From Amazon.co.uk
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 have been on an Austen binge--enjoying such excellent adaptations as Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion--this miniseries will round out the ultimate Austen video library. For those new to these romantic period pieces, 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 (Amazon.com)
Product Description
Experience the BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning series
Pride and Prejudice like never before, as the magic of period drama is rekindled with state of the art technology. Returning to the original film negatives, this stunning adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel has been painstakingly restored frame-by-frame to reveal the sumptuous costume and detail that makes Austen’s world so enchanting.
With its outstanding performances and stunning visuals,
Pride and Prejudice plunges the viewer into a 19th century world of grand country estates, eligible bachelors, and exquisite soirées. Elizabeth Bennett, a spirited and independent young woman, is the subject of her mother’s obsessive goal to marry off her five daughters to the wealthiest gentlemen available. But Mrs Bennett’s plan is compromised with the arrival of the proud and enigmatic Mr Darcy, as he and Lizzie embark on one of the most famous and compelling romances in history. Adapted by acclaimed screenplay writer Andrew Davies, Pride and Prejudice stars the hugely popular Colin Firth, Jennifer Ehle, Alison Steadman, Julia Sawalha along with many other excellent performers.
This Blu-ray release also features a retrospective with interviews from Andrew Davies, and Costume Designer Dinah Collin.