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.

The Cherry Orchard (1981 and 1962 Versions)

Average customer rating:

Chekhov brought to life
the astonishing growth of a great actor
Very Displeased - Husband Says 2 1/2 Stars

The Cherry Orchard (1981 and 1962 Versions)
Starring: Judi Dench
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000LV6OKI
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Amazon.com

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. Among the BBC productions of classic and original plays available in the The Judi Dench Collection, she 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, also included here. --Donald Liebenson

Description

This two-disc set presents both BBC's 1962 and 1981 productions of The Cherry Orchard Set in fin-de-siecle Russia, these adaptations of Anton Chekhov's famous play chronicles a noblewoman's return to her family estate after a five-year absence. She finds that the family fortune has dwindled to practically nothing, and that she and her brother are faced with the difficult choice of selling the family's treasured cherry orchard or losing everything.

Customer Reviews:

Chekhov brought to life.......2007-07-09

The cast in both versions handle Chekhov's material with the utmost care. The direction in the 1962 M. St.Denis version is rather beautiful. One can't really go wrong with a cast like Gielgud, Ashcroft, Dench, Tutin, etc. They all just give the most stunning performances of this material. Chekhov is actually incredibly timeless, and the cast is absolutely thrilling to watch. Richard Eyre's 1981 version is a bit more stoic, but his choice to bring Judi Dench on as Mdme. Ranevsky was like finishing a luxurious necklace with the Hope Diamond. Judi Dench has the unbelievable ability to let a story and character filter through herself like an incredibly adept translator. Both of these versions are magical. The more theatrical version of 1962, and the "made for film" version of 1981. Both should not be missed, if even only for the experience of the remarkable performances, but certainly for the well handled telling of the genius Chekhov.

the astonishing growth of a great actor.......2007-05-13

Watching Judi Dench play Anna in the earlier production and then Madame Ranevsky twenty years later offers an opportunity to see a good actor become great. Her mature skills are extraordinary, but her ability twenty years earlier to play with such art is truly amazing. Also, each production of The Cherry Orchard is great, entirely worthy of Chekhov's greatest play.

Very Displeased - Husband Says 2 1/2 Stars.......2007-05-12

As an avid collector of Judi Dench movies, etc. I was very let down. There was so much hype in advertising this, I couldn't wait to see it. After receiving the DVD's we had to watch them three times before we could make any sense at all of them. Here you have the Stage Play, both the Originial and the New Version. I don't want to critique too strongly, I love theatres and stage Acting, going to broadway shows, but this reminded me of a night we went to a small town Community Theatre, and left half way thru the show. (( Please don't Misunderstand, it was really bad, others left also, I Love going to Community theatres ))

I am not critiquing the Actors and Actresses, but the original Dry, Dull, Not Interesting, Yet Complicated Story Plot, which was very hard to follow. If a friend asked my opinion, I would tell them to look at a rental before they decide to buy it.

Average customer rating:

"The Cherry Bomb" as we used to say.
The Cherry Orchard
Gives the word kitsch a new meaning
Awesome Movie
An ensemble piece for grownups----

The Cherry Orchard
Starring: Charlotte Rampling , Alan Bates , Katrin Cartlidge , Owen Teale , and Tushka Bergen
Director: Michael Cacoyannis
Manufacturer: Kino Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00007L4MO
Release Date: 2003-02-25

Customer Reviews:

"The Cherry Bomb" as we used to say........2007-04-19

Correct me if I'm wrong (and please do) but didn't Tovarich Chekov himself say this play was a comedy bordering on farce? Can someone please recommend where to find such a version !!?
WD

The Cherry Orchard.......2007-02-11

I enjoyed the DVD, as I have never seen The Cherry Orchard before. I only wish that Gerard Butler would have had a bigger role. As a big fan of Gerard Butler I have seen almost all his movies more than once and will most likely watch the Cherry Orchard again.

Gives the word kitsch a new meaning .......2007-01-17

Is extremely difficult to adopt great plays to the screen, but some directors have managed to transform great plays into decent movies - this one not! Not sure if Chekhov himself would recognize his play if he was exposed to this poor production. The fragmented narrative, lack of historical conceptualizations and continuity are just some of the many things that went wrong with this kitsch production.

Awesome Movie.......2005-09-29

I bought this movie just because Gerard Butler is in the cast but I must say that the whole story is great! It's a different type of movie and it's based in an old bookclassic, which makes it even better. The cast is great, besides the hunky Gerard Butler. Worth seeing.

An ensemble piece for grownups----.......2005-08-11

The Cherry Orchard is an ensemble piece about a country estate with a famous cherry orchard that is the pride of the province.

It is 1900 in Russia and amid the turmoil of social and political revolution, the family and servants at this little corner of the world are caught in a time warp. It is still Imperial Russia with all the privileges for the wealthy and landed gentry. Time goes by, life goes by, wealth disappears, but these people can't be bothered to notice.

Charlotte Rampling ("The Statement" 2003) is Madame Ranevskaya who returns, with her daughter, from exile in Paris to her estate to be with her lazy brother (Alan Bates, "Gosford Park"), her adopted daughter, and various servants, friends and freed peasants. Like the large old house, their way of life is rotting away. They are broke and the only thing that will save them from poverty is to sell the land, house and orchard to developers. But the are so besotted with the old life they cannot arouse themselves to make a decision on what to do. And of course, they lose it all.

The commentary throughout in the form of asides, laughter and outright contempt, is in the character of the servant Yasha (Gerard Butler,"Dear Frankie"). He serves Madam R, but he gossips about her profligate ways, has contempt for many in the family and takes advantage of the privileges they provide him, including a romp in the orchard with one of the housemaids (Melanie Lynskey,"Shooters"), who he then lectures on her immoral ways. It is a small part, but acts like a Greek chorus to comment on the others.

In the end, the doddering valet of Bates is left alone, locked into this decaying house, two old relics forgotten by the aristocrats and the new bourgeoisie. He says to himself "my life has gone by as though I have never lived. No strings - nothing." He leans back in the chair and dies. These people are so careless that no one makes sure the old man has really been taken to a hospital, although they all talk about it, and Yasha keeps assuring everyone he 'knows' he was picked up. So they all just ride off in their carriages and the woodsmen move into
the orchard and begin chopping down the cherry trees.

The beauty of the cinematography, costumes and piano score of Tchaikovsky music set a mood that is languid and only for those who relish the type of multi-character stories like the recent "Gosford Park." I loved it. 9/10

Average customer rating:

MFGA Summer Meeting, July 2006

Manufacturer: CustomFlix
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000N8V4BI
Release Date: 2007-02-05

Description

Highlights of the orchard tour at the UMass Cold Spring Orchard, Belchertown, MA, July 14, 2006 during the Summer Meeting of the Massachusetts Fruit Growers' Assoc. Presenters include: W. Autio, D. Cooley, D. Greene, J. Clements, S. Weis, K. Leahy, and S. Schloemann. Topics include rootstocks, apple varieties, cherry varieties, table and wine grapes, plant growth regulators, calcium treatments, and more.

Average customer rating:

"The Cherry Bomb" as we used to say.
The Cherry Orchard
Gives the word kitsch a new meaning
Awesome Movie
An ensemble piece for grownups----

The Cherry Orchard [Region 2]
Starring: Charlotte Rampling , Alan Bates , Katrin Cartlidge , Owen Teale , and Tushka Bergen
Director: Michael Cacoyannis
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

ASIN: B000056WCX

Customer Reviews:

"The Cherry Bomb" as we used to say........2007-04-19

Correct me if I'm wrong (and please do) but didn't Tovarich Chekov himself say this play was a comedy bordering on farce? Can someone please recommend where to find such a version !!?
WD

The Cherry Orchard.......2007-02-11

Gives the word kitsch a new meaning .......2007-01-17

Awesome Movie.......2005-09-29

An ensemble piece for grownups----.......2005-08-11

DVD:

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