The Taming of the Shrew [Limited Edition] Blu-ray Review

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Introduction & Context

Directed by Franco Zeffirelli, renowned for his visually sumptuous film adaptations of Shakespeare and his distinguished career staging operas, The Taming of the Shrew (1967) boasts a legendary pairing. The film stars the famously turbulent real-life couple Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton as Katherina (Kate) and Petruchio, respectively. Their off-screen volatility and magnetic chemistry infused the production with an undeniable energy, perfectly suited to Shakespeare’s battle-of-the-sexes comedy.

Plot Summary

The story centers on Baptista Minola (played with befuddled charm by Michael Hordern), a wealthy Paduan merchant determined to marry off his two daughters. However, he decrees a strict condition: his younger daughter, the gentle, beautiful, and universally desired Bianca (a sweetly portrayed Natasha Pyne), cannot wed until his elder daughter, the notoriously sharp-tongued and ill-tempered Katherina (Elizabeth Taylor), finds a husband. Katherina’s fiery, shrewish nature has thoroughly deterred all potential suitors. Enter Petruchio (Richard Burton), a brash, fortune-seeking nobleman newly arrived in Padua. Having squandered his inheritance, Petruchio is lured by the prospect of Katherina’s substantial dowry and boldly accepts the challenge to woo and wed the “shrew.” Meanwhile, Bianca attracts several ardent admirers, including the handsome and deeply smitten young scholar Lucentio (Michael York), who disguises himself as a tutor to win her affection. Bianca, subtly maneuvering within her father’s constraints, clearly favors Lucentio above her other suitors.

Production & Performances

Elizabeth Taylor, undertaking Shakespeare for the first time on screen, initially felt considerable trepidation. Reports suggest she was uncomfortable with the verse early in the filming process. However, she grew profoundly into the formidable role of Kate. Her confidence blossomed to such an extent that she successfully persuaded Zeffirelli to let her revisit and reshoot her initial scenes to achieve greater consistency and depth. The result is a powerhouse performance that ranges from volcanic fury to nuanced vulnerability. Opposite her, Richard Burton delivers a robust, larger-than-life Petruchio, full of swagger, cunning, and surprising tenderness. Their volatile real-life relationship translates electrifyingly on screen, creating an undeniable and complex chemistry that drives the film. While undeniably a comedy, the film leans heavily into satire, arguably amplifying the farcical and critical elements beyond even Shakespeare’s original intentions.

Directorial Style & Visuals

Franco Zeffirelli imbues the film with his signature directorial hallmarks. He presents meticulously crafted, dense, and richly detailed sets that vividly recreate Renaissance Padua, immersing the viewer in the period. His background in opera profoundly influences the film’s movement and pacing; the camera work and editing possess an almost operatic sweep and fluidity. This is exemplified in scenes like Petruchio’s boisterous return home with his new wife, where he leads his household staff in a raucous, song-filled celebration. The sequence feels less like a traditional Shakespearean moment and more like a spirited interlude lifted directly from Italian opera buffa, showcasing Zeffirelli’s unique blending of theatrical and operatic sensibilities.

Final Thoughts & Considerations

Shakespearean purists might find ample grounds for criticism in Zeffirelli’s interpretation, particularly in its heightened comedic tone and the central performances’ sheer scale. Furthermore, viewed from a modern perspective, the play’s inherent and pervasive misogyny is starkly evident. Petruchio’s methods of “taming” Kate through deprivation and psychological manipulation are deeply problematic. It is crucial, however, to contextualize the source material: this is a play written centuries ago, reflecting vastly different social norms, and originally performed in an era where female roles were enacted by men. While the misogyny shouldn’t be ignored or excused, understanding this context allows viewers to engage with the film on its own artistic terms. Ultimately, The Taming of the Shrew (1967) is best appreciated as a dazzling, energetic, and superbly acted cinematic spectacle, powered by the unmatched star wattage of Taylor and Burton and brought to life by Zeffirelli’s opulent vision. Enjoy it for its technical brilliance, the leads’ fiery performances, and its unique place as a vibrant Shakespearean adaptation.

The Video

Indicator indicates (no pun intended) that The Taming of the Shrew on Blu-ray, is taken from an HD master provided by Sony.  Like the 2024 Australian Blu-ray release I reviewed by Imprint, it does not look to be a recent restoration given how rough the grain structure looks, but it is clean, with no evident source damage. Colors are not necessarily vibrant, but look more earthen, even where there are purples and blues. Flesh tones sometimes look a little pushed toward red, but this is one film that could use an updated 4K restoration.

The Audio

The mono mix for The Taming of the Shrew is provided in LPCM 1.0. The sound is better than one would expect, with clear dialogue and little clipping in louder passages, but just a little pinched sounding.

The Supplements

This is the area where Indicator excels over Imprint. This release has far more bonus features, including an audio commentary and interview with Mathew Sweet. The Imprint release, though beautifully packaged – and it wins in that category – had no more than a trailer on disc.

Bonus Features:

• Audio commentary with film historians Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson (2025)
• A Breathless Tussle (2025, 1080p, 00:21:25): Writer and broadcaster Matthew Sweet examines the background behind the film’s production
• His Name Is Biondello (2018, 1080p, 00:06:04): Archival interview with actor Roy Holder
• Royal Film Performance screening (1967, 1080p, 00:01:44): newsreel footage capturing an audience of special guests, including Princess Margaret and a who’s who of British cinema greats
• French premiere (1967, 1080p, 00:00:48): newsreel footage of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton attending the film’s Paris premiere
• Original theatrical trailer (1080p, 00:03:52)
• Teaser trailer
• Image galleries: promotional and publicity material (1080p)
• US Film Program
• Limited edition exclusive 32-page booklet with new essay by Bethan Roberts, a contemporary on-set report by John Francis Lane, an overview of critical responses, and film credits
• UK premiere on Blu-ray
• Limited edition of 3,000 copies for the UK

The Final Assessment

An entertaining adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy with excellent performances from Taylor and Burton in the leads. This UK premiere release on Blu-ray from Indicator is welcome, but the picture quality still only reaches B-tier quality for a contemporary release.

The Taming of the Shrew [Limited Edition] makes its UK premiere on Blu-ray July 21, 2025 from Indicator

Details

• Rating Certificate: BBFC cert: U
• Studios & Distributors: Burton-Zeffirelli Productions | Royal Films International | F.A.I. | Indicator Series
• Director: Franco Zeffirelli
• Written By: William Shakespeare | Paul Dehn | Suso Cecchi D’Amico
• Run Time: 121 Mins.
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Video Format: AVC 1080p
• Primary Audio: English LPCM 1.0
• Subtitles: English SDH
• Street Date: 21 July 2025