Skip to main content

Great Performances: Macbeth DVD

$19.99
Item #: WB5472
Peabody Award Winner Following a London West End run in December 2007, a sold-out limited engagement at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in March 2008 and a subsequent eight-week run on Broadway, director Rupert Goold's gripping stage production of Macbeth - starring Sir Patrick Stewart in a triumphant, Tony-nominated performance - has been filmed for television in a co-production agreement ... More
In Stock & Ready to Ship
Select Format:

Quantity:

Peabody Award Winner

Following a London West End run in December 2007, a sold-out limited engagement at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in March 2008 and a subsequent eight-week run on Broadway, director Rupert Goold's gripping stage production of Macbeth - starring Sir Patrick Stewart in a triumphant, Tony-nominated performance - has been filmed for television in a co-production agreement between WNET.ORG and Illuminations Television, in association with the BBC.

Originating at England's innovative Chichester Festival Theatre, director Goold's exciting interpretation relocates the bloody action to a nameless 20th-century netherworld. Tony-nominated Kate Fleetwood also returns to reprise her performance as Lady Macbeth.

Shot in High Definition on UK locations, Goold maintains the atmosphere and tone of the critically acclaimed stage production, heightening the Shakespearean classic with an edgy style style reminiscent of Illuminations' recent film adaptation of the Royal Shakespeare Company's Hamlet.

Viewer discretion is advised. This program contains graphic imagery that may not be appropriate for more sensitive viewers.

Producer: Sebastian Grant, Bill O'Donnell, John Wyver
Executive Producer: Mark Bell, David Horn
Production Company: BBC; Thirteen
Production Year: 2010
Copyright Year: 2010
Director: Rupert Goold
Actors: Patrick Stewart, Kate Fleetwood, Martin Turner, Michael Feast, Scott Handy
Talent: Patrick Stewart, Kate Fleetwood
Discs: 1
Subtitles: Y
Subtitle Language: English (SDH)
Audio Format: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 Widescreen

31 Reviews
D
Dadadania
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
06/22/22
Modern-day Macbeth done well
Review by Dadadania on 06/22/22 review stating Modern-day Macbeth done well
Great Performances movie adaptation of Shakespeares infamous play Macbeth was shockingly done well. The movie did an amazing job at building up the suspense and keeping the audience guessing as to what Macbeth, played by Patrick Stewart, will do next, regardless of the play being read and well known. I liked how the director, Rupert Goold, made the lighting in Lady Macbeths, portrayed by Kate Fleetwood, scenes darker and scarier. The movie did an admirable job at portraying the characters personalities in a modern day way while still staying true to Shakespeare.
D
Daniel
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
06/22/22
Fantastic interpretation of a classic
Review by Daniel on 06/22/22 review stating Fantastic interpretation of a classic
This version of Macbeth was absolutely awesome. Patrick Stewart and Kate Fleetwood were on another plane in this imagined world. The staging and use of light, the slightly off-kilter costuming, and the Wyrd Sisters gave this film a quirky and bizarre feel that kept me riveted. I laughed through the whole thing, not because it was funny, but because I was enjoying it so much. Such vision from the director to interpret this play in such a new and alarming way. Bravo!
S
Slc
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
06/22/22
Fantastic cast, fantastic interpretation
Review by Slc on 06/22/22 review stating Fantastic cast, fantastic interpretation
I bought this as a way to contrast to a traditional take on Macbeth from the Royal Shakespeare Company video I have. I have seen Macbeth well over 50 times, and have taught it even more. This performance was a pleasant surprise--it felt fresh and new. I usually dislike modernizing adaptations, but this one works. The leads are strong, and Patrick Stewarts interpretation of the Tomorrow, tomorrow, and tomorrow... monologue is the best Ive heard.
P
Prospero
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
06/22/22
Hold, Enough!
Review by Prospero on 06/22/22 review stating Hold, Enough!
I have taught Shakespeares Macbeth for over 25 years. I think I can honestly say Ive read the play over one hundred times and watched d_mn near every film version of this play ever produced. And, yes, Ive sat through more (way more) than my share of stage productions of this play. I have a collection of about ten versions of Macbeth on DVD that I use for comparative purposes with my students, but since this version came out two years ago, Im thinkin bout tossin the lot in the barbecue grill and throwin a match at em. Now Im a big Patrick Stewart fan, and his Macbeth is absolutely unparalleled, but if youve read the play, you know that its absolutely impossible for most actresses to channel Lady Macbeth since shes so thinly drawn by Shakespeare and, lets face it, most actresses just dont have the mojo to carry off the role. BUT when I saw Kate Fleetwood, I knew she WAS Lady Macbeth; she absolutely owns this role and finally, finally gives some substance and nuance to this role that (and I know Im callin down the disapprobation of all the sacred pieties and polite insincerities of the cinema haute monde) Judi Dench, Piper Laurie, Francesca Annis, or even, lately, Victoria Hill combined couldnt bring to the role. Im not sayin these other actresses are louche, Im just sayin Fleetwood has shut the door on this role. And I havent even mentioned the witches who, honestly, almost made me wet my pants the first time I saw the third witch scene. And youve never seen a porter scene like the one in this version--youll need to get some parent permission slips to show that one (Spoiler alert: The porter shows up at the murder of Macduffs family with a saw! Ill let your imagination take it from there.) I have nothing bad to say about this version--it will be the one your grandkids watch. My students feel like snobs after theyve watched this version; its that good.
A
Annie K.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
12/27/20
Macbeth the power and the blood
Review by Annie K. on 12/27/20 review stating Macbeth the power and the blood
The Scottish play with Sir Patrick Stewart as Macbeth and Kate Fleetwood as Lady Macbeth set in a time period of the second world war with the three witches as war time nurses and the background that made me feel like Russia and the tactics of Stalin in the war. I want to warn that the production has a lot of violence but the play is a violent play with murder and mayhem. The action of the play shows how the decisions we make can make us pay the dearest price, It was an intense play to watch but well worth the time and effort.
S
Shake S.
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
07/17/20
Excellent performance by Stewart.
Review by Shake S. on 07/17/20 review stating Excellent performance by Stewart.
Saw the production in person and wanted to see it again. May not agree with all of the directors choices, but Stewart was excellent.
L
Laura
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
07/17/20
A captivating interpretation
Review by Laura on 07/17/20 review stating A captivating interpretation
As a teacher, I always enjoy finding interesting performances of Shakespeare that I can share with my classes. Like most versions of Macbeth, this one is longer than it has to be, but I usually only show select scenes from multiple versions for comparison. The stark but startling setting is disturbing enough to do justice to the story. My students like Patrick Stewart and I certainly dont mind watching him deliver Shakespeares words.
M
Ms. S.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Watched it once on T.V. needed to own it
Review by Ms. S. on 07/17/20 review stating Watched it once on T.V. needed to own it
From the time I bought it to the time it was in my hand was quick. No issues with payments or delays. This movie is fantastic. THANKS!
S
Sc
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
outstanding shakespeare
Review by Sc on 07/17/20 review stating outstanding shakespeare
outstanding performance using a modern stark setting
G
Globe T.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Must have for theShakespeare library
Review by Globe T. on 07/17/20 review stating Must have for theShakespeare library
Well performed version of the Scottish play. excellent casting and brilliant acting. This is th play that first introduced me to the Bards works, and has been a favorite for many decades. This production is probably the best I have seen.
M
Mrs. P.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Fair Not Foul!
Review by Mrs. P. on 07/17/20 review stating Fair Not Foul!
I am so happy to have such a great presentation of Macbeth to use in my classroom. This new production truly holds the students attention. Thank you!
R
Round M.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
One of Very Best Performances of Macbeth
Review by Round M. on 07/17/20 review stating One of Very Best Performances of Macbeth
I bought this drama because I wanted to see Patrick Stewart reprising one of the roles from his Royal Shakespeare Company days. Patrick Stewart does a magnificent job portraying one of Shakespeares timeless characters. A modern masterpiece.
M
Mckeer
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Psycho crazy Macbeths are chilling
Review by Mckeer on 07/17/20 review stating Psycho crazy Macbeths are chilling
Ive seen Macbeth done live at Stratford (Ontario, Canada) and in other televised versions. I have to admit, though, that I wasnt able to follow the nuances of the story well until I watched this version. Macbeth and his wife were absolutely chilling, and so believable. The setting was creepy and surreal and believable all at the same time, and the actors were amazing.
M
Mrs. C.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Exciting, sucks you in like a vacuum!
Review by Mrs. C. on 07/17/20 review stating Exciting, sucks you in like a vacuum!
I saw it on PBS and I had to have it for my Literature class. The students are full of intrigue and scared but enjoying every bit of it. While still reading parts of the play, they can also appretiate this more modern version. It has been a wonderful experience. Buy it, its well worth it.
H
H H.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Othello w/Patrick Steward--GREAT but....
Review by H H. on 07/17/20 review stating Othello w/Patrick Steward--GREAT but....
This was magnificent, with only minor flaws: 1) Lady Macbeth overacts; and 2) They ruined the witches bubble bubble toil and trouble speech by turning it into a frantic rap rendition, too fast to even follow. ?? But Patrick Stewart and other actors, were dead-on perfect. The witches work so well as hospital nurses too. shudder.
X
Xracxtal
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
A must see for any fan of Shakespeare
Review by Xracxtal on 07/17/20 review stating A must see for any fan of Shakespeare
Best version of Macbeth Ive seen in 60 years. Exceptionally atmospheric with unique sets which relocate the Bard to an unnamed version of a totalitarian state (kingdom) still known as Scotland; tension continues to build to the climax. Great performances by the cast, especially Patrick Stewart and Kate Fleetwood.
W
Waitsianscholar
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Excellent Version
Review by Waitsianscholar on 07/17/20 review stating Excellent Version
This is a brilliant adaptation of the play. I was a bit hesitant to use it in my classes, as the Macbeth becomes a dictator aspect seemed a bit removed from the actual play; it is definitely a different setting than Shakespeares. However, after using the Polanski film (which I love) for the past seven years--and twenty different classes--this was a welcome change. While the students lost interest (briefly) in a few parts, they were far more engaged than any of my classes have ever been with the Polanski film. (Personally, the witches--and their continual presence--along with Kate Fleetwoods Lady Macbeth, made me order, and use, this version.) I would highly recommend this film, especially if you teach the play.
J
Jane E.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
A great Macbeth
Review by Jane E. on 07/17/20 review stating A great Macbeth
Terrific as Stewart usually is, this is the performance of a lifetime. I have never seen Macbeth quite like this before--Macbeths humanity and heroism are evident at the beginning of the play, and the relationship between him and Lady M (played to terrifying effect by Kate Fleetwood) dominates the play. The ending is unique. I showed this to my students and they loved it. Did I buy it? You bet I did. I think it is a great contrast to the McKellen/Dench version,which I also enjoyed. However, the settings added to this and the scene where Stewart recruits the murderers while making a ham sandwich is priceless.
P
Pat
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Macbeth
Review by Pat on 07/17/20 review stating Macbeth
A wonderful, scary, dark and brilliant performance from all the actors. I love it
C
Cpe B.
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
07/17/20
Alternate Universe Macbeth
Review by Cpe B. on 07/17/20 review stating Alternate Universe Macbeth
Macbeth set in World War 1? An alternate view to say the least.

Highlighted Customer Reviews


R
Reg reviewed Great Performances: Macbeth DVD
5 star rating
The relationship between the 2 princpals
Review by Reg review stating The relationship between the 2 princpals
This performance expresses clearly the power of evil - Macbeth and Lady Macbeth act out their destructive ambitions in the first third of the play. However, therafter evil controls them. He becomes obsessed with blood and power; she becomes, in a sense, victimized. He now exercises the power. It is the subtle direction, reading of the lines, and acting revealing insights that we have never before seen or understood.One can get a bit stressed over the gore and violence but it does reveal what is on todays news programs.Such present-day despots and Macbeth-type political leaders are rampant, from Stalin to Mugabe, etc.
J
Josh H. reviewed Great Performances: Macbeth DVD
5 star rating
The Best Macbeth Youll Ever See
Review by Josh H. review stating The Best Macbeth Youll Ever See
I was lucky enough to see Rupert Goolds terrifying production of Macbeth on Broadway in 2008. Goold returns to direct this film adaptation, with his original cast intact. But make no mistake. This is not a filmed play, this is a real movie, and one so good it easily could have been shown in theaters. This is the best Macbeth you will ever see. It manages to top the famous RSC film starring Ian McKellen and Judi Dench, and Roman Polanskis bleak and violent vision of 1971. Director Rupert Goold sets his Scottish Play in the Cold War with heavy Russian influences. The 1950s setting adds some delicious touches, especially when Lady Macbeth (Kate Fleetwood) greets Duncan wearing a cocktail dress and a June Cleaver apron! Goolds film evokes comparisons with Stanley Kubricks The Shining. This is Shakespeare as horror movie. Macbeths castle is a dank labyrinth of cavernous stone hallways and a dingy white-tiled kitchen, with an ancient elevator clanking up and down. Eerie sounds are ever-present, and suggest that this castle isnt just a bloody crime scene, its a haunted house. The acting couldnt be better. Patrick Stewart is the best Macbeth you will ever see. In his mid 60s, Stewart creates a moving and disturbing portrait of a man who has had a good life but throws it all away. His Macbeth does become a monster, but you pity him. Kate Fleetwoods sensual Lady Macbeth is half Stewarts age, an ambitious trophy wife tinged with madness from the very beginning. The movie really kicks into high gear when Fleetwoods Lady enters the picture, she creates a viciously evil woman who is haunted into insanity by her choice to kill. Its a knockout performance. The rest of the cast is uniformly excellent, even the smallest characters are riveting. Every Macbeth is measured by its witches, and these Weird Sisters are really scary. They are three Nurses who have seen too much of death and blood, and so they have turned to the devil. Like the twin girls in The Shining, sometimes they are suddenly there, standing still. staring. They will haunt your dreams, and the cauldron scene has to be seen to be believed. This Macbeth is a great film. There are too many amazing moments and performances to name. Buy it now, and watch it late at night, in the dark.
K
Kris reviewed Great Performances: Macbeth DVD
5 star rating
Unique adaptation
Review by Kris review stating Unique adaptation
Macbeth is really a play about evil, and the modern wartime setting really brings that out. I noticed a big difference in my students when I switched to using this version.

Virtual Catalog