Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #311 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-01-14
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Formats: Colour, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk review
From the pen of Andrew Davies, the man who's brought some of the finest literary adaptations to the small screen in recent years, comes the BBC's new take on Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility. Running across three episodes, it proves to be as much as a sumptuous treat as much of Davies' previous endeavours.

Austen's story of the Dashwood sisters and a romance with John Willoughby is a familiar one (and it was realised quite brilliantly in Ang Lee's film adaptation in 1996), and so it's left to the super cast and terrific production values to convince audiences to dip into Sense & Sensibility again. Fortunately, the production delivers with consummate ease.

Much of the credit for Sense & Sensibility's success lies in its excellent cast. David Morrissey, Mark Williams, Janet McTeer and Charity Wakefield are among the many strong performers, and they're matched by equally impressive work behind the camera too. There's an argument whether it manages to eclipse the 1996 filmed version (for which Emma Thompson took home an Oscar), but it's perhaps to best see them as companion pieces. And truthfully, you're not going to be disappointed with either. Because once again, the BBC has brought further life to a tale told many times before, and its production of Sense & Sensibility is set to be enjoyed for many years to come. --Jon Foster

DVD Description
David Morrissey, Dominic Cooper, Dan Stevens, Mark Williams, Janet McTeer and Mark Gatiss lead an all-star cast in Andrew Davies' romantic and stylish three-part BBC adaptation of Jane Austen's classic Sense and Sensibility.

Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve when she falls in love with the charming but unsuitable John Willoughby, ignoring her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Elinor, sensitive to social convention, struggles to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Will the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love?

Synopsis
Jane Austen's celebrated and most romantic novel of two devoted sisters is brought to life in this classic BBC production and adapted for the screen by acclaimed writer Andrew Davies. One sister represents controlled 'Sense' and the other impulsive 'Sensibility.'

Customer Reviews

Cuts made to what was shown on television
I must say that I prefer this version over the Emma Thompson/Kate Winslet version. The actors are younger overall and I found this portrayal of Col. Brandon far more believable.

My disappointment comes with the omission of many of the small incidental scenes which are cut from the DVD. While these small scenes are perhaps not true to the novel, they add richness and depth to the characters, their relationships, their struggles and ultimately their triumphs.

If I had known these scenes were going to be cut from the DVD, I would not have made the purchase.

Much better that the film!
This adaptation took me by surprise. I did enjoy the film and I can't dispute the acting abililties of Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson, however, for me this BBC version showed more character and insight into Jane Austen's words than any previous adaptation. The relationship and contrast of characters between Elinor and Marianne was quite touching, and the real humour that Jane Austen writes so cleverly, was electric throughout. One minute I was laughing, the next crying and at the end SOBBING! Truly marvellous, and I would recommend it to anyone!

Be sensible buy this version
This was an absolute delight from beginning to end. The delicious and agonising wait between the couples was perfectly balanced against a stimulating background of society and its expectations during this period of time. I was never happy with Hugh Grants attempts to interpret an Austen gent as he has such a minutae of warmth to call upon so the gorgeous Dan Stevens as Edward Ferrars was a blessing.

Elinor and Marianne were played to a fine art by Hattie Morahan and Charity Wakefield. Indeed, the cast were chosen exceptionally well and I do not think this version could ever be improved upon.

Highly recommended for its beautiful scenery, wonderful directing, acting and casting. A must for the Austen fan.