Comments on: 1980 Pride and Prejudice; A DVD review of the BBC TV adaptation

By: DRush76

DRush76 — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:13:32 +0000

I never understood why “purists” viewed this version of “PRIDE AND PREJUDICE” as the most faithful adaptation. Because it is NOT. The Netherfield Ball has been shortened for the sake of pacing. And Elizabeth’s visit to Kent was definitely not faithful to Austen’s novel.

Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed this miniseries very much. But I’m amused by the claim that this is the most faithful version of Austen’s novel

By: Donna Matthews

Donna Matthews — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 20:59:27 +0000

I saw the BBC 1980s version when it first came out on PBS as an American teenager, and was entranced by my favorite book coming to life so beautifully. This was a production when British Television still had its own identity and was not trying to imitate Hollywood. Look at the movies from the same period form England and from Holywood and you will see the same starkness in production, but still an excellent product. Also, Lizzie’s and Darcy’s eyes were the real communicating device and David Rintoul conveyed his changes with facial and eye expression better than Colin Firth and Matthew McFayden, and Laurence Olivier. Lastly, I think the miniseries should be compared to each other and the 2 hour movies should be compared to each other as they may have the same theme, but are different genres, and the miniseries always come off better as there was more time to explore the story.

By: LeslieG

LeslieG — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 02:33:25 +0000

I just watched this version for the first time since Netflix has it available for instant-watch. I heartily agree with the review given here. This version is charming — especially when the script adheres to Austen’s words — and several actors are delightful. I had trouble getting over all the make-up (Elizabeth and Jane look like they’ve got fevers they wear so much blush!). But the biggest challenge for me was believing there was any real emotion between either Elizabeth and Darcy or Jane and Bingley. I just didn’t believe it. We have to trust what they say more than what they show. The additions to script and action, while probably perfectly acceptable when this first appear, now stand out glaringly, especially to those who know the novel and the other film versions well. I found things like Kitty’s flirtatious crush on Bingley to be distracting — far from adding anything, they take away from the rest of the action.

By: Amy

Amy — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 00:46:36 +0000

I just rewatched the 1980’s v. for the 1st time since watching it when it aired on Masterpiece. I loved it then and found it very romantic all over again. I love the personality exuded by Elizabeth and find David Rintoul’s version the best Mr. Darcy so far – I cannot buy Collin Firth as Darcy at all. Rintoul is cold and haughty and physically imposing. He delivers his proposal in the most insulting manner all the while believing it would be any woman’s privilege and shows genuine surprise when refused. Though I dislike the costumes and how some scenes move along and transition, I like this one the best so far.

By: ladylavinia1932

ladylavinia1932 — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 20:13:02 +0000

The plot differences in this adaptation of “PRIDE AND PREJUDICE” is not that minor. In fact, I would say in regard to faithfulness, it’s at the same level as the 1995 miniseries.

And yet, both miniseries – like the 1940 version – is set in the wrong time period. Austen’s novel is a 1790s novel. Even the mention of the militia in Brighton makes this obvious. It’s odd that the so-called Austen “purists” never realized this.

By: ThirdDawn

ThirdDawn — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 10:05:53 +0000

Just watched the 1980 version for the first time. Wanted to correct you on the Mr. Collins’ theme music – that’s a bass clarinet.

I loved Elizabeth Garvie in this one, but did not like Darcy at all. Even though he is a very handsome Darcy, his stiffness was over the top. I love the Colin Firth version, but my favorite, even though much shorter, is the 2005 Keira/Matthew version. It is a little bit too modernized, but is more organic and real-feeling, as well as being beautifully filmed. The characters are warmer; the relationships between the Bennett family are much more realistic and believable. Also, the music is WONDERFUL!

By: Regina

Regina — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:53:34 +0000

This one is my FAVORITE. I love Elizabeth Garvie’s interpretation of Elizabeth Bennet, and I also love that David Rintoul stays consistent in his portrayal of Mr. Darcy. It’s the reader (well, the viewer) who has to reinterpret his actions when they learn more about him and what his motivations are.

There are also little touches. When Lizzie leaves Rosings Lady Catherine’s daughter, Anne, who probably is also impressed with her well-mannered frankness, reaches out and just holds her hands before she leaves to go back to Longbourn.

I remember jumping for joy when I found the video set on sale at a Blockbuster bin years ago. That’s long gone now. However, Netflix now has it streaming, and I’ve been streaming it on my iPad. I’ve got my favorite scenes and skipped to those. However, now I’m watching it in complete. I’m just ecstatic because it’s my favorite version. The other ones you have to wait to receive in the mail from Netflix, but that’s okay.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 10:48:04 +0000

I watched the ‘80 version when it was originally shown on PBS way back when and fell in love with Elizabeth Garvie. Today when I look at my DVD of this version it is still because of her. Is there a prettier woman on the face of the Earth? I didn’t think so until I met my own Elizabeth five months ago. So I want to thank the parents of Elizabeth Garvie for creating such a vision of lovelieness and giving me a lifelong ideal to pursue. It has turned out to be worth the wait. And, oh yeah, I still enjoy watching the 1980 version for the show itself. Thank you BBC!

By: Rosie

Rosie — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:32:54 +0000

Elizabeth, particularly, was more of a lady than Erhle played her.

Yeah. Whatever. I enjoyed Garvie’s performance, but I saw nothing wrong with Jennifer Ehle’s portrayal of Elizabeth. In fact, her portrayal is still my favorite.

By: Rosie

Rosie — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:31:41 +0000

I haven’t seen this version in years. It’s still entertaining, but rather slow-paced. And the performances seemed a bit theatrical. I think that the 1995 version is still my favorite.