Director Roman Polanski’s “Macbeth” is finally available in a format to be appreciated by a new, richly deserved audience.  The film was all but dismissed during its initial release in 1971.  John Finch stars as the power-hungry ruler, for whom “power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”  Francesca Annis stars as his wife, and it’s one of the best takes on Lady Macbeth so far. Under Polanski’s direction, both of these characters’ actions appear crueler than ever before, and the resulting isolation and loneliness they each experience, is truly disturbing.  Never before, including in Olivier’s version, have the various characters displayed so much depth.  Polanski is more adept here than most in getting to the heart of the story and to its universal themes.

The film was heavily criticized for its violence, but this is a “violent” tale, and Polanski doesn’t pull any punches!  It’s daring in every way imaginable. Sure, it’s more violent than Peckinpah at times, but it’s not a slow-ballet of violence either.  The deaths and rape are gritty and realistic, and most importantly, never exploitative! 

Unlike any filmed adaptation of a Shakespeare play, before or since, Polanski’s “Macbeth” is the best example of how someone can make the bard’s work cinematically.  Polanski uses camera movement in a careful but ingenious way.  Again, the camera movement and compositions truly compliment what’s taking place with its characters, both externally and internally.  Anyone who ever doubted Polanski’s  genious, must see this film! 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has presented the image in its correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  The colors are intentionally subdued, giving this tale the sort of dark atmosphere it needs.  There is some minor grain, but the clarity and depth of the overall image is outstanding. Fleshtones appear natural. 

The monaural sound is fine, with decent but limited fidelity. The dialogue, ever-so-important, is perfectly rendered here, and is free from distortion. 

 The theatrical trailer is included.