Barnes & Noble

Among the all-time classics of dramatic television -- indeed, many fans view it as the medium's pinnacle -- I, Claudius merits all the esteem and none of the cultural baggage typically heaped upon Masterpiece Theatre. Rich in political intrigue, brilliantly cast and paced, and spiced with the toga-party hedonism that the Romans did so well, this British TV miniseries is every bit as delicious as The Sopranos. And, as first-time viewers discover by the close of the first of its seven episodes, every bit as addictive. Based on the wonderful biography by Robert Graves, the story is narrated by Claudius (Derek Jacobi in his career-defining role), who lived between approximately 24 B.C. and A.D. 54. The twisting tale begins with the desperate search by Augustus Caesar (Brian Blessed) for an heir and his wife Livia's (Sian Phillips) machinations to see that her favored son, Tiberius (George Baker), takes the throne. Over subsequent episodes, we're treated to future Captain Picard Patrick Stewart as the treacherous Sejanus, John Hurt as the uniquely evil Caligula, Christopher Biggins as the incendiary Nero, and dozens of other characters great and small. Through it all, Claudius is a fascinating observer of the imperial court in its tragic decline. A speech defect and eccentricity isolate him from the internecine carnage -- although it wouldn't be quite the satisfying romp that it is if he didn't eventually have his own cruel turn with power. This slim new edition of I, Claudius, which presents the nearly nine-hour-long miniseries on three DVDs, presents a true TV masterpiece in its best form to date: suitable for a bacchanal-cum-marathon. Greg Fagan

All Movie Guide

This 13-episode miniseries was adapted from the book by Robert Graves, which chronicles the tumultuous life and times of Claudius (Derek Jacobi), who despite a deformed leg and a speech impediment through prophecy becomes the Roman Empire. An aging Claudius looks back at the bizarre and treacherous times through which he's lived and sets them down in a secret history that is not to be read until after his death. The distinguished cast of I, Claudius includes John Hurt as Caligula, Brian Blessed as Augustus, Sian Phillips as Livia, Margaret Tyzack as Antonia, and Patrick Stewart as Sejanus. The home-video release also includes the documentary The Epic That Never Was, which looks at producer Alexander Korda ill-starred attempt to film Graves' novel in the mid-1930s. Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 014381510126
• Source: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
• Language: English
• Time: 11:09:00
• Sales Rank: 695

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