Richard III
(DVD)

Special edition.

Originally released as a motion picture in 1955.

Based on the play by William Shakespeare.

Special features: new high-definition digital transfer, including newly discovered footage from the original theatrical release, with restored image and sound; audio commentary by playwright and stage director Russel Lees, joined by John Wilders, former governor of the Royal Shakespeare Company; "Great acting: Laurence Olivier", a 1966 BBC interview with Olivier hosted by renowned theater critic Kenneth Tynan; gallery of on-set and production stills and posters, featuring excerpts from Olivier's autobiography "On acting"; 12-minute television trailer, including footage of Olivier, producer Alexander Korda, production designer Roger Furse, and other crew members at work in Shepperton Studios; original theatrical trailer; essay by film historian Bruce Eder.

Director of photography, Otto Heller ; art director, Carmen Dillon ; editor, Helga Cranston ; original music, William Walton ; production designer, Roger Furse ; special effects, Wally Veevers.

Cedric Hardwicke, Nicholas Hannen, Laurence Olivier, Ralph Richardson, John Gielgud, Mary Kerridge, Paul Huson, Claire Bloom.

Begins by recapitulating the final scene of Henry IV, Part III with Edward IV being crowned king. In the background of the celebration, Richard jealously views the proceedings. Soon afterwards, Edward IV is murdered, drowned in a vat of wine. Richard becomes king and, after proceeding with a succession of intrigues and duplicities, he finds his kingdom in dire peril, set upon by Henry Tudor and mustering a final defense for his realm at the Battle of Bosworth. An immortal tale of lust, murder, treachery and the ruthless pursuit of power.

Not rated.

DVD; Dolby Digital mono.

English with English subtitles.

Closed-captioned.