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| I Claudius - Complete BBC Series (5 Disc Box Set) [1976] | ![I Claudius - Complete BBC Series (5 Disc Box Set) [1976]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41J341PT2PL._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | Actors: Derek Jacobi, Sian Phillips, Brian Blessed, George Baker, John Hurt
Studio: 2 Entertain Video
Category: DVD
List Price: £44.99
Buy New: £29.98
You Save: £15.01 (33%)
New (16) from £16.32
Avg. Customer Rating:  43 reviews
Sales Rank: 6199
Format: Pal, Subtitled
Languages: English (Original Language), German (Original Language)
Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Running Time: 648 minutes
Number Of Items: 5
Discs: 5
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
EAN: 5014503108526
ASIN: B00006G9VS
Theatrical Release Date: November 6, 1977
Release Date: September 30, 2002
Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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Amazon.co.uk Review
A truly epic saga of dynastic conflict at the heart of Imperial Rome, I Claudius was the landmark BBC drama series of the 1970s. Originally transmitted as 13 50-minute episodes, it is now available as two double video packs. After chronicling the foundations of the British Empire in Elizabeth R (1971), the BBC chose to dramatise the human face of ancient Rome as interpreted by Robert Graves in his two enormously complex novels, I Claudius and Claudius The God. Derek Jacobi gives one of the greatest television performances ever as Claudius, the appalled chronicler of the decadence, corruption, intrigue and carnage which comes with absolute power of his ruling family. Augustus (Brian Blessed) is Emperor and Sian Phillips, Livia, his scheming, ambitious wife, Claudius' aunt. By virtue of his stammer and uncontrollable twitches, Claudius passes for a fool, thus escaping the poisonous machinations of Livia, all the while recording the comings and goings of the Imperial household. Inevitably lacking the visual scale of cinematic features Ben-Hur (1959) and Spartacus (1960), and today looking more studio-bound than ever, I Claudius remains a television masterpiece of intelligently written and rivetingly intense character drama. The saga ends with I Claudius - Part 2. --Gary S. Dalkin
Amazon.co.uk Review
A truly epic saga of dynastic conflict at the heart of Imperial Rome, I Claudius was the landmark BBC drama series of the 1970s. Originally transmitted as 13 50-minute episodes, the series dramatises the human face of ancient Rome as interpreted by Robert Graves in his two enormously complex novels, I, Claudius and Claudius The God. Derek Jacobi gives one of the greatest television performances ever as Claudius, the appalled chronicler of the decadence, corruption, intrigue and carnage which comes with the absolute power of his ruling family. Augustus (Brian Blessed) is Emperor and Livia (Sian Phillips) his scheming, ambitious wife, Claudius's aunt. By virtue of his stammer and uncontrollable twitches, Claudius passes for a fool, thus escaping the poisonous machinations of Livia, all the while recording the comings and goings of the Imperial household. Events become increasingly frenzied as Caligula (John Hurt playing the tyrant with psychotic fury) bloodily slaughters his way to power, making a senator of his favourite horse along the way. Claudius eventually becomes Emperor himself, and Jacobi is simply magnificent in the intensely moving finale, which is not to overlook the rest of a fine cast, including: George Baker; Ian Ogilvy; Christopher Guard; Stratford Johns; John Rhys-Davies; Bernard Hepton and Patrick Stewart as the murderous Praetorian Guard Captain Sejanus. Inevitably lacking the visual scale of cinematic features such as Ben-Hur, and today looking more studio-bound than ever, I, Claudius remains a television masterpiece of intelligently written and rivetingly intense character drama. --Gary S Dalkin
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| Customer Reviews: Read 38 more reviews...
brian blessed please!! June 13, 2008
I had the original videos for years. Read the books by Robert Graves until the covers fell off. Five stars apart from BB What a ham. He lets his generation down and should never have been included in the cast. The rest of the cast are jewels of their age not so BB Glad to see he is no longer heard of.Up Pompei would have loved him
Learn politics watch this
The most understated death scene ever? May 3, 2008
Utterly brilliant with a superb cast and dialogue, brilliant acting and direction, for any Roman empire enthusiasts this is a must. In this series we're spoilt for scenes that have staggeringly good acting, however the one that is (for me) most memorable is the death scene of Augustus whilst Livia is heard talking in the background. I run out of superlatives to describe the brilliance of Brian Blessed's acting ... utterly superb.
An Important Benchmark in Television Drama - Superb October 10, 2007
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
This is a wonderful series covering the scandal and intrigue of Rome's first family from the reign of Augustus through to Nero, as told through the eyes and pen of Claudius. Claudius appears to be a stuttering, lame half-wit, but these apparent weaknesses disguise a keen intellect and an historian's eye for detail. The casting is inspired and the performances are first-class, particularly Derek Jacobi as Claudius, John Hurt as Caligula, and Brian Blessed as Augustus. The series is based on two books by Robert Graves: "I, Claudius" and "Claudius the God" - the script is powerful, intelligent and entertaining. This really is spellbinding television and was years ahead of its day when first aired. This series set the standard for all period pieces that followed and it remains the benchmark for quality television drama today. It turned many virtually unknown actors into stars. Highly recommended.
An absolute classic! September 6, 2007
4 out of 6 found this review helpful
Superbly acted BBC drama... A wonderful experience. To subtract stars for it not being historically accurate is petty beyond belief... Of course it's fiction... It's based on a novel, not an historical text!
The Classic of Classics August 21, 2007
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I remember very well watching the series in 1976 on the 'advice' of my Latin teacher and enjoying it thoroughly. However, to look at it after 30 years is to appreciate at last what all those wine bores mean by 'maturing with age'!
Tha acting is quite, quite, superb. Standouts are obviously Derek Jacobi, John Hurt and Sian Phillips, but the entire cast seemed to live and breathe their roles. The marvellous Margaret Tyzack as Claudius' aristocratic mother, struggling with the guilt of despising her own son. George Baker as the vile Tiberius, aware that he is descending into degradation and madness yet being unable to stop himself. John Cater as Claudius' only loyal, faithful friend, Narcissus. I could go on.
The BBC has produced some excellent costume drama since, but this is the jewel in its crown. Yes, the sets were a bit wobbly and the make-up a little rubbery, but is it likely that such as ensemble cast, the epitome of British talent, could ever again be brought together on one project?
Not when there's money to be made from property makeovers and wannabe West End stars, alas.
Watch this and wallow in the way it used to be at the Beeb. You won't regret it.
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