Rating: Summary: The definitive Pride and Prejudice production, but... Review: The acting, casting, directing, set, etc. of this production are fabulous, and eminently watchable and rewatchable. Unfortunately, the DVD is a bit of a disappointment. The color transfer is a washout -- all you have to do is watch the version that appears on broadcast and this DVD. It's sad, frankly. The DVD should look better than broadcast, and while sharp, the color problems are evident. You get used to it, at any rate, and can still enjoy the miniseries. But this production deserved far better treatment, alas.
Rating: Summary: Simply beautiful Review: It definately kept me wanting more just like the book does and I think that it is a VERY good adaptation to the book! Very enjoyable!!! Nobody in the WORLD could ever play Fitzwilliam Darcy like Colin Firth does!!!
Rating: Summary: Mmmmm Review: I love these series. So clean, innocent and refreshing than anything. When time allows, I will sit down and watch the whole thing. But you have to remember that it is about 5-6 hours long, so you have to be patient. Excellent actors!
Rating: Summary: Wondeful Version of a Literary Masterpiece Review: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is my favorite novel that I've ever read. It is truly a book which contains something for everyone; romance, comedy, action and satire. So, of course, when I was looking to buy a DVD version of the book, I was a bit skeptical about how a DVD version of it could possible stand up to the greatness of the book, but after buying this version and viewing it, I can truthfully say that my doubts have vanished and that I have found my new favorite DVD. The makers and actors behind this movie are geniuses, in that they have created a wonderfuly movie that contains all of the elements of the book. All of the actors and actresses have done excellent work in portraying the character, especially Colin Firth's performance as Mr. Darcy. The beautifuly scenery, marvelous acting, and excellent directing, along with the extra features and special booklet, have made this DVD one that should not be missed. Because even if you're not a Jane Austen fan, or even heard of her for that matter, you WILL love this movie and anyone, yes, even macho lovers of war flicks and haters of romance or chick flicks, will enjoy, even if not admittedely, this movie. So if you are reading this review because you are actually considering buying this DVD, stop reading and go buy it! Have a nice day
Rating: Summary: Almost Truly Great Review: This is a terrific adaptation of the book. It brings out the energy and passion of the book while remaining faithful to the story and much of the dialogue. The acting is very, very good. The sets and countryside are beautiful. I would note that for some reason the colors are a little too white on the DVD. I also owned the VHS of this series and the color was more accurate on it. Still, I recommend this highly and think you will enjoy it over and over again.
Rating: Summary: True to Form Review: After attempting to view other versions of Pride and Prejudice on film and then watching this version (Colin Firth)this is definitely the superior in every possible way. Usually a movie is not even half as good the book it was meant to imitate but this (happily) was a rare exception. The movie stayed true to form and did not deviate from the book. WELL DONE!!!
Rating: Summary: A must for all P & P fans Review: This is still the best work I have seen from the BBC. Every character is played exactly right. Some of the minor characters add so much to the film. Two of my favorites are Mr. Collins and Lady Katherine. I have watched this many times and recorded it, but always wanted it on DVD. The lighting on some of the scenes is inferior to the version played on the A&E channel. But, if you are as much a fan of Pride and Prejudice as I, you will still be glad to have it on DVD. There are some small additions to the original. And a little bit of behind the scenes footage. I highly recommend the DVD set.
Rating: Summary: Jane Austen Would Approve Review: As a huge fan of Jane Austen's works, I have to confess I try to find something worthwhile in any/all productions I have watched of "Pride and Prejudice" over the years. The BBC miniseries starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle eclipses all film and live versions I have seen to date. First and foremost it is painstakingly faithful to the book in its script and characterizations and the performances are absolutely charming. Simon Langton's direction succeeds in conveying volumes to the audience, often when no words are spoken; the same sublety that captivated audiences in his brilliant work in "Upstairs, Downstairs" is prevalent in P & P and allows the viewer an added dimension in understanding the story and its characters. The scenery is magnificent and the set designs and costumes are painstakingly recreated with attention to the book's details and realism for the period. I recommend it highly to all (a must-see for Austen fans) especially for those not familiar with her works, it would be a wonderful introduction.
Rating: Summary: Three stars for trying Review: I found, duly cautioned by the thorough criticism of the visual quality of this edition in another post, that it was, sadly, quite justified. What were they thinking? Alas, it's not the only problem. True to the novel in broad strokes, it fails to take full advantage of Austen's unique ability with dialogue and exposition. It is difficult to imagine why this happened, but it did. The one most damaged is Darcy who, shorn of humanity in order to make the conflict more pointed, is done a real disservice by the script tech. Trimming and evisceration are not the same thing. There was also considerable license taken with 'who really said what and where they really said it'. One [potentially] interesting parlour game would be to match character and dialogue in book and on film. Some picky points: Is Liza Bennet wearing a fright wig? It would appear so in many scenes, although she looks nice at her wedding. Why did someone not 'air brush' or what ever they do, the amazing bags under her eyes? It becomes harder and harder to think of her as a local beauty as her hair becomes more and more like steel wool and the bags under her eyes look packed and ready to take one of those many trips they relished taking. And speaking of beauty, Jane, bless her gentle soul, is Minerva on steroids [check out the size of her neck which is constantly exposed for viewer amazement] Lydia is poorly cast, 15 going on 30 but could actually be 45, and well Liza, just see above. Wasn't it possible to find attractive women who could act, because act these less than lovelies certainly can. One might be forced to think standards of beauty were quite low at the time, except for the occasionally pretty face e.g. the young Miss Lucas who goes un-remarked, not only can act but is quite lovely. Then, of course, there is Georgette Darcy who is pretty but who gives so brittle a performance that one imagines they had to glue her back together after each scene. Then there's the Bingley girls! Don't they acquit themselves with all due smarm? I think aren't supposed to be pretty, which is just as well. Finally, Mrs. Bennet who is in a class by herself and far prettier, taking age into account, than any of the other Bennet females. Even though she shrills on and on she is a watchable amazement and makes you understand why Mr. Benett married her. I don't think he was for one minute deceived. And the men: Since not one man appears to have ever combed his hair, I assume all combs were instantly shipped to former colonies before they could get their hands on them. 'American' men must have been very well groomed, indeed, during this period. By and large the men are homely - where is the physical charm in Wickham? [a great name to be said with horror or disgust, is it not?] He is just one of the scrawny military examples of why they lost the Revolution, to the well fed local lads, one supposes. Darcy holds up well and thankfully he's mastered glowering [in contempt, anger and finally love] from across the crowded room, which is his main role for most of the series. It's a pity and perhaps the reason he seems so eager to act when they toss him a few lines. Bingley is charming, but not the right period. He reminds me of a 'teddy boy', without the tendency toward mayhem, of course. The cleric Collins is well acted, but as Liza says, a little goes a long way and one tires of him quickly, especially on a second viewing, thank goodness for the fast forward button. Mr. Bennet acquits himself well, but I find myself growing annoyed by his distain for his children, which is amusing to read but less amusing to see. The other minor male characters are well done. I especially like Sir Lucas for his ham fisted delicacy. I think we're talking 'rent don't buy' Don't forget to read the book if you have not. You will be glad you did.
Rating: Summary: Loved the Movie Review: My Opinion!!! I had seen tidbits here and there on the television and finally rented Pride and Prejudice at Blockbuster. I absolutely loved the movie. The characters brought you into their world. I really felt Lizzie's worries about her family and determination for her happiness. I loved this movie so much that I own it now.
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