Richard III (1955)

His lengthy traveling shots and brilliant transitions take the play from the stage and into the cinema. But somewhere over the course of 158 minutes the film loses its momentum, mostly thanks to the supporting cast. Despite such luminaries as John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson and Claire Bloom, they just can't match Olivier's enthusiasm and passion -- or maybe the director/star wouldn't let them.

In any case, the Criterion Collection has updated their 1994 laserdisc release into a crisp new 2-disc DVD set bursting with Olivier's glorious color scheme. They've included the vintage 1994 commentary track by playwright and stage director Russell Lees with former governor of the Royal Shakespeare Company John Wilders.

The second disc includes a full-length BBC documentary from 1966, Great Acting, an interview with Olivier conducted by Kenneth Tynan. The package also includes stills, the theatrical trailer, and the twelve-minute television trailer that includes behind the scenes footage. Bruce Eder provides the informative jacket essay.