Casanova (Masterpiece Theater)

If you missed this when it aired on PBS, you really should buy this DVD. Not only is David Tennant wonderful as usual, but you have the extra added genius of the great Peter O'Toole to look forward to. IMO, better scripted and performed than the more recent "Casanova" with the late Heath Ledger...A much better "romp" and extremely funny. Not for anyone under the age of 16 or 17, though, so please use your discretion, parents!

David Tennant is fantastic! Peter O'Toole is dry and lifeless, that is the reason for the 3 star rating. I surprised at the absolute non-life out of Peter O'Toole. He is usually one of my favorites. The plot is so-so, but overall entertaining. I'd have to say that Tennant's fans would not waste their time watching this film.

I'm glad that I saw "Casanova" on DVD before I saw the edited version on PBS. I loved the DVD; my impressions of Casanova were that it's a great story, comic and tragic, full of joie de vivre. There were moments that made me laugh out loud, and moments touched with deep sadness. I think David Tennant is brilliant -- he brings the youthful exuberance and resiliency and optimism, and Peter O'Toole brings the notes of cynicism and regret that come with age and experience. Last night, however, I caught the first half on my local PBS station (edited, of course), and it's just not the same (although I did appreciate the subtitles, my DVD does not have subtitles). As far as I can tell (without doing a thorough study), they didn't really cut out very much, mostly just the quick shots of various sexual romps; and, I got the impression that some scenes were framed differently but I could be wrong. Such small changes, but they leave the story feeling curiously flat. "Casanova" without the sex is like "The Sopranos" without the f-word; the recipe really is much better with that 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

I had never seen/read any account of Casanova's life until I saw this BBC version and I was completely engrossed. This was both entertaining and informative and David Tennant's portrayal of the young seducer was both hilarious and convincing. I am glad to have discovered two talents here: Tennant and the real man, Casanova.

I have a question however- I borrowed this copy from a friend and was pleased except that there were no subtitles and/or closed captioning. Does anyone know of another copy of this mini-series that includes closed captions/subtitles?

Thank you.

I had not seen this show before and got it because I think that David Tennant is a terrific actor. The DVD did not disappoint. He is just brilliant in it. It is just a hoot. His asides to the camera are just hilarious. I would strongly recommend this video to anyone who is a David Tennant fan. David Tennant and Peter O'Toole, how can you possibly go wrong?