Silver Spring, MD —In 1988, rising star Kenneth Branagh tackled the role of Shakespeare’s prince of Denmark for the first time in his professional career under the guidance of celebrated actor Derek Jacobi (Cadfael), considered “the best Hamlet of his generation” (The New York Times). The production also marked Jacobi’s directorial debut. Narrated by Patrick Stewart, Discovering Hamlet documents how these two intelligent, passionate men found new depths in Shakespeare’s classic drama. The one-hour film debuts on DVD from Athena on February 1, 2011 with more than three hours of bonus features (www.AthenaLearning.com; $39.99).

Filmmakers Mark Olshaker and Larry Klein follow the company through four weeks of rehearsals, from the first read-throughs to opening night. Interviews with principal actors—as well as the set designer, costume supervisor, text advisor, and others—reveal how each member of the company meets the production’s challenges. In all, Discovering Hamlet offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the process of staging Shakespeare’s most demanding tragedy.

BONUS FEATURES

• Exclusive 2010 interview with Derek Jacobi (34 min.)
• Bonus disc with behind-the-scenes footage, cast and crew interviews, and extended production interviews with Jacobi (162 min.)
• 12-page viewer’s guide with an introduction by director Mark Olshaker, a history of the Renaissance Theatre Company, critical reactions to the production, and an article on Hamlet’s textual challenges
• Hamlets Through the Ages profiles, cast biographies, Patrick Stewart biography, and photo gallery

Four-time Oscar® nominee Kenneth Branagh is a versatile actor, director, and writer famed for bringing Shakespeare to the silver screen in Hamlet, Henry V, and other films.

Athena releases provide an authoritative and entertaining learning experience through high quality, informative, non-fiction programming. Athena’s releases include Bill Moyers on Faith & Reason, 20th Century with Mike Wallace, Playing Shakespeare, The Story of Math, World War I in Color, Testament, The Adventure of English, The Shape of the World, Six Centuries of Verse, among others. Clips are available at www.athenalearning.com. Athena’s DVD sets are available from select retailers, catalog companies, and direct from Acorn at (888) 870-8047 or www.acornonline.com.

Street: February 1, 2011
SRP: $39.99
DVD 2-Disc Set: Approx. 53 min., plus 3 ¼ hours of bonus; 4:3 full screen (16:9 widescreen Derek Jacobi interview only); SDH subtitles (bonus materials may not be subtitled)