Pride & Prejudice (1995)

Jennifer Ehle, Colin Firth, David Bamber
5/5

Marvelous.

What else can I say about this series that hasn't been said already?
For many it stands as the be all and end all of historical dramas (and is certainly the one which first sparked my interest in period films).

As a starting point, one can't do much better than Pride & Prejudice, and although not strictly true to the original novel, Andrew Davies' inspired adaptation captures the spirit of the story, while at the same time producing a series which is both classical and filmatic. In this way it is far superior to the 1980 series (which is more faithful to the book) an indeed to all subsequent versions.

The casting is spot-on. Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle are, of course, the quintessential Darcy and Elizabeth, but the supporting cast is equally outstanding. Alison Steadman is pitch-perfect as Mrs. Bennet and special mention should be made of the ever-marvelous David Bamber as the odious Mr. Collins.
(On an interesting side note, Anna Chancellor -Miss Bingley- is actually the eight-times great niece of Jane Austen, as she is directly descended from the novelist’s elder brother, Edward Knight. True story.)

I don’t really haven much to add...odds are you’ve already seen the series and if not (and why not?) you should do so immediately.
This wonderful miniseries by the BBC remains a landmark in historical dramas and is easily the finest adaptation of Jane Austen’s famous novel (and likely to remain so for some time).

DVD Worthy? The question isn’t whether one should own this movie, but which version to purchase... Unfortunately (and despite a recent 10th anniversary re-release of the film) there has yet to be a decent DVD transfer of this magnificent miniseries. Even in the newest version the colours remain washed out and somewhat blue-ish in hue.
I tried to approximate the original colours in my screen captures by adjusting the levels and saturation of the images, but with only moderate success (I didn’t want to overdo it).
Compare, of you will:

Original Film ______________ DVD Transfer


My Adjustments

For this reason, if you can get your hands on the original VHS version hold onto it for dear life...But of the DVD choices, the newest release has the benefit of windscreen (and comes with a nifty companion book) but at the moment is a tad overpriced. Look for it on sale...I got mine on Amazon for 20-odd dollars.
Extras: The 10th anniversary release includes two 'Making of ...' Featurettes, interviews with the cast and the above mentioned snazzy book.

Costumes: Gorgeous costumes all around. Great gowns on the ladies and beautifully tailored frock coats on the men (Darcy's hunter green coat being particularly fetching). I enjoyed seeing the silk gowns on Bingley's sisters and the Bennets in simpler prints. It was a nice design choice and really helped sell the idea of the various social classes. It’s important to note that -unlike the most recent adaptation- the costuming generally held to the social conventions of the time (ie. covered heads on women, especially married ones)...although bust lines on the ladies in general, and the elder Bennet sisters in particular, are a tad overexposed (chemisettes should be worn during the day). But admittedly that’s a very minor complaint...

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Costumes In Detail
*Additional Screen-Captures & Production Photos*

Elizabeth's White Embroidered Gown

Elizabeth's White Gown with Green Front Panel

Elizabeth's Netherfield Ball Gown

Elizabeth's White Polka-Dot Dress

Elizabeth's Beige Polka-Dot Dress

Elizabeth's Coral Dress

Elizabeth's Linen 'Criss-Cross' Dress

Elizabeth's White Striped Dress

Elizabeth's White Print Dress

Elizabeth's Large Floral Print Dress

Elizabeth's Blue Spencer

Elizabeth's Brown Spencer

Elizabeth's Rust Spencer

Elizabeth's Black Spencer

Elizabeth's Moss/Grey Spencer

Elizabeth's Long Green Coat

Jane's Yellow Gown

Jane's Netherfield Ball Gown

Jane's White Striped Dress

Jane's Polka-Dot Print Dress

Jane's White Print Dress

Jane's Pink Print Dress

Jane's White Muslin Dress

Jane's Spencers & Outerwear

Charlotte's Dresses

Miss Bingley's Gowns

Lady Catherine de Burgh's Gowns

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Please feel free to request any omitted costume (or additional views of of one of the above). I've paid fairly close to attention to Elizabeth -and Jane to a lesser extent- but have largely ignored other characters in the series. I will, however, add the following (less for the costumes and more to please the Ladies)...

Mr. Darcy

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