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List Price: $39.95 | | Label: A&E Home Video
Salesrank: 97
Released: September 25, 2001 |
| Our Price: $19.46 |
| Used Price: $17.02 |
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MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
The timeless themes of love and marriage in Jane Austen's superb romantic comedy Pride and Prejudice have captured readers for generations - the novel has sold more than 20 million copies and has never been out of print. Now A&E and the BBC have brought this beloved classic to life in a compelling production directed by Upstairs Downstairs' Simon Langton. This stunning production captures the celebrated beauty of the English countryside and its glorious stately manors. It features lavish costumes and an exquisite soundtrack from noted composer Carl Davis.Pride and Prejudice is the story of the lively and rebellious Elizabeth Bennet one of five unmarried daughters living in the countryside of 19th Century England. IN a world where obtaining an advantageous marriage is a woman's sole occupation Elizabeth's independent manner threatens her family's future. Will her romantic sparring with the mysterious and arrogant Darcy end in misfortune - or will love's true nature prevail?System Requirements:Starring: Jennifer Ehle Colin Firth David Bamber Crispin Bonham-Carter Anthony Calf Anna Chancellor Susannah Harker Julia Sawalha Alison Steadman Benjamin Whitrow. Directed By: Simon Langton. Running Time: 310 Minutes Color. This Film is presented in "Widescreen" format. Copyright 2001 A&E Television Networks. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA Rating: NR UPC: 733961702545 Manufacturer No: AAE-70254
Description of Pride and Prejudice - The Special Edition (A&E, 1996):
Jane Austen's classic novel of 1813, Pride and Prejudice, still wins the hearts of countless schoolgirls with its romantic story of Elizabeth Bennet and her Mr. Darcy. Now, the 1996 BBC miniseries is winning over adults, with its faithful adaptation, gorgeous scenery, and superb acting.
The essence of the story is the antagonism between Mr. Darcy, a wealthy single man who believes Elizabeth to be beneath him, and Elizabeth, who upon being insulted at a dance by the aloof Darcy refuses to associate with him in any manner. Austen evokes incredible tension with the wit and flirtation of the two characters, and director Simon Langton (who also directed Upstairs Downstairs) successfully translates the repartee and conflict in this six-hour miniseries. Dialogue, for the most part, is painstakingly replicated, except when fleshing out and smoothing for modern sensibilities was necessary. Darcy, for instance, is drawn out, giving his personality significantly more depth. The acting sweeps you away to Regency England: Jennifer Ehle (of Wilde) is convincing as the obstinate Elizabeth, who, despite her mother's attempts to marry her off, spurs the attentions of Darcy. And Colin Firth (of The English Patient) will have women everywhere longing for a Mr. Darcy of their own.
For those who have been on an Austen binge--enjoying such excellent adaptations as Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion--this miniseries will round out the ultimate Austen video library. For those new to these romantic period pieces, this version of Pride and Prejudice will have you hooked and longing for more. One caveat, however: plan to watch it in an entire day, because very few have the self-control to not watch all six hours in a single sitting. --Jenny Brown
Beyond Pride and Prejudice
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Stills from Pride and Prejudice (click for larger image)
Pride and Prejudice - The Special Edition (A&E, 1996) Reviews:
I knew not what I was missing. 
2008-10-04 - The title of the book and the film never seemed to appeal to me. When Amazon had this as a Gold Box Deal I thought 1,500 reviews couldn't be wrong.
WOW, I love it. Mr. Darcy such a character. You cannot stand his attitude when you first meet him but you love his looks. I knew Miss Elizabeth loved and hated him right from the the start. Being a romantic at heart the looks they exchange.....hmmmm young love.
If you have never seen it, this is a very nice edition. The film is beautiful in sight and feelings. The costumes are so finely done. I highly recommend this edition.
I will note that with an HDTV and upconverting DVD player it is very nearly in HD, considering it was made in 1996 I consider this a very high quality set.
Best Film Adaptation
2008-10-02 - I have watched the A&E film version of "Pride and Prejudice" more times than may seem reasonable. However, this is really a fantastic production that is true to the novel without being overburdened by the text. The acting is superb and truly brings Austen's characters to life, especially Mr. Darcy played admirably by Colin Firth. You will not be sorry you purchased this film nor regret the 6 hours it takes to reach the end.
The Quintessential Adaptation!!!!
2008-09-24 - This is by far the best adaptation of the classic novel that I have ever seen! The first time that I saw this movie on A&E 10 years ago I fell in love with it before I had read the book. I was afraid to read the book at first because it has always been my experience that the books are always better than the movie versions they inspire. After reading the book I found my fears to be unfounded! This production is so close to the book that the majority of the dialogue is taken directly out of the text! The sets and costumes are absolutely gorgeous! Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle just sparkle together as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. In my humble opinion this is the only version of the story that is worth repeated viewings! It is one of my favorite movies ever!!!
The Ultimate Chick Flick
2008-09-17 - I just love this version of Jane Austin's story. The book was amazing, but I believe this is very good and true to the story. Of course, the details of the book can't all be included, but this includes quite a bit due to the amazing 5 hour duration! They did add some things not in the book, but I thought they were good additions. The acting is wonderful, inspiring the full range of emotions. I also love the Kyra Knightly version, and Bride & Prejudice, but this is the one I chose to purchase for my video library. It's a MUST HAVE for Chick Flick lovers!
The Best Production of Austen ever done!
2008-09-16 - There has never been, and never will be, a better production of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle were perfection! I have watched this dvd over and over again and was inspired to reread the novel with each viewing. Mr. Darcy and Lizzy could not have been better portrayed and Firth now will forever be Mr. Darcy in my mind each time I think of his character. Every now and then we are given a true gift in life, and this beautiful version of my favorite novel is it. It has brought Jane Austen back into the limelight to be viewed and loved by the world once again. A masterpiece for sure. Timeless! Wonderful! Brilliant!
