0ur opinion:

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.

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. 0ne 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

0n the DVD
There's a lot to love (and a lot lacking) on the 10th anniversary limited edition. lt 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. 0ne 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: 'lsn'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. lf 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



Beyond Pride and Prejudice

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Stills from Pride and Prejudice (click for larger image)

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Buyer's feedback: - * A masterpiece! ...
This movie is perfection in every way. It is so perfect that I never get tired of watching it over and over again. We really have the impression of living in Jane Austen's time when watching that movie. All the actors are brilliant, above all Allison Steadman who is superb as Mrs. Bennet.
Hats off Andrew Davies, Sue Birtwistle and Simon Langton for such a "chef d'oeuvre".

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Buyer's feedback: - Excellent version, and had no problem with subtitles or color
This is by far the best version of "Pride and Prejudice". I believe I have seen every one of them and none compares. Laurence Olivier was great of course as Darcy, but Colin Firth has completely captured the character. I doubt that any one will ever be able to portray Darcy better.
I am extremely satified that I purchased the 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition even though I all ready had the original DVD of the same produecton. It is definitely well worth the price. I strongly recommend it to every one. The DVDs come in a beautifully designed case, and I thoroughly enjoyed the accompanying behind-the-scenes disc. Even though Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle were busy making other movies and could not be on it, the remaining cast members were very entertaining. The accompanying book, "The Making of Pride and Prejudice" gave wonderful insights to the production. It is extremely well written and full of delightful pictures. If you are a fan, even if you have never seen Pride and Prejudice--do not pass up this one.
I do not understand the complaints submitted in several of the other reviews about the color of the film or it's not having subtitles. My 50" television was set at the factory suggested controls, and the color in the DVD was superb! The "woods" were so green and lush it made you feel as if you were actually there with Elizabeth. As far as the subtitles are concerned, I simply hit the "mute" button on my television remote control, and the subtitles were there.

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Buyer's feedback: - * disappointment ...
Everything that can be said about this superb story, production, acting, etc. has been said. I was so disappointed, however, when I saw that the color in the DVD was really dreadful. Colin Firth had snow white skin, and pitch black hair and eyes, and poor Jennifer Ehle looked like a witch. I had just about worn out my video when I bought the DVD - I guess I'll have to buy the video again.

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Buyer's feedback: - Love it!
I rented it before I purchased. Needed it for my collection. This is the 1996 Edition from A&E with Colin Firth. Must have. I am not sure of the video quality because I loaned to a friend. I purchased because I wanted the edition.

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Buyer's feedback: - * Beautifully made and acted but very LONG ...
The acting is superb but the plot develops very SLOWLY. The whole thing is about 5 hours. If you like Colin Firth, this movie is for you. If you prefer a faster pace, try the Keira Knightley version.