This adaptation tries to stay as close to the original as possible (including keeping its wording, see below), while adding to it a fantastic visual background: England at its best. I think Jane Austen is a magician of language, and thankfully, Andrew Davies thought the same: it was great fun finding/hearing her exact words on screen.

The cast is equally fantastic: Alison Steadman as Mrs Bennet is hilarious, Benjamin Whitrow as Mr Bennet is sarcastic and at times cynical, while David Bamber is the ultimate Mr Collins. Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth is true to the role model of many girls, and Colin Firth as Mr Darcy... well, watch this film, and you'll instantly understand Bridget Jones ;).

The DVD edition itself is not as spectacular as the film (hence the four stars). It's a 2-disc edition, with the first 3 episodes on the first disc, the last 3 episodes and the extras on the second. This means, you have to change discs while watching (yes, I know it's altogether more than 5 hours). The extras (The Making of PP) are plainly disappointing: very short, very hectic, little informative.

Conclusion: buy the DVD for the film (scene selection available). Shorter conclusion: buy the DVD. :)
(Well, if you like the film and/or Jane Austen, of course)


Just brilliant   April 7, 2005
 0 out of 1 found this review helpful

This production of Jane Austens best novel has become so famous that it is hard to believe that any-one has never seen it! The book is of course wondeful, witty, funny, romantic and dramatic, and these traits carry on to this TV adaption. I first watched this when I was about 10, and couldn't beleive that TV could be so wonderful. I have seen it so many times now that I could probably say the lines along with the actors. It is hard to beleive that it is 10 years old, but don't let that put you off; the performances are wonderful by all involved, the locations gorgeous, and the story achingly romantic. The 6 hours flies along, and ends too soon when you are enjoying such a wonderful story. I recomend this to anyone, it is my most watched DVD, having had to replace my VHS version after having watched it too much!
Romantic, funny, wonderful perfomances, just great.


Best film ever   March 4, 2005
 0 out of 1 found this review helpful

I first watched P+P when I was about 12. I had read the novel and borrowed the video from a friend. Since then I have borrowed it more than 10 times and have finally decided to actually buy the DVD cos my friend's sick of lending it to me. I watch it every time I feel upset and it never fails to cheer me up. I think it's the best film ever made. BBC could have ruined the film adaption of the superb novel but they've done an excellent job. To any fan of the 19th century, I cannot recommend this highly enough.


Does Pemberly Please You................   February 23, 2005
 1 out of 3 found this review helpful

This is one of those dvd's that you can watch over and over again. I love this adaptation of Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice. The whole mood is amazing , not to mention the scenery and of course the acting.Colin Firth steals the show as the brooding Mr Darcy , but credit must also be given to Alison Steadman as the wonderful Mrs Bennett. I rate this a full 5 stars . I must say Pemberly pleases me well indeed.