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Transforming Jane Austen's intricate, subtly satiric novels into suitable screen fare is not an easy accomplishment, but this five-hour BBC version of her most-loved work makes the transition from page to screen brilliantly. The courtship rituals between the daughters of a country gentleman and their widely varied suitors are hampered by excesses of both pride and prejudice; most particularly, the courtship of the snobbish but eminently wealthy Darcy (Colin Firth) and the delightfully independent Elizabeth (Jennifer Ehle). Ehle perfectly captures Elizabeth's lively sense of humor and keen intelligence, while Firth persuasively portrays a man whose surface reserve masks violent emotions. While the essential plot has elements of soap-opera cliché, Pride and Prejudice is anything but. Its clear-eyed observations of human frailty and folly and its straightforward romanticism make this impressively mounted miniseries a touching, comedic and naturalistic melodrama, satisfying to both longtime fans and Austen novices. Amy Robinson

All Movie Guide

Jane Austen's classic novel is brought to the screen once again in this intelligent and witty romantic drama. Elizabeth Bennett (Jennifer Ehle) is one of five sisters living on a British country estate in the 1800s. At a time and place in which matrimony is considered a woman's logical goal in life, Elizabeth displays a cautious reluctance toward marriage -- so when a wealthy young man, Fitzwilliam Darcy (Colin Firth) expresses an interest in courting her, she isn't so sure she cares for him. Elizabeth and Darcy discover that they have a great deal to learn about each other -- and no small amount to overcome in their minds -- if they are to find happiness together. Pride and Prejudice was produced as a five hour mini-series by the BBC and was first shown in the U.S. on the A&E cable network. Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 733961117714
• Source: A&E HOME VIDEO
• Sound: stereo
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English
• Time: 5:23:00
• Sales Rank: 8,607

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• A&E Literary Classics: Romance Collection

Features: