Emma (2009) |  | Actors: Romola Garai, Jonny Lee Miller, Michael Gambon, Tamsin Greig, Rupert Evans
Studio: BBC Warner
Category: DVD
List Price: $34.98
Buy New: $21.99
as of 3/10/2010 08:39 CET details
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Rating:  77 reviews
Sales Rank: 66
Format: Color, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number Of Discs: 2
Running Time: 229 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.8
MPN: WARDE114948D
UPC: 883929096596
EAN: 0883929096596
ASIN: B002XTBE6K
Theatrical Release Date: 2009
Release Date: February 9, 2010 (New: Last 30 Days)
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Product Description
Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 02/09/2010 Run time: 240 minutes Rating: Nr
Amazon.com
Although Jane Austen's Emma has been adapted for the screen many times before, including for an American version starring Gwyneth Paltrow, this four-part miniseries is the version to begin with. The story of Miss Woodhouse, a matchmaker and meddler whose wit and misdirection need to be carefully acted to match the novel's complex character, is perfectly expressed through Romola Garai's portrayal. Throughout the retelling of this comedic romantic drama, Garai not only conveys Emma's strong-willed sensibility but also manages to update Emma for modern audiences without relinquishing the traditional manners and tastes that Austen fans love in her 1815 historical tale. Each episode, here, opens with a seasonal shot of Hartfield, the estate Emma rules while caring for her loyal and kind but protective father (Michael Gambon). Having lost her mother early, Emma feels a bond with two other unfortunate children in Highbury, Frank Churchill (Rupert Evans) and Jane Fairfax (Laura Pyper), whom Emma befriends as they return home from boarding schools abroad. The dramas that ensue revolve around Emma's attempts to pair lovers, with varied degrees of success. Episode One establishes Emma's curious desire to marry everyone off except herself. John Knightley (Johnny Lee Miller), Emma's childhood friend, is constantly by her side, coaching, supporting, and chiding her as she matures into an intelligent, regal young lady. Miller's ability to portray Knightley as the respectable, patient man he is throughout the series also lends this Emma incredible strength. In Episode Two, after Emma's beloved governess, Anne Taylor (Jodhi May), moves out to marry, Emma bonds with new girlfriend Harriet Smith (Louise Dylan), and from here we begin to see some of Emma's plans backfiring. Part of this series' genius is in how it manages, in keeping with Austen's book, to express deeper love developing between Emma and her true mate while Highbury's daily gossip continues. Though in Episodes Three and Four one weathers some minor emotional upheaval with aging parents, losses of wealth, and illnesses, this story is not tragic and most side plots point toward Emma's final love realization, which does not arrive until the last 20 minutes of the last episode. Settings and costumes enhance the story greatly, and views of the village farmers' market contrast with lavish balls and dinner parties hosted by the Woodhouse family and others to underscore Austen's original emphasis on capturing the preoccupations of upper-class British society in her day. Some scenes, as in Episode One when Knightley and Emma squabble for much too long over whom Harriet should marry, drag on, allowing one to marvel at how much free time these people had to worry about other business besides their own. Still, the romance in Emma is quite powerful and humor throughout makes this series ultimately enchanting. --Trinie Dalton
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 77
 Beautifully crafted version of "Emma" March 8, 2010
Nancy E. Merrill (Salt Lake City, Utah USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The most recent BBC adaptations of Jane Autsen's novels have been a bit of hit and miss (very disappointed with the latest "Persuasion"), so I was very pleased to find the new "Emma" a complete hit. From the casting to the locations to the costumes to the music, this is a true delight. My husband even loved it! The extras on the DVD are also a plus. I loved the interview with Sir Michael Gambon (Mr. Woodhouse), and found the discussion about the music fascinating.
I was especially pleased with the chemestry between Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller as Emma and Mr. Nightly. And Ms. Garai has such an expressive face that she made Emma both a comedic masterpiece and a real person. Michael Gambon seems to be making all the rounds as the elderly British gentleman of choice recently, but I hope that we see more of him. Bravo!
Oh, Miss Wodehouse! March 8, 2010
Alp Walker (NYC)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
A wonderful adaptation! I watched it three times, and it got better every time. If you can live with the slightly more modern mannerisms, then you should love this adaptation. I have a feeling that Ms. Austen would not have minded the slight liberties taken -- she always seems willing enough to welcome the new, while respecting tradition. What is important for me is that the emotional truth of the novel is maintained, and even enhanced on occasion, if that is possible.
My favorite actor in this Emma is emphatically the beautiful Ms. Garai. She gives a luminous, expressive and enchanting performance. But virtually every actor does a great job, and we are allowed through their performances to see almost all the characters as fully rounded human beings, rather than stereotypes. What a triumph for all concerned! Do yourself a favor, and watch this Emma.
Emma - PBS March 7, 2010
Leigh Ann Bowegeddes (KY, USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Excellent version of the Jane Austen classic. Well cast, well acted and directed. A real pleasure to watch.
Hurrah! What an adaptation! March 7, 2010
Kiely A. Lewandowski (pittsburgh, pa, usa)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This adaptation is so great- both faithful and inspired with modern vigor. Way to go, Romola, Jonny, Michael & BBC!
Wonderful! March 7, 2010
Julia E. Maish (Chicago, IL USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
So sprightly and funny and smart. Loved the performances, especially Ms. Garai in the title role -- she made Emma come to life for me in a way nobody ever has (sorry, Ms. Paltrow and Ms. Beckinsale!). I loved Jonny Lee Miller, too -- actually, everyone was great. There were so many story elements that I had missed in other versions -- nice to have the luxury, via a miniseries, of making it a bit longer!
The whole thing was outstanding and one of my favorite Jane Austen adaptations ever, and that's saying something because I have really loved several of the Pride and Prejudice interpretations I've seen.
If you want a good laugh, buy this! It's fantastic.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 77
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