Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #556 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-11-13
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 3
• Running time: 480 minutes

Synopsis
From the fog and squalor of Victorian London to the idyllic tranquillity of rural England, Dickens' tale of tragedy, intrigue and love, and stinging satire on the English legal system, is faithfully recreated in this BBC drama series. The story closely follows the characters involved in the infamous court case of Jarndyce versus Jarndyce that relies heavily on the production of an up-to-date will in order to settle the inheritance. Three young people are taken in by the generous guardian John Jarndyce to be cared for at Bleak House while they await the outcome of the court case. Meanwhile a ruthless lawyer is determined to find out the truth surrounding the Lady Dedlock's mysterious past and after deep investigation he makes a discovery that changes all their lives.

Customer Reviews

Excellent, true and Beautifully done!
There is only one weakness to this production, and it is a minor weakness: the transitions between scenes (very creative indeed) sometimes made me a bit sea sick with unnecessary motion.

Other than that, this is pretty well a perfect production. For those who have read the book, Mr. Tulkinghorn (brilliantly played by Charles Dance) is slightly more evil than in the book, if that is possible, and Lord Dedlock, though just as pompous, is a bit less gracious than his literary counterpart. Caddy dares to criticize her father-in-law, and Esther dares to yearn to know her mother. The murder of Tulkinghorn and the flight of Lady Dedlock are not so intertwined, and Inspector Bucket's pursuit of Lady Dedlock is not quite as efficient. Needless to say, none of these "alterations" harm the story in the slightest, and besides them, Dickens' 750 page book is absolutely faithfully represented with the finest talent. I often felt (especially in the scenes with Gillian Anderson as Lady Dedlock) that I was reading the book all over again.

The production quality is first rate. The acting throughout is superb. The story is strong. The subject matter is not for the silly and overly romantic, but a great literary work is well shown here. This is a fine addition to any DVD library.

Top Quality Drama!
I love this adaptation of Bleak House. I was gripped by it when it was originally shown on BBC and now I happily own this DVD boxset! The acting is outstanding, every performance is excellent but some of the standouts for me are Gillian Anderson - heartbreaking as Lady Deadlock, Charles Dance - vile as Mr Tulkinghorn and Burn Gorman - wonderfully funny as Guppy! The series was broadcast in the style of a soap opera with episodes ending with a cliff hanger (of course the novel was also originally published in monthly installments)but I think the DVD is equally as gripping and I found myself up way past my usual bedtime watching another episode followed by another and then another and so on. This boxset dosent have many extras but it's good value for several hours worth of top quality drama!

Superior quality
BBC adaption at its best an all star cast - Gillian Anderson, Charles Dance who lead the way however its the younger cast one or two already famous who fit their characters as though they were born to play them!

Exceptional story, drama, intrigue, murder, suspense, humor & a star in the making from Burn Gorman as the hapless yet lovable Guppy who stole almost every scene he was in!

Overall the best the BBC has done in ages a period piece beyond measure & a cast to die for. They do not come any better than this and as already said some stars were made in the remaking! Well done to all.