---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16665 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-10-20
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Formats: Black & White, Colour, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 3
• Running time: 351 minutes

DVD Description

The 3 Classic Charles Dickens Films - Great Expectations / A Tale Of Two Cities / Oliver Twist box set comprises three classic film adaptations based on the timeless novels of Charles Dickens.

1."Great Expectations":
In David Lean's definitive adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, Great Expectations, an orphaned boy named Pip is befriended by a mysterious benefactor, Miss Haversham, who enables him to become a gentleman of means. The film is set in nineteenth century England.

2."A Tale Of Two Cities":
In A Tale Of Two Cities, Ralph Thomas directs an unusually faithful cinematic adaptation of this timeless Dickens classic. A sensitive film, it succeeds in portraying not only vast social upheaval, but also the personal and individual consequences of such change. Dirk Bogard stars in the role of Sydney Carlton and Dorothy Tutin plays Lucie Manette.

3."Oliver Twist":
David Lean's prodigious adaptation of Oliver Twist expands fervently on the theme of a lonely boy in a world of bullies. When the orphan hero, Oliver (John Howard Davies), escapes to London, the Artful Dodger (Anthony Newley) delivers him to the notorious Fagan (Alec Guinness). Fagan makes the youngster part of the gang but soon allows for poor Oliver to take the fall for a bungled pick-pocketing scam.

---

Customer Reviews

Marvellous!
There is no other word to describe it. I am talking about both the unbelievebly bargain price and the magnificence of the films.
To get it out of the way, 'Tale of Two Cities' is only very good. It is not one of the best Dickens stories (but it is still Dickens), and it is not directed by David Lean, however Dirk Bogarde still does extremely well and it is enjoyable.

Right, now we come to the masterpieces: these are certainly two of the greatest top 100 movies ever made, in anyone's list, in mine both are top 20. As far as I am concerned, if you start off with a great story then you will have a good film. What these two films add is acting so brilliant that it could persuade you to alter your sexuality if it so desired, and direction so grainy amd wonderful, that sunny beaches and snow-capped mountains seem dull in its shadow.

In terms of quality for money, this is the best bargain you will ever get, and I am not just talking about DVDs.

An Excellent Trio
This excellent trio of Dickens' masterpieces reflect the genius of the master writer.
Tale of Two Cities captures the mood of the time. A minor criticism is that the crowd scenes lack the number of people used in the earlier film of the story starring Ronald Coleman. Dirk Bogarde's interpretation of the sad Sydney Carton is true to the character created by Dickens. The final guillotine scene with the famous quote "It is a far, far better thing........" is a highlight of the film.
Oliver Twist is one of David Lean's best films.His direction is faultless. The dark forboding atmosphere he creates draws the viewer hypnotically into the story of Oliver the waif who endures many hardships before a realistic happy ending. Look out for the excellent Alec Guinness as Fagin.
Great Expectations, another David Lean film. John Mills gives his usual convincing performance. Again David Lean's direction is beyond reproach. Not one of my favourite Dickens' tales but worth watching.