 | |
List Price: $19.95 | | Label: A&E Home Video
Salesrank: 1496
Released: October 26, 1999 |
| Our Price: $3.99 |
| Used Price: $4.40 |
|
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD |
|
Editorial Review:
Emma Woodhouse imagines that she dominates those around her in the small town of Highbury, but her matchmaking creates problems for herself and others.
Genre: Feature Film-Drama
Rating: NR
Release Date: 26-OCT-1999
Media Type: DVD
Description of Emma (A&E, 1997):
Similar to the equally excellent Valmont, this version of Jane Austen's classic novel had the misfortune of following a sumptuous big-star version with Gwyneth Paltrow, which was released the summer before. And, just as 1989's Valmont suffered comparisons with Dangerous Liaisons, inevitably these Emmas were held up next to one another.
This delicious Emma concerns a young woman of financial substance (Kate Beckinsale), who fancies herself a matchmaker, especially with shy Miss Harriet Smith (Samantha Morton, who also appears in A&E's Jane Eyre). In Emma's swirling world of social activity and social consciousness, one's position and stature is a constant preoccupation. But to her credit, Emma, albeit a busybody, has compassion for all classes, and for her kindly but hypochondriacal father (Bernard Hepton).
This miniseries is more subtle than the grand theatrical release, is truer to the novel, and gives a richer explanation of the relationship between Emma associates Jane Fairfax (beautiful Olivia Williams of Rushmore) and the duplicitous Frank Churchill (Raymond Coulthard). Of course, at the center, as in all Austen stories, is the romance between the unsuspecting leading lady and an unlikely, but wholly suitable gentleman. In this case, it's Emma and her brother-in-law, the righteous (as played here) Mr. Knightley (Mark Strong). Strong's Mr. Knightley is more reserved, less coy than Jeremy Northam's; he plays Knightley more like Mr. Darcy (the leading man in Austen's Pride and Prejudice, which A&E also offers in a wonderful miniseries). Beckinsale proves to be utterly delightful and in no way should this excellent adaptation be ignored. --N.F. Mendoza
Emma (A&E, 1997) Reviews:
I'm surprised everyone liked this so much! 
2009-11-19 - After looking at several reviews for this product (having already watched it myself), I must say I am surprised at the strong reviews. I thought Emma and Mr. Knightley were NOT cast well at all. Since you know they get together in the end, you'd expect some kind of cameraderie and friendship to come through. Instead, they act like they dislike each other much of the time. I know they quarrel in the book, but this felt more mean-spirited to me...in real life it's unlikely this couple would have fallen in love! This version lacked the charm of the Gwyneth Paltrow version and especially the latest Romola Garai version, where Mr. Knightley really does seem like an older brother who genuinely cares about Emma. With the latter two Emmas to watch, who needs this one?!
Enjoyable not Memorable 
2009-11-06 - It's been years since I read the book so I can't comment on how close the film follows it. I haven't seen the Gwynneth Paltrow Emma either so I can't compare these two films.
The production was first rate---costumes, settings, etc. as one would expect. I thought the whole cast was excellent, too, with the exception of Kate Beckensall in the lead. I don't know if the fault lay in the direction, the script or the actress, but her Emma comes across as so unpleasant that I really couldn't be very happy for the ending. She is obviously privileged, pampered and very well treated by everyone, including the well-named Mr. Knightly, who cares enough for her to tell her off when it's necessary. Her own father is adorable but sleeps a lot and obviously has never bothered to discipline his darling daughter.
Her sense of smug superiority and out-and-out rudeness is so off-putting that I was really happy when the handsome blond guy she liked married the sweet and truly beautiful governess. In reading other reviews, I gather that Paltrows's version of the character is much more sympathetic. I think I'll check that out.
excellent Jane Austen movie 
2009-11-06 - 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
REALLY GOOD!
2009-10-25 - I NEVER WATCHED THE MOVIE WITH GWYNETH PALTROW, BUT THIS MOVIE WAS SO GOOD THAT NOW I'D LIKE TO SEE THE MORE RECENT VERSION. LOVED THE STORY LINE!
emma
2009-10-13 - movie was just what i ordered. it arrived in a timely manner and great shape. i will use this co. again.
