There are problems with this play. It's somehow inherently downbeat. Of its numerous productions available on DVDs, and its reworkings under different titles, Forbidden Planet, Prospero's Books, none seem truly satisfactory. Something is always lacking. Its supremely quotable, memorable poetry appears at odds with its curiously artificial plot and story. Its clowns are not funny; its plotters are inane, its slaves are repellent or disturbing. I thought Ariel was quite good, once the embarrassing bikini could be overlooked. In this version, Hordern is too avuncular, insufficiently vibrant and intense, and lacking in dramatic and magical, masterful charisma. Difficult to suggest an actor with the right personality for the part. It's as if Shakespeare baulked at self-presentation. I don't see Gielgud as ideal for the role. Miranda and Ferdinand were not bad. The other parts are forgettable. The overall direction is competent, but I wouldn't say inspired. Is any other version any better ?

Generally believed to have been William Shakespeare's final play, this is a typically excellent BBC production which is very well directed by John Gorrie, one of the corporation's best drama directors from the 1960s onwards. This is another Shakespearean play with which I was familiar only through reputation but I understand that it is a very faithful adaptation. While it is not on the same level as his absolute best work such as "Hamlet", "Macbeth" or "King Lear", it is a wonderfully told tale of sorcery, vaulting ambition, power and control.Michael Hordern may not have been as good a Shakespearean actor as Laurence Olivier or John Gielgud but he is terrific as Prospero. Exiled to an island after being usurped as Duke of Milan by his treacherous younger brother Antonio, he is nevertheless not a terribly sympathetic character. He abuses his great power and is cruel and vindictive, threatening to return Ariel to the prison in which he found him when he reminds him of his promise to free him. He enslaves Caliban and Ferdinand and is very controlling towards his daughter Miranda. However, as the play progresses, he becomes a better man as he renounces magic - which was of course considered a great evil in Shakespeare's time - and forgives Antonio for his betrayal 12 years earlier. His final speech has often been interpreted as representing the Bard's farewell to the theatre.Caliban is the most interesting character in the play after Prospero. At turns, he is both monstrous and pitiable. Warren Clarke is very good in the role. He serves as a very effective contrast to several other characters. For instance, in his first scene, it is mentioned that he attempted to rape Miranda, which is the antithesis of Ferdinand's sweet, pure love of her. He wants to gain control of the island in much the same way as Antonio seized the dukedom of Milan and Sebastian seeks to usurp his brother Alonso's throne. He is in many ways a dark reflection of Ariel, who is effectively played by David Dixon.The gentle, innocent Miranda is under her father's thumb for much of the play and, in that sense, she is well matched by the equally passive Ferdinand. Pippa Guard and Christopher Guard play their respective roles very well but I wish that I had not known that they were cousins in real life before I watched this as it made their professions of love a little...weird. Then again, they were playing royalty so it was pretty appropriate that they were blood relatives. Derek Godfrey gives an excellent performance as Antonio, being at his best in his interplay with Alan Rowe as Sebastian. As Trinculo and Stephano, Andrew Sachs and Nigel Hawthorne are often hilarious in their dealings with each other and Caliban and provide another great contrast, in this instance to the scheming lords Antonio and Sebastian.Overall, this is a first-rate production. It was made as part of the BBC Television Shakespeare series from 1978 to 1985, which will serve as my main source for many of his other plays, particularly the more infrequently adapted ones.

This is an excellent Tempest. I have just seen the Patrick Stewart in Ann Arbor with the Royal Shakespeare. Poor by comparison, but good enough in an of itself. Good storm here. In RSC this year (Michigan residency) they use a curtain with a CB radio, with a hole where the dial might be, and all the storm is sound effects, and all action for the storm is limited to what can be seen through this hole, 10 feet in diameter. A little weak for a storm. Stewart was rather good, but Miranda was weak, Pippa Guard here more qualifies as a goddess. See the play first, then see this DVD. Always read them first, so you know what you will see, then the play or DVD will flesh out the story for you. Ann Arbor Caliban was good, but Ariel was spooky, more frightening or threatening than ephemeral. 1980 Tempest (BBC) Dixon is an excellent Ariel, almost not clearly male or female, a spirit. Flying all the way to Ann Arbor to see the Tempest (also Julius Caesar) was a long trip. But worth it. Enchanting snow flurries there, nice to come back to warm L.A. RSC was very good, very well done, but you do not get the facial close ups like on the DVD. Shakespeare will live forever, because it is such intelligent thought provoking material. The plays are like children. There must be no favorites, just further study and thought on them. The question must never be, "did you enjoy the play (dvd)", but what did you THINK of the play. A massage is to enjoy, Shakespeare is to make you think.

Not sure what to make of the negative comments here, but the contributors were perhaps brought up on Star Wars special effects and feel that they were sorely misused with this poor representation of the cinematic magic put forth therein. Please be assured that this taping of a stage play is very good and compared to what it might have been at the Globe is quite magical with invisibility and storms at sea well represented.But WONDERFULLY represented are the words of the play and the art of the actors far surpass that of the usual movie fare. The amazing Michael Hordern (who also plays Capulet in the BBC's R&J) is the perfect Prospero, and from his performance I glean most enjoyment. Miranda leave something to be desired in the acting, but nothing in the appearance.The entire play is herein represented. Most characters are well, if not wonderfully enacted. I further disagree about Caliban who captures very well the fine line between beast and man, touching on the viewers' pity, ire and loathing at various times. Do we really need to judge hair styles when watching this play on video? Are we truly a people best represented by "People" magazine? Judge for yourself if you are lucky enough to borrow or own this DVD, or fortunate enough to have seen the BBC presentation originally. This is Excellent Shakespeare, do not be misled.