This Macbeth version has an overall rating of about 7.5, but most of the reviewers are rather less kind to it than that. As a seasoned Shakespeare appreciator with a large collection of Shakespeare DVDs, let me tell you: the overall rating is correct, and the reviewers are wrong.The only thing wrong with this version is that it is not a big-budget super-production, the picture quality is not great (after all, it is from 1981!) and the sound on the DVD is a bit out of sync. All annoying, to be sure, but not something that should reflect on the overall quality of the theatrical performance itself.This filmed stage version is well-acted and well-produced, and both of the main characters (Brett and Laurie), and the rest of the cast too, shine in their roles, making the character development believable. If you are looking for a good stage version of Macbeth, you could do a lot worse than this. And if you collect Shakespeare DVDs, you should definitely seek out this.7 out of 10.

I didn't really know what to expect, but......wow! No wonder most kids in English class hate this play! This is easily the WORST production of this play I have ever seen, and I love the play very much, so was this ever hard to watch.SHAME on everybody involved!There are just so many things wrong with it:1) Terrible production values 2) Horribly overdone scene gnashing (acting) 3) What's with the hair? 4) Totally garbage sword fightsAll I can say is, rent Polanski's version, or Throne of Blood.STAY AWAY!

Not only is this the worst interpretation ( OR LACK THEREOF ) of Shakespeare's classic , it also includes one of the worst performances by a great actor ever witnessed. The brilliant Jeremy Brett is so over the top its laughable. not since peter o'toole's henry higgin's has there been such a loud bellowing performance so devoid of human emotion. Piper Laurie is also awful as his Lady. it seems the production was put up in a matter of days for a "take the money and run.' pay check. UNINSPIRED WITH NO VISION IS THE BOTTOM LINE.

Jeremy Bret gives a great, eccentric performance in this performance of Shakespere's classic play. The locations are all on stage, so the sets are not fancy. Still, the acting more than makes up for it and the action scenes are well done as well. Any fan of the play cannot go wrong with this performance.