didoug7 I own the three most recent adaptations of "Pride and Prejudice". They are all good in different ways, but I would rate the 1980 version the best. If the 1995 BBC version has a fault, it seems to me to caricature some of the characters. This is especially true of the portrayal of the Bingley sisters, who are almost pantomime "ugly sisters" ; Alison Steadman's portrayal also seems a bit OTT. The portrayal of Mr Collins in the 1995 version also misses his bulky clumsiness. Another weakness in the casting is that Susannah Harker as Jane is not the beauty of the family. Jennifer Ehle is, to me, the more attractive. I think the same criticism could also be levelled at the film version. The Keira Knightley film, because of it's limited length, must, of necessity, miss out quite a lot of detail and dialogue. The film portrayal of Mrs Bennet is probably the most sympathetic of her, though Jane Austen is hardly sympathetic to her in the book. I think all three versions, with the above provisos, are all well cast, and the productions are enjoyable. It is quite interesting to see how the 1995 version has filled in bits of the story. Perhaps the one weakness of the 1980 version is that some of the scenes are clearly shot in a studio, with rather artificial views out of windows. The other mistake, as noted by other reviewers, is the Brahms music on the instrument. Elizabeth Garvie is, for me, perfect as Elizabeth. She is attractive, without being the beauty that Sabina Franklyn is. Her eyes are lovely, as they should be. She displays a wonderful range of expression to convey her feelings, without ever overacting, which is in keeping with Jane Austen's style. David Rintoul has been criticised as Darcy, especially by comparison with Colin Firth. Both are very good, but different. Firth is the more passionate, but Rintoul seems the more aristocratic and arrogant. Moray Watson is very good as Mr Bennet, conveying both the character's wit, but also other aspects - like his frustration with his wife, and overall laziness - well. Priscilla Morgan is excellent as Mrs Bennet, but the portrayal does not descend into caricature, and can at times elicit some sympathy. The portrayal of Mr Collins is excellent - large, pompous, clumsy, tactless, obsequious. Judy Parfitt is excellent as Lady Catherine. She is arrogant and dictatorial, simply as a matter of nature, while she never seems petulant, which Barbara Leigh Hunt at times appears in the 1995 version. The Bingley sisters are also well played, arrogant, and at times bitchy, but in a rather understated way, as they appear in the book. All in all, I find this a most satisfying adaptation. It is very true to the book, both in detail and in the spirit of the book. It conveys the wit of the writing in the spirit in which it was written, without ever over-romanticising, or caricature. The casting seems to me the best and most consistent, with the principal players, especially Elizabeth Garvie who is a delight in her part, very good indeed. I will return to this version often, with delight.

bellestrange Pride and Prejudice is one of my favourite books but this series might just be, not only the worst adaptation of P&P, but one of the worst adaptations of anything. The acting is absolutely horrid. The fact that so much of the dialogue is taken directly from the book is completely ruined by the fact that the actors only seem to be blankly reciting the lines, rather than actually bringing any feeling or nuances to them. In the end, I felt nothing for any of the characters. Mr. Darcy only had one facial expression and tone of voice, and Elizabeth possibly two or three. If the 2005 movie is a poor match to the 1995 miniseries, this is still infinitely worse.

TheLittleSongbird Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore the 1995 series, but seeing this version yesterday as part of my Jane Austen marathon this version is even better. The whole series is handsomely photographed, complete with sumptuous costumes and scenery and an evocative atmosphere, and the music is simple and of a beautifully hypnotic quality. The writing is thoughtful, witty and moving, as well as being true to Jane Austen's language, while the timeless story goes at a good length and pace and the crucial scenes and everything that made the book so good intact and with strong emotional impact. Elizabeth Garvie is a spirited Elizabeth, Irene Richard a superb Charlotte(much better than her Elinor in Sense and Sensibility) and David Rintoul a handsome and aloof Darcy. Judy Parfitt is also a sheer delight as Lady Catherine. So all in all, simply amazing and while ratings-wise I'd put this and 1995 on the same level as the best versions of the book, but as of now I give this one the edge. 10/10 Bethany Cox

sonjahope33 The 1980 version of "Pride and Prejudice" is by FAR the best, it is truer to the spirit of the novel. Elizabeth Garvie is perfect as Eliza Bennett and David Rintoul plays Mr. Darcy as portrayed in the book. All the cast is excellent: Sabina Franklyn as Jane, Moray Watson as Mr. Bennett and Desmond Adams as Colonel Fitzwilliam are good. This adaptation is superior to the A & E version which is too "Hollywood" and over the top . I have seen the 1995 version and found it very entertaining. Colin Firth is very sexy and earthy. I found Jennifer Elhe to be a very good Elizabeth Bennett, but almost looked too old for the part.