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Rating:  - The Series ranks very high on several critics' all time lists...
So which version will you pursue:648 minutes or the 564?
Hint: There is more than one national Amazon; and despite the postage you may actually save a small amount of money with something older, longer, and with better visuals. And regions are no longer a legal issue with some of the later players.
You knew all that already, but...
Rating: - I own the original set
I own the original set of this DVD and don't plan to replace it. However, this is one of the best TV miniseries ever and if you haven't seen it, then obviously you should buy the new version. I am a hugh fan of Derek Jacobi and this is one of his finest performances. (He was also Cadfael on PBS). Sian Phillips, John Hurt, George Baker all give terrific performances. The story is funny, scary, and extremely interesting. Makes you glad you didn't live in those days - 'cause you didn't live long.
Watch it and enjoy!
Rating:  - History from the top
Just a few comments on the reviews of I, Claudius with Derek Jacobi and company. I sympathize with the number of reviewers who have commented on the lack of sophistication and depth in treating this period of the Roman Empire. It is important to remember, however, that this book and TV production reflect a view of history from the top- that is, as seen from those at the pinnacle or near the pinnacle of power and so neglects so much of what we now find fascinating about the Roman Empire. It also neglects its tremendous variety in all facets of life.
After listening to it, a naive viewer might come away with the idea that the Roman Empire fell because of Livia and that Claudius was simple-minded idiot. The studies of the period (especially by B. Levick) show a very different sort of emperor and reign. A broader perspective is needed to really enjoy the series. It is a shame the sound and picture quality on the DVD is not up to par. But it is a fun series to watch and one could have worse introductions to high politics in the age of Augustus!
Rating:  - Roman Freddy Krueger
Given the popularity and critical acclaim of this series, I was disappointed to find this slice of ancient Roman "history" stripped of complexity or ambiguity-- or even any sense of historical accuracy. Instead, we get a Roman Freddy Krueger in the form of Augustus' wife, Livia, who is apparently responsible for engineering nearly every important episode in Roman history by either murdering or manipulating her way through the Roman empire, which, according to this series, must have been full of the most naively idiotic leaders in the history of the planet. Sorry to go against the critical grain, but I must vote to skip this one.
Rating: - I, Claudius Revisited
This excellent series from the BBC via PBS is a winner offered at a reasonable price. I saw the entire thirteen episode Masterpiece Theater series when it first aired. I had been looking for it first in VHS format and then DVD for several years but had never before found a copy at a price I felt was reasonable/affordable. I thnk, however, that you need to be somewhat of a history buff to sit through all thirteen episodes and really appreciate the series.
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