Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #68 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-09-12
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, Box set, PAL
• Original language: English, Turkish
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 327 minutes

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

DVD Description
Regency romance, full of pace, style, wit and passion. Filmed in the stately homes and country mansions of old England, with a first-rate production team and a cast of Britain's finest character actors, this really is unmissable. Starring Colin Firth, Jennifer Ehle, Allison Steadman and Julia Sawalha

Special Features
Special Edition Packaging

Customer Reviews

NOT the best version of P&P.
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!
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
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.