Colin Firth Movie:

		List Price: $49.95		Label: A&E HOME VIDEO Salesrank: 2179 Released: April 14, 2009
		Our Price: $17.98
		Used Price: $16.95
		MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Media: Blu-ray

Editorial Review:
Jane Austen's classic is finally available on Blu-ray!

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 all 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?

Blu-ray features brand new bonus materials including a fascinating short film about the technical restoration process.



Stills from Pride and Prejudice [Blu-ray] (Click for larger image)

Description of Pride and Prejudice [Blu-ray]:
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 enjoy excellent Austen adaptations such as Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion--this miniseries will round out the ultimate Austen 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

On the DVD
There's a lot to love (and a lot lacking) on the 10th anniversary limited edition. It comes in a tall, embossed green case that's out of place on a DVD shelf but blends right into a library of volumes. The three discs fit snugly in a sleeve, accompanied by a 120-page deluxe companion book. The main attraction, a retrospective documentary, features interviews with key cast members with the sad exceptions of Jennifer Ehle (who played Elizabeth) and Colin Firth (Mr. Darcy), which is bound to disappoint fans. Nonetheless, there are some amusing anecdotes from Mr. and Mrs. Bennet (played by Benjamin Withrow and Alison Steadman), Mary Bennet (Lucy Briers), Mr. Collins (David Bamber), Mr. Bingley (Crispin Bonham-Carter) and Mr. Wickham (Adrian Lukis), who all look drastically different--and younger--without their period costumes and hairstyles. One producer recalls that casting Colin Firth in the role with which his name is now synonymous was not an easy feat: he auditioned having gained weight and dyed his hair blond for another role, looking like "an unmade bed." Even Firth's own brother doubted his ability to pull off the dashing Darcy: "Isn't he supposed to be sexy?"

The special features also include a walking tour of the shooting locations with Lukis and Briers and an A&E Biography episode on Jane Austen that focuses largely on the onslaught of mid-1990s film adaptations of her novels. If it's your first time purchasing Pride & Prejudice, this collector's edition is a nice one to own. But if you already own the movie, you're not missing out on anything here. --Ellen A. Kim

Beyond Pride and Prejudice

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Stills from Pride and Prejudice (click for larger image)

Pride and Prejudice [Blu-ray] Reviews:
The one and only
2009-11-08 - What can I say? This movie is the absolute best. No one, and I mean no one, could possibly play the roles better than Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.
Ladies, you want a rush....buy this CD.

Excellent Jane austin movie
2009-11-06 - My favorite movie and love the actors
especially Colin firth
think it is one of the best he has ever made
Excellent Jane austin movie
I had seen all of the movies here in the Jane Austen's set
so knew I would enjoy it
When I am down I just put in Jane Austin Movie and will feel better by the end of the movie
very good acting and english scenery
Her stories are the best to watch
will watch it over and over
chfancier

Pride and Prejudice
2009-11-05 - If you like love stories, then you will love this one. Cannot tell you how many times I have watched my 2 DVD set of this beautiful love story. Takes you back in time (19th century). What a way to spend a lazy afternoon or quiet evening! You need to sit, uninterrupted to catch the one-liners. Oh the manners of the people in that era! Men would not be as interested in this style but ladies are drawn to it....Highly recommend to the ladies.

A Guy's point of View
2009-11-01 - Ok, so I'm a guy and I have to say that from a guy's point of view this version of P&P falls flat on its face for one big reason;

Jennifer Ehle is not attractive enough to play Elizabeth Bennett. Period.

Hear me out... The ONLY way this story works is if Elizabeth is such a babe that Darcy just can't help himself. I know that sounds really shallow but if you've spent any time at all out and about on this planet that's the way it is. We're guys, we can't help it. And there is no way that Darcy, with all his good looks and money, is going to settle for a penniless woman who perpetually looks as if she just got through sucking on a lemon! I don't care how sassy she is! If Darcy is going to stoop to marry a woman so far beneath his station she is going to be HOT! Smoking hot! Jennifer Ehle might be a perfectly lovely human being but, take it from a guy, she is definately NOT HOT.

I know, I know, Colin and Jennifer were an item at the time, but I submit to the court that it didn't last. Ask yourself why... Was it that Jennifer stopped being a real sweet lady or was it because Colin's career took of and he had access to much hotter babes? Hmmm? Hey, Colin is a guy... case closed!

And please don't tell me there's any chemistry between these two. The final scene in which they declare their love for one another plays like a business deal being consumated. Compare that scene to the rainy confrontation scene in the Knightly version and tell me about chemistry! Not even close.

And if you think my take on the story is not in keeping with the spirit of Austen's book consider this; Is Darcy first moved to re-evaluate his opinion of Elizabeth by her sassiness or is he aroused when he sees her arrive at Netherfield to nurse Jane? When she walks in looking all wild with her fine eyes glowing, her wet skirt clinging to her supple form, and her young breast heaving with passion, it is all over for the Darcster. He's not thinking about her spunkiness at that point, he's thinking about getting some more mud on that dress, trust me! After that Elizabeth could have spent the next two days reading from the Merryton phone book and he'd have found her charming.

Maybe a lot of 5 star reviewers would like to think that a plain girl with spunk has a shot at Darcy. But, I'll say it again, we're guys! Don't give us that much credit!

Kiera Knightly? Yes. Elizabeth Garvie? Absolutely, positively YES!
Jennifer Ehle? (Nasty buzzer sound)

In your hearts, you know I'm right!



Why can't there be more like this??
2009-10-30 - If you are a real Jane Austen fan, then you owe it to yourself to buy this version of Pride & Prejudice. To date, this is BY FAR the best version I have ever seen!! The only bad thing about it is....it ends!! Ohhh, to just get a glimpse of Mr + Mrs Darcy's life after they marry -- why can't someone make a great sequel to this!!? Oh well, I guess I'll just have to watch this one again (and again!) =0)