Reviews (596)

A marvelous adaptation of one of the great novels.
This A&E/BBC miniseries is a true masterpiece, bringing Jane Austen's most popular novel to life in a near perfect production. It has everything: authentic Regency Period atmosphere, costumes, settings, a beautiful musical score, excellent performances by a well-chosen cast. Andrew Davis's script does full justice to Austen's original. Colin Firth is excellent as Mr. Darcy, but Jennifer Ehle just takes my breath away with her magnificent performance, which catches every nuance of Elizabeth Bennet's character exactly right in every scene. It is a pleasure to watch all 4 1/2 hours straight through again and again. As a longtime devoted admirer of Jane Austen's works, I am very critical of any movies based upon her novels, but this has to be one of the very best adaptations of any major literary work.

WORTH OWNING AND REPEAT VIEWING
I'm usually very hesitant about adaptations from book to film (especially classics), but this movie does justice to Jane Austin's timeless masterpiece. I rented this movie on a whim, thinking that it would at least be somewhat entertaining, but to my surprize and great pleasure, it not only captivated the true essence of the novel but the characters really came alive and stayed true to the story the whole way through. I eventually bought the DVD and I have NOT had "buyer's remorse" ever since. I get caught up in every moment of every scene of every viewing.

There are no annoying "Hollywood stars" in it like in Ang Lee's Sense and Sensibility, yet the acting is incredible. Although I enjoyed Sense and Sensibility (on the second viewing because the first time I watched it I fell asleep), it doesn't hold a candle to Pride and Prejudice. This adaption lets your imagination steep in the imagery, language, and essence of the film so you never get "pulled out" of a scence. If you're unsure as whether or not to buy this gem, just do what I did and rent it for the weekend. You'll soon discover that your movie collection will be lacking without this rendition of Pride and Prejudice.

Superb, true to Jane Austen adaption
This version of Pride & Predjudice is my absolute favorite. I have owned the tapes and the original DVD. As far as the movie itself goes, the characters are all perfectly cast. From the embarassingly annoying Mrs. Bennet, the sweet oldest sister Jane, the condescending and IQ challenged Mr. Collins, to the feisty Elizabeth and the Proud Mr. Darcy, you will find yourself engrossed in every character's story. The script was written to stay true to the original novel. The scenery in breathtaking, and you will find yourself paying as much attention to the beautiful countryside as you will the drama.
As for technical details, the biographies that are included on this special version are simply printed words on the screen. Interesting information, but each bio is only one or two paragraphs long with a complete list of credits for only a few of the characters. The mini featurette is okay.
My bottom line: if you love romance, drama, and history then this is the movie for you. If you already own it on tape or have the original dvd, save your money and enjoy the version you have.

Period Movie - Lovely to watch
As an avid lover of period movies, I received this particular one last Christmas. I've been able to watch it multiple times. I love Colin Firth's portrayal of a proud and prejudice man who finally learns there are more important things. It's funny and romantic and the dialogue, as with any period piece, will keep you on your toes . . . maybe that's why I can re-watch so many times. It is a timeless movie!

Colin Firth...need I say more? Great Movie Colin Firth aside
This movie is so amazing I've watched it so many times and I never get tired of it. I thought this was by far the best film adaptation of the novel. Colin Firth portrayed Mr. Darcy exactly as I pictured him in my mind. I loved all the characters and felt like the actors/actresses lived up the their characters in the novel. While the picture quality may not be that great (read several comments about it) it didnt bother me one bit. The locations they filmed were simply beautiful, the story and characters entralling, and the costumes and scenes eye catching....I didnt even notice the quality. ... Read more

Amazon.com

P.G. Wodehouse's much-loved stories about Bertie Wooster and his brilliantly clever valet, Jeeves, were brought faithfully to life in Jeeves and Wooster, starring Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry as master and servant. The scripts of this perfectly cast production retain all the sparkling wit of Wodehouse's prose, and it's hard to see how any future adaptation of his work could surpass this wonderfully funny series.

This boxed set contains the entire first season of Jeeves and Wooster. In "Jeeves Takes Charge," young man-about-town Bertie Wooster employs a new valet called Jeeves, and not a moment too soon. Thanks to his Aunt Agatha, Bertie faces the terrible prospect of marriage to the statuesque Honoria Glossop, and only Jeeves can save the day. "Tuppy and the Terrier" finds Bertie in trouble again when he loses Aunt Agatha's dog. Further aunt-related complications arise when Bertie's chum Tuppy falls for our hero's cousin Angela. Aunt Dahlia is not amused. An uncle in love with a waitress, a trip to the country, a speedy choirboy, and a secret betting syndicate all lead to trouble in "The Purity of the Turf." Jeeves, of course, is the only one who can put things right.

Jeeves and Wooster really hits its stride in the final episodes of the first series, "The Hunger Strike" and "Brinkley Manor." When Bertie visits Aunt Dahlia, he is called upon to solve the romantic problems of his friends Tuppy Glossop (in love with cousin Angela) and the delightful Gussy Fink-Nottle (in love with Madeleine Basset, a young lady who believes the stars to be God's daisy chain.) Unwisely, Bertie decides to cook up his own plan and before long disaster strikes. Aunt Dahlia's superb chef Anatole gives his notice, and Bertram is to blame. Thank goodness for Jeeves. --Simon Leake ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Best in british humor (and thus the best all-around)
The 5 episodes of this set appeared previously under different titles: "Jeeves' Arrival", "Golf Tournament", "The Gambling Event", "Hunger Strike" and "The Matchmaker".

Two memorable characters are introduced: the ever-amiable, charming and foppish gentleman of the '30s, Bertie Wooster, and his stately, cultured and dignified valet, Jeeves. Bertie (and his helpless friends) finds himself in trouble all the time, and only the priceless Jeeves can extricate him and make things run smoothly again, until the next imbroglio comes up.

Their creator is P. G. Wodehouse (1881-1975). If you already met him, then no more talk is necessary. If he hasn't crossed your path yet, your happiness is even greater; you will be able to discover his sunny world starting afresh. What wouldn't I give to be able to read his short stories and novels again without knowing the way they end (always happily) beforehand!

Bertie Wooster is played by Hugh Laurie and Jeeves by Stephen Fry. They are simply brilliant and I laughed myself into stitches watching the series.

Usually TV adaptations are disappointing, but in this case, none of the original flavor is lost!

I've seen all four seasons, and the one thing I found confusing is that sometimes secondary characters are played by different actors.

Plot lines are not followed exactly sometimes and separate novels and short stories are combined together in one episode to make the whole thing livelier, but the final result is, somehow, exactly right.

No sex, no violence, hilarious! Who'd have thought it?
I have heard of the Wodehouse stories, on which this series was based, but have never read them. Wodehouse fanatics (and there are a lot of them) seem to embrace the show with enthusiasm. I'm writing to tell you that you don't have to know the canon to love the TV version.

Stephen Fry (Jeeves) and Hugh Laurie (Wooster) are well-known English comedians. They both had major roles in the Blackadder series and Laurie starred in Stuart Little. Here, Laurie plays Bertie Wooster, an air-headed young English aristocrat, a character exactly like his Blackadder roles, and Fry plays Jeeves, Bertie's valet, a man of sophistication and cunning, equally at home in the sitting room of a county manor or in a rowdy East End mission. A character completely unlike any Fry played in Blackadder.

The series is set in the 1930's, and is rich with period atmosphere. Poor addled Bertie may be rich, debauched and carefree, but he forever seems to be getting into social trouble with either his aunts or his eccentric school chums. The punch line every time is that, after Bertie has made such a pig's breakfast of things that you can't imagine he'll ever be invited to anyone's mansion for dinner again, Jeeves comes up with a simple and elegant resolution. Along the way, we are treated to crisp, witty dialog, in the best British tradition. I particularly enjoyed Jeeves's reaction to the mess jacket he finds in Bertie's clothes closet:

"I assumed it had gotten into your wardrobe by accident...or else been placed there by your enemies."

Bertie protests. "I wore this jacket at Cannes, Jeeves, and all the young ladies tried to catch my eye."

"No doubt they mistook you for a waiter, sir."

The striking thing about this series (unlike, say, Blackadder) is that it will keep you laughing without the slightest sexual innuendo or a smidgeon of violence (unless you count Bertie's golf game). You could show this whole series at a Sunday School picnic and no one would blush.

How many comedies can you say *that* about?

Perfection. Almost
Fry and Laurie make the perfect visual Jeeves and Wooster (next to Horden and Briars, who were utterly brilliant in the Radio 4 adaptations.) But this series sticks so closely to the tenet of the books, and there are enough silent one liners to make watching it a tireless pleasure. It's the perfect alcohol-free remedy for an awful day at the office.

Unfortunately the 'extras' option on the DVD (an 'Audio Commentary') is desperately bad. It completely misses the program's natural ebullience and the commentator discusses Jeeves and Wooster as if they died in a suicide pact sometime during the Depression. It has absolutely no place in the running, and drains all the colour and enjoyment from the rest of this magnificent disc. So buy it- definitely. Just don't touch the add-ons...

Terrifically funny.
Sure, Jeeves & Wooster didn't really hit its stride until the final two episodes of the first season. But that doesn't detract from the other three episodes included here. The spirit of P.G. Wodehouse has been perfectly captured--the utter madness, the complexities of the relationships, and the dry, almost sardonic humor, have all been recreated here. Even the accents that the actors have adopted are perfect for the characters. There are no extra features here, which is unfortunate, but the episodes are what really matter. Besides, if you have bought this or are thinking of buying it, it's the episodes that you are after.

The talent included here is incredible. Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, one of the greatest comic duos of our time, have never been better, and they play off each other quite well here. Bottom line? It's worth buying. Trust me.

Outstanding Stuff
The comments of the other reviewers are very good. The actors do a great job bringing these stories to life. The stories are faithful to the original stories of P.G. Wodehouse and are truly entertaining. If you like Wodehouse, or understated humor, you will enjoy these shows again and again. ... Read more

Description

Jeeves is the ultimate gentleman's gentleman, a silent, cerebral and engagingly protective butler with a steadfast dedication to his master. Wooster is the classic British young man of means, blessed with a touch too generous a heart and a slight deficit in the noggin department. Their adventures together, chronicled in P. G. Wodehouse's classic tales, have charmed generations of readers. And the TV adaptations of these enchanting stories, starring Hugh Laurie (Black Adder, Sense and Sensibility) and Stephen Fry (Wilde, Cold Comfort Farm) won dedicated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. The acclaimed JEEVES & WOOSTER programs have finally come to DVD. This eagerly anticipated set includes these exquisite escapades:

Return to New York
The Once and Future Ex
Bridegroom Wanted
The Delayed Arrival
Trouble at Totleigh Towers
The Ties that Bind
... Read more

Reviews (8)

Don't fix what isn't broken
The first three seasons were great. Clive Exton did a superb job of adapting the original Wodehouse stories for television, weaving separate tales together so seamlessly that if you hadn't read them first, you'd have a hard time telling what had been changed. Inexplicably, the fourth season is a complete departure from what came before. The first three episodes are, for some reason, set in America, but are very loosely based on stories set in England. I watched them all, hoping they would get better, but it was not to be. There was a great deal of scene padding (multiple scenes of Bertie frolicking at the Hotsy Totsy Club, for instance), as well as the genuinely uninspired comic creations of Mr. Exton. I will grant that, due to the sheer number of Wodehouse's writings, I may well have missed a few Jeeves tales along the way, but if turns out that Wodehouse actually put Bertie and Jeeves in a lifeboat and sent them on an eight month long voyage around the globe, well, I'm dashed.

After watching the first DVD, I hesitated with the second. Eventually I did break down, however, and I'm glad I did. The last three episodes find young Bertram back in his native land, and the result is enjoyable. Again, the stories were based on old favorites intermixed with ones I did not recognise. Again, it could simply be that I have missed a few over the years. Whatever the case, I did enjoy the last three shows. So to sum up, if you buy this one, set your drink on the first disc and pop the second in your player, put your feet up, and enjoy.

If you want more Wodehouse for your money, however, order "Wodehouse Playhouse" Season One. It's from 1975, is made up mostly of Mr. Mulliner stories, and for ...(at present) it's a much better value.

Oops - should have stopped after the 3rd season
I agree with the other reviewers. I love Jeeves & Wooster. I love Fry & Laurie. But the 4th season isn't up to snuff. The writing is weak. It makes me think they ran out of Woodehouse's original stories and arrogantly thought they could pull together their own. A lot of the original cast members are gone, and their replacements just don't cut it. For example, the imposing Roderick Glossip is now a nice fuzzy guy who needs help. At least it's the same Honoria. In a lot of places I felt like I was watching a Fry & Laurie skit, rather than Jeeves & Wooster. Not that a Fry & Laurie skit is a bad thing, but it just didn't fit with Woodehouse.

Very enjoyable series, although this one is not as strong.
I've greatly enjoyed Wodehouse's stories involving the Wooster and Jeeves pair. This TV series overall has been quite good, although the first two seasons are most definitely the best. This one, the fourth suffers from far too many cast changes (the characters feel like they've changed too much as well). Some quite corny script pieces, and some strange mangling of different short stories to make up an episode.

Overall, I do still enjoy the series.

One season too far
Fry and Laurie are probably one of the greatest modern comedy teams. The first three seasons captured the Wodehouse spirit wonderfully. This season, the writers/director thought they were funnier than P. G. and decided to re-write his stories. The result is embarrassing and painful to watch.

If you are dying for your J & W fix, re-watch one of the earlier seasons and save yourself the pain.

Plum must be turning in his grave!
Unlike the first three seasons, which were nothing short of brilliant, this season seems to have lost the Wodehouse touch. The absolute low point was a madcap chase up the Empire State Building; both Bertie and Jeeves were completely out of character. I got through the set just once and re-sold it almost immediately. I highly recommend the first three sets, but if you're a Wodehouse purist, pass on this fiasco. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Not absolutely faithful to the books, but stronger for it
This series is a brilliant adaption of the Jeeves stories of P.G. Wodehouse. A single episode of Jeeves & Wooster amalgamates several short stories into one longer story. The humor in Wodehouse's stories was focussed on word-play, while in the TV productions the humor is often physical. I think they were wise to go this direction, because a visual adaptions are never completely faithful to the original books. Instead of trying to be completely faithful to the written stories, they went with the strength of their medium and the results are brilliant. One reviewer commented that the second series is not quite as funny as the first. I'm not so sure about that. The second series contains some absolutely essential lines. "Its the bally ballyness of it all that makes it all so bally bally." Or this little exchange: Wooster,"Do you know what I look for in music, Jeeves." Jeeves, "I have often wondered, sir." How about this one: Wooster, "We Woosters have soldiered on with worse things than numb lips." Jeeves, "Indeed, sir." One of my favorite scenes is the one in which Jeeves, who has impeccable taste, has to leave the room and sit down when he sees someone wearing a tie with "little horseshoes on it". "Sometimes one can't just shrug these things off," is his comment. About the sets and scenery. I have tried to find anachronisms (such as power lines, etc.) but have been unable to. A brilliant adaption of brilliant stories, superb acting, gorgeous settings.

MUST SEE SERIES! BRILLANT COMIC ACTING!
Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry are brilliant as Bertie Wooster and Jeeves, respectively. This is an extremely witty series - the script is excellent and the acting, some of the best comic acting I have ever seen! If you haven't seen Laurie and Fry at work, particularly in this stunning series, I highly recommend you to do so!

The 2nd season-good, but not best
First off, as a die-hard fan of P.G. Wodehouse, I am critical at best. The First season surpassed my wildest dreams, in short, it was excelent. The second season fell short, however, inasmuch as many of the characters previously introduced in the first season were reintroduced being played by entirely different actors. That was semidisapointing. Also, some of the acting is a little less Wodehouse-y then in the first. I was delighted with Gussie once again, though, and I would still recomend buying it; its well worth the money, and is as good as it is going to get on this earth.

Hilarity for the whole family!
Non-stop British hilarity and fun. Dim and good-hearted Bertie Wooster meets his perfect foil in the intelligent and imperious Jeeves. The Depression never hits and the war never comes in these light-hearted and innocent romps. If your whole family likes to laugh, don't hesitate to buy this set!

Almost as good as season one...
Stephen Fry is the first actor ever to capture the real Jeeves, and Hugh Laurie makes Bertie utterly plausible, in spite of the absurd ways he tends to land himself in the bullion. These dvds must be in your collection if you love Wodehouse; they're worth repeated viewings, as every detail is a treat. Make sure to get season one. The very first episode manages to introduce you to the lunacy to come, and Bertie's utter dependence on Jeeves in only a few scenes. See you at the Drones! ... Read more

Amazon.com

When he realizes that Honoria Glossop may once again have her sights set on his precious bachelorhood, Bertie Wooster sets sail for the New World. In spite of the change of scene, our hero continues to get into the most terrible scrapes, and it falls to the faithful Jeeves to save the day, frequently.

The first three episodes of this third season of Jeeves & Wooster take place in Manhattan, where Bertie helps old pal Tuppy to make a business deal. At the same time he has to keep Motty Malvern on the straight and narrow, while helping two writer friends deceive their prying relatives. The final straw comes in the shape of Cyril Bassington-Bassington, the stage-struck son of Aunt Agatha's closest friend. Back home in England, Bertie and Gussie Fink-Nottle switch identities, the lunatic Roderick Spode reappears, Bertie is forced to commit burglary (again!), and there's a spot of trouble with a tin of treacle and some communists. The unflappable Jeeves is Bertie's only hope.

Although the humor in this collection sometimes feels a little less assured than in earlier episodes and the new actor playing Gussie is a disappointment, the central performances of Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry are as good as ever.Few actors have ever brought such beloved characters so convincingly to life. --Simon Leake ... Read more

Reviews (11)

OK, so I'm helplessly Anglophile, but these guys :)
Absolutely my favorite season of the boys from London. Jeeves actually becomes a bit human rather than the so perfect Bertie Wooster's 'gentleman's gentleman'. One of my favorite scenes from one season is where an overblown wanna-be uppercrust pseudo-Hitler (tongue in cheek) confides to Jeeves that "The only blokes I can recruit are of the 'working class', but I'd guess you'd know all about that, eh, Jeeves?" And, looking down his very aristocratic nose, Jeeves replies, "I'm sure I wouldn't know, sir."

But the fixes these two get into, oh, thanks for P.G. Wodehouse! The vacuous Bertie Wooster is never silly, but roaringly funny, while Jeeves' smoothness is actually quite sexy. And every now and then, Bertie does or says something that proves he's got a very sharp spot somewhere in that brain of his. I cannot recommend enough - I can't even think of a British comedy that so sharply defines the early 20th century Brit upper crust with such biting humour.

DVD has muffled sound, Many cast changes
I have docked this DVD one star since the sound was somewhat muffled and I had to turn up my TV to hear properly.

What you have heard is true, this season is not nearly on par with the first two but this set still has a few joys to offer. Another note, most of the younger characters in the cast have been replaced. Although most of the replacements are good, the new Madeline is painful.

Don't let the cover fool you, only the first three episodes take place in the USA and then its back to England for Jeeves and Wooster. This is a very good thing. Most of the actors playing Americans are not as good as they could be. I think this is because they are english putting on American accents (even the New Yorkers have a distinct western twang!) and they are struggling with them. The best scenes in America come from the elevator operator (who is most likely a genuine American) who has seen it all and considers Bertie with a sardonic attitude. I found myself wishing he had more scenes.

The first disc (or the New York disc if you will) is weaker than the second. The first and third episodes are okay but the second is pretty bad. (Jeeves acts completely out of character, he goes carousing and learns, gasp, modern music) But for all this, there is a marvelous scene in the first episode where Bertie compares the statue of liberty to Honoria Glossop in evening garb.

The second disc is much better, Jeeves and Bertie being safely back on home soil. The last two episodes are almost up to snuff. The first episode would have been too had it not been for the helium voiced Madeline. The second episode involves Jeeves saving Bertie from marriage to a young clone of the dreaded Aunt Agatha. The third episode is about Bertie's chum Bingo joining a communist cell (!) and Bertie trying to steal a painting.

This season depends more on slapstick than previous seasons did. (Bertie gets shot at three times in four episodes and then knocked out twice in the last episode) While most certainly a high class effort, it dims in comparison to the first two seasons. Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie are marvelous in their respective roles as Jeeves and Wooster. I only wish more care had been taken with casting and scripts.

Bottom line, is it worth the money? Answer: Depends on how big of a fan you are. If you are a dabbler you can probably get by with the first two seasons but if you are a dyed in the wool J&W fanatic, you will find this a weaker but sometimes very funny romp with a pair of incredibly talented comedians.

Jeeves and Wooster #4
there is an innocence that exists in these 4 DVDs (1-4) and Jeeves and Wooster become like a warm blanket to sit by on a dark night . The parts played by Laurie and Fry are a delight . If ever some one was born to play a part it was these two.Both Wooster's absure conclusions to resolve lifes woes and Jeeves' remedys are a delight ...get them all.

More of the good old Jeeves humor
If you liked the original ones, get them all. These are just as enjoyable.

3rd Season a bit Disappointing
An excellent series, but unfortunately the 3rd season can't hold a candle to the first 2 seasons. That's not to say it's bad, it's just that the direction and some of the stories seem muddled - especially in the first few episodes. Furthermore, I haven't read the books, but there are about 3 actions by Jeeves in this series that seem COMPLETELY out of character.

Worth watching, just don't get your hopes up! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Political drama? Perhaps. Taut espionage thriller? Hardly
This reviewer has not read John Hale's novel. An Amazon.com editorial review notes the book is not a spy thriller but rather, "a sad commentary on corruption in intelligence circles." One shouldn't expect "the excitement of a Forsyth, Ludlum, or Higgins."

The 36-year-old Nigel Havers (who has a viable "family-resemblance" to his "father" Frank) portrays a 28-year-old Bob Jones. As one intelligence eavesdropper remarks, Bob is a "self-righteous little prick." How true. Bob is a Russian language specialist at British intelligence GCHQ. Despite age and experience, his world view is a 17-year-old's. He sees lies and paranoia throughout GCHQ. "Nothing is as it is made out to be." Bob sees "burglary, bribery, blackmail, drug trafficking ... (even) murder!" (the horror, the horror). Why, (he says) "Our secret world is on exactly the same tack as theirs." British intelligence is as corrupt as the Americans' and the Russians.' Despite patriotic father Frank's (Michael Caine) advice to not rock the boat and either continue this necessary and important work quietly; or at least exit gracefully; Bob plans to quit with a whistle-blowing bang, thereby being a "man in the white hat" who "always wins in the end," thus saving England, perhaps the world.

To add insult to injury, Bob is also stucking his acquaintance Alan's wife, Cynthia, married with child, presumably Alan's. This stucking may be a factor in Alan's death: Cynthia had just so advised Alan, telling Bob that Alan took it "terrible." Was it carbon monoxide suicide or perhaps another GPSC murder? We'll never know, but it apparently has a big effect on paranoid Bob. It's also difficult to see what (beyond plot requirements) Cynthia sees in Bob (or for that matter what he sees in her): Alan was better-looking than Bob and an extroverted but faithful reveler to boot, though admittedly with unsavory political connections.

The film succeeds brilliantly if intended to portray Bob an ideological idiot. Indeed, Bob gets his just deserts after just 45 grueling minutes, markedly improving the film's gene pool in the process, likely not the reaction intended. And that is the principal problem with this film. Induced by the script, Havers does well but his portrayal so poisons the water that it is difficult for subsequent sympathetic engagement. Even worse, the bad guys' performances and motivations are so strong (if Bob carries out his threat, he'll create a first magnitude British intelligence failure) that the film risks making them the true white hats despite their government-sanctioned murderous intentions! In this sense, the film has a refreshing ambiguity.

Prolog being over, the story gets down to brass tacks. Bob's grieving father Frank tries to find out why Bob died and if he can do anything about it. He risks getting acquaintances bumped off just before they can spill the beans (a time-honored movie tradition). And when Frank confronts someone about Bob's (and others') deaths, the intelligence folks are so (literally) wired in that they know all about it and other "private" and politically sensitive conversations Frank and son had as they strolled through "safe" terrain. (Watch for the guy with the "suitcase" and ear phones, the nearby upper floor open window, the trailing taxi, the brief glimpse of a major player at the subway "accident".) But when Frank finally confronts someone much higher in the food chain, presumably under more intense scrutiny, said agents must be out to lunch, conveniently facilitating a plot twist.

The performances of Caine, Barry Foster as Charlie Gregg, Kenneth Colley as Pickett and the several intelligence agents (including James Fox and Gordon Jackson, with character names like "Lord" and "Bruce" never occurring in conversation) are actually quite good, as is John Gielgud (as always) who's lesser supporting role as Sir Adrian Chapple has pretty limited screen time. The dual-sided DVD presents both a widescreen (16x9) and a pan scan version. The widescreen picture and sound are generally satisfying. The pan scan version is surprisingly crisp and pleasing.

Final Capstone of Cold War Films
The Whistle Blower is the capstone of the Cold War films.

Michael Caine is in top form - this is one of his best parts.

While there are some parts that spin media culture, it has a transcendent quality that will provoke your thought.

who is the enemy ?
Based on a novel by John Hale, this 1987 film is a cold war spy story with more twists and angles than can be absorbed in a single viewing.
The boundaries between right and wrong are blurred, in this complex plot where co-workers in the secret service are asked to spy on each other, truth-seekers are murdered, and the guilty are kept protected in their luxurious nests.

With an excellent cast that includes James Fox, Nigel Havers, John Gielgud, Felicity Dean, and many top-notch character actors, it's a fast paced hour and 40 minutes...one of my favorite parts is how they manage to get information out of the imprisoned double agent, making him believe that he has escaped.
Also adding a lot to the film is the lovely soundtrack by John Scott.

Michael Caine is powerful as the former spy and bereaved father, who investigates his son's death. Part vulnerable, part tough guy, it's a subtle, touching, and brilliant performance, and its believability makes this intricate thriller a 5 star film. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Jane Austen's classic novel of 1813, Pride and Prejudice, still winsthe 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 ... Read more

Reviews (596)

good, not great
Colin Firth is outstanding, but the others in the cast? The female lead goes through most of the movie with the same blushing smirk. Expression to show dislike of Darcy: smirk. Expression to show love of Darcy: smirk. Love for Wickham: smirk. Contempt of Wickham: smirk. This is fatal, because her change of heart re Darcy is the heart of the story.
Am not sure I approve of the way the director tries to put a modern day spin on Lizzie's materialism. In the book she says she began to love Darcy when she saw his huge estate. I know, it's also a very well designed, landscaped estate - but Darcy's father or grandfather did the designing, so it's hard to accept this as anything other than a sign that Lizzie is not as much a romantic as she claims to be. But the movie has Lizzie laughing as she says this - a cop out. Anyway - Firth is great, but the scenes without him are either dull or over-the-top, and Lizzie's mother seems to be doing a Dame Edna impression.

EXTREMELY POOR VIDEO QUALITY - Buy the tape instead
I had the tape of this series, and it was excellent. I wanted the additional information, however, so I bought the DVD. The quality was so poor, it looked almost like a black and white movie! I returned it.

A huge Thumbs up!!
Pride and Prejudice is a wonderful book and movie. What's there to say? The breathtaking Mr. Darcy and his sweet-tempered friend Mr. Bingley are the dream of every lady! As for Jane and Lizzy Benett, every girl wishes to be like them. We ladies are able to relate to their situation... (society,love,friendship,pride,and honesty). The movie captures the heart of the book. Read and watch it!!

awaiting the Extra-special edition as well
I have to agree with the previous reviewer about the quality of the special edition DVD of Pride and Prejudice. The colors were "off " and washed out and the whole movie seemed to have blurry outlines. I too, had to increase the brightness and should have lowered the contrast but was unwilling due to an already blurry picture. I was very dissapointed =( I watch the VHS version all the time when im cleaning downstairs and bought this edition to use on the computer upstairs in the same manner. Very dissapointed. I give the movie 5 stars. I give the DVD edition 3 =(

Perfectly Perfect
I very strongly reccommend this movie. I have watched it 5000 times and I havn't gotten tired of it yet! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Beaten down by years of mistreatment by his abusive father, Charlie McFell's (Lloyd Owen) enduring struggle to overcome his past, live up to his responsibilities, and recognize the depths of his own integrity is not easy, but audiences will find it remarkably rewarding. With all the features of a great television miniseries--murder, blackmail, revenge, heartbreak, betrayal, courage, vindication, and true love--what's remarkable about The Cinder Path is that there's nothing cheesy about it. This high-caliber production features strong acting, well-written characters the audience will care about, amazing Edwardian costumes, vivid western front trench warfare reenactments, Dolby digital sound, and a scene index.

Charlie overcomes a dangerous secret, a hollow marriage of convenience with the haughty Victoria (Catherine Zeta-Jones), the challenge of running his family's Northumberland farm, and finally the rigors of military boot camp as he is called to serve in World War I. He struggles to vanquish his own ghosts and become the man no one thought he could be. Based on the popular novel by Catherine Cookson, this made-for-television production will please a wide variety of viewers, from fans of PBS and BBC-style programming to anyone who likes a love story with a happy ending. --Tara Chace ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Good story, but not enough depth...
Entertaining, but somewhat boring. Great acting, costumes, editing...just seemed like something was missing.

Die Hard Cookson Fans Will Love This
The Cinder Path was a long-awaited movie after growing up reading as many Catherine Cookson books as I could get my hands on. I have always been a die hard fan since I first read The Dwelling Place. This story, like most of Cookson's others, present a true-to-life hardship and how the characters react, deal with, and survive the sometimes cruel and unfair obstacles life throws their way.

This film features a pre-Hollywood Catherine Zeta Jones as the haughty and spoiled brat. She plays this role to a tee and was (before being "spoiled" by Hollywood) one of my favorite actresses previously because of this role.

Everyone can enjoy this movie, relate to the hardships and life's tough decisions. All in all, it has a great message, but learning life's lessons is not all that easy.

Dissapointing
I rented this purely for Catherine Zeta-Jones, and was dissapointed. The story is dull and depressing, with no redeeming qualities, bosting immorality (on both main characters' parts) and dryness. The guy does eventually get over his father's cruelty, but it doesn't change him for the better, while his wife sleeps with every soldier to come along. Overdrawn, and more of a guy's film than a girl's, with all the war sequences. Also, more than one character gets away with murder.

LOST INTEREST
While this movie had the potential for being a better movie,and I could see why some would enjoy the story, it was hard for me to stay interested. I lost interst when the male star entered into the army. For some reason I found the rest of the movie less than what I wanted to watch. The actors are very good. The only problem I found was the story line. Wish I had known more about the movie before purchasing the movie.

Catherine Cookson's poignant and beautiful novel comes alive
All his young life Charlie McFell, his familiy and the farm hands were tyranzied by his dictatorial father, which punished brutally on the Cinder Path. As his father met with an "accident" and died, young Charlie was ill-equipped to manage the farm. He is pressured into a loveless marriage with the haughty and faithless Victoria, leaving her sister Nellie, who secretly loves him, heartbroken. As World War I breaks out he is forced to join the British Army and the horrors and hardship of the frontlines finally let him become a man of strength and character. He is now able to overcome the heartbreak, blackmail, cruelty, revenge and deception to ultimately find his true love.

The Cinder Path is based on the bestselling novel of Catherine Cookson. If you love period Jane Austen-like romantic drama this one is for you. Why did I not give five stars? I did not like the extensive war and battle-scenes. Furthermore, I thought it a shame that this DVD does not feature any extras (no widescreen, foreign languages, subtitels, behind the scenes information). But all in all it is a beautiful crafted movie. ... Read more