A Raisin in the Sun Rating: Release Date: 09 March, 2004 Retail Price: $19.95 Sorry, this product is not currently available. Cast: Martin Henderson John Fiedler Danny Glover John Glover Complete Cast (5 total)

A Raisin in the Sun Reviews

---

Not Bad
I will have to disagree with some of the earlier reviewers. I think there is a tendency to prefer more updated versions just because they're newer. Danny Glover's portrayal of Walter Lee is far too exaggerated. In his interpretation, the quiet rage of Walter Lee Younger is inflated to almost maniacal behavior which is distracting and over the top. Esther Rolle (Lena) and Starletta Dupois (Ruth) are both pretty good, but Kim Yancey sometimes overplays Beneatha. Although I know it's inevitable to do so, I think it's unfair to compare this version to the 1960 film, since we all know that production regulations of the time period dictated the accommodations that were made. Besides, the 1960 version is a feature film, and this version is really more of a filmed stage production, which makes them different animals entirely. When time allows, I show both versions to my classes. Some actually prefer the 1960 version, while others like this one better. Ultimately, I think each has merits of its own and should be judged individually.

Please See The Original Film Version First
This version is decent, but it pales in comparison to the original film version. Ester Rolle as Lena Younger doesn't have quite the command and authority of Claudia McNeil, but her performance is solid and convincing. Danny Glover's Walter is serviceable, but trying to match the electricity of Sidney Poiter's interpretation is an uphill battle. Starletta DuPois' portrayal of Ruth fails to convey the physical and emotional fatigue that Ruby Dee exuded with seeming effortlessness. Kim Yancey's performance as Beneatha is solid, but seems to borrow too liberally from Diana Sands' work in the earlier film. A nice treat is John Fiedler, reprising his role from the earlier film. Worth seeing, but... see the original, classic version first.

More Customer Reviews (10 total)

You like A Raisin in the Sun? Then You'll Love This Booty! Crucible A Raisin in the Sun Of Mice And Men (Special Edition) Death of a Salesman/ Private Conversations The Piano Lesson Find more DVD's in: Television Drama Kids & Family > Television Drama > By Theme > Urban Life All Categories (14 total)