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Binding: Audio CD
Dewey Decimal Number: 822.33
EAN: 9781932219302
Format: Unabridged
ISBN: 1882513851
Label: Audio Partners
Manufacturer: Audio Partners
Number Of Items: 1
Publication Date: 2005-04-10
Publisher: Audio Partners
DVD Region Code: 1
Studio: Audio Partners

Because this production of Romeo and Juliet features a full-cast performance, original music, and sound effects, it could accurately be described as an audio play. This tragic tale of the world's most famous star-crossed couple was originally written to be seen, but the genius of Shakespeare's language is stunningly beautiful to the naked ear as well. When Romeo spies Juliet across a crowded dance floor, he speaks aloud what may be the perfect description of love at first sight: "If my heart e'r loved till now, forswear it sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night." Although you can't see who has so smitten the dear boy, the Juliet you visualize in your mind's eye is far more sublime than any mere mortal could ever hope to be. If there is a disappointment to this production, it is, ironically, the sound itself. At times the actors' overlapping voices are difficult to distinguish, especially for those unfamiliar with Elizabethan vernacular. The music is generally quite good and adds a beneficial element that too few audiocassettes bother to include, but is at times perfunctory and a little too loud. The excellent cast is made up of established members of England's professional theater community, and their performances meet the expectations one would have for such a well-trained and respected group. (Running time: three hours, two cassettes) --George Laney

Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Joseph Fiennes and Maria Miles are superb in their roles.
Review: The quality of this recording is excellent and the performers give very skillful interpretations. Fiennes and Miles are particularly effective as the "star crossed lovers".

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Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Shakespeare is Great!
Review: This is a terrific recording. My son's teacher recommended he buy this to listen while he read the written words. It made Shakespeare so much more accessible.

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Customer Rating:
Review Summary: For the most part well done
Review: Before I listened to this play, I had read the Folgers Shakespeare Library version. I believe that helped me enjoy the play much more.
I am not going to review the play, only this audio version.
The music set the mood of the scenes, and the sound effects brought the landscape to life in my imagination. The cast acted out the parts superbly! The only complaint I have is, When Romeo says, "He jest at scares that never felt a wound," I didn't feel he conveyed enough emotion on that part. After all, in the previous scene, or the same scene depending on how you interpret the scenes, MERCUTIO was mocking his love for Rosaline harshly.
If you are not familiar with the play I highly recommend reading it first, that will make it easier to follow.

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Customer Rating:
Review Summary: I Beg to Disagree
Review: It's worth the price just to hear an unabridged version. Capulet is wonderful. The friar is the best ever. Juliet is understandable but has the passion in her voice of a person who's been there a few times too many. But Romeo...a one-emotion three-hour agony to listen to. I've taught teens for thirty years; they don't languish in one emotion. If wallowing were an art form, Fiennes would be the grand master. He obviously doesn't remember how it was long ago when he was a teen.

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Customer Rating:
Review Summary: I didn't really like it
Review: This play was okay, but it wasn't anywhere as good as Hamlet and Macbeth. Romeo and Juliet didn't seem that believeable to me and I thought the way they couldn't bear being apart after only knowing each other for 3 days just didn't seem realistic. I know people married after only knowing each other that long back then but I don't think they could really be in love. The end was pretty good though.

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