Macbeth (1971) - Jon Finch, Francesca Annis, Roman Polanski (Blu-ray - 9/23/2014) Special Edition

Perhaps William Shakespeare meant to have Lady Macbeth perform her sleepwalking scene in the nude -- it was this X-rated scene and the film's much-publicized spurts of violence, rather than the brilliant performances of Jon Finch as Macbeth and Francesca Annis as his Lady, that lured crowds to Roman Polanski's 1972 adaptation of Macbeth. Only a few critics glommed onto the most impressive aspect of Polanski's version: as Macbeth and his wife sink deeper and deeper into the morass of their murderous ambitions, they age and wither before our eyes Shakespeare's play does cover several years, but this is usually forgotten or ignored by many actors and directors. Macbeth was financed and released by Playboy, which naturally necessitated a fold-out spread on "the witches of Cawdor." The original Shakespearean text was adapted for the screen by Polanski and Kenneth Tynan. Despite an excellent first week, Macbeth ended up in the red, compelling Hugh Hefner to think twice about future motion-picture projects.

Condition:NEW. Brand New Factory Sealed

Product Details

Actors: Jon Finch, Francesca Annis, Martin Shaw
Directors: Roman Polanski
Format: Multiple Formats, Blu-ray, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region A/1 (Read more about DVD/Blu-ray formats.)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Criterion Collection (Direct)
DVD Release Date: September 23, 2014
Run Time: 140 minutes

Special Features
DIRECTOR-APPROVED EDITION:
New 4K digital restoration, with uncompressed stereo soundtrack on the Blu-ray
New documentary about the making of the film, featuring interviews with director Roman Polanski, producer Andrew Braunsberg, assistant executive producer Victor Lownes, and stars Francesca Annis and Martin Shaw
Polanski Meets Macbeth, a 1971 documentary by Frank Simon featuring rare footage of the film’s cast and crew at work
Theatrical trailers
More!
PLUS: An essay by critic Terrence Rafferty

Cast & Crew
Jon Finch Macbeth
Francesca Annis Lady Macbeth
Martin Shaw Banquo
Nicholas Selby Duncan
John Stride Ross
Vic Abbott Cawdor
Stephen Chase Malcolm
Terence Bayler Macduff
Josephine Barstow
Keith Erwen
Kostas Paskalis
Elsie Taylor 1st Witch
Roy Jones 2nd King's Groom
Terence Mountain Soldier
Jane Kells
Aud Johansen
Christina Paul
Sydney Bromley Porter
Mark Dignam Macduff's Son
John Gordon Dancer
William Hobbs Young Seyward
Ian Hogg 1st Minor Thane
Alf Joint Old Seyward
Geoffrey Reed 2nd Minor Thane
Howard Lang Old Soldier
Paul Shelley Donalbain
Andrew Laurence Lennox
Frank Wylie Mentieth
Bernard Archard Angus
Bruce Purchase Caithness
Keith Chegwin Fleance
Noel Davis Seyton
Noelle Rimmington Young Witch
Richard Pearson Doctor
Michael Balfour Murderer
Andrew McCulloch Murderer
Diane Fletcher Lady Macduff
Maisie MacFarquhar Blind Witch

Technical Credits
Roman Polanski Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Jonathan Bates Sound Editor
Andrew Braunsberg Producer
Timothy Burrill Producer
Fred Carter Art Director
Bryan Graves Set Decoration/Design
Hugh Hefner Executive Producer
Simon Kaye Sound/Sound Designer
Victor Lownes II Producer
Alastair McIntyre Editor
Anthony Mendleson Costumes/Costume Designer
Ted Samuels Special Effects
Wilfred Shingleton Production Designer
Gilbert Taylor Cinematographer
Kenneth Tynan Consultant/advisor, Screenwriter