never been able to shake the fact that he never gets promoted. He can't hold a relationship with anyone. Then he meets a murder witness with a HUGE story behind her also. He spends the vast majority of the film deciding whether he will actually break the law and system that have been unfair to him or keep on the right side. The movie is great and would have to be one of Richard's best works.

A must for Richard Dean Anderson fans.......2003-02-02

A bit predictable but still a must see for RDA fans.

Another flick from the bargin bin........2003-01-13

Made-for-TV thriller that is more predictable than thrilling.

Lynn is an office-clerk with a mysterious past and a tall stranger following her. The last thing she needs is to have an armed robber tell her the location of 2 million dollars in loot before he commits suicide. The other crooks involved are convinced that Lynn knows where the money is while the police know she was listening to loud music on her headphones and couldn't here a word.

As luck would have it an embittered cop is designated to be her protector and after a few rolls in the sheets he finds out Lynn's ability to read lips (incredible co-incidence isn't it?). So plots and betrayals spring up on all sides and you never know who you can trust with two million on the loose.

Customer Reviews:

different.......2005-02-24

it was a good RDA flick but my copy the lips did not corespond is that meant to be like that it spoilt it a bit but never mind it was still well worth watching

Nibbled to Death By Ducks.......2004-09-17

Jack before Jack and great followup to Mac.......2003-10-15

A must for Richard Dean Anderson fans.......2003-02-02

A bit predictable but still a must see for RDA fans.

Another flick from the bargin bin........2003-01-13

Made-for-TV thriller that is more predictable than thrilling.

DVD:

DVD

DVD