Rating: Summary: Just Call Me Mrs. Darcy... Review: I have wanted Mister Darcy ever since my first reading of Jane Austen's brilliant classic. And at last he is mine, all mine, courtesy of this spectacular BBC/A&E dramatization.Colin Firth is, as readers of "Bridget Jones' Diary" well know, the perfect Mister Darcy. In fact, he IS Mister Darcy...his haughty looks, his handsome face, his lordly bearing...his very subtly exposed vulnerability when he looks at Elizabeth Bennett. Jennifer Ehle, with her fresh English looks and her captivating face, is a charming Elizabeth. In fact, the casting contributes in no small way to the brilliance of this feature. From the smallest character to the leads, everyone is as I imagined them to be from my many, many readings of the book. Add to this the lush photography, the perfect period detail (furniture, clothing, countryside, village, even the militia's red coats) and you simply swoon with pleasure. As one of the filmmakers remarks in the special feature: "Every time I read the book, I hold my breath hoping that Elizabeth and Mister Darcy wind up together, even though I KNOW they do." Exactly. And it is the same with the film--some parts, where each haughtily insults the other--actually make the viewer nervous. Will they REALLY wind up together? Or has the DVD morphed in the night and it won't happen? Happily, all is well. The short extras on casting, the making of the film and such are mildly interesting...not really a spectacular addition to the film itself. In fact, I wish I had not seen the stunt that ends up on film with Mister Darcy diving into the lake. It took something away from the fantasy of the film. Nevertheless, I treasure this DVD almost as much as my own worn copy of the book.
Rating: Summary: Such a great show! Review: Alright, so I'm a junior in high school, and we had to read Pride and Prejudice for class. And, oh my gosh, it's just sooo good! The book was EXCELLENT, and the movie was great as well. I'm a romance fan, but people I never thought would go for that kind of thing absolutely loved it too! I must say that I don't know of any guy that really appreciated it, but every girl that I talked to was totally in love with it by the end. We all ended up falling in love with Mr.Darcy!
Rating: Summary: One of the Greatest Works in Cinematic History!! Review: This is probably the greatest movie that I have ever seen! The adaptation of it from the novel is superbly accurate and well done. I watched it when it first aired on A&E and again just recently, and I have to say that its magic still captivates me! It portrays wonderfully the complex interactions between courting males and females that were not only true in Austen's time but in modern times as well. Speaking as a "chick", when you get right down to it, every woman longs for a "Mr. Darcy" in shining armor (or, should I say shining "Pemberley"?)!!
Rating: Summary: Worthy of love Review: For ''hard core'' Jane Austen fan's, this movie is very well done. It's true that Elizabeth in this adaptation is a bit stuffy and was perfectly performed in the 40's version. However, the screenplay, the script, and the surroundings were beautiful and more than made up for any little stuffiness. The length of this movie was perfect, as you truly felt that you were watching the book unfold exactly as you had imagined it while reading it. Colin Firth is the epitome of Mr. Darcy in this movie and I wouldn't have any one else play the part. He captivated me from the start and made me despise him and love him at the same time. He created quite a stir in America with this part and I can honestly say, stole my heart! The other characters in the movie are in no way lacking and give the background support the way they were intended to, without taking away attention from Lizzy and Mr. Darcy. I highly recommend this movie and intend to buy it myself. I might as well as I have already rent it enough to have paid for three copies!
Rating: Summary: oh my gosh! Review: I read this book as a teenager and actually enjoyed it. However, it was not until years later that I saw this movie and fell in love all over again with Jane Austen and romantic British literature. The settings are beautiful, the pace of life is so characteristic of the period, the cast well suits the characters in the book, and the themes are lush. Oh for some free time to indulge myself . . .
Rating: Summary: GREAT PRODUCTION - HORRIBLE DVD! Review: A&E's production of "Pride and Prejudice" is a 5 star masterpiece; however, the DVD recording of it is just awful! The colors are either too dark or washed out, the sound is weak, and get this: the lips aren't in sync with the words being spoken!! Until they make a better DVD, stick with the Video set, where none of these problems are present.
Rating: Summary: Long, but great! Review: This movie is best watched in one sitting, although you'll practically have to plan a whole day to do it.
Rating: Summary: Absolutely great! Review: I haven't actually seen the DVD, but I have seen it on A&E, and it is THE best version of Pride and Prejudice that exists.
Rating: Summary: Jane Austin would be pleased Review: My all time favorite book has become my all-time favorite DVD. This is a very faithful adaption to Jane Austin's novel. Yes, a few scenes were added, but they only add to the appeal of the story. This is not like the Laurence Olivier version, that totally changes the story. They are minor scenes that add a little color or additional info that can readily be imagined as having been true. The acting is first rate, and the casting was excellent, so that each and every character comes alive.
Rating: Summary: Quality of the Recording Unequal to Quality of the Series Review: As a long time fan of this A&E series, I looked forward with some anticipation to the release of the DVD. The acting, filming, and adherence to the original novel are all commendable, and it's a charming series. However, if you'd like to fully experience its quality, best stick with the VHS six tape series. When I received my copy of P&P on DVD, I began watching the first disk (episodes 1-3) and immediately noticed that the scenes appeared hazy and washed. Flicking through the chapters, it became apparent that the entire DVD was similarly colored, with muted grays and yellows, and very dulled greens. The second DVD, however, was of perfect quality, and I assumed there was some problem with the first, so I returned the set and got another edition. Again, the first DVD was of far poorer quality than the second. The outdoor scenes especially suffer, and the general impression is of photographs of a whirlwind tour of rural England, taken with a cheap disposable and over-exposed. Mystifyingly enough, the second DVD suffers from none of these deficiencies, and has the same rich coloring as the VHS series. I was also rather disappointed that this "Special Edition" didn't actually include anything special, such as cast interviews or the A&E "Making of Pride and Prejudice," which would have been a particularly nice touch. Basically, it's the VHS edition blurred a little and slapped onto two DVD's. A pity. At any rate, the series itself is good enough to justify this purchase, if you're willing to endure the whitewashed version of Hertfordshire. If, however, you'd like the full effect, best keep to the VHS.
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