Rating: 
Summary: Not bad for a movie, but try one of the mini-series
Review: There are two TV mini-series adaptations of Jane Eyre, both produced by the BBC. I watched both when I was a kid. Clearly, these will cover more of the book than a two-hour movie can. I'm not one to judge which of the two is more definitive, having only read part of the book.
The 1983 one, released to VHS/DVD, starred Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke. Some reviewers have commented on how well Sian Pattenden portrays young Jane, embattled with her aunt Reed's family, and harshly treated at Lowood school. This is the first hour of the series, and I was riveted. Somewhere around where Mr. Rochester falls off his horse in Hay Lane I realized that, despite my attempts to be impartial, the performances here didn't measure up to the compelling performances in the earlier 1973 TV mini-series.
The 1973 one is a classic. It starred Michael Jayston and Sorcha Cusack. This series is excellent, almost to the point where I'd call it treachery that it's not available either on VHS or DVD. This was no minor production: in fact, it played in the States on PBS up to ten years after its original broadcast.
Dalton's Rochester seemed at times too leaden, almost a caricature. Was this close to the book, I had to ask? By contrast, Jayston's Mr. Rochester is not merely a bitter man with a secret thorn in his side, but has also a dark, ironic sense of humor. You may find Jayston on record as saying that Rochester was his favorite television role (search the web). His enthusiasm for the part is obvious. Clarke's Jane is plain, and seeks independence, love and servitude, but she lacks the sparkle and playfulness of Cusack's Jane. Cusack had very unique (not conventionally pretty) looks, and her amusement in her sparring with Rochester was completely winning. Dalton and Clarke, while fine, fall short of some of these characteristics.
In that respect it's unfortunate that few people will have the opportunity to see both and compare the two adaptations. "Jane Eyre" is a classic novel. Many different adaptations of it are currently for sale. In fact, it appears some extremely poor adaptations of it are for sale, now. Even uncharitable people would have to acknowledge that the 1973 version is not "bad," and had a good run before the BBC decided it was "not to be the official version" by going ahead with the 1983 version.
If you write to the powers-that-be, BBC America or BBC Worldwide, they would in theory be able to estimate the market potential of a video release. Go ahead and give it a try.
Rating: 
Summary: LOVED IT!
Review: I rented this dvd and loved it so much that i bought it the next day here on Amazon. I loved the chemistry and passion between Jane and Mr. Rochester. You must see this version! I also look forward to seeing the Timothy Dalton version that i have heard good things about.
Rating: 
Summary: A valiant attempt, and an Excellent Mr. Rochester
Review: Cirian Hinds resonates with the dark, seething energy which is Mr. Rochester. His portrayal is fantastic! Samantha Morton is a fairly good Jane, and definitely meets the physical expectations of the small, plain governess. This version is a good attempt at capturing the beautiful relationship shared by Jane and Mr. Rochester, but falls short, mainly I think due to time constraints. It is impossible to cram all the plot development, intense dialogue and stirring emotion of this book into a 2 hour movie. If you are wanting a more faithful portrayal of the book, check out the version with Timothy Dalton. The Cirian Hinds/Samantha Morton version lacks in plot and character development, but is a valiant attempt at capturing the essence of the classic book.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: With two such fine performers as Ciaran Hinds and Samantha Morton, and with Charlotte Bronte's masterful story, I could not believe that this version of Jane Eyre would be anything but enjoyable. Sadly, I was disappointed. I think the problem lies with the screenplay. A complex story was reduced to 2 hours, which meant that key plot and character development had to be sacrificed. Hinds and Morton just did not have enough to work with. Stick with the Timothy Dalton version, it is far better.
Rating:
Summary: Great love story
Review: Wonderful. I loved the book since I was a child and when i saw version of Jane Eyre with Timothy Dalton, I didn't think anything could top that. However, this one is fabulous as well. Ciaran Hinds is perfect as Mr. Rochester. After seeing this movie I became a big fan of his. If you like good love stories this is a must see.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable and lightweight
Review: Jane Eyre (played by Samantha Morton) lives her orphan's life, experiencing little love from the people around her. When she comes to the home of Edward Rochester (Ciaran Hinds), to begin life as the governess of his young daughter, she finds respect, and eventually love. But, the Rochester home contains a dark secret, one that overhangs all the inhabitants of the house, and threatens the future of Jane's happiness. [Color, released in 1997, with a running time of 1 hour, 40 minutes.]
This is yet another made-for-television version of Charlotte Bronte's classic novel. First of all, I must admit that I have never read the book, and as such, I cannot comment on how the story was changed to adapt if for TV. So, I am not an "expert" reviewer of the story.
But, that said, I did find this a nice, easy-to-watch and -understand movie. Samantha Morton (b.1977) is an up and coming actress, who does an excellent job at the part, while Ciaran Hinds (b.1953) does a good job of seeming tortured - both by love and by guilt. Overall, my wife and I found the story enjoyable and lightweight (compared to many films in this genre), and were glad to spend a carefree afternoon with it. We both recommend this movie to you.
Rating:
Summary: Really compelling
Review: I can't say that this version of Jane Eyre followed the storyline closely. Because of time constraints, large chunks of the novel had to be cut out or streamlined. This includes not only some key plot points, but a lot of the best dialogue between Jane and Mr. Rochester as their relationship develops.That said, I still think this is an enjoyable film, so long as you enjoy it in its own right and don't compare it to the book. Both Ciaran Hinds and Samantha Morton commit to their roles with passion. Like the characters in the novel, neither is conventionally beautiful; they are riveting because of the emotional force they bring to their parts. At times, Hinds was a little too gruff as Rochester, but it never went over the top; he looked the part of Mr. Rochester and in my opinion acted it incredibly well. And Samantha Morton is luminous - she may wear plain clothing and sport a ridiculous hair style, but she shines.
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