Don Shanahan
This week, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment releases the current Academy Award nominated Hamnet on various physical media formats. Two-time Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, The Rider, Eternals) brings her most emotionally moving work yet, starring Academy Award nominee Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. The film will be available on digital platforms to rent or buy as well as on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K-UHD disc formats. Film Obsessive was granted an advanced copy of the 4K-UHD disc for this edition of the “Off the Shelf” physical media review series.
THE FILM
Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s New York Times bestselling novel of the same name, Hamnet tells the untold story behind one of William Shakespeare’s most memorable works, Hamlet. It is an inspiring journey of love and the creative brilliance that shaped a legacy and became playwright’s greatest masterpiece. Aftersun Academy Award nominee Paul Mescal artfully portrays William Shakespeare with emotional vulnerability and intensity, while current Oscar frontrunner Jessie Buckley’s performance as his empathetic wife Agnes has been hailed as a career-best role for the Wild Rose star.
On Film Obsessive’s full review from editor Tina Kakadelis and others, Chloé Zhao’s film was commended for its period-accurate authenticity and immersive visual storytelling. With breathtaking natural cinematography of the forested English countryside, the film was photographed by Academy Award nominee Łukasz Żal (The Zone of Interest, Ida). Thematically, Hamnet celebrates the power of imagination and the creative spirit. The film boasts superb supporting work from the ensemble cast including two-time Academy Award nominee Emily Watson (Hilary and Jackie, Breaking the Waves) and The Favourite’s Joe Alwyn. The film has been stirring hearts and destroying tissue boxes since its debut last fall.
During this ongoing awards season, Hamnet has won Golden Globes for Best Actress and Best Motion Picture Drama and was nominated for 11 BAFTAs. For the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, the film arrive with eight nominations in the categories of Best Picture, Best Director for Zhao, Actress in a Leading Role for Buckley, Adapted Screenplay, Costume Design, Achievement in Casting, Original Score, and Production Design. At the box office, Hamnet found its lane and legs to gross over $89 million worldwide after stellar reviews across the board.
THE DISC
True to the stellar track record of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment supporting the studios’ Focus Features production house, the Hamnet 4K-UHD and Blu-ray editions are perfectly-tuned for home theater success. The lush rustic visuals and deft use of shadow pop off the screen with excellent contrast. The dialogue clarity and soft, Oscar-nominated musical score from Max Richter come through nicely in either Dolby Atmos or Dolby Digital 2.0 track level.
On the bonus feature side, the big get is a full director’s commentary from Chloé Zhao. Her heavy commitment to this film project comes through with every nugget she shares. Zhao is a true student of the game, so to speak, where facts about the facets of the filmmaking prowess are given explanation alongside the emphasis of finding the right emotional beats. She’s a delight to listen to on this track. After her commentary, Hamnet features captivating bonus features which include three compelling behind-the-scenes featurettes and an exploration on how the Tudor Period was created on set. The pieces include the following.
FAMILY IS FOREVER. This short feature steps behind the scenes of Hamnet to witness the heartwarming connections forged between Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, and the young “Shakespeare children,” including the stupendous Jacobi Jupe. The acting spotlight culminates in a moving performance of Macbeth’s witches and unforgettable moments with director Chloé Zhao.
CULTIVATING CREATIVITY. This piece offers discovery on how Chloé Zhao’s visionary direction and infectious warmth inspired Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, and original author Maggie O’Farrell to bring Hamnet to life in film form. Like fairly standard studio behind-the-scenes programs, cameras join the cast and crew as they share joyful memories and celebrate the creative magic behind the scenes.
RECREATING THE TUDOR PERIOD. This one is for the theater afficionados who were duly impressed by the sumptuous production value of Zhao’s film. “Recreating the Tudor Period” invites you to experience the artistry that made history come alive. This featurette explores the extraordinary craftsmanship that built Hamnet immersive architectural world, from the stunning recreation of the Globe Theatre to the meticulous period costumes and sets.
