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

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Pride and Prejudice - The Special Edition (A&E, 1996)

• Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)
• Emma (A&E, 1997)
• Persuasion
• Masterpiece Theatre: Northanger Abbey
• Emma (1996)
• Masterpiece Theatre: Mansfield Park
• Pride and Prejudice (BBC, 1980)
• Sense & Sensibility (with Miss Austen Regrets) (BBC TV 2008)
• Persuasion
• Sense & Sensibility Collector's Set (Sense & Sensibility 2008 / Miss Austen Regrets / Persuasion 2007)

The worst I have seen is the 2005 version which reduces this story to a romance only and has poor acting in the supporting roles. My second choice would be the Greer Garson version from the 40's; while not as accurate to the book, it is still an enjoyable movie to watch, even if Lizzy is a bit too caustic with her wit in that version. Of the four versions of Pride and Prejudice that I have viewed, this is by far the best, not only in superior acting (from the main characters down to the bit players), quality of filming, and superb costumes, but also in the authenticity of the film as true to the book. My third choice is the BBC version from the 80's, which though accurate is rather dull in acting and filming.

You cannot stand his attitude when you first meet him but you love his looks. I knew Miss Elizabeth loved and hated him right from the the start. If you have never seen it, this is a very nice edition. Darcy such a character. Mr. WOW, I love it. I highly recommend this edition. The costumes are so finely done.

I will note that with an HDTV and upconverting DVD player it is very nearly in HD, considering it was made in 1996 I consider this a very high quality set. The film is beautiful in sight and feelings. When Amazon had this as a Gold Box Deal I thought 1,500 reviews couldn't be wrong. The title of the book and the film never seemed to appeal to me. Being a romantic at heart the looks they exchange.hmmmm young love.

You will not be sorry you purchased this film nor regret the 6 hours it takes to reach the end. However, this is really a fantastic production that is true to the novel without being overburdened by the text. Darcy played admirably by Colin Firth. I have watched the A&E film version of "Pride and Prejudice" more times than may seem reasonable. The acting is superb and truly brings Austen's characters to life, especially Mr.

After reading the book I found my fears to be unfounded. I was afraid to read the book at first because it has always been my experience that the books are always better than the movie versions they inspire.

This production is so close to the book that the majority of the dialogue is taken directly out of the text. Darcy.

The first time that I saw this movie on A&E 10 years ago I fell in love with it before I had read the book. It is one of my favorite movies ever.

Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle just sparkle together as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. In my humble opinion this is the only version of the story that is worth repeated viewings.

This is by far the best adaptation of the classic novel that I have ever seen. The sets and costumes are absolutely gorgeous.

The book was amazing, but I believe this is very good and true to the story. Of course, the details of the book can't all be included, but this includes quite a bit due to the amazing 5 hour duration. I also love the Kyra Knightly version, and Bride & Prejudice, but this is the one I chose to purchase for my video library. They did add some things not in the book, but I thought they were good additions. It's a MUST HAVE for Chick Flick lovers. I just love this version of Jane Austin's story. The acting is wonderful, inspiring the full range of emotions.