Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Audience Rating: Universal, suitable for all Binding: DVD EAN: 5014503102326 Format: Anamorphic Label: 2 Entertain Video Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video Number Of Items: 2 Publisher: 2 Entertain Video Region Code: 2 Release Date: 2005-09-12 Running Time: 327 Studio: 2 Entertain Video Theatrical Release Date: 1995
In spite of the quality of the more recent Keira Knightley-starring big-screen interpretation, it’s the mid-90s BBC mini-series of Pride and Prejudice that’s still regarding by many as the definitive telling of Jane Austen’s classic.
Featuring, as many swooning admirers will already know, Colin Firth in a career-topping performance as Mr Darcy, Pride and Prejudice is the timeless tale of seemingly impossible romance. On one hand, there’s the wealthy, single Mr Darcy, and on the other is Elizabeth, a woman Darcy believes is beneath him. Across six sumptuous hours of this classic mini-series, their story then slowly bubbles, aided by some excellent supporting performances. Nods must go to the likes of Jennifer Ehle, Susannah Harker, Anna Chancellor and Julia Sawalha, to highlight but a handful.
It’s not just in front of the camera where Pride and Prejudice scores, though. The production values are absolutely outstanding, with this really a watermark for BBC costume drama production. Add in Simon Langton’s diligent direction, and this is one of those rare occasions where everything seemingly effortlessly falls into place, with outstanding end results.
Over ten years since it was first broadcast, the particular take on Pride and Prejudice remains as vital, moving and compelling as it was first time round. And if it’s ever topped, it’s going to take something really, really special to do it… --Jon Foster
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Undoubtedly, THE Best Austen Adaptation...Ever!! Comment: In my opinion, this is undoubtedly the best Austen adaptation ever made. The casting is absolutely perfect. Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth portray Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, brilliantly, faithful to Austen's own depiction. There also a great chemistry between the two actors, making the Bennett/Darcy relationship all the more believable.
Add to this, a fantastic script, adapted from the book by Andrew Davis, who since has become one of this country's most respected screenwriters. A sterling supporting cast featuring Alison Steadman & B. Withrow, you have, in my opinion one of the most faithful, opulant & best Austen adaptations ever made. Customer Rating: Summary: The more I see the movie the more I love it. Comment: It's an all time classic. I believe this is the only version of Pride and Prejudice that does the book justice. Jane Austen would be very proud. I love the strength that Lizzy shows. She always holds her own and is not afraid to speak her mind. She is highly intelligent and is a good example. Colin Firth plays his part so brilliantly. The complex relationship between these two is wonderful. The battle of wills. Then to watch it all come toghether in the end always brings a tear to my eye. I have not seen a movie yet that beats this. They don't make them like this anymore. Customer Rating: Summary: Excellent apart from last scenes Comment: I love this series however I find it very disappointing that the last scene in almost every episode is not digitally remastered. It is rather noticeable when the picture goes grainy and no longer of the same quality as the rest of the dvd. It effects only the last scenes of most of the episodes so is not a major problem but it has reduced a star rating of five to one of four. Customer Rating: Summary: Sublime Comment: This is the only version of Pride and Prejudice worth watching so far, and I can't imagine it being bettered. The casting of the actors is perfect, the writing is as true to the book as is possible and it has been immaculately researched, resulting in excellent, believable sets and locations. Don't waste your money on Hollywood productions. This is produced by Sue Birtwhistle, also responsible for Cranford. That should say it all. Customer Rating: Summary: NOT the best version of P&P. Comment: After all the hype surrounding the charming Mr Firth and Miss Ehle, I looked forward to seeing this newer version of P&P, only to be sadly disappointed. In comparison to the excellent 1980's BBC version adapted by Fay Wheldon (why oh why have they not released it on region 2?)there were many aspects of this more recent production that made me cringe. The strength of the 80's production lies chiefly in the superb casting of ALL the characters and the fine balance found between the many connective relationships - and here lies the weakness of this newer version. Some key characters are played with attitudes or behaviour which seemed a little too modern, and lacking in the necessary 'manners' of the time - a major oversight considering that P&P is essentially a story based on social maneouvering. Alison Steadman as Mrs Bennet is seriously miscast, a loud and vulgar interpretation which is over the top, as are Lydia and Kitty who border on loutish. Also, the difference in Darcy's demeanour from beginning to end is hardly distinguishable. In the 80's version, the excellent David Rintoul begins very aloof, hard and arrogant and you wonder how they are ever going to convince you that this man is going to turn into a hero. The softening and discovery of his character is unveiled gradually and the audience are able to undertake their own shift of opinion along with Eliza's change of heart. I really didn't detect any major transformation with Colin Firth (sorry to say, because he is drop dead gorgeous). All in all I found this adpation extremely disappointing (despite the gorgeous Mr Firth and the sparkling Miss Ehle).One last niggle - whoever was responsible for the hair should be shot. Julie Sawahla (Lydia) looked a shocking mess, Jane's fringe annoyed me and the sparkling Jennifer Ehle was cursed with 'mutton chop' spaniel ears and a piggy tail curling on the back of her head. I found this most excruciating of all.
![Pride And Prejudice : Complete BBC Series - 10th Anniversary Edition [1995]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51VFolBY2dL._SL160_.jpg)
