"The Hollow Crown: Henry IV, Part 2" (2012)

Director:  Richard Eyre

Cuts the prologue (about the spread of lies); Falstaff's page is more "serious"--more as one on the outside looking in, as an observer.  This production has the advantage of on-site locations for setting.

This version seems to do a better job of tying the larger story threads together across the entire play.

Also, the initial arrest-attempt of Falstaff is humorous.  Eastcheap scene is bawdier.  The king's while-ill speeches are played with more temper and more reflective.  The character of Silence is played, at least part of the time, with a stutter.  Falstaff's draft was played more straight/serious.  Wort was played as a small/short person.  Falstaff faces much more how he is growing old as all things are changing around him--something he is at first in denial of and, later, reluctant to face when finally absolved to confront it (during his draft visit).  Prince John of Lancaster is played strong, and his distaste if Falstaff is clear.  Prince Hal upon viewing his father on his deathbed, while torn inside, is played with more certainty, with Prince Hal trying to steel himself to do what he knows is coming, what he himself will have to do.  The fight between Hal and his father, true, genuine, and its resolution touching and heartfelt.

"Royal Shakespeare Company: Henry IV Part II" (2014)

Director:  Gregory Doran

This series continues to be a good one to aid the understanding of the text, and to see the spirit and manner of a theater/stage performance of plays.

The beginning cast light figures of hash tags to go along with the speech about rumors.

Includes the beginning prologue.  Falstaff's page is more humorously played as if in cahoots with Falstaff's take on things, or at least is along for the ride.  The King's death runs like a long heart-attack scene which may be considered as fair reason for the king's staggering-around doubts about Prince Harry's reformation and intentions having muddied his ability to think and see clearly.  The character of Silence was played as one whose mind tended to wander off making him seem a bit spacey.  Falstaff's draft was played attempting to bring out more of the humor of the scene--Wort played as a humpback.  Prince Hal upon viewing his father on his death bead seems more at a loss for what to do.