No matter how many times the classic works of William Shakespeare are interpreted by filmmakers, I have to watch. There’s just something about the flow of his writing that moves me, though occasionally these interpretations have a tendency to do a little re-writing. “Romeo & Juliet” is a particular favorite of mine, though I’m hard-pressed to say why exactly. I guess it is just something about the ill-fated lovers that gets to me as in every interpretation I hope they will somehow survive. Whether the version is revised as a modern day parable as in Baz Luhrmann’s brilliant “William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet” or used as a backdrop in Tom Stoppard’s equally amazing “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead”, I fins myself mesmerized by the story. However, the old-style theatre lover in me will always prefer the story told as it was meant to be, as it is in the 1976 British teleplay, “Romeo & Juliet.” Its stars, Christopher Neame (Romeo) and Ann Hasson (Juliet) were almost perfectly cast (acting wise) in the roles.

The only minor complaint I had with Neame’s casting is one that is often a problem with the casting of Romeo. Neame was nearly 30 years old, where the character was supposed to be a teenager. He was certainly young looking, but not quite THAT young looking. To his credit however, Neame is a terrific actor who brought a vibrant passion to the role, one that it definitely needs. I’m not sure how old Hasson was at the time of the production, but as Juliet, she was absolutely luminous.

I had not had the opportunity to see this 30 year old film until recently, as Arts & Entertainment Home Video is releasing it on DVD. As soon as it came in, I had to set aside some time to watch it, and I was completely taken in by it. The production itself was wonderfully done, and I have to credit the entire cast with giving their all to their performances.

Seeing as the production is as old as it is, there were a few problems with the video and audio, but nothing so bad as it could not be forgiven. If you sit back and allow yourself to be taken in by the story, you’ll hardly notice any of the imperfections. The DVD is pretty much devoid of extra features save a fairly short (but worthwhile) featurette on the production.

For a story that has been told and retold so many times, this version of “Romeo & Juliet” successfully delivers a fresh take due to the talents of its terrific cast.

Directed by: Joan Kemp-Welch
Starring: Christopher Neame, Ann Hasson, Robin Nedwell, David Robb, Patsy Byrne, Clive Swift
Extras: Romeo & Juliet – A Family Feud Featurette, Director’s Biography
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital Stereo
Studio: A&E
Release Date: 6/28/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Romeo & Juliet a B.