Pride and Prejudice [DVD] [1980] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

First of all let me tell you that watching the film was pure delight. Fay Weldon's script stayed faithful to the book without destroying the excitement or lessening its pleasures. I especially liked the end which was too short and precipitate in the '95 version: there you had no time to enjoy the part before Elizabeth & Darcy actually profess their love for each other, here it was more detailed and leisurely, which I found very positive. To my disappointment in the '95 version there was no scene with Mrs Bennet rejoicing over Lizzy's engagement which is of course much more fun than Mr Bennet expressing his concerns and doubts. Here the excellent Priscilla Morgan was given the chance and I liked it very much.

The actors were all excellent. Elizabeth Garvie IS Elizabeth Bennet both physically and spiritually. Her sparkling eyes expressed all her emotions, her wit, playfulness and intelligence - just as Jane Austen described her. I actually liked Jennifer Ehle's performance up to now, but compared to Garvie she fades away and I actually discovered that she SMIRKS instead of smiling playfully or even mischievously. Garvie could act playfully and even challengingly without being impertinent or impolite: J Ehle simply couldn't.

David Rintoul was also excellent, although I admit that I prefer Colin Firth's Darcy, but I found him a bit too rigid and aloof for a while. I know, I know, Darcy IS rigid and aloof, but I couldn't spot any difference in his behaviour towards strangers and his friends the Bingleys: he didn't looked relaxed for a second even in their company. However when I saw his "almost smile" in his eyes and on his lips he started to grow on me gradually. I still thought his acting monotonous occasionally, but I learned to like him.

I also liked Barbara Shelley and Michael Lees as Mr & Mrs Gardiner: they were truly genteel and sensible, once again what Jane Austen might have in mind. Priscilla Morgan as Mrs Bennet and Malcolm Rennie (Mr Collins) looked and acted their part tremendously.

This version is more like it was adapted to the stage (the other is a true movie adaptation, more dynamic) but after getting used to its pace I did not mind it at all.

Clearly, this version did not have the budget the other did, but it did not spoil neither costume, nor scenery nor the lovely music.

This is a must see adaptation for all Austen and P&P fans.

Then those darlings at the BBC decided to re-release the 1980 version on DVD (alas only on Region 1) and lo! At least a quarter to a third of the missing material not present on the video version, was reincorporated! There is, however, a walking scene with a small party indicated by the excellent drawings that feature with the opening credits, and which I do recall seeing when the series was first transmitted, but it never made it onto the remastered dvd. Copyright reasons? I don't know. Or I just imagined it!! (Incidentally, those fabulous period drawings, each featuring the content of each episode have also been restored. The video versions spliced most episodes together, and relegated such drawings to the cutting room floor).

Anyway, I've always preferred this version. Aside from the fact that the exquisite Elizabeth Garvie (delivering her lines with such gleeful, yet mannered eloquence - unlike the later, though admittedly assured Jennifer Ehle)and dashing David Rintoul, both spoiled me for anyone else (and that includes the personable Mr Firth!).

The general style and air of the piece is a regal one. The actors are eloquent, elegant and slightly restrained (betraying their excellent classical stage training and what posture!!), unlike the more exuberant, more casual approach of the '95 cast (I think the latter style was to make the work more accessible to a 90's audience. Unfortunately, the cast, especially the girls, do 'gobble' their words at times. And those of the 'higher class' don't always convince. An example, take the round-shouldered, snickering '95 Caroline Bingley (atrocious). Then compare it with the divine Marsha Fitzalan's (80's) self-aggrandizing portrayal. Such posturing, such delicious snootiness!!) The older style, I think, is far closer to the true spirit of Jane Austen's masterpeice. It is 'stagey' and more 'set-oriented', but it gives it a more authentic, intimate feel.

As to the critisims aimed at Mr Rintoul's portrayal of Darcy as being cold and distant (even wooden), we must remember that in the book we don't see Darcy as often as we do in the '95 version (the '95 makers made it as much his story as Elizabeth's, which worked to great effect). Mr Rintoul's portrayal is, again, truer to the spirit of the book (in which Darcy is aloof, and then some), and if you watch him closely, the emotions are simmering there, if barely held in check. I think his approach is keenly judged (just different from Firth's).

Fay Weldon's adaptation is tighter, beautifully structured and performed with a grace and style rarely present in many period dramas of the present day.

All in all, a fantastic re-issue, a must for any P & P addict AND with those excellent additional scenes not seen in over twenty years!! Bravo BBC!