Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #560 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-02-05
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, Colour, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 233 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Continuing the BBC's unrivalled reputation for costume drama, their new adaptation of Jane Eyre proved to be one of the television triumphs of 2006. Based, as you'd expect, on the Charlotte Bronte book of the same name, this two-disc set brings together the full series, spread across the best part of four sumptuous hours.

It's a faithful adaptation, with Ruth Wilson giving an exceptional performance in the title role. Mr Rochester's boots, meanwhile, are filled by Toby Stephenson, and both prove to be wise choices. Backed up by an excellent supporting cast, they're also supported by some quite superb scenery, warm photography and skilful, at times neatly understated the direction, that gives the story space to develop.

Is the best adaptation of Jane Eyre? It certainly builds a compelling case, and while there's the odd slight misstep along the way, it's primarily a terrific interpretation of a classic romance. Perhaps the only real disappointment is that the DVD release itself doesn't offer more in the way of added features, but given the presentation and quality of the main attraction, that's unlikely, rightly, to deter those in search of some classic BBC drama. --Jon Foster

Synopsis
2006 adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's passionate and tender story of the love between a fiercely independent governess and her brusque, mysterious employer.

Customer Reviews

Could be better
This adaptation of the book is good, however it does deviate from the plot a lot in my opinion. For example the entire period from the break down of the wedding to the end of the book is encompassed in only 1 hour and should have had more time spent on it. Important details are also left out of that final episode, for example Jane searching the village for somewhere to live and eat before stumbling across the Rivers household where she is rejected and then taken in. Additionally the beginning of the program with Jane as an infant living with her Aunt before she goes to school is about 2 minutes long when in reality it should be longer.

All in all, however it does make the plot of the story clear and is enjoyable.

Brilliant !
I love the classics, and this version of Jane Eyre is stunning, in my opinion anyway.

It was an afternoon well-spent, watching this series with my teen daughter. Since there is so many reviews done of JE, I'm not going to give one.
I liked the casting of Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens as Jane and Rochester. They did a great job of portraying the characters and the chemistry between them alone keeps you riveted to your screen.

Yes, I know Toby Stephens is far too handsome for this role but he captures Rochester's abrasive and mercurial temperament superbly. He is a tortured soul. You can sense his vulnerability and loneliness quite keenly at times.
I enjoyed his interaction with Jane, in whom he sensed a kindered spirit. You can feel his passion, simmering just beneath the surface. He wants Jane badly but must keep her at arms length, (because of a dark secret revealed later on) and his frustration in failing to do so is so tangible.

Ruth Wilson was perfect as Jane. Her passion and zest for life just simmers beneath her sombre and reserve exterior. Despite her harsh childhood she grows up sweet and kind.
She's takes one look at Rochester and falls for him. She sees through his abrasive manner, sees his inner pain and is captured by his wit, humour and vulnerability. She practically glows when she's with him.
Her absolute love for Rochester makes you feel her pain when things fall apart.
This is one series I know I will be watching repeatedly as it's a definite keeper, with its gorgeous outdoor scenery, wonderful costumes and perfect casting.

My only gripe is, I wished they had sub-titled this series. I hated missing even one word of dialogue!

A fantastic adaptation
Any reviews that give this production one star are clearly written by bitter purists who need to be more open-minded.

'Jane Eyre' is my favourite book, and this adaptation is never less-than compelling.

The main thing that sets this particular adaptation far above it's competition is the casting of the two leads. The BBC were absolutely spot-on in their choice of an 'unknown' Jane (Ruth Wilson) who is simply stunning in the role - subtle, intelligent, brimming with repressed passion; she is everything that Jane should be.

And Toby Stephens is no-less impressive as Rochester; we see a man who has been so badly hurt in the past that he is afraid to open his heart to the possibility of love. The chemisty between the pair is electric - every scene between them is incredibly sexy, and both actors make the connection they have with one another utterly believable.

This is a beautifully written and well-acted production, and if you are a fan of the book I highly recommend it.