Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #22343 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-09-27
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 107 minutes

Synopsis
A faithful, enchanting adaptation of Austen's nineteenth-century tale of Emma Woodhouse, a clever young woman whose mischievous matchmaking schemes nearly cost her her own shot at romance.

Customer Reviews

A realistic & entertaining interpretation of Austen's Emma.
This 1996 production of Emma is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining piece - thoughtful and true to the original work, with fine costumes and scenery. The original characters are brought to life on-screen effectively and believably. Kate Beckinsale makes a marvellous, entertaining Emma. This version is far superior to the more recent 1999 version (starring Gwyneth Paltrow et al). The recent version detracts from the essence of the story with 'big names', exaggerated characters and scenes and generally looses (amidst stars, spoofing and glamour), the typical wry, under-stated English manner captured so well by Austen and portrayed delightfully in this earlier version of Emma. This earlier production of Emma has to be the choice, over the new Gwyneth Paltrow version, for Austen fans.

An adaptation of Emma that is true to Jane Austen's text
This adaptation outshone the film version that came out in the same year by a long way. Kate Beckinsale was perfectly cast in the title role, and was actually consistent with the character as she was described in Jane Austen's book. The other characters are also true to Jane Austen's characterisation. Mr Knightley is played as the slightly melancholy man he appears to be in the book, and is consistent with the older and wiser character that he is meant to be. The period touches are excellent, as well as the subtelety in the contrast between the status of the characters. Prunella Scales shines as Miss Bates, portraying her both as the garrulous woman she is, but also as the vulnerable and lonely individual whose social status forces her to rely on the kindness and support of her friends. This is an overlooked Jane Austen adaptation, but one that is well deserving of admiration. An excellent purchase.

Easily the best adaptation ever of this wonderful book
This adaptation is yet more proof that Andrew Davies, the script writer, understands the essence of Jane Austen. It is beautifully cast and played, with special credit going to Kate Beckinsale for a wonderfully assured mixture of sense and romanticism, and the always excellent Prunella Scales. By keeping faithfully to the book it actually makes sense emotionally and in terms of plot, unlike the dreadful Hollywood version which garbled the Frank Churchill/ Jane Fairfax plot and generally misunderstood Emma's social standing by making her far too aristocratic. I am still slightly puzzled by Lucy Robinson's accent as MRs Elton (American? Bristolian?) but generally can't find fault with it. It ranks with the BBC P&P and Persuasion on my list of essential Austen adaptations.