The Taming Of The Shrew [DVD] [2001]

What a wonderfull theatrical feast this Burton - Zeffirelli production is. Elizabeth Taylor gives the definitive performance of Katharina the shrew, with beautifull menacing eyes and almost insane aggression, which turns to classic charm and elegance, as she learns to love and respect.Richard Burton at his peak delivers a commanding and humourous and equally powerful performance as Petruchio visiting Padua to find a wife. To eveyones relief, especially her father, Petruchio takes on Kate, a 'lusty wench' and it is obvious there is an immediate attraction, as they unravel Shakespeare's eloquent battle of the sexes magnificently. A coffer of 20,000.00 crowns, is no small incentive to the Bridegroom.They are backed by an excellent cast, including Michael York as Lucentio, greatly enamoured of Kate's fair sister Bianca, (Natasha Pyne) who being the youngest is not allowed to marry before Kate. He and his Valet Hortensio (Victor Spinetti) swap roles in true Shakespearian manor, to gain access to the household, and woo Bianca. Giancarlo Cobelli plays the nervous priest at the wedding ceremony.The success of this lavish spectacle owes a lot to the authentic and imaginative 16th Century costume designs. Costumes which Elizabeth Taylor displays radiantly were designed by Irene Sharaff, overall costume design by Danilo Donati, and production design by Renzo Mongiardino.Music composed by Nino Rota, conducted by Carlo Savina, keeps the Paduan Festival atmosphere rollingwith lutes, flutes and sackbuts, and one or two very nice minstrell songs.Running time is 117 minutes, but seems shorter because of the complete entertainment value; and this Columbia Tristar DVD of 2001 gives excellent wide screen colour and sound quality.Special features include a short conversation with Elizabeth taylor, and Richard Burton, and their presentation at the Royal Command performance in London to Princess Margaret in 1967. That featurette alone is now memorable.

What can one say about this film absolutely brilliant, what 2 actors could play these parts any better, none in my eyes.

I'm studying this play and bought this Franco Zafirrelli / Elizabeth Burton version as it was dirt cheap on amazon. I found it more enjoyable than the BBC version (as did my wife), even though we both preferred John Cleese's to Richard Burton's Petruchio. It gains over the BBC version by not having that awkward out of place hymn at the end (and after Shakespeare note-worthily eschewed religious arguments in Kate's final speech)! Also, the dialogue is here more clearly and comprehensibly spoken; it is just a shame it misses out the majority of it! There are a lot of visual gags to retain the interest of those who do not follow the language used. Unfortunately it also misses some of the plot points for the minor characters along the way, although it does portray the main relationship really well (doubtless feeding on the off-screen relationship of the stars). Finally, it is very noticeably studio-bound and some people may find it too interpretive and 'Hollywood'. In summary though, this is definitely worth watching, very entertaining and enjoyable whether you are a Shakespeare fan or not.

I watched this film with absolute delight - at the raucous humor, the very real chemistry between Taylor and Burton, the spectacle of scenes and costumes, and a great musical score. It is an entirely different animal from Zeferelli's Rome and Juliet, more of a comedy than tragedy, but extraordinarily vivid. Its underlying psychology, involving the "disciplining" of a very difficult adolescent in crisis, is also deeper than Zeferelli's other Shakespeare, with layers that can be discussed. My father, for example, was a psychiatrist, and he saw it as Petrucio handling a "borderline" personality with masterful insight. My wife and daughter disagreed, highlighting the "sexist" aspects of it. I think it is just fun.Though I had seen it when it came out, I got it for my daughter (16), who is interested in Shakespeare. (My son, who thought it "weird" at 12 is the same age that I was when I saw it.) We like to get multiple versions of these classics, so even though she wasn't sure she liked it, it is food for thought, re-watching at another time. It is a wonderful, indeed indispensable, addition of our film library.Recommended with enthusiasm.

Movie to enjoy at home. Will be watching this over and over

Taylor and Burton could be heard with the volume at 25 but the other actors speech got lost.

Shakespeare takes the words from our mouths and leaves us speechless. Joy it is to surrender all speeches to the art of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. What a fabulous movie! Great art direction, direction, acting, editing - everything. It was a famous movie when it came out but has unjustly been allowed to fade somewhat. This version should bring the light back on and make us realise what phenomenal talents once graced the screen. No contemporary Shakespeare adaption comes close to this highly accessible adventure in love and wit. "The days we have seen, Master Shallow!" This film is up there with Welles's "Chimes at Midnight" for its daring transformation of stage play into moving picture. Burton and Taylor co-produced and the film testifies to their extraordinary love, dazzling brilliance and respect for true art.