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From Amazon.co.uk
Continuing the BBC’s unrivalled reputation for costume drama, their new adaptation of Jane Eyre proved to be one of the television triumphs of 2006. Based, as you’d expect, on the Charlotte Bronte book of the same name, this two-disc set brings together the full series, spread across the best part of four sumptuous hours.
It’s a faithful adaptation, with Ruth Wilson giving an exceptional performance in the title role. Mr Rochester’s boots, meanwhile, are filled by Toby Stephenson, and both prove to be wise choices. Backed up by an excellent supporting cast, they’re also supported by some quite superb scenery, warm photography and skilful, at times neatly understated the direction, that gives the story space to develop.
Is the best adaptation of Jane Eyre? It certainly builds a compelling case, and while there’s the odd slight misstep along the way, it’s primarily a terrific interpretation of a classic romance. Perhaps the only real disappointment is that the DVD release itself doesn’t offer more in the way of added features, but given the presentation and quality of the main attraction, that’s unlikely, rightly, to deter those in search of some classic BBC drama. --Jon Foster
Product Description
The dvd is new, never removed from box packaging. A great watch, if you are a lover of period drama, this is one of my personal favorites!
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By LJM
Format:DVD
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this version of Jane Eyre. I'm quite picky over TV productions of my favourite books - for example, I'm no great fan of the Firth/Ehle P&P (an almost sacreligious version, in my opinion) - but this production of JE, I feel, has got very close to the essence of the novel. A bit over-blown at times, but then so is JE! It was given a noughties' treatment, without destroying the overall feel of the novel. The chemistry between Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens built beautifully. And a good, solid supporting cast, full of reliable regulars.
I've given it 4 not 5 stars, however, because of a couple of reservations: I thought the Jane/St John relationship, so important in the book, could have been handled much better thereby improving the overall production. Their final encounter, when she almost agrees to marry him then hears Rochester's supernatural 'Jane' x 3 (and what happened to her impassioned response???), is one of the best bits of the novel. And why the Cape and not India? Also, why was Blanche Ingram a blue-eyed blonde? Rochester's choice of Blanche as his 'false' bride is significant (and cruel, both to Jane and also Blanche, despite the latter's character), as physically she must remind him of Bertha. I think Charlotte Bronte intended her reader to recognise the shared moral emptiness of Blanche and Bertha partly through their similarities in appearance. Oh, well, that's the lit crit out of the way! Mind you, how could anyone accuse Toby Stephens of not being handsome?
I remember the Jayston/Cussack version with great affection. I may buy both then compare.
I've given it 4 not 5 stars, however, because of a couple of reservations: I thought the Jane/St John relationship, so important in the book, could have been handled much better thereby improving the overall production. Their final encounter, when she almost agrees to marry him then hears Rochester's supernatural 'Jane' x 3 (and what happened to her impassioned response???), is one of the best bits of the novel. And why the Cape and not India? Also, why was Blanche Ingram a blue-eyed blonde? Rochester's choice of Blanche as his 'false' bride is significant (and cruel, both to Jane and also Blanche, despite the latter's character), as physically she must remind him of Bertha. I think Charlotte Bronte intended her reader to recognise the shared moral emptiness of Blanche and Bertha partly through their similarities in appearance. Oh, well, that's the lit crit out of the way! Mind you, how could anyone accuse Toby Stephens of not being handsome?
I remember the Jayston/Cussack version with great affection. I may buy both then compare.
79 of 87 people found the following review helpful
By Narnia fan
Format:DVD
This is by far the best adaptation of the book and has not been afraid to focus the story totally on the two lovers. I'm sure traditionalists will be unhappy with that but I adored it.
Ruth Wilson is a fine Jane but its Toby Stephens who amazed me with a performance of such skill. He created a three dimensional Rochester, not a cardboard cut out as in so many of the previous versions of Jane Eyre. He's created a fully rounded character, one that shows the inner suffering and conscience in turmoil. I particularly like the humour he brought to the role and vulnerability.
Who can fail to be moved by Rochester's reactions when he sees Jane again. I can't remember being so emotionally caught up in a performance. In those final scenes Toby had to convey such a range of emotions. Seeing the tears fill his eyes and roll down his cheek and then that laugh which contained such bitter joy - it was an amazing piece of acting. Its definitely a case of move over Colin Firth and hello Toby Stephens.
I urge you to obtain the DVD as its a treasure not to be missed. While 6 episodes would have given more time to flesh out the early part of Jane's life I'm personally glad they've focused on Jane and Rochester's relationship.
Ruth Wilson is a fine Jane but its Toby Stephens who amazed me with a performance of such skill. He created a three dimensional Rochester, not a cardboard cut out as in so many of the previous versions of Jane Eyre. He's created a fully rounded character, one that shows the inner suffering and conscience in turmoil. I particularly like the humour he brought to the role and vulnerability.
Who can fail to be moved by Rochester's reactions when he sees Jane again. I can't remember being so emotionally caught up in a performance. In those final scenes Toby had to convey such a range of emotions. Seeing the tears fill his eyes and roll down his cheek and then that laugh which contained such bitter joy - it was an amazing piece of acting. Its definitely a case of move over Colin Firth and hello Toby Stephens.
I urge you to obtain the DVD as its a treasure not to be missed. While 6 episodes would have given more time to flesh out the early part of Jane's life I'm personally glad they've focused on Jane and Rochester's relationship.
53 of 59 people found the following review helpful
By KTS
Format:DVD
This TV production of the famous Bronte novel Jane Eyre follows a line of many others--and this is without a doubt one of the best.
The story is clear and is almost parallel to the novel, which is sometimes questionable in these dramas which are adapted for the television-sometimes they are edited to make the story seem more life like, or to make it more entertaining.
The cast chosen in this drama are superb; Ruth Wilson portrays a modest, emotive Jane while her costar Toby Stephenson plays a powerful and masculine Mr. Rochester. The supporting cast are great too, and all contribute to a fantastically created drama. They all know how to act, which is an important part, but also create wildly emotional scenes which coud melt a heart of stone.
The locations in the novel are beautiful, romantic countrysides and stimulating Sargasso and Wild Spanish nightlife areas such as rich parties and warm hotels.
I only have one complaint about this drama, and that is that the representation of the young Jane used for the first half an hour or so of the whole drama is rather unlikely. The actress used is too modern for this character to come off well--but as this is just an opinion I feel it does not deduct from the overall performance.
Overall, this DVD is a good introduction to the novel of Jane Eyre, and perhaps to some of the Bronte sisters' other works as well.
The story is clear and is almost parallel to the novel, which is sometimes questionable in these dramas which are adapted for the television-sometimes they are edited to make the story seem more life like, or to make it more entertaining.
The cast chosen in this drama are superb; Ruth Wilson portrays a modest, emotive Jane while her costar Toby Stephenson plays a powerful and masculine Mr. Rochester. The supporting cast are great too, and all contribute to a fantastically created drama. They all know how to act, which is an important part, but also create wildly emotional scenes which coud melt a heart of stone.
The locations in the novel are beautiful, romantic countrysides and stimulating Sargasso and Wild Spanish nightlife areas such as rich parties and warm hotels.
I only have one complaint about this drama, and that is that the representation of the young Jane used for the first half an hour or so of the whole drama is rather unlikely. The actress used is too modern for this character to come off well--but as this is just an opinion I feel it does not deduct from the overall performance.
Overall, this DVD is a good introduction to the novel of Jane Eyre, and perhaps to some of the Bronte sisters' other works as well.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jane eyre
The film is brilliant. However the dvd keeps freezing and crashing, and this was only on the 3rd time viewing the DVD.
Published 13 days ago by sam fernandez
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful story
Age old story of love and the problems that it brings. Again this type of drama is what the BBC are good at.
Published 28 days ago by D. Frost
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fanstastic!
I love it! BBC did a great job. Fantastic set, actors, director, etc. You can't loose. If you like the book, you will like this series.
Published 1 month ago by Lina
5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVE IT..CANT GET ENOUGU
i found that the bbc adaptation was much better than the movie the acting had much more emotion. i love the story, the actin on it. i just fell in love with it. my opinion is bias.
Published 1 month ago by Pen Name
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent!
I have watched at least 5 different versions of Jane Eyre after reading the book, and this is by far the best. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mikha
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good BBC period
Very good BBC period as always.
More emphasis on the years in the orphanage would have given better insight in the character and formative years of Jane Eyre.
More emphasis on the years in the orphanage would have given better insight in the character and formative years of Jane Eyre.
Published 1 month ago by Jan Lautenbach
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great take on a classic!
Had to give this 5 stars cos I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't find anything negative about it. Bought this after watching the movie with Michael Fassbender as Rochester and... Read more
Published 1 month ago by may
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well done BBC
Well done BBC . The casting for this production of this well loved classic was just perfect Ruth Wilson in particular excelled as Jane Eyre As was Toby Stephens . Read more
Published 2 months ago by e jones
5.0 out of 5 stars
perfect gift
I bought this dvd as a present for someone, they told me in two words that it was, REALLY BRILLIANT,
Published 2 months ago by Mr. Clifford Fields
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jane is really a heroin
Young, but stubborn and self-possessed. Very intelligent and open-minded. Always ready to go on in spite of all life challenges.
Published 2 months ago by Romilda Vorro
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