Product Description

The countryside of early 1800s England is the setting for laughter, tears and romance in this superb drama based on the Jane Austen novel, as five sisters are "gently" pushed by their parents into finding suitable husbands and thus preserving the family estate. The fine cast includes Colin Firth, Alison Steadman, Jennifer Ehle, Susannah Harker. 5 hrs. on two discs. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; "making of" documentary; biographies; filmographies.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3145 in DVD
• Brand: A&E
• Released on: 2001-09-25
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Formats: Anamorphic, Color, Special Edition, Closed-captioned
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .55 pounds
• Running time: 300 minutes

Amazon.com
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

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Stills from Pride and Prejudice (click for larger image)