Jane Austen's classic novel of 1813, Pride and Prejudice, still wins the 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.

Wonderful adaptation of a brilliant book

Colin Firth is the quinessential Mr. Darcy! This film captures the depth and essence of Jane Austen's novel in such a beautiful, classic way. It is worlds better than the recent Keira Knightley version, whose weak interpretation of the role of Lizzie made me appreciate Jennifer Ehle even more.

Pride and Prejudice (1995)(6pc) (Coll Box)

Received in excellent condition, will use again. Not a thing was broken and everything worked perfectly.

This movie brings the novel Jane Austen wrote to life brilliantly!

I have read Jane Austen's novel called "Pride and Prejudice" many times, and when I saw that a movie version of it would be on television, I didn't have much hope that it would be a faithful rendering of the book. But when I watched the movie on television, it matched Jane Austen's novel, word for word. It was a masterful production, and the actors chosen to portray the characters were perfect in the roles they played. I knew I had to own a copy of this beautiful movie! (I had seen a shorter movie of "Pride and Prejudice" on television, and it bore very little resemblence to the novel written by Jane Austen.) I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who loves novels written by Jane Austen.