Pride & Prejudice [Blu-ray]

Poor Mrs. Bennet, (Mary Boland) this fluttering chatterbox of a matron has five daughters she must marry off, and what's worse nary a son which is a potentially disastrous turn of events! For her husband's estate Longbourn is entailed, meaning only male issue can inherit it and when the amiable Mr. Bennet (Edmund Gwenn) goes to his eternal reward his distant cousin the pompous Mr. Collins (Melville Cooper) will take possession. One small consolation is that her five girls with the exception of her middle child the bespectacled bookworm Mary (Marsha Hunt) are comely and vivacious young women; gentle, sweet natured Jane (Maureen O'Sullivan), the bright, spirited Elizabeth (Greer Garson), and the giddy, coquettish twosome Kitty (Heather Angel) and Lydia (Ann Rutherford). Then, two well born young gentlemen of property and social position are heaven sent to their village of Meryton, the affable Mr. Bingley (Bruce Lester) who has taken a lease on the nearby estate of Netherfield, accompanied by his haughty sister Caroline (Frieda Inescort), and his best friend the supercilious Mr. Darcy (Laurence Olivier). At the next assembly ball Jane makes a conquest of the smitten Mr. Bingley, but Elizabeth is infuriated by Mr. Darcy's arrogant dismissal of Meryton and it's inhabitants as provincial, socially and intellectually beneath his notice, she included. Despite this pride on his part, and her prejudice towards him, Elizabeth and Darcy do have an attraction of opposites, and Darcy himself is more intrigued than he would like by the quick-witted, entrancing Elizabeth. However, their nascent romance suffers many a setback by both circumstance and individuals such as the dashing Mr. Wickham (Edward Ashley Cooper), the malicious Caroline Bingley and Darcy's aunt, the redoubtable Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Edna May Oliver). This first film version of "Pride and Prejudice" is not a totally faithful adaption of the Jane Austen classic and might be dismissed by sticklers as such, but nonetheless exerts it's own lively charm, and the discerning viewer will find much to appreciate and enjoy. Aldous Huxley and Jane Murfin based the screenplay on a stage adaption by Helen Jerome; it crackles with wit, and captures the essence if not the scope of the novel. The whole production design is a sumptuous one, with superb sets that were so handsomely executed that an Oscar was awarded to Cedric Gibbons and Paul Groesse for Best Art Direction for a black and white film. Celebrated designer Adrian created elaborate costumes in the styles of the 1830's, that at times are exaggerated in their design and size. Although the time frame of the novel is the beginning to the second decade of the nineteenth century, the gowns women wore in that era were apparently too simple for Adrian. Since, he wanted more of a challenge the time frame was conveniently shifted to a later decade where the fashions had become more ornate and decorative, huge, towering bonnets bedecked with ribbons and plumes, puffed balloon sleeves, wide sweeping skirts belled out by crinolines. Still, Adrian did get to exercise his creativity, and most of the times his designs are flattering to the Misses Garson, O'Sullivan, Rutherford et al. For me, Greer Garson's Elizabeth Bennet is her best performance. Starting with "Blossoms in the Dust" the next year, and solidified by her famous Oscar winning "Mrs. Miniver" her characters would be by and large noble, sanctimonious "ladies", which eventually became tiresome. Her Elizabeth is unmistakably a lady, but one of decided character and mettle that is rare for a young woman of her social station and era. She is forthright with a nimble sense of humor yet still retains her charm and femininity in her verbal jousts with Mr. Darcy, Miss Bingham and Lady Catherine. Some of this of course is due to Jane Austen's development of Elizabeth Bennet who is one of the most delightful heroines in literature, but Garson puts her own stamp on her, bringing her to vivid life. Laurence Olivier has a difficult task in making the puffed up Darcy likeable, but he pulls it off admirably. One aspect I liked was that Olivier's Darcy isn't a strutting peacock, a fop, he's possesses a strong masculinity and strength to make him an ideal candidate to court Elizabeth. He also melts the icy Darcy by degrees, becoming less a paragon of perfection, and a fully realized flawed human being, so the audience is on his side in the last quarter of the film. It doesn't hurt in either instance that both Garson and Olivier are both at the peak of their youthful magnetism and attractiveness. A first rate cast supports them led by the matchless, poker faced Edna May Oliver as Lady Catherine, who comes daringly close to stealing every scene she's in, her final scene with Elizabeth is razor sharp. Thelma Ritter and she are my two favorite supporting actresses from Hollywood's classic era, both worth their weight in gold. Running a close second place is Mary Boland's high strung, prattling Mrs. Bennet, she brings out the character's comic silliness without being annoying, and losing the audience's sympathy. All the actresses playing the Bennet sisters get their own individual moments to sparkle, Maureen O' Sullivan, Ann Rutherford, Marsha Hunt, and Heather Angel. As the lone male living with a bevy of female Bennets, Edmund Gwenn as Mr. Bennet has a droll twinkle in his playing that makes him an ideal choice. Lastly nods of approval to Bruce Lester, Frieda Inescort, Melville Cooper, Edward Ashley Cooper and Karen Morley, who are winners all. A brief word on the special features, an Oscar nominated short from 1940, the same year this was released about the training of the US Navy Air Pilots called "Crime Doesn't Pay: Short Eyes of the Navy." This I found interesting from an historical point of view, as America was one year away from entry in the raging World War II, I thought it was a not so subtle piece of propaganda. The second is a cartoon called "The Fishing Bear", that is mildly amusing, but not up to the standards of the classic Chuck Jones cartoons from Warner Brothers starring Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Company. Finally, there is the usual theatrical trailer for the film, always a good curiosity piece to see how a film is first promoted to its potential audience. Much as I enjoy this film, which is one of the more splendid Hollywood adaptations of a literary classic, I wish what I feel could have been the dream version had been made. Initially "Pride and Prejudice" was to be the first Hollywood vehicle to star the soon to be wed Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier, fresh off their red hot successes in "Gone with the Wind" and "Wuthering Heights", directed by the master of sophisticated comedy George Cukor. Yet when the cameras rolled, Robert Z. Leonard was directing and Vivien Leigh was cast in "Waterloo Bridge". While I wouldn't want to lose Leigh's magnificent performance in that, I wish she could have played both, her Elizabeth Bennet would have been a piece of screen magic. It's a damned pity that Olivier and she lost an opportunity to play two renowned characters in a sparkling comedy of manners that end up in love and living happily ever after at that point in time when personally and professionally their lives were at their most joyous and radiant.

Never get tired of watching this movie! Best version on the movie screen, the cast is phenomenal!

In the latest adaptation of Jane Austen's classic, this 2005 film version shines and impresses. With great performances, beautiful cinematography, and excellent direction, fans of Pride & Prejudice will be pleased with this adaptation! Following the book version, the 2005 film brings Pride & Prejudice to more vibrant visuals and focuses primarily of Elizabeth Bennet's perspective and attracting the modern age. Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bennet is one of 5 daughters who must marry wealthy in order to secure her future. Due to laws of the Regency era, when Mr. Bennet dies, all his fortune and property will go to the nearest male relation, and securing a man of fortune will lead the Bennet sisters into a prosperous life. While older sister Jane connects with wealthy Charles Bingley, Lizzie prefers to marry for love and finds herself matching wits with the prideful but wealthy Fitzwilliam Darcy (aka Mr. Darcy). Misunderstandings and rushed judgements lead Lizzie and Mr. Darcy on a path of love and hate, but also growth. As both begin to look beyond appearances, they may find a great match in each other but several twists and turns may bring them to ruin. In the directional debut of Joe Wright, the 2005 Pride & Prejudice version is a splendid mixture of beautiful cinematography and an excellent score. The cast is great in their roles including Jena Malone as impulsive Kitty, Rupert Friend as "charming" Wickham, Dame Judi Dench as arrogant Lady Catherine, and the late Donald Sutherland as Mr. Bennet. Keira Knightley, a then rising star fresh off Pirates of the Caribbean Curse of the Black Pearl success, delights and mesmerizes as Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bennet. She brings out Lizzie's with and playful free spirit, and her intelligence and headstrong personality to match Matthew Macfadyen's Mr. Darcy. While MacFayden, then a relative unknown internationally, shines as the reserved and prideful Darcy while bringing out the character's more gentle side. When multiple adaptations of a beloved novel like Pride & Prejudice are made, the battle of which one is best often ensues. The 2005 film is perfect for those who wish to watch a quicker version of Pride & Prejudice and viewers will get a splendid view of gorgeous scenes and wonderful musical scores. The performances are also great and marked the beginning of MacFadyen and Knightley's further ventures with Joe Wright in other films (Atonement, Anna Karenina). The blu-ray disc comes out clear on screen and provides a crisp look at a splendid novel that still captivates readers more than 200 years after its 1813 publication. Add to your physical library today!

This movie has been a favorite movie of mine, year after year. It really holds up after repeated watching. The ironic thing for me is that I had a slight prejudice against Keira Knightly back in 2005 (when this came out). Here was the "Pirates of the Caribbean/Elizabeth Swan" trying to play a "serious Jane Austen character"!!! I truly did not think I would like it, actually thought I would be annoyed by her in this fine story. But, I was totally wrong and Keira nailed the performance completely. Rosamund Pike (Jane Bennet), really stole the show with her performance as well. It did not surprise me that Matthew Macfadyen was amazing; I expected he would do a wonderful job, and he did! The only character that I wasn't sold on was Talulah Riley who played Mary Bennet, although it was nothing major, and perhaps she didn't get enough material to rise above. The cast of this version was so deep and amazing it would be nearly impossible to keep up with each of them! As the years go by, and I've checked out this movie from my local library so many times I thought they might just give it to me to keep for good measure! But, alas I have moved and my new library does not have a copy! Therefor, the first movie I am buying for myself is my own personal copy of Matthew and Keira (and great cast!)'s version of Pride and Prejudice to watch whenever and however often I want! So wonderful! Oh---I have to also mention that the MUSIC in this movie is so great I will listen to the soundtrack on various online places to have it in the background...fantastic isn't fantastic enough for the music in this movie. If I mention the music I have to also bring up the beautiful way it was filmed---the cold fogs, the rain, all the elements come to life on the screen. Is the fancy word "cinematography"? Or does the applause go the director? Visually the film is a feast for the eyes, ears, and heart...."Well Done!" (Which reminds me of my other favorite Jane Austen movie: Emma (2009) with Romola Garai, if you like one you will like the other as well---same high level of performance, music, and amazing!)

When I saw the trailer for this movie I was both excited and disappointed: I hadn't heard any rumors about a new P and P film, so I was thrilled. This is my favorite book. I loved the A and E version, but was eager to see a new take. But, I had never been a Kiera Knightly fan. I don't know why. Maybe I was just jealous of someone that damned pretty. But it occurred to me that this would be the first film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice employing an actress who was actually the right age. Because the elder Miss Bennets are so self-possessed, we don't balk at far more mature actresses playing the roles. But here was an actual 20-year-old playing Lizzie! Other reviewers have said much of what I would say. The scenery is lush and the score is lovely. Purists and prudes will quibble that Mr. and Mrs. Hurst are left out entirely, and that there is a chaste post-wedding kissing scene at the end (past the point where Austen herself ended the story.) Some scenes take place out of doors, which I found incredibly refreshing. In the book and the previous movies, almost all scenes are indoors. This gives the movie a less claustrophobic feel. The costumes and sets are just beautiful. Lizzie wears the same few dresses over and over, as she undoubtedly would have done. Hems are muddy, yes, and not only in the scene where she arrives to visit indisposed Jane at Netherfield. There are almost no bonnets in this movie. The dresses of the Miss Bennets and other country girls are flatteringly high waisted, while Miss Bingley,'s London fashions are more extreme and therefore less flattering but more elegant, and the older ladies like Mrs. Bennet still cleave to earlier styles with more of a bodice. These little touches are subtle but thoughtful. Longbourne is delightful, entirely surrounded by a small moat. There are chickens and geese, cows and pigs around, and a lovely dog or two wandering through the house. The cinematography is stunning. Camera shots are sometimes just one very long single shot lasting many minutes and covering a lot of movement and human interactions. And Kiera Knightly? Absolutely perfect. You may think that she is too pretty to play Lizzie, but then you have to realize that in 1797 she would have been thought too thin and boyish for ideal beauty. Rosamund Pike makes a perfect, pleasing Jane. Matthew Mcfaddyen is a new gold standard for Darcy. The scene in the rainstorm when he first proposes to Lizzie is dazzling. This is a movie I will happily watch again and again.

The 1980's BBC miniseries was my introduction to the world of Jane Austen which I watched on PBS. I fell in love with it and ended up buying the book and reading it. I became incensed with Victorian era romance, and there was no better time, as PBS in the ensuing years, started showing more Victorian romances (i.e. Mansfield Park, Persuasion, Sense & Sensibility, Northanger Abbey, etc.) and I watched most of them and luckily I am able to collect my favorites on Amazon and at reasonable prices. Like other reviewers, I have watched the other versions of Pride and Prejudice, and yes, I've also purchased them, and still watch them to this day. I'm not going to go into a lengthy review because some of the other reviewers have already done a pretty superb job in reviewing the versions, one vs. the other; comparing, characters, sets, scenery, you name it, it's covered. There is no need for me to recount, I actually would not be as good at it as they are. They do a far superior job than I think I could do. The only thing I will repeat is that it is a matter of what you're looking for which will determine which version you're going to like. Personally, I liked all of the versions. Okay, not equally, but I think that they each had just a different "flavor" to offer. The 80's miniseries followed the book more. The A&E version was more lavish or "Hollywood- ish." The BBC 2005 version was really shortened because it wasn't a miniseries but a movie version. I didn't like it at first but the more I watched it I got to like it. I didn't mind that some characters were left out because they didn't necessarily add anything to the story. I'd be more interested in Lizzie and Darcy anyway. I think the movie could have been far superior to the A&E miniseries if only a few of the scenes in it had flowed together better or more storyline had been added. A few of the scenes (to me, anyway) seemed to end to quickly, or didn't make any sense where they ended. But I did prefer the cast of characters in this version better than in the A&E version, but that is just my personal preference. To me Matthew McFadyen and Kiera Knightley became Darcy & Elizabeth, they played the characters superbly and I wish there had been a sequel movie with these characters, it could have been dynamite. But I will still watch all the versions of P&P, I still watch them all to this day. Even though the 80's miniseries will always be my favorite version because it was my introduction to Jane's world, this movie will be the version I will probably end up watching more than any, mostly because of the cast, the scenery, and the music, and of course, I can watch it in a couple of hours.

I got both version cuz I didn’t see many reviews on the difference. I gave one to my sister as a birthday gift and kept one. Me and my sister are obsessed with this version of Pride and Prejudice and we’ve yet to add it to our collection til now. The disks were beautiful and the quality was amazing. I definitely don’t regret buying this. The price that I got it for was honestly a steal.

Fantastic movie!

Il prodotto è arrivato prima della data indicata

Me encanta esta pelicula,

Le livre "orgueil et Préjugés" de Jane Austen est un grand classique de la littérature anglaise. Cette transposition cinématographique de 2005 est excellente avec, dans le rôle principal, l'excellente actrice Keira Knightly qui fait depuis une très grande carrière. Le Blu-Ray permet de visionner ce film en VO, VO sous-titrée, ou français. A conseiller ...

El DVD llegó en buen estado, con buena calidad de imagen y sonido. Esta película es mi favorita y me emociona tenerla en físico para revivirla cuando quiera sin depender del internet. La historia es preciosa.

I'm not necessarily a Jane Austen fan but I was taken back by the acting and production quality of this movie. It's hard to believe that Keira Knightley (Miss Elizabeth) was only 20 years old during the filming with her incredible acting & poise. The rest of the cast does a spectacular job as well. The visuals through the movie are breathtaking which is why you want this on blu-ray. The great sound track is also perfectly in-sync with the story-line. For me the most amazing scene was the ball-room dance where the camera perfectly & seamlessly pans through the various rooms and conversations. Great picture and sound quality throughout. Blu-ray also includes a number of great extras. A must-have for Jane Austen fans and anyone who appreciates the highest of quality. You will watch this many times!