I, Claudius

Moreover the navigation is badly designed to the point of irritation. Keep in mind that 12 of the 13 episodes are included on only two discs. Each of the episodes is then divided into chapters. That means for any viewing other than watching straight through a side, you are always negotiating at least two menus, and the instructions for doing so are minimal.

I give one star for the thought of including "The Epic that Never Was," certainly a nice addition. I only wish the rest of the DVD testified to a similar interest in the viewer's pleasure. This program deserves better than this shoddy presentation.

NOTE: The technical problems noted above were corrected in a subsequent
release of the DVD, although the clumsy interface alluded to remains.



The DVD I, Claudius: Perfection Improved Upon!   July 26, 2002
John D. Cofield
28 out of 29 found this review helpful

I was one of the original fans of I, Claudius when it was shown on Masterpiece Theater in the 1970s. When the VHS version was released in the early 1990s I bought a set and have enjoyed it many times. When I noticed that the tapes were becoming somewhat worn I bought the DVD version. There is only one word for this series on DVD: magnificent! For the first time I truly appreciated the sumptuousness of the sets and costumes. Marble shines, jewels sparkle, the silks almost rustle. The colors are amazing. The audio is excellent as well. Every aside, whisper, and stammer is crystal clear, unlike the VHS version where sometimes all you hear are mutters. If you are not familiar with the story, I,Claudius is the history of the reigns of the first five Roman Emperors as envisoned by Robert Graves in the 1930s. The Julio-Claudians ruled their empire but could not control their own passions or their own relatives. Every episode is brimful of intrigue, passion, and wicked humor. Also included in this DVD set is a documentary on "The Epic That Never Was" about the first time I,Claudius was to be filmed. The interviews with the surviving stars and the bits and pieces
that have survived from the film before it was cancelled reveal it to have been possibly one of the great films of the 1930s.


BBC DVD PAL version available   December 10, 2005
E. Burt (Seattle, WA United States)
28 out of 28 found this review helpful

Thanks to all the reviewers who've said that this DVD is censored and of poor image and sound quality. I was going to buy it and now will not. I found that there is a BBC DVD version available thorough amazon.co.uk that reviewers say is very high image and sound quality (they have been restored from a master tape), and all episodes are included. There is also a documentary on the never completed epic film about Caligula starring Charles Laughton. I have ordered this one. Of course, you need an all region DVD player to play it.
After watching the UK DVD, I can report that it is excellent. What a spectacular transfer. The series is a delight to watch again.


Thirty Years Later and I'm Still Impressed   March 27, 2006
R. J. Marsella (California)
26 out of 26 found this review helpful

Having first seen the telecast of this on PBS in the 70s, I can't explain why I waited so long to get the DVD version. Seeing this again after so many years I must say the acting and the screenplay has absolutely lost none of it's original punch and I enjoyed it as much as the first time. Derek Jacobi was remarkable in thie role of Claudius and the other actors are all superb. The story of the treachery and debauchery during this period of Roman history makes for some great theater. Masterpiece Theater has never topped this in my opinion although some of their other productions were outstanding. as well.
I agree with some of the other reviewers that the transfer isn't the best and the sound quality is poor. But turning up the volume is easy enough and the rewards of watching this far outweigh the technical shortcomings of the DVD version.
Quite simply this is one of the greatest television mini-series ever aired.


The BBC doesn't do this kind of thing anymore   November 18, 1999
22 out of 31 found this review helpful

It is interesting to see some Americans appreciating good BBC drama. I wonder if they are aware that television in the Uk now, is not capable of producing such classics anymore, due to British televisions' adoption of American broadcasting commercial policies. Never again will such epics be produced, due to the 'market' dictating content and style. It is bitterly ironic, as most Americans seem to admire our prestige tv productions...