Directed by: Roman Polanski
Roman Polanski delivers an unflinchingly violent, starkly realistic adaptation of William Shakespeare’s tragedy of ruthless ambition and murder in medieval Scotland. Jon Finch and Francesca Annis give charged performances as a decorated warrior rising through the ranks and his driven wife, scheming together to seize the throne by any means necessary.
Co-adapted by Polanski and theater critic Kenneth Tynan, and filmed against stark British Isle landscapes, this version of Macbeth is one of the most atmospheric and authentic Shakespeare films, immersing viewers in a world of mud, blood, and dark prophecy.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
|
New 4K Digital Restoration |
New 4K digital restoration approved by Roman Polanski, featuring a 3.0 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack for enhanced clarity and impact. |
|
Toil and Trouble: Making “Macbeth” |
An in-depth documentary with interviews with Polanski, producer Andrew Braunsberg, assistant executive producer Victor Lownes, and actors Francesca Annis and Martin Shaw, covering the film’s production and legacy. |
|
Polanski Meets Macbeth (1971) |
A vintage documentary by Frank Simon featuring rare on-set footage of the cast and crew at work, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the production. |
|
Kenneth Tynan Interview |
Interview with coscreenwriter Kenneth Tynan from a 1971 episode of The Dick Cavett Show, discussing his work and his collaboration on Macbeth. |
|
Two Macbeths – Aquarius Segment |
A 1972 segment from the British television series Aquarius featuring Roman Polanski and theater director Peter Coe comparing their different approaches to staging and filming Macbeth. |
|
Trailers |
Original theatrical trailers for Macbeth. |
|
English SDH Subtitles |
English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. |
|
Booklet Essay |
Printed essay by critic Terrence Rafferty offering further critical insight into the film. |