The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby - The Royal Shakespeare Company (DVD)

The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby - The Royal Shakespeare Company (DVD)

Music / Performing Arts - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Roger Rees, David Threlfall, John Woodvine, Alun Armstrong, Bob Peck more

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Adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel. In order to prevent his mother and sister being dependent upon his Uncle, Nicholas Nickleby sets out to make his fortune. He lands a job as a...
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The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby-DVD The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby-DVD
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The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby [DVD] [1982] The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby [DVD] [1982]
ThisNicholas Nicklebyis not one of Hollywood's condensed versions, it's the Royal ... more
Shakespeare Company's epic eight-and-a-half-hour
adaptation of the life and times of the eponymous
school-teacher. The 1982 production (originally
staged in two parts) wo...
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The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby (Ovation) (1982) (3 Discs) DVD The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby (Ovation) (1982) (3 Discs) DVD
Originally published in monthly instalments Charles Dickens' novel 'The Life and ... more
Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' was a London
sensation. Through the characters of Nicholas  his
sister Kate  and their uncle Ralph  readers
relished Dickens' outrage at ...
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The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby [2001] [DVD] The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby [2001] [DVD]
This 2000 television adaptation confirmsNicholas Nickleby's place among television ... more
dramatists' favourite Dickens novels. It has all
the vital ingredients: a sensitive, intelligent
young hero cast by circumstances in the role of
everyman whose fortitude is tested at every turn;
romance; danger; one of Dickens' richest braces of
characters; and a sense of humanity that is, at
times, overwhelming.Condensing all this into three
hours is no mean achievement. Martyn Edward
Hesford's screenplay maintains an impressive
balance between dramatic tension and allowing the
characters the space they need to reveal their
essential qualities. Only in the last 30 minutes
does it become something of a gallop to the
finishing post. True, the horrors of the boarding
school could be more horrific; the grime of
Victorian London and its toothless inhabitants
could be grimier and less cosmetic. But as always
with a superior production of a Dickens novel, the
richness and depth of the drama outweigh such
minor quibbles.As for the cast, James D'Arcy's
Nicholas is pitch-perfect: part cipher for the
injustices and despair he encounters, part emblem
for the triumph of goodness, an innocent whose
eyes are quickly forced open to the darker
realities of life. These darker realities are
congealed in Charles Dance's relentlessly
chilling, heartless Ralph Nickleby. This is a
deceptively complex performance; even as we cheer
the gathering forces which finally extinguish his
increasingly desperate power, the awful tragedy of
his end still elicits a discomforting ounce of
sympathy. Gregor Fisher as the one-eyed Squeers
and Pam Ferris as his fearsomely lascivious wife
are outstanding in an ensemble of fine character
actors. And Lee Ingleby's Smike gives our tear
ducts a good workout while steering just the right
side of sentimentality.On the DVD:Nicholas
Nicklebyis presented in widescreen format with
Dolby Digital soundtrack, and has all the
technical qualities you might expect from the DVD
release of a modern television production. Extras
include cast filmographies, a Dickens biography
and a list of his work, all of which add to the
disc's merits as a literary educational tool.
--Piers Ford
£ 11.98

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The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby
Originally published in monthly instalments, Charles Dickens' novel The Life and ... more
Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby was a London
sensation. Through the characters of Nicholas, his
sister Kate, and their uncle Ralph, readers
relished Dickens' outrage at the injustices of
wealth and poverty in Victorian England.This
Tony-award winning presentation by the Royal
Shakespeare Company captures the master
storyteller's epic in all its wickedness and
wonder. Originally staged in London and on
Broadway, the production features 39 actors
playing 150 roles - everything from baronets to
beggars, aristocrats to outcasts.This multi
award-winning televisions adaptation was filmed in
the three months between the London and New York
presentations. It had rave reviews in both cities.
It went on to become Channel 4's first ever
drama.Richard Price Television Associates is proud
to present the critically-acclaimed masterpiece.
This special Collector's Edition is a celebration
of one of the greatest theatrical experiences of
our time.
£ 30.93

Postage & Packaging£0.00
AvailabilityIn Stock
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The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby
Originally published in monthly instalments, Charles Dickens' novel The Life and ... more
Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby was a London
sensation. Through the characters of Nicholas, his
sister Kate, and their uncle Ralph, readers
relished Dickens' outrage at the injustices of
wealth and poverty in Victorian England.This
Tony-award winning presentation by the Royal
Shakespeare Company captures the master
storyteller's epic in all its wickedness and
wonder. Originally staged in London and on
Broadway, the production features 39 actors
playing 150 roles - everything from baronets to
beggars, aristocrats to outcasts.This multi
award-winning televisions adaptation was filmed in
the three months between the London and New York
presentations. It had rave reviews in both cities.
It went on to become Channel 4's first ever
drama.Richard Price Television Associates is proud
to present the critically-acclaimed masterpiece.
This special Collector's Edition is a celebration
of one of the greatest theatrical experiences of
our time.
£ 10.93

Postage & Packaging£0.00
AvailabilityIn Stock
LOVEFiLM.com
The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby [2001] Dvd The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby [2001] Dvd
eBay offers you smart deals and the widest selection, ranging from the everyday basics to ... more
things that are as unique as yourself. With
millions of items to choose from, great deals are
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£ 7.10

Postage & Packaging£0.00
Availabilityavailable
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The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby [2001] [DVD] The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby [2001] [DVD]
This 2000 television adaptation confirmsNicholas Nickleby's place among television ... more
dramatists' favourite Dickens novels. It has all
the vital ingredients: a sensitive, intelligent
young hero cast by circumstances in the role of
everyman whose fortitude is tested at every turn;
romance; danger; one of Dickens' richest braces of
characters; and a sense of humanity that is, at
times, overwhelming.Condensing all this into three
hours is no mean achievement. Martyn Edward
Hesford's screenplay maintains an impressive
balance between dramatic tension and allowing the
characters the space they need to reveal their
essential qualities. Only in the last 30 minutes
does it become something of a gallop to the
finishing post. True, the horrors of the boarding
school could be more horrific; the grime of
Victorian London and its toothless inhabitants
could be grimier and less cosmetic. But as always
with a superior production of a Dickens novel, the
richness and depth of the drama outweigh such
minor quibbles.As for the cast, James D'Arcy's
Nicholas is pitch-perfect: part cipher for the
injustices and despair he encounters, part emblem
for the triumph of goodness, an innocent whose
eyes are quickly forced open to the darker
realities of life. These darker realities are
congealed in Charles Dance's relentlessly
chilling, heartless Ralph Nickleby. This is a
deceptively complex performance; even as we cheer
the gathering forces which finally extinguish his
increasingly desperate power, the awful tragedy of
his end still elicits a discomforting ounce of
sympathy. Gregor Fisher as the one-eyed Squeers
and Pam Ferris as his fearsomely lascivious wife
are outstanding in an ensemble of fine character
actors. And Lee Ingleby's Smike gives our tear
ducts a good workout while steering just the right
side of sentimentality.On the DVD:Nicholas
Nicklebyis presented in widescreen format with
Dolby Digital soundtrack, and has all the
technical qualities you might expect from the DVD
release of a modern television production. Extras
include cast filmographies, a Dickens biography
and a list of his work, all of which add to the
disc's merits as a literary educational tool.
--Piers Ford
£ 6.96

Postage & Packagingfree Super Saver Delivery
AvailabilityUsually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
amazon dvd
The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby (2001) DVD The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby (2001) DVD
In this TV adaptation of the Dickens classic Charles Dance plays Ralph Nickleby the ... more
wealthy and cold-hearted uncle whom Nicholas
(James D'Arcy) and his sister  Kate (Sophia Miles)
 turn to when their father's death leaves them
destitute. Nicholas eagerly takes on a teaching
job at a boys' boarding school  but flees after
rebelling against the unspeakable horrors there.
Meanwhile  his sister's beauty attracts menacing
attention from a group of rich  boorish swells.
With powerful enemies marshalled against him 
Nicholas struggles to find his way in the world
and rescue his family...
£ 11.99

Postage & Packaging£0.00
Availability3-5 working days
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Who Calls So Loud?
A review by Olly_Plimsoll on The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby - The Royal Shakespeare Company (DVD)
April 23rd, 2005


Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it? Loved it 
Characters / Performances Outstanding 
Soundtrack Outstanding 
How does it compare to similar films? Not applicable 

Advantages: Fantastic acting, lurid characters, excellent drama !
Disadvantages: VERY long but worth every minute !

Recommend to potential buyers: yes 

Full review

This filmed version of the Royal Shakespeare Company's famous production of 'Nicholas Nickleby' is utterly timeless. In hours and hours of non-stop entertainment, virtually the whole novel is transposed to the stage, and much of Dickens's original lurid prose survives this translation. The huge cast narrates and dramatises the lengthy tale, encompassing virtually every theatrical genre. There is pantomime-style audience participation, farce, melodrama, comedy and powerfully moving drama.

The story follows the adventures of the young Nicholas Nickleby and his family. It opens as the Nicklebys arrive in London after the death of their father, and seek the support of their rich but harsh uncle, Ralph Nickleby. Nicholas is sent to become a schoolmaster in Yorkshire. The cruelty he finds there launches the story's main action. Nicholas finds himself Ralph's enemy, as well as the enemy of the headmaster, Wackford Squeers, and his grotesque family. On his journey to success, Nicholas tries his hand at teaching, secretarial work, accountancy and (most spectaclarly) acting, before finally meeting his true love.

The sheer number of plot threads running through this fantastic story make it impossible to summarise. The decline and fall of Ralph Nickleby is particularly absorbing, as is the story of Smike, the damaged young man Nicholas befriends at the Yorkshire school.

Set entirely on a fairly plain black set surrounded by a wooden scaffold, a fantastic cast (with the possible exception of the actress playing Kate Nickleby) puts every ounce of effort and imagination into the production. Roger Rees stars as Nicholas (he was later the Sheriff of Nottingham in 'Robin Hood - Men in Tights'), but his supporting cast are equally noteworthy, especially the late Bob Peck, who takes on several roles which are unbelievable in their diversity. Switching from bluff Yorkshire farmer to smarmy lecherous creditor in the blink of a scene can't be easy, but Peck pulls it off. He was the warden in 'Jurassic Park' and of course made his name in the seminal BBC drama Edge of Darkness - but you won't recognise him.

Christopher Benjamin turns in a career-defining performance as theatrical legend Vincent Crummels. Not only is his performance clearly the template for Jim Broadbent's magnificent turn in Moulin Rouge, but he also played a near identical part in classic Doctor Who serial The Talons of Weng-Chiang. If you want an exuberant theatre owner, Benjamin's your man. He's a massively under-rated actor, apparently prefering the stage, and he steals every scene he's in.

The play has a vast emotional range, as I've already hinted. It goes from outright comedy (such as the scenes at the theatre company), to heart-rending tragedy (Smike's final scene). True to the spirit of Dickens, the characters are a lively mixture, with some real grotesques lurking around behind the comedy caricatures. For every miserly Albert Gride, hoarding the same bottle of wine for thirty years, there is an evil Wackford Squeers, thrashing the living daylights out of his pupils. If the central character of Nicholas appears a little too squeaky clean in all this, it's because his honest nature is the best means of showing up the faults of all the monsters and clowns that inhabit the deceptively cosy Victorian world of Charles Dickens. Behind the gentle comic antics of the bourgeoisie lies London's cold streets, tuberculosis and forced marriages. Ralph's downfall shows this most clearly, as he runs through London, his friends deserting him.

There are no cinematic effects in this production, which is filmed almost entirely as it appeared on stage. This gives it an occasionally odd feel, when walls are represented by people's backs, and so forth, but it just serves to highlight the brilliance of the original production.

There is a huge cast of characters, as I have said, but one of my favourites is Smike. His harsh treatment has kept him in a state of 'arrested development', but his continual innocence, which he maintains right to the end, is a source of much pathos and humour. He shines as an actor with his heartfelt cry of 'Who calls so loud?' when he plays the part of the apocethary in a hilariously re-jigged version of Romeo and Juliet (true to Victorian tradition, both the lovers survive, as well as Mercutio). This comic splendour is later turned upside-down as he and Nicholas re-enact the scene at Smike's deathbed.

This production really is fun for all the family. One of my favourite novels transformed into a magical play (even if it is REALLY long) that never gets dull. Back home, we taped it from the television in the 1980s, and we watched it as a family every summer (an odd ritual, but there you are). We were delighted when the DVD box set came out just as it looked as though the tapes were going to be worn right through!

People don't really much watch theatre on TV, and the idea of buying a DVD boxset of a theatrical play might seem a bit odd. Theatre is unquestionably best enjoyed live. But this really was one of the greatest stage productions of the 20th Century, and so it deserves this stab in immortality.

Watch this, watch it now, and do NOT get it confused with the dreadful film version that came out a couple of years ago. 



The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby - The Royal Shakespeare Company (DVD)

Product details

Actor(s): Roger Rees, David Threlfall, John Woodvine, Alun Armstrong, Bob Peck

Genre: Musicals & Music Films - Plays & Performances

Classification: Parental Guidance

Running Time: 8 hours 23 minutes

Plot: Adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel. In order to prevent his mother and sister being dependent upon his Uncle, Nicholas Nickleby sets out to make his fortune. He lands a job as a master at a Yorkshire school, but runs away with one of the students as he finds the establishment to be one of hostility and cruelty, and so continues his adventures up and down the country.

DVD Description

Adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel. In order to prevent his mother and sister being dependent upon his Uncle, Nicholas Nickleby sets out to make his fortune. He lands a job as a master at a Yorkshire school, but runs away with one of the students as he finds the establishment to be one of hostility and cruelty, and so continues his adventures up and down the country.

Release details

DVD Region: DVD

Studio(s): METRODOME DISTRIBUTION; DELUXE VIDEO SERVICE - METRODOME

Release date: 06/03/2006, 22/09/2003

No of Discs: 3

Catalogue No: MTD 5122

Barcode: 5055002551222

Languages

Main Language: English

Ciao

Listed on Ciao since : 16/08/2006

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