Pride & Prejudice (1995) (6pc) (Coll Box)

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 recent 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

Hailed as "the best Austen of all" by The New York Times and deemed "one of the best things ever done for television anywhere" by Sneak Previews, this brilliant adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel is A&E's most popular title ever. Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth (Shakespeare in Love) star in this Emmy-winning production.

Customer Reviews:

Pride and Prejudice (1995)(6pc) (Coll Box)
Received in excellent condition, will use again. Not a thing was broken and everything worked perfectly.
--2006-11-04

This movie brings the novel Jane Austen wrote to life brilliantly!
I have read Jane Austen's novel called "Pride and Prejudice" many times, and when I saw that a movie version of it would be on television, I didn't have much hope that it would be a faithful rendering of the book. But when I watched the movie on television, it matched Jane Austen's novel, word for word. It was a masterful production, and the actors chosen to portray the characters were perfect in the roles they played. I knew I had to own a copy of this beautiful movie! (I had seen a shorter movie of "Pride and Prejudice" on television, and it bore very little resemblence to the novel written by Jane Austen.) I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who loves novels written by Jane Austen.
--2006-10-06

closest to the book
I loved this version, it was the closest to the book of all the versions i have seen, including the 2005 one. Jennifer Ehle also to me is the most authentic Elizabeth of them all, and I would say overall the rest of the cast match the books characters more closely, with maybe Mr. Bennet being a little more humorous in this version than the book. I'm not sure about fashions in that time period, but I have a feeling it was the most authentic as far as fashion goes. For example, I think most women at that time period and of that class level and age would never be seen in public with their hair down, it would always be up, but in the 2005 version Elizabeth goes to Meryton out in public with her hair down. Also, it was the most authentic as far as language goes, in the 2005 version phrases/passages were changed for a modern audience to understand it better, but I prefer it spoken as it is in the book. Jennifer Ehle and Susannah Harker meet the maturity aspect of the women in the book as opposed to other versions where they are portrayed as mentally much younger and naive, and sometimes even giddy. I would have to say colin Firth is my favorite Darcy too, even though I had no problem with the guy in the 2005 version. I've also seen a 1980's version, and I think something from the 1970's, as well as the old 1940's version, so I've seen a few.
--2006-06-30

Looking for Mr. Darcy
I have watched several versions of Pride and Prejudice, and loved them all.

That being said, this version is by far, the most romantic and exciting of the lot.

I am 46 years old, but the repressed sexual tension between Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bennett had my heart racing and my palms sweating like a 16 year old school girl.

It brings home the sad fact that I am going to be single for the rest of my life because I will not settle for anything less than my own Mr. Darcy or Mr. Firth for that matter (for me, they are one and the same, no matter how Mr. Firth exclaims that he is not Mr. Darcy).

What I found to be the one of the most exquisite scenes was the dancing scene, as Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bennett kept separating and coming together while having an intellectual argument.

Equally exquisite was his admission of his admiration for her in his first proposal.

Finally, the last scene when Ms. Bennett states her feelings have changed (admitting her love), the look on Mr. Darcy's face as he was trying to appear in control lets you know that this was a man struggling with a passion he could barely contain.

Colin Firth is, was, and will always be my own Mr. Darcy.

Other great movies with Colin Firth are both Bridget Jones' movies, as well as Girl With a Pearl Earring.

--2006-05-08

Colin Firth gives new meaning to the wet T-shirt look...
OK, girls, let's admit it: we may claim to watch this flick in the name of classic literature and historic interest, or because of its magnificent production value and the timeless tale it tells.

But we REALLY watch it because of the charming Mr. Darcy, played by oh-so-dishy Colin Firth. He smolders, he smirks, he takes a dip in the family fishing hole and comes up lookin' better than ever.

Yeah, there are many other talented actors in this movie, too. It's a truly gorgeous production and an unforgettably classic story. Your English will probably improve just by listening to it.

But see what YOU remember when all's said and done...
--2005-12-09

- A&E Home Video