Editorial Product Review:

Description:
Hailed as 'the best Austen of all' by The New York Times and deemed 'one of the best things ever done for television anywhere' by Sneak Previews, this brilliant adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel is A&E’s most popular title ever. Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth (Shakespeare in Love) star in this Emmy-winning production.

Amazon.com essential video:
Jane Austen's classic novel of 1813, Pride and Prejudice, still wins the hearts of countless schoolgirls with its romantic story of Elizabeth Bennet and her Mr. Darcy. Now, the 1996 BBC miniseries is winning over adults, with its faithful adaptation, gorgeous scenery, and superb acting. The essence of the story is the antagonism between Mr. Darcy, a wealthy single man who believes Elizabeth to be beneath him, and Elizabeth, who upon being insulted at a dance by the aloof Darcy refuses to associate with him in any manner. Austen evokes incredible tension with the wit and flirtation of the two characters, and director Simon Langton (who also directed Upstairs Downstairs) successfully translates the repartee and conflict in this six-hour miniseries. Dialogue, for the most part, is painstakingly replicated, except when fleshing out and smoothing for modern sensibilities was necessary. Darcy, for instance, is drawn out, giving his personality significantly more depth. The acting sweeps you away to Regency England: Jennifer Ehle (of Wilde) is convincing as the obstinate Elizabeth, who, despite her mother's attempts to marry her off, spurs the attentions of Darcy. And Colin Firth (of The English Patient) will have women everywhere longing for a Mr. Darcy of their own.

For those who enjoy excellent Austen adaptations such as Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion--this miniseries will round out the ultimate Austen library. For those new to these romantic period pieces, this version of Pride and Prejudice will have you hooked and longing for more. One caveat, however: plan to watch it in an entire day, because very few have the self-control to not watch all six hours in a single sitting. --Jenny Brown

On the DVD
There's a lot to love (and a lot lacking) on the 10th anniversary limited edition. It comes in a tall, embossed green case that's out of place on a DVD shelf but blends right into a library of volumes. The three discs fit snugly in a sleeve, accompanied by a 120-page deluxe companion book. The main attraction, a retrospective documentary, features interviews with key cast members with the sad exceptions of Jennifer Ehle (who played Elizabeth) and Colin Firth (Mr. Darcy), which is bound to disappoint fans. Nonetheless, there are some amusing anecdotes from Mr. and Mrs. Bennet (played by Benjamin Withrow and Alison Steadman), Mary Bennet (Lucy Briers), Mr. Collins (David Bamber), Mr. Bingley (Crispin Bonham-Carter) and Mr. Wickham (Adrian Lukis), who all look drastically different--and younger--without their period costumes and hairstyles. One producer recalls that casting Colin Firth in the role with which his name is now synonymous was not an easy feat: he auditioned having gained weight and dyed his hair blond for another role, looking like 'an unmade bed.' Even Firth's own brother doubted his ability to pull off the dashing Darcy: 'Isn't he supposed to be sexy?'

The special features also include a walking tour of the shooting locations with Lukis and Briers and an A&E Biography episode on Jane Austen that focuses largely on the onslaught of mid-1990s film adaptations of her novels. If it's your first time purchasing Pride & Prejudice, this collector's edition is a nice one to own. But if you already own the movie, you're not missing out on anything here. --Ellen A. Kim



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Stills from Pride and Prejudice (click for larger image)

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Customer Rating: - Finally, a production that makes Darcy 3D
You can always trust BBC in excellence in costume drama, both the 1975 and this version are the most authentic adoptation I've seen.

What I particularly liked about this production is that unlike the 1975 production, the '96 Mr. Darcy is no longer just Elizabeth's beau - but a character with substance, commending its own place in the story.

......and to the skeptical men readin this review, I AM preferring to the famous Colin-Firth-walks-out-of-the-lake scene..............

Before Elizabeth's visit to Pemberly, Mr. Darcy was just one of her suitors, created to give Austin a chance to show off Elizabeth's quick wit and acid tonge. Pemberly is the real entrance for Mr. Darcy. From here on, the author began to concentrate on him, giving him life, voice and presence.

So what's wrong with emphasising this grand entrance by making a bit of splash?! ^_^

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Customer Rating: - Pride and Prejudice DVD - Wonderful version of a classic
This is a fantastic version of the film. Collin Firth is wonderful to watch and convincingly arrogant, yet caring and sexy. The other actors are all funny and believable in their roles. A must buy!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005MP58/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title

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Customer Rating: - Really Great!
I love this miniseries! I hadn't read Pride and Prejudice prior to seeing the movie, but when I finally did get around to reading the book, I couldn't believe how accurate this movie was to what was in the book. In my opinion, that very rarely happens and it's great that they were able to recreate the book perfectly into a movie! In addition to the recreation, the acting, setting, costumes, and everything else I felt was just great. A&E and BBC did a great job at capturing everything perfectly. Every time I watch this movie, I hate that it has to end. I have yet to see any other versions of Pride and Prejudice, so I have no other versions to compare this one to, but I am sure that none of the others would do this version or the book justice

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Customer Rating: - Very good version
While this is quite a bit longer than any movie (for it is a television mini-series), it was done so well! Plus, any British television lovers would find this very agreeable.