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Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: VHS Tape EAN: 9786303921242 Format: Box set, Collector's Edition, Color, NTSC ISBN: 6303921248 Label: A&E Home Video Manufacturer: A&E Home Video Model: AAE-15400 Number Of Items: 6 Publisher: A&E Home Video Release Date: December 23, 1996 Running Time: 300 minutes Sales Rank: 149 Studio: A&E Home Video Theatrical Release Date: January 14, 1996
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.
Amazon.com 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. 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
On the DVD There's a lot to love (and a lot lacking) on the 10th anniversary limited edition. It 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. One 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: "Isn'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. If 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
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Stills from Pride and Prejudice (click for larger image)
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - The Ultimate Love Story Series
Well, who doesn't love Colin Firth? I owned the tape version of this series and so love that I don't have to rewind each tape. The segments flow smoothly. This movie is well done and the best, hands down, at capturing the book. I have already gotten a second copy for a Christmas gift!
Rating: - My favorite movie
Of the four versions of Pride and Prejudice that I have viewed, this is by far the best, not only in superior acting (from the main characters down to the bit players), quality of filming, and superb costumes, but also in the authenticity of the film as true to the book.
My second choice would be the Greer Garson version from the 40's; while not as accurate to the book, it is still an enjoyable movie to watch, even if Lizzy is a bit too caustic with her wit in that version.
My third choice is the BBC version from the 80's, which though accurate is rather dull in acting ... Read More
Rating: - I knew not what I was missing.
The title of the book and the film never seemed to appeal to me. When Amazon had this as a Gold Box Deal I thought 1,500 reviews couldn't be wrong.
WOW, I love it. Mr. Darcy such a character. You cannot stand his attitude when you first meet him but you love his looks. I knew Miss Elizabeth loved and hated him right from the the start. Being a romantic at heart the looks they exchange.....hmmmm young love.
If you have never seen it, this is a very nice edition. The film is beautiful in sight and feelings. The costumes are so finely done. I highly recommend this edition.
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Rating: - Best Film Adaptation
I have watched the A&E film version of "Pride and Prejudice" more times than may seem reasonable. However, this is really a fantastic production that is true to the novel without being overburdened by the text. The acting is superb and truly brings Austen's characters to life, especially Mr. Darcy played admirably by Colin Firth. You will not be sorry you purchased this film nor regret the 6 hours it takes to reach the end.
Rating: - The Quintessential Adaptation!!!!
This is by far the best adaptation of the classic novel that I have ever seen! The first time that I saw this movie on A&E 10 years ago I fell in love with it before I had read the book. I was afraid to read the book at first because it has always been my experience that the books are always better than the movie versions they inspire. After reading the book I found my fears to be unfounded! This production is so close to the book that the majority of the dialogue is taken directly out of the text! The sets and costumes are absolutely gorgeous! Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle just sparkle together as Elizabeth ... Read More
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