Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
Jane austens classic novel about the prejudice that occurred between the 19th century classes and the pride which would keep lovers apart. Studio: A&e Home Video Release Date: 11/25/2003 Starring: Colin Firth David Bamber Run time: 300 minutes Rating: Nr Director: Simon Langton

Amazon.com essential video:
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

Beyond Pride and Prejudice

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Stills from Pride and Prejudice (click for larger image)

Rating : - Excellent version, and had no problem with subtitles or color
This is by far the best version of "Pride and Prejudice". I believe I have seen every one of them and none compares. Laurence Olivier was great of course as Darcy, but Colin Firth has completely captured the character. I doubt that any one will ever be able to portray Darcy better.
I am extremely satified that I purchased the 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition even though I all ready had the original DVD of the same produecton. It is definitely well worth the price. I strongly recommend it to every one. The DVDs come in a beautifully designed case, and I thoroughly enjoyed the accompanying behind-the-scenes disc. Even though Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle were busy making other movies and could not be on it, the remaining cast members were very entertaining. The accompanying book, "The Making of Pride and Prejudice" gave wonderful insights to the production. It is extremely well written and full of delightful pictures. If you are a fan, even if you have never seen Pride and Prejudice--do not pass up this one.
I do not understand the complaints submitted in several of the other reviews about the color of the film or it's not having subtitles. My 50" television was set at the factory suggested controls, and the color in the DVD was superb! The "woods" were so green and lush it made you feel as if you were actually there with Elizabeth. As far as the subtitles are concerned, I simply hit the "mute" button on my television remote control, and the subtitles were there.