Yes, I betray my English-major roots with this request (my “old-school” English-major roots, that is). Kenneth Branagh’s four-hour, unabridged Hamlet is my favorite movie. Even with its flaws, it’s an incredible film. (I think the best line about it was by a National Review columnist, who said William Shakespeare deserves an Academy Award for best screenplay.) For what it’s worth, I’ve learned that I’m hardly alone in wanting this beautiful film on DVD. Even on VHS, in America (though not in the U.K.) one cannot even find this movie in “widescreen” format ? which is truly a shame.
There is, however, a movement afoot to bring this masterpiece to the digital medium. Fellow enthusiasts have recently set up a website to serve as a clearinghouse for it. We were all victims of a cruel twist of Fate when several online distributors announced they would be selling Branagh’s version when instead it was one from 1969, but perhaps the interest the mistake generated will yield fruit soon (although apparently there are numerous contributions to the delay).
“If it be not now, yet it will come” ? I hope!
