Overview: Behind every Shakespeare play is a story. 'Shakespeare Uncovered: Series 2' portrays the Bard as an impresario who, four centuries ago, defined show business in his day-drawing on historical sources, stealing and adapting ideas, bringing back popular characters, writing prequels, and developing dramatic ideas from the politics of the day.

DVD Verdict: In each episode of 'Shakespeare Uncovered: Series 2', a major Shakespearean actor or director explores and reveals the extraordinary world and works of William Shakespeare and the still-potent impact they have today. The presenters have spent their lives with Shakespeare s work and relate not only to the stories of the plays themselves, but also how they came to be written, how they have been performed, and how they have survived over 400 years.

Continuing on after 'Shakespeare Uncovered: Series 1' - which features Ethan Hawke, Derek Jacobi, Jude Law, Tori Sparks, Jeremy Irons, Trevor Nunn, Joely Richardson, and David Tennan, this extremely well conceived series is not only rich in information, but extremely entertaining.

Hosted by actors who have played the lead roles in the plays which they explore seem to be an a journey of discovery along with us, they take us to the new Globe Theatre in London as well as to some of the historical locations in the plays. Not only are the works and their sources uncovered, but Shakespeare the man and his times as well. Inspiring!

'Shakespeare Uncovered: Series 2' contains six (6) films: Taming of the Shrew, with Morgan Freeman; Romeo and Juliet, with Joseph Fiennes; Othello, with David Harewood; A Midsummer Night's Dream, with Hugh Bonneville; Antony and Cleopatra, with Kim Cattrall; and finally, King Lear, with Christopher Plummer.

In closing, it is truly touching to hear and see the admiration that these actors, directors, scholars and others have for these plays. This set adds more credence to our reverence for this greatest of playwrights. Watch this in awe and complete and utter admiration for the craft - both old and new. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.