Othello

One of Bard Productions' series of nine filmed adaptations of Shakespeare plays originally released on video during the 1980s and now newly re-issued on DVD, Othello serves up a tragic interracial love story (with, in this version, one of the first recorded performances by a black actor in the title role) of courageous military leader Othello (William Marshall), his devoted wife Desdemona (Jenny Agutter) and the twisted worm Iago (Ron Moody) who deviously drives the Moor into an unfounded jealous rage. Boasting historically accurate costumes and staging, Othello and the other plays in the series are presented in a fashion similar to the way they would have been seen by 16th century audiences. The DVD format lends itself well to program analysis, since one can skip to specific acts and scenes in the play, as opposed to having to fast-forward or rewind a videotape. Audiences who have become accustomed to DVD's heightened image quality and extra features may be a little disappointed, however, since this is a straight tape to disc transfer (of a videotaped production) with no significant accompanying goodies. Still, the ease of use that DVD offers, along with a good sticker price, make this a fine addition to any library collection. The other titles now available are Antony and Cleopatra, King Lear, Richard II, Macbeth, Merry Wives of Windsor, Romeo and Juliet, Taming of the Shrew and The Tempest, and feature such noted thespians as Jeremy Brett, John Houseman, Piper Laurie, and John Carradine. Highly recommended. [Note: Ambrose Video's The Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare, which features all 37 of the Bard's plays on DVD should also be considered.] Aud: J, H, C, P. (L. Stevens)