Pride and Prejudice (Special Edition)

Jane Austen's classic comedy of manners—a delectably witty story of life, love, and marriage among the 19th-century English gentry—is now one of the most lavish and expensive miniseries in history. Co-produced by the BBC and A&E, directed by Simon Langton ("Upstairs, Downstairs"), newly adapted for the screen by Andrew Davies ("Middlemarch"), and filmed on location in Derbyshire, this groundbreaking production, originally seen on A&E, stars Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet, Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, Julia Sawalha as Lydia, and Susannah Harker as Jane. Boxed set is 5 hours on 6 cassettes or 5 hours on 2 DVDs.

Jane Austen's classic novel of 1813, , 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 ) 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 ) 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 ) 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 and --this miniseries will round out the ultimate Austen video library. For those new to these romantic period pieces, this version of 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.

Beyond

Stills from (click for larger image)