The film is the first unabridged theatrical film version of "Hamlet", running just over four hours. The setting is updated to the 19th century, but its Elizabethan English text remains the same. Blenheim Palace is the setting used for the exterior grounds of Elsinore Castle and interiors were all photographed at Shepperton Studios, blended with the footage shot at Blenheim. "Hamlet" was also the last major dramatic motion picture to be filmed entirely on 70 mm film until 2011, with the release of the documentary "Samsara".