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Rating:  - Wonderful Stage Production
This filmed stage recording is indeed magical. I believe a former critic's particular critique in this regard should be regarded in the light of two distinguishing characteristics of Shakespeare on film: whether the production is a film interpretation or a filmed stage production. This DVD is the latter: over-the-top FX, panoramic view and the like don't necessarily apply. Here one has the magic of being in the audience at a grand performance of the Royal Shakespeare Company, with the added pleasure of being granted close-ups! The acting is all-around sublime, especially Ian Hugh's Autolycus; I've yet to see a rogue interpreted better.
For a contrast of what can be accomplished with Shakespeare as film interpretation versus filmed stage production, compare Orson Welles' Othello with Richard Burton's Hamlet (both available through Amazon); both, I believe, are the ideal of each venue.
Rating: - A tremendous, challenging production.
I'm afraid I couldn't disagree more with the previous reviewer. To say that the production is 'unappealing and unmagical' is to wholly miss the point. The Royal Shakespeare Company's production of The Winter's Tale is challenging and innovative precisely because it goes against the grain of the BBC's canonical production of the play. The darkness of this version does more to underscore the central enigma of the play: the motives behind Leontes' jealous rage. And in experimenting with the setting and costumes, this production further foregrounds Shakespeare's own heavy use of anachronisms in the play. I found this production refreshing and thought-provoking.
Rating:  - unappealing and unmagical
Sadly, this is not the kind of performance that is required for this late romance of Shakespeare. It is prosaic, with unattractive sets and in a wholly inappropriate vaguely 19th century setting and costuming. The acting is also a bit over-emphatic. Thus, the fantasy and suspension of belief required of oracles and lost princesses and restored queens clashes constantly with the more realistic setting. I hope someday someone can capture a beautiful stage production of this play as well as Cymbeline, Pericles, Tempest and Measure. To see a well done late Shakespeare quasi-comedy see Twelfth Night directed by Trevor Nunn with Bonham Carter, Stubbs etc.
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