Pride And Prejudice : Complete BBC Series - 10th Anniversary Edition [1995]

Review Summary: The more I see the movie the more I love it.

Review:

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.

Review Summary: Excellent apart from last scenes

Review:

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.

Review Summary: Sublime

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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.

Review Summary: NOT the best version of P&P.

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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.

Review Summary: Just marvellous!

Review:

Don't even think twice about acquiring this, it is an absolute marvel of an adaptation.
Jennifer Ehle's performance as Elizabeth Bennett is breathtaking, as is Colin Firth's Mr. Darcy.
The role of Mr. Collins has been cast, and acted, to perfection, as has the whole Bennett family.
This is a truly unforgettable production, and cannot be missing from your collection if you are an ardent Austen fan.