National Theatre Live: 50 Years on Stage [DVD] [2015]

It's hard to imagine a more enjoyable evening or two, than sitting down with the world's best actors, and watching them perform some of their most wonderful roles. Joan Plowright, an old woman, performs a scene as teen aged Joan of Arc and shows us what the part was really all about. Judy Dench asks someone to Send in the Clowns and all the pathos and beauty of the song and role are clear, Adrian Lester shows in several pieces his range and power - all the great British actors are here. Each fragment of a play, on film or live, is so good you'll wish they'd just finish the darned play, but then the next piece comes on, just as good, maybe better, and then the next.There is also a very fine documentary about the founding and growth of the National Theatre under its several directors, and a lovely piece about Lawrence Olivier that gives us a wonderful glimpse into that brilliant, powerful and annoying man.

I really like this set. The first disc shows snippets of theatre productions and the second gives the historic background of National Theatre. I am so much impressed that I intend to subscribe to N.T. streaming as due to Covid pandemic I cannot visit the theatre itself nor are there any shows of N.T. live in Hamburg cinemas. I have so much enjoyed productions as Frankenstein, Hamlet or Coriolanus shown O.V. in Hamburg.

A wonderful overview of the NT, and a gem for theatre lovers. Highlights are Tim Piggot Smith and Ben Cumbrbatch, but check carefully as the sound is very faulty in places

It was OK, Inevitably it would have to be in short sections because of the amount of ground covered, but it is extremely "bitty" doesn't really get to grips with any of the subjects covered.

What a wonderful and yet frustrating DVD set. The excerpts from past productions, both live and on film, are beyond glorious. We're watching this about twenty minutes at a time, so as to savor it to the fullest. The frustration, of course, arises from our wish to see the ENTIRE production where film does exist. A lovely lady from the National Theatre tells me they won't be putting anything out, but I'll keep my fingers crossed that The BBC might have some plans it its sleeve. But until that happens, anyone who loves the theater ... and The National ... should waste no time in grabbing up this amazing set. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I watched this live on tv and was memorised by it all. Some surprises and a stellar cast. However for me Ralph Fiennes was just superb. His South African newspaper role had me howling with laughter, but yet he did it with an air of authority and showing just what a top drawer actor he is. Now I can watch this memorable performance anytime I want. Superb value for money. A Must Have for anyone who loves theatre and damn good acting!!

Five hours containing precious little valuable footage.Too much of it is repetitive and unworthy of the National Theatre.

A curate's egg of extracts that often lacked the dramatic "punch" one would have expected. Several outstanding moments however make this an interesting and enjoyable experience for theatre devotees.

I received the C D but could not watch it as it said I did not have the right something ???