Such stuff as dreams are made on... In the early days of cinema, pioneer filmmakers created these seven films based on the plays of William Shakespeare. Considered a "lowbrow" medium, the fledgling movie industry sought to elevate its status by immortalizing the classics and hiring the greatest actors of the day. As most of these early photoplays were only one or two reels long, adapting the Bard proved to be both challenging and inspiring. Digitally restored by the British Film Institute.

Principal entry

This DVD features:

1. King John (Britain, 1899),
2. The Tempest (Britain, 1908),
3. A Midsummer Night's Dream (USA, 1909),
4. King Lear (Italy, 1910),
5. Twelfth Night (USA, 1910),
6. The Merchant of Venice (Italy, 1910),
7. Richard III (Britain, 1911).