Pride And Prejudice : Complete BBC Series - 10th Anniversary Edition [1995] [2005] | ![Pride And Prejudice : Complete BBC Series - 10th Anniversary Edition [1995] [2005]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51J1fEl7dfL._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | Actors: Jennifer Ehle, Colin Firth, David Bamber, Crispin Bonham-carter, Anna Chancellor
Studio: 2 Entertain Video
Category: DVD
List Price: £19.99
Buy New: £6.50
You Save: £13.49 (67%)
New (18) Used (3) from £6.50
Rating:  76 reviews
Sales Rank: 92
Format: Anamorphic, Box Set, Pal
Languages: English (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired), English (Original Language), Turkish (Original Language)
Rating: Universal, suitable for all
Region: 2
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number Of Items: 2
Running Time: 327 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.7
EAN: 5014503102326
ASIN: B0009WT58W
Theatrical Release Date: 1995
Release Date: September 12, 2005
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: NEW & FACTORY SEALED _ 3-5 WORKING DAYS DELIVERY _ European release (Dutch), cover may differ _ English soundtrack _ region code 2 for UK DVD players _ subtitles on/off _ dispatch confirmation sent _ RETURN & REFUND POLICY
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Amazon.co.uk Review
In spite of the quality of the more recent Keira Knightley-starring big-screen interpretation, it's the mid-90s BBC mini-series of Pride and Prejudice that's still regarding by many as the definitive telling of Jane Austen's classic. Featuring, as many swooning admirers will already know, Colin Firth in a career-topping performance as Mr Darcy, Pride and Prejudice is the timeless tale of seemingly impossible romance. On one hand, there's the wealthy, single Mr Darcy, and on the other is Elizabeth, a woman Darcy believes is beneath him. Across six sumptuous hours of this classic mini-series, their story then slowly bubbles, aided by some excellent supporting performances. Nods must go to the likes of Jennifer Ehle, Susannah Harker, Anna Chancellor and Julia Sawalha, to highlight but a handful. It's not just in front of the camera where Pride and Prejudice scores, though. The production values are absolutely outstanding, with this really a watermark for BBC costume drama production. Add in Simon Langton's diligent direction, and this is one of those rare occasions where everything seemingly effortlessly falls into place, with outstanding end results. Over ten years since it was first broadcast, the particular take on Pride and Prejudice remains as vital, moving and compelling as it was first time round. And if it's ever topped, it's going to take something really, really special to do it… --Jon Foster
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| Customer Reviews: Read 71 more reviews...
 NOT the best version of P&P. June 25, 2008
Ellie
0 out of 3 found this review helpful
After all the hype surrounding the charming Mr Firth and Miss Ehle, I looked forward to seeing this newer version of P&P, only to be sadly disappointed. In comparison to the excellent 1980's BBC version adapted by Fay Wheldon (why oh why have they not released it on region 2?)there were many aspects of this more recent production that made me cringe. The strength of the 80's production lies chiefly in the superb casting of ALL the characters and the fine balance found between the many connective relationships - and here lies the weakness of this newer version. Some key characters are played with attitudes or behaviour which seemed a little too modern, and lacking in the necessary 'manners' of the time - a major oversight considering that P&P is essentially a story based on social maneouvering. Alison Steadman as Mrs Bennet is seriously miscast, a loud and vulgar interpretation which is over the top, as are Lydia and Kitty who border on loutish. Also, the difference in Darcy's demeanour from beginning to end is hardly distinguishable. In the 80's version, the excellent David Rintoul begins very aloof, hard and arrogant and you wonder how they are ever going to convince you that this man is going to turn into a hero. The softening and discovery of his character is unveiled gradually and the audience are able to undertake their own shift of opinion along with Eliza's change of heart. I really didn't detect any major transformation with Colin Firth (sorry to say, because he is drop dead gorgeous). All in all I found this adpation extremely disappointing (despite the gorgeous Mr Firth and the sparkling Miss Ehle).One last niggle - whoever was responsible for the hair should be shot. Julie Sawahla (Lydia) looked a shocking mess, Jane's fringe annoyed me and the sparkling Jennifer Ehle was cursed with 'mutton chop' spaniel ears and a piggy tail curling on the back of her head. I found this most excruciating of all.
 Just marvellous! June 24, 2008
C. A. Knight (Johannesburg, SA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Don't even think twice about acquiring this, it is an absolute marvel of an adaptation.
Jennifer Ehle's performance as Elizabeth Bennett is breathtaking, as is Colin Firth's Mr. Darcy.
The role of Mr. Collins has been cast, and acted, to perfection, as has the whole Bennett family.
This is a truly unforgettable production, and cannot be missing from your collection if you are an ardent Austen fan.
Unremarkable, I preferred the film version June 12, 2008
L. Felthouse (Derbyshire, UK)
1 out of 6 found this review helpful
Having watched the film version of this, I thought I owed it to myself to watch the series, which I was told was better because it had more time to go into detail and develop the characters. However, I was severely disappointed. I preferred the film version. I'm sorry to say I STILL haven't read the book (I will, I promise!) but I've got a good enough idea of what happens, and I think they did a good job of cutting out any unnecessary parts for the film version. I felt this version dragged, and the characters were nowhere near as well cast. I'm a huge Colin Firth fan, and I eagerly awaited the wet white shirt scene - which was admittedly very nice - but in the rest of it he was very samey. Just giving his customary haughty stare and not much else.
The rest of the cast were unremarkable, with the exception of a couple. I thought Jennifer Ehle, who played Elizabeth Bennet, was very good, not to mention beautiful. And Julia Sawalha was superb as the irrepressible Lydia. Mrs Bennet drove me insane - and nobody else really stood out enough to comment on.
So overall, I was rather disappointed. I bought this expecting something really special, but I think I'll stick to the theatrical version, at least until I read the book and realise they're both rubbish!! This is still worth a watch, but you're not missing an awful lot if you don't.
 Not Jane Austen May 4, 2008
Michael Upsher
2 out of 11 found this review helpful
'Pride and Prejudice' is the most famous - but by no means the best - of Jane Austen's novels. Like all of Austen's other works, it is a brilliantly observant, ironic and satirical depiction of society as it was in the early nineteenth century. This is inter-weaved with intricate character studies, gripping romances and some surprising plot twists.
The romance here concerns the delightful Elizabeth Bennett and the somewhat haughty Mr Darcy. However, the main focus of the story is the development of Elizabeth's character. As the narrative progresses, she becomes astonished by the behaviour of those around her, as well as that of herself.
This six-part serialisation, originally transmitted in 1995, is the most well known and popular of all the many adaptations the book has inspired. Whilst it does have some merits, it sadly fails on many levels.
Carl Davis' music is effective, the locations are all spot on - especially Pemberley - and some, though not all, of the costumes are very nice indeed. Unfortunately, there is not much else that can be said in its favour.
Andrew Davies' screenplay is a huge disappointment. He had just the right amount of time to do justice to the source material and he wastes it with a large number of new scenes. The ending consequently feels very rushed, as if Davies suddenly woke up and realised he had run out of time and any scene or line not from the book stands out a mile. Davies' own dialogue is consistently flat, banal and clichéd. The scenes are ridiculously and completely unnecessarily sensationalised and several of them - such as Darcy's arrival at Pemberley and his involvement in Lydia's wedding - ruin Austen's wonderful element of surprise. The part involving Darcy's letter to Elizabeth is also very badly done. This attempt to flesh out Darcy's character in more detail is a fairly original approach, but it fails miserably.
Some of the casting is terrible. Jennifer Ehle is lovely to look at, but she could scarcely look more wrong for the part. Elizabeth should be striking in an unorthodox way; attractive to some, but not to everyone's taste, making Darcy's initial feelings and subsequent change of heart credible. However, Ehle possesses a flawless complexion and somewhat 'smooth' features. She is also perhaps rather too buxom and dare I say plump. She was twenty-five at the time of filming, but she has a mature look and could more easily pass for a woman of thirty than a girl of twenty. The main problem is that Ehle totally outshines every other actress in the production in terms of looks and this should not be the case. The contrast between Ehle's Elizabeth and Susannah Harker's Jane could not be more wrong, particularly as Harker is not even that attractive in the role of the family beauty.
Ehle gives a lively, energetic performance and provides a captivating, vivacious presence, but instead of being playful, she often comes across as impertinent. Her characterisation is really just too modern. That is in fact the most significant problem with this production. It just does not work and occasionally feels like a modern drama with everybody in fancy dress. Davies is largely to blame for this, but Simon Langton's direction often appears negligent and at times non-existent. Was there nobody around to teach these actresses some proper deportment? All these 'ladies' slouch all over the place and the very worst is Anna Chancellor as Caroline Bingley who should have been the most straight-backed of them all. In fact the only female in this production who would have been accepted in those times is Joanna David's Mrs Gardiner and this is why it is such a shame that the character is drawn such a short straw here and that her close bond with Elizabeth is barely shown. It is a nice touch that David's daughter Emilia Fox plays Georgiana and, despite the fact that she is a bit too pretty, she actually does well in what was practically her screen debut. Her deportment is also considerably better than most of the others'.
The biggest mess of a characterisation is that of Darcy. Despite having had a successful career, nothing can alter the fact that Colin Firth is in reality a bad actor. He is woefully miscast as Darcy and constantly appears confused, as if he is never quite sure how to play a particular scene. Again, this is where the direction (or lack of it) is at fault. At times his behaviour is absurd and he utterly fails to convince the viewer of his being a reserved regency gentleman. He is also not handsome or tall enough for the role.
Alison Steadman is not a bad actress by any means, but she makes the mistake of interpreting Mrs Bennett as a caricature and consequently goes completely over the top. Austen's characters are all truthful and subtly layered and human. She did not write caricatures. The same problem occurs with David Bamber as Mr Collins, who was also about fifteen years too old for the part.
The character of Mr Bennett is one of the most difficult to get right and Benjamin Whitrow does not quite manage this, but he does quite a good job and will probably never be bettered. Adrian Lukis is a passable Wickham, in another particularly tough role. However, virtually none of Austen's other creations is well-served here.
In spite of all these many reservations, it is difficult not to get caught up in the undoubted charm and sweep of this production, but it really misses the point of Jane Austen.
Final verdict: 7/10
The Best Adaptation of Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" - Believe Me! May 4, 2008
Helena (Vienna, Austria)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Before I ever knew about Jane Austen and her novels, I'd watched BBC "Pride and Prejudice" - when I was a teenager. I have to say that I fell in love with whole story; I adore Ms. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy slow bubbling romance; the Bennet family made me laugh. I even had a crush on Colin Firth then. LOL... Anyway, I love everything about the series; so much so that I took up reading Jane Austen's novels.
A few years ago, I finally bought the DVD of this BBC Series from Amazon.Co.UK, and proudly added it to my movie collection.
I saw the Hollywood re-make of Pride and Prejudice, but that didn't do justice to Jane Austen's novel. The BBC's version is 10X better. I've always say that the British have always been very good at making period dramas.
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