I've been looking for Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet on DVD for what seems forever. I see it is still not available. Anyone know when it WILL be available? Thanks.

-- Harold Bodily (habod@aol.com), July 03, 2003

Answers

Last I heard, it was set to be released on DVD Spring 2004...

-- Lauren (lauren2035@yahoo.com), July 10, 2003.

That is what i read as well. and i can't wait!

-- grims (grimwald@impulse.net.au), July 12, 2003.

just got a spam directed to movies@ which is a bogus account that is just forwarded to my main mail account. Looks like someone is trolling this board for spam, so watch out.

-- moo cow (movies@dekscussion.com), July 17, 2003.

Anyone have the link to this article. I'd love to read about the release.

-- Jason Douglas (dooshie@yahoo.com), July 24, 2003.

I remember buying my 1st DVD player in 1997 specifically to watch Branagh's Hamlet again I refuse to watch it on VHS. But, I'm still waiting six years later.

-- Tim McGuire (tmcguire@mcode.com), August 12, 2003.

I have watched it on VHS, but I have the advantage of a surround sound system! It's still fantastic, but I'm also waiting for the DVD to come out. Let's hope it is spring 2004!!

-- Rachel Hatton (hattonhead@aol.com), August 12, 2003.

I've been waitin ages too, at least it will be released at some point, and i'm glad there is demand for it

-- Jon N (foo@bar.com), October 01, 2003.

The sound in Branagh's Hamlet is fucking shit. For something that looks so epic, cinematic and sumptuous to be spoiled on occasion by a dreadful mix is a real bastard. Listen to the terrible sound recording when Hamlet is walking across the Palace Gardens with R&G after he first meets them. Or listen (or try to) to Hamlet's "How all occasions..." speech be totally drowned out by that shitty underscore. I hpe they remix it for the DVD release.

-- Patrick Walker (the_right_hand_of_doom@msn.com), October 01, 2003.

I emailed Warner Bros. about Branagh's Hamlet being released on DVD and I was told to mail a letter to Warner Brothers in California. I sent a message to them and the letter was returned unopened.

I emailed them back, and they told to keep checking the website because they are constantly releasing more and more videos on DVD(I like how they can't give a direct answer.)

It does look like the VHS isn't being offered through Suncoast, Bestbuy or Circuit City right now, which usually means that a new release should be coming up soon. It is only logical that if they do another release that they will provide a DVD formatted version. At least I hope so, because I won't buy the VHS version.

-- David McCash (dpmccash@yahoo.com), October 30, 2003.

Forget Branagh's Hamlet, boys and girls. Mid November sees the first DVD release of the LONG deleted version of Trevor Nunn's 1988 RSC production fo Othello, starring Ian Mckellon playing Iago, which I dare say is the finest performace I have ever seen. Possibly the SECOND greatest performance I have seen is Antony Sher's Macbeth, which the RSC have just released on DVD too! It was shown on Channel 4 once and only once several Christmas's ago, and I only ever had a shitty video recording of that, but now we all have no excuse for owning this landmark production. BUY OR DIE!!!

-- Patrick Walker (the_right_hand_of_doom@msn.com), October 30, 2003.

It's annoying, I was looking for it for ages not realising it wasn't out. I really do hope it's out soon on DVD, and frankly I'm shocked it's taking so long.

-- Richard (waspman@hotmail.com), January 07, 2004.

Well, have you all got your Othello and Macbeth DVD's yet? I also recently obtained a DVD copy of Trevor Nunn's TV version of his National Theatre production of The Merchant Of Venice, "starring" Henry Goodman as Shylock. Not only the best Shylock ever, but again, one of the great stage/screen performances. Get them boys and girls.

-- Patrick Walker (the_right_hand_of_doom@msn.com), January 07, 2004.

Well, I think you people are being a little obsessive with your boycott of the VHS. If you want the movie, buy it. If it comes out on DVD, then sell the VHS and buy the DVD. I too am anxious for the DVD, but I'm also not an obsessive psychopath like many of you make yourselves out to be. Now, I've heard elsewhere there will be a DVD in the Spring of 2004, and if it comes out then I will get it, but for God's sake people, calm down and buy the video if you love the movie so much. A true movie-lover doesn't care about the format, only sees the DVD as an enhanced viewing mode. So be patient you Branagh fans and rent the video. That's what I did this Christmas and I enjoyed the movie instead of wishing I had the DVD.

-- Polonius (upyours@yahoo.com), January 20, 2004.

I agree...I mean I have been waiting for a long time as well...but I'm thinking of buying the VHS off of eBay for less than $5 and enjoy it in all its splendor until the DVD comes out...and I also agree with the sound editting...great movie but the sound was shit...I'd imagine they will remaster it...its one of the main reasons DVD is such a great format to put movies on...it wouldn't make sense if they didn't... The other movie I have been waiting for ages to be released on DVD is Schindler's List and after many years of waiting, it is finally being released on DVD in March 2004...so if that one is on its way...then Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet is not far behind...although I would like to know the source of the rumor of its release in Spring 2004...here's hoping!

-- Beeslo (Beeslo@msn.com), January 23, 2004.

AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!! I'm tired of waiting and wondering. I want to know where this info claiming Spring '04 came from. I need Hamlet. Must Have Hamlet!!!

-- Christopher (skaprep619@yahoo.com), February 06, 2004.

this is where I saw it : http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Parthenon/6261/hamlet.html

-- Joseph Sundberg (joseph.t.sundberg@wellsfargo.com), February 10, 2004.

from what i hear now, (www.branaghcompendium.com) it's coming out in autumn! :-(

-- daniel Ashley (prince_revolution@hotmail.com), February 14, 2004.

Yeah, now they're saying Fall of 2004, and that's only an estimate. That is disappointing but I'm sure you'll all get over it. It's still an amazing movie, DVD or no, so just buy the video and be happy knowing you've got the best you can currently get. And hey, if you're looking to see Branagh on DVD, see his Henry V. I believe it to be the best film adaptation of Shakespeare in cinema history. Most of his Hamlet Cast is in it so you Hamlet fans will surely enjoy it. He has Richard Briers as Lt. Bardolph, Brian Blessed as the Duke of Exeter, and Judi Dench as Mistress Quickly. It also has Robbie Coltrane, Emma Thompson, and Ian Holm. But this film contains the single coolest thing in all of cinema: Derek Jacobi as the Chorus. It is an amazing movie that any Hamlet fan would supremely enjoy, so I recommend that all you Hamlet fans grab this DVD while you're waiting.

-- Polonius (upyours@yahoo.com), February 17, 2004.

I am waiting to hear from Amazon about "Hamlet" coming to DVD. I saw it on tape, but DVD would be even better yet.

-- Karen (croninhead@hotmail.com), February 23, 2004.

I work for a major retailer, and I have been checking the release information on the Hamlet DVD. Nothing is in our system as of yet and we get at least 3 months notice when stuff is coming out, both books, movies and music. So I think we all still have a little bit of time on our hands for the DVD. Plus, Amazon has a notification system to let you know when it will be released. Let's just say, a big fat zero on that as well so far. I still loyaly watch the VHS version. No matter what small kink it may have with the score, the movie is simply great. Also, Mel Gibson's Hamlet just came out on DVD and that was a 1990 release. People just think of it this way "The readiness is all". DJ

-- Dan Jammal (iamthelizardking10@yahoo.com), February 25, 2004.

I want that DVD! I'm going on a trip and I want to bring it with me, so I just finshed mastering my VHS widescreen to DVD using a video bridge.

"and no I am not selling them"

It's not perfect of course, with single layer DVDs having such a small capacity it took three DVDs.

But the sound is good and I can now watch my favorite film without fear that every play is degrading my out of print VHS........

It will hold me till the real DVD arrives.

-- Dana W (the_tesseract@yahoo.com), March 02, 2004.

I too am waiting impatiently for the DVD release of this film. I own the original vhs copy, however, I think the tread on the tape is beginning to wear. Sometimes, when I watch it, Kate Winslet sounds like a chipmunk. Hopefully by signing on here someone would kind enough to send notice as to a concrete release date. I have an estimated fall release, (and I'm sure everyone here has seen the site) ~Se

-- Laertes Murphy (The_stuff_is@hotmail.com), March 02, 2004.

I do wish that there could be a set, true date for its DVD release, instead of just Spring 2004 and then moved to an estimated Fall 2004. I would feel better if they just said something like March 2005 instead of looking forward to this fall and then having to wait more. But like I said, Henry V is the next best thing, so I'm pretty happy with that. One thing that could be a subtle but effective catylist may be to request it at as many stores as possible. It's quite possible that with enough concentrated demand, Columbia Pictures or Castlerock may have reason to produce it faster and release it sooner. So there's something you can all do: Request it, my friends. And be patient. They released Henry V 11 years later on DVD, and with demand, Hamlet will be out sooner. Good luck.

-- Polonius (StarW7103@aol.com), March 06, 2004.

I loved Hamlet when i first saw it on VHS, but let's be realistic. The manufacturers are just trying to keep us anxious with all these false estimates, and by the look of those replies, its working. I wouldn't expect the DVD to come out for a while, so you're just going to have to be patient, and get on with your lives without the DVD. It's OK to want something this bad, but don't let it take over your lives!

-- Reynaldo (TheSlowKidInGym@aol.com), March 31, 2004.

Missed it in theaters.... Was moving cross country at the time, and just, well, missed it. And I am usually not a snob, but I figure it's worth waiting to see on DVD... Which means I ain't seen it yet. Hurry up, Ken? It's not like you're busy re-mastering the DVD of Dead Again or Wild Wild West, is it?

-- (thane@cawdor.com), April 07, 2004.

Sign up on amazon.com for updates and to show your interest:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/- /B00005JLCI/qid=1084148696/sr=1-7/ref=sr_1_7/103-3996376-5283056? v=glance&s=dvd

-- BM (cal@yahoo.com), May 09, 2004.

Whoops. That link won't work...go to amazon.com and search for hamlet dvd, click on the 1996 verson and then sign up for updates on its release.

-- BM (cal53181@yahoo.com), May 09, 2004.

I second BM's response here - the least Kenneth Branagh fans can do is sign up on Amazon.com for the DVD pre-order. If enough people do it, it may send a message to Warner Bros. (by way of Amazon) that they have a market for the DVD.

-- PTF (paulnicole1@cox.net), May 18, 2004.

Yeah its BS that I can get Scobby DOO on DVD but a great Work like Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet, i gotta wait for 5 years + for DVD, god bless our EDU system..i hope we start teaching Firing arcs in school cus were going to need it..but Hopefully this will be out b4 Scooby doo 2,3,4 ... btw Im thinking about buying it on VHS or DL it off kazaa if i can just so i can watch it.. with so much other crappy movies out there it just seems that this is as good as it gets.. - fo shizzle Revrend Dr. PimPtastic B Dizzle

-- Brian Is Way Cool (Brianiswaycool2003@yahoo.com), May 22, 2004.

I hope, that Hamlet comes in TV real soon. Now we have digital TV in Germany, VHS isn't an alternitive choice. Yes, DVB-T is only a cold compfort, but better than nothing. I never saw Hamlet in Shakespeares Oxford-English. We need the DVD.

-- E. Eden (ee@gmx.de), May 26, 2004.

A temporary suggestion for the truly obsessed. I have the LD (laserdisc, if noone remembers) and it is in widescreen. The picture is pretty darn good and the sound is much better than the VHS as well. I have my copy since it first came out 'a long time ago'. This has made a great source for a 'fair use' DVD. So go get a cheap LD player on eBay, find a copy of Hamlet on LD (once again on eBay) and burn yourself a what would currently be the definitive version onto DVD. I also have the 'Han Shoots First' Star Wars, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern, Wish for Wings that Work, etc. Don't overlook the goldmine of LDs for unreleased titles.

-- LD Master (name.withheld@request.com), May 29, 2004.

I went all over town today looking for that DVD because I had it on my mind. Then I went home to do a search and came across this board. Well, at least now I know that I just need to sit back and wait. I'm looking forward to the DVD... hope it comes out this fall! That would be cool! I'm glad there are others out there who enjoyed this version of Hamlet as much as I. Here's to Fall '04!!! VHS is over! That's like saying use a typewriter until you can find a computer! Hello! :-) Take care folks, Roger

-- Roger Hobbs (rwhobbs@mail.com), June 13, 2004.

According to www.branaghcompendium.com, there is no longer a planned release date :-( Apparently due to "legal issues". However, that same site also has reference to a russian site where you can buy a russki-subtitled Hamlet on DVD. If Hollywood wants to play legal games...then buy it from a more progressive country! (Note: must be able to read russian.)

-- anonymous (anon@aol.com), July 05, 2004.

I checked the Amazon UK site, and they show a release date of Jan. 10th, 2005

-- steve mackin (spm2@mindspring.com), December 06, 2004.

Just checked AMAZON.CO.UK and phoned HMV as a double-check.

Kenneth Branagh's HAMLET - DVD - Released 10th Jan 2005 - £5.99

What a price as well!

Perfect!

-- G Markin (dummyten@hotmail.com), December 15, 2004.

£5.99? Gosh, I bet that'll be a mega release filled to the brim with extra features and bonus discs, I DON'T think.

-- Patrick Walker (the_right_hand_of_doom@msn.com), December 15, 2004.

At the top of the page, I was shouting yeah WHEN IS IT GOING TO BE RELEASE?, ive now reached the bottom and yes! yes! yes! come on bring it oooooonnnnnnnn.

-- simon brain (scbrain@hotmail.com), December 19, 2004.

Sorry to put a damper on everyone's enthusiasm. this is a mistake on Amazon's side which I have asked them to rectify. This is the 1969 version, which the website below credits to Kenneth branagh as director (quite precocious for a 9 year old!!!) http://www.sendit.com/video/item/7000000097779 The info on the amazon page is totally correct, but the cover is wrong.. sorry to disappoint everyone, have a happy new year anyway!

-- Chris Gatt (piachris@yahoo.com), December 30, 2004.

HMV still insist the version they are getting on the 10th jan is the Branagh one.

Hmmmm ....

-- bill car (billcar@hotmail.com), January 05, 2005.

I pre ordered the Hamlet on amazon.co.uk but now the description has changed. No longer is it the one with Kenneth Branagh. So close, yet so far...

-- Aggie113 (junk@dekscussion.com), January 07, 2005.

Hey everybody! Just to let you know, I have started up a new Kenneth Branagh website exclusively for this issue. Check it out at: http://www.kenbranagh.com Together we can use our might to pressure the studio into releasing this DVD. Check out my website for more details about what is going on.

-- Mark Cassello (mjcassel@iun.edu), January 12, 2005.

-- catherine england (catherine.england@arts.usyd.edu.au), January 12, 2005.

I've had a look at some of these sites - Amazon, HMV, and a couple more, and there seems to be a major balls up somewhere. They advertise that Branagh's Hamlet is due out 10th Jan for £5.99, but on every one, the picture is that of the 1969 version.....

How can such a mistake be made by so many.....

Back to the drawing board....

-- Trickster (trickster30@btinternet.com), January 24, 2005.

I have to take exception to some comments made earlier. Yes, the VHS version is out and I own it, but one shouldnt castigate those wanting to see this movie on DVD. It's not only a visually stunning film (perfect for DVD) but also over 4 hours long!!!!!

For those who want to view a particular scene, forwarding and rewinding a VHS tape is quite painful. To make matters worse, it comes on 2 tapes. WAKE UP KEN, BRING OUT THE DVD!

)Is he waiting for 10 years to elapse for an anniversary edition?)

-- OV (soulstice98@yahooo.com), January 25, 2005.

Well I hope we all know that the BBC Shakespeare Hamlet with Derek Jacobi as the Prince has now been available on dvd for 3 months.

-- Patrick Walker (the_right_hand_of_doom@msn.com), January 26, 2005.

Is anyone out there willing to part with their laserdisc version of Hamlet? I am looking to purchase one.

Also, stay up to date on the progress of the DVD release with my site kenbranagh.com

-- Mark Cassello (mjcassel@iun.edu), January 28, 2005.

Just in case nobody's been checking kenbranagh.com, the good news is that Warner will be releasing it in 2006. Too long, dammit! Oh well, better late than never. I guess Mel's version will have to do until then...

-- Lance C. Johnson (Eagleman22@aol.com), March 02, 2005.

I'm a high school English teacher and I've been desperately awaiting the DVD release of Branagh's Hamlet as well! Where is it? I'm on an "alert list" with amazon.com so that I can be informed when it's released, but I've heard nothing yet. It's a year late and no one seems to know what the hold is... Can someone e-mail me if they find out?

-- cynthia boccio (cboccio@trinityhs.org), March 11, 2005.