Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #110273 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-09-26
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Box set, Collector's Edition, Colour, DVD-Video, Limited Edition, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 3
• Dimensions: 1.90 pounds
• Running time: 300 minutes

Customer Reviews

Vastly Improved Picture Quality
Well they've done it, my favourite costume drama is now available on Blu-Ray. There is a short feature on the disc which describes the new process of remastering the original 16mm film for Blu-ray (apparently the process for dealing with the edit points, has only very recently been devised). So what can I say? It has definitely all been worth it. Yes there is still some noise especially on the darker scenes, but overall the transformation is amazing, much more detail, edges much sharper, colours much much brighter and more natural and the overall image is less bleached out in parts than the DVD. Also Audio is now in DTS-HD. I say buy it you won't be diappointed...

Hooray - the colour has returned
After two dreadful DVD releases (the first and the 10th anniversary edition) in which all of the warmth had been drained from the glorious original 16mm print as seen on TV and on VHS, the BBC and 2 Entertain have finally repented and this, one of television's most beloved series has been restored to its former beauty. In 2005 I foolishly bought the 10th Anniversary Edition as the cover art-work suggested that the problems with the original transfer had been corrected. Upon viewing it, I wrote to the head of BBC in Australia with the challenge that if she could find any of the colours on the packaging actually on the DVD, I would happily walk naked down a Melbourne street at peak hour. Luckily for the locals, none could be found, and the offending item was returned. Now I am delighted to say that the original warmth has been lovingly restored in the Blu-Ray edition. Yes, as previous reviewers have stated, it was not shot in HD, nor even in 35mm - just humble 16mm, and at times some of the long-shots are not entirely distinct - yet it is a small quibble, and this is well worth the purchase to be able to once again see this iconic series in the rich tapestry of colours in which it was originally made. Thank you BBC/2 Entertain for restoring a true gem.

A Magnificent Cinematic Production Of Jane Austin's Novel!
Jane Austin's wonderful novel, of marriage and mores in Regency England, is faithfully adapted in this magnificent BBC/A&E production, directed by Simon Langton.

The film clearly reflects Ms. Austin's theories on the importance of marriage for women of the Regency period. Most women were not educated, except for the social graces; acquiring, at least, some proficiency in music, needlework and "acceptable" literature, and learning skills essential to running a household. Considerable pressure was placed on women to marry well, to obtain financial security and social position, not just for themselves, but also for their immediate family. Love matches were rare.

The film opens in a small community in Hertfordshire, England. Word is out that the long vacant Netherfield estate has been leased to a new occupant - a wealthy bachelor. Mothers and daughters suddenly upset their daily routine, and shatter the local tranquility - buying dress material, sewing, embroidering, planning and fantasizing about balls and marriage, and, of course, gossiping. Nowhere is there more excitement than at the Bennett home, where five very marriageable daughters anticipate news of their neighbor. The Bennett's have a particular reason for wishing their girls settled. The Bennett estate, Longbourn, is entailed and can only be inherited by a male successor. Since the Bennett's have no son, their entire estate will go to Mr. Bennett's cousin. The girls must be married well and settled, so they will have a secure home when their father dies.

There is a ball in honor of John Bingley, Crispin Bonham-Carter), the new resident at Netherfield, and for the friends who accompany him. Bingley is very taken with Jane Bennett, the eldest daughter, and a lovely young woman with a sweet disposition. Susannah Harker is perfectly cast in this role. The feelings are reciprocated and the two form an attachment. It is at this ball that Elizabeth Bennett (Jennifer Ehle), the family's second daughter, meets Bingley's friend, the aristocratic Fitzwilliam Darcy, (Colin Firth). Darcy, is much wealthier than Bingley. He is a handsome, intelligent man, and the Lord of Pemberly, a large, sumptuous estate in Derbyshire. Darcy, however, is the epitome of haughtiness when he arrives on the scene and looks down his nose at the local gentry. Elizabeth Bennett, is quite different from most young women of the Regency Period. She has a strong intellect and her father had encouraged her to become literate, and to enjoy fine books and literary conversation. She is bright, with a sharp wit, more independent than her sisters, and very pretty with "fine eyes." Darcy is attracted to her immediately, but snubs her unknowingly. She responds in kind, thinking him to be boorish and far too proud. Thus she is prejudiced against him from their first meeting.

Elizabeth and Darcy's strong mutual attraction, and the conflict between them, which prevents them from forming a potentially rich relationship, provide an interesting tension throughout the film. Darcy's proud arrogance in his social class and position, and Elizabeth's prejudice against such haughtiness, seem to inhibit all promise of romance.

Ms. Austin's delightful characters, are brilliantly cast here, including: George Wickham, (Adrian Lukis), a handsome military officer who further prejudices Elizabeth against Darcy with tales from their mutual past; William Collins, (David Bamber), a pompous clergyman, cousin to the Bennetts, and probable heir to the family holdings; Charlotte Lucas, (Lucy Scott), a young neighbor and dear friend to Elizabeth and Jane; and Lady Catherine De Bourgh, (Barbara Leigh-Hunt), the quintessential aristocrat. Jennifer Ehle is the perfect Lizzy Bennett. She sparkles with wit and intelligence, and is just beautiful enough to be believable. Colin Firth brings the proud, but feeling, Mr. Darcy to life. And he is sooooo handsome.

The scenery is breathtaking, the settings and costumes accurate to the period, the dialogue is faithful to the novel. Watching the film, it is almost impossible not to feel transported in time, back to Regency England, and become very involved with the loves, foibles, problems, and adventures of the wonderful Austin characters, brought so realistically to life, in this amazing production. A 5 Star BRAVO!
JANA