Pride And Prejudice (UK)

8 / 10
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The celebrated BBC dramatisation of a classic romance
Certificate: U
Running Time: 327 mins
Retail Price: £29.99
Release Date:
Content Type: Movie

Synopsis:
The timeless themes of love and marriage in Jane Austen`s superb romantic comedy Pride And Prejudice have captivated readers for generations - the novel has sold more than 20 million copies and has never been out of print. Now, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of its writing, A&E Network and Britain`s BBC have brought this beloved classic to life, in a compelling production directed by "Upstairs, Downstairs`" Simon Langton.

Pride And Prejudice is filmmaking as only the BBC and A&E can do it. This stunning production captures all the celebrated beauty of the English countryside and its glorious, stately manors. It features lavish costumes and an exquisite sound-track 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?

Special Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
The Making Of Pride & Prejudice

Video Tracks:
Widescreen Anamorphic 1.78:1

Audio Tracks:
Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 English

Subtitle Tracks:
CC: English

Directed By:
Simon Langton

Written By:
Andrew Davies
Jane Austen

Starring:
Alison Steadman
Julia Sawalha
Anna Chancellor
Crispin Bonham-Carter
David Bamber
Jennifer Ehle
Colin Firth

Soundtrack By:
Carl Davis

Director of Photography:
John Kenway

Editor:
Peter Coulson

Costume Designer:
Kate Stewart
Dinah Collin

Production Designer:
Gerry Scott

Producer:
Julie Scott
Sue Birtwistle

Executive Producer:
Michael Wearing

Distributor:
BBC

Your Opinions and Comments

9 / 10

Pride and Prejudice has long been regarded as a drama flagship for the BBC and therefore was one of the earliest titles to make it onto DVD (they have quite the back-catalogue of Austen alone which has yet to appear on the new format) yet thankfully care has been taken over the serial and it has been lovingly transferred. The picture, whilst occassionally softer than I remember, is generally very good and the sound is excellent.
The disc comes with a "making of" feature that does offer detail on how the BBC went about putting together the drama and it does offer a broad overview that will presumably be of interest to most viewers. It is, however, the sole extra feature offered.
It is the production itself however that should be given the most attention. Based on one of Austen`s most enduring works, Pride and Prejudice was superbly scripted and cast with Ehle and Firth displaying a sumptuous chemistry that makes their volatile romance gripping and gives the piece a sexy energy.
However - be warned. You may put it on with the intentions of watching just one episode but you`ll almost certainly end up watching them in one go. Well... I did anyway.

posted by Aidan Brack on 17/2/2003 06:39

8 / 10

I think that is a good idea to translate Pride and Prejudice into Spanish, because it is a very good version and there are a lot of people who want it.

posted by momo on 19/10/2003 15:50