I, Claudius Collector's Edition (DVD, 2000, 5-Disc Set)

A Masterpiece. One of the best TV mini-series ever produced!

Based on the book by Robert Graves, later produced and made into a 13 part Mini-series by the BBC and aired on Masterpiece Theatre both in the UK and the US (on PBS) in 1976.

A shining example of intrigue, suspense and just all round backstabbing and rotteness that occured during the Roman Empire. I came across this purely by accident- once I watched the first episode I was hooked. I, Claudius is in my opinion one of the top five best tv-miniseries to ever be produced. Certainly the best made in the UK. Pay particular attention to the actress who plays the Queen- Lyvia, played by Sian Phillips (Dune, Clash Of the Titans), who really steals the show. She literally makes Mommie Dearest seem like a girl scout.

The series is narrated and stars actor Derek Jacobi who plays Tiberius Claudius Drusis Nero Jermanicus.. and his incredible story of a Rome where fear, corruption and the power-hungry lurked everywhere around him.

This truly is one of the best written and produced series I have ever watched. A must see for anyone whether you like Rome or not, whether you like history or not.. and 31 years later its still as relevant and watchable as it was back in the 70's. Unlike many other tv-series from the 70's and 80's.. Not bad for a masterpiece theatre show! And I'm usually not a big fan of Masterpiece theatre-

..at the very least, You will never look at figs the same way again..

Dating from the seventies, 'I,Claudius' feels, of course, a little dated today compared to the 'Rome' TV series, for example. The acting and the actors, on the other hand, are top-notch, even without subtitles and a british accent! Four stars only because it is definitely a little ancient - pun intended - by today's standards. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend it for the lovers of Roman epics.

I Claudius is a story of a man who was thrust into the seat of power in Rome when it was the most powerful nation on earth. This DVD collector set is a look back at this historical time. The quality of the DVD'S were good, my only complaint would be that some of the background noise was louder than the actors. I attribute this to it being filmed on a soundstage. I Claudius ranks among the most acclaimed productions in BBC's history. History buff's will love it, people seeking entertainment will enjoy it. The acting is well done, and the story is presented in a very easy to follow manner. Excellent!

Historians ancient and modern disagree about Claudius and his fun family, but this version, based on the Graves novels, are marvelous. Derek Jacobi made the character and made it his own. Try to envision anyone else as Caligula after seeing this series--you can't! Ditto the rest of the performances. You have to see it at least once, and you'll probably be happy to see it once a year. (Maybe if you get tired of It's a Wonderful Life)

Just a wonderful tv show. Great acting and director. Robert Graves would be proud. No movie could show you so much. The mini series was just the right thing. Plenty of time for all those details.