Great Expectations

Starring:Ioan Gruffudd, Justine Waddell, Charlotte Rampling, Angela Sims, Hugh Lloyd, Laila Morse, Gemma Gregory, Sarah Durham (II), Roland Manookian, Nicholas Woodeson, Ian McDiarmid, Jo Cameron Brown, Selina Cadell, Clive Russell, Philippa Stanton, Laurence Dobiesz, Nicholas Blane, Bernard Hill, Timothy Tranter, Sandra Voe
Director: Julian Jarrold
Studio: Wgbh Boston
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
This capable and intelligent adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic novel is one in a long line of Great Expectations put to film. But this two-part drama distinguishes itself with its faithfulness to the book and outstanding performances by the principal cast. Ioan Gruffudd plays the adult Pip, an orphan who lives with his sister and her kindly blacksmith husband. Pip's life changes when he is sent for by Miss Haversham (Charlotte Rampling), an eccentric and wealthy spinster who wears only her bridal gown, which she was wearing when she was left at the altar years before. Introduced to Estella (played later as a woman by Justine Waddell), Miss Haversham's contemptuous ward, Pip falls in love with the girl and spends the remainder of his youth attempting to be good enough for her--a state of affairs that suddenly seems possible when a mysterious benefactor makes Pip's education as a London gentleman possible. Gruffudd is a fine choice for the central character, and his naturally intense expression underscores Pip's problems with insecurity and sense of deservedness. Waddell is an appropriately solipsistic Estella, slightly reminiscent of Vivien Leigh, and Rampling's casting is an unexpected but terrific move on the filmmaker's part. The veteran actress's career-long air of mystery, vague suffering, and intense sexuality bring a potent power to Miss Haversham's baleful looks. Dickens would be proud of this one. --Tom Keogh
Description
Ioan Gruffudd, Justine Waddell and Charlotte Rampling star in this adaptation of Charles Dickens' enduring classic Great Expectations, the story of a young orphan named Pip who lives with his sister and her blacksmith husband, Joe.

Amazon.com

The key ingredient in this modern-day version of Charles Dickens's classic is director Alfonso Cuarón, who made the glowing, estimable A Little Princess. If you saw that (and you should), understand that Expectations has those ingredients (great sense of time, place, and timing) but adds modern music and sex appeal; the latter personified by the long-legged Gwyneth Paltrow.

Finnegan Bell (Ethan Hawke as an adult, Jeremy James Kissner at age 10) is the new version of Dickens's Pip. He's a child wise beyond his years, befriending an escaped convict (Robert De Niro) in the warm waters of Florida's Gulf Coast. Finn is also the plaything for Estella (Paltrow as an adult, Raquel Beaudene at age 10), the niece of the coast's richest and most eccentric lady, Ms. Dinsmoor (a fun and flamboyant Anne Bancroft). The prudish Estella likes Finn (catch the best first kiss scene in many a moon) but has been brought up to disdain men; she'll break hearts. As the object of Finn's desires, Estella unfortunately is a one-dimensional character, yet what a dimension! Clad in Donna Karan dresses and her long, sun-kissed hair, Paltrow is luminous. She and Hawke make a very sexy couple.

Mitch Glazer's script does better by Finn. He's a blue-collar worker with a gift for drawing (artwork by Francesco Clemente). Following his Uncle Joe's (Chris Cooper) honest ways, Finn grows up as a fisherman, thoughts of Estella and art drifting away in the hard work. When a mysterious benefactor allows him to follow his dream, Finn finds himself in New York, preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime art exhibit--and in the arms of the engaged Estella.

Filled with cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki's golden-drenched light, the film has an irresistible, wildly romantic look. Dinsmoor's place is certainly gothic, Estella and Finn's longing encounters glamorous. Cuarón uses an MTV-friendly soundtrack with a confident touch. Songs by Tori Amos and the band Pulp--along with Patrick Doyle's silky score--create passionate scenes. It all ends far too swiftly with a seemingly tacked-on ending (reflecting the book, as it happens) but the film is splendid storytelling. It's a stylish, sweet valentine. --Doug Thomas

Description

The moment young Finn sets eyes on Estella, she becomes his inspiration and his obsession. Despite being warned, "she'll only break your heart," he vowed to win her love. Years later, thanks to a mysterious benefactor, aspiring artist Finn is off to New York, where he is reunited with the icy and beautiful Estella. When she agrees to model for him, Finn's dearest hopes may at last be realized-along with his darkest fears!

Customer Reviews:

Ethan Hawke brings no expectation of acting skills to a totally ridiculous film!.......2007-06-29

Where do I begin??? Well...how about UGH!? I tried to pinpoint what I found particularly annoying about this version of GREAT EXPECTATIONS...and then it came to me; there was nothing about any one character for which I felt a single shred of emotion! I might as well have been Estella herself! I freely admit that even Dicken's original story is my least favorite of all Dickens' novels. I have seen three other film adaptations and still did not particularly care for the story or the characters (here the names have been changed as well as the time and the country).Perhaps Ethan Hawke, who plays the "Pip" character,Finnegan Bell, was my biggest objection to this film. I found him to be 100% lifeless,uninteresting and not at all an embodiment of understanding and kindness.With your lead character being so terribly portrayed, the story really never jelled for me. Gwyneth Paltrow as Estella, on the other hand, fares much better as the ice cold and victimized Estella. She seems to understand her character's tragic upbringing and the sexy allure with which she has been educated by Nora Dinsmore (a somewhat odd and uneven portrayal by Anne Bancroft).

I found the New York shots to be totally implausible. Where does anyone walk in New York TOTALLY ALONE on bright,gorgeous sunny days in Central Park West???? Come on!!! Where do leaves cascade down alley ways tucked far,far away from any living green thing??? (I understand the symbolism, but this simply doesn't work with New York City).

The design for the Dinsmore house never once changes over the years of neglect! The same vines that entwined the house when Finn was a young boy on his first visit are exactly the same as when he arrives years later. Vines grow!!!

This entire film was so implausible,senseless and uneven in production.

Patrick Doyle's original soundtrack seemed to me totally incorrect for the sensibility of this adaptation. He must have still been in his Kenneth Branagh mode!

Sorry, but this film is a throwaway...not totally...but still a throwaway!

Beautifull movie filmed in a beautifull place........2007-06-10

I love this modern adaptation of the classic Dickens novel. Although, part of that could be because I lived in south Florida for a long time, and spent many days wondering the Ringling museum, where this movie was filmed. The sound track is also worth a listen.

Every Artist...........2007-05-16

This movie is magic. So many true artists can relate to this story because every true artist has that sole inspiration that is never quite hers/his. It's a film about passion, about the one that got away, about trusting in fate, taking risks, and staying true to your purpose. I highly recommend this to anyone who has ever let the dream guide them.

Greatest love story ever!!!.......2007-03-24

I've always been against chick flicks... but my girlfriend make me watch this one and it was amazing!! You HAVE to see it!!

Exceeded Expectations.......2007-03-19

This movie is a beautful story of the struggle to find love. A must see.

The Charles Dickens Collection (Oliver Twist / Martin Chuzzlewit / Bleak House / Hard Times / Great Expectations / Our Mutual Friend)

Average customer rating:

Dickens Package 1
Dickensian Delights
opinion
lovely , region 1 only
Good value

The Charles Dickens Collection (Oliver Twist / Martin Chuzzlewit / Bleak House / Hard Times / Great Expectations / Our Mutual Friend)
Starring: Ben Rodska , Scott Funnell , Eric Porter , Frank Middlemass , and Lysette Anthony
Director: Gareth Davies , Pedr James , and Ross Devenish
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Charles Dickens Collection, Vol. 2 (David Copperfield / The Pickwick Papers / The Old Curiosity Shop / Dombey and Son)
Jane Austen Collection (Sense & Sensibility / Emma / Persuasion / Mansfield Park / Pride & Prejudice / Northanger Abbey)
Middlemarch
The Shaw Collection (Pygmalion / The Millionairess / Arms and the Man / The Devil's Disciple / Mrs. Warren's Profession / Heartbreak House)
Bleak House

ASIN: B0009PVZMS
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Amazon.com

As can be clearly seen from the care lavished on these six BBC adaptions of Charles Dickens' novels, the British love their Dickens! And why not--Dickens is ideally suited to television, with his elaborate but vigorous plots, each a compendium of comically odious personalities (and one or two nice folk, just to keep things from getting too awful). Actors dig into these meaty roles with zeal, delighting in the hairpin turns from macabre horror to sweet sentiment. The more popular (and most frequently adapted) of the books at hand--Great Expectations and Oliver Twist--are the most conventional. The 1981 mini-series Expectations (in which young Pip learns the pitfalls of wealth through his relationship with the rich and bitter Mrs. Havishamand and her warped ward, Estella) is dutiful to its source but not adapted with much inspiration. Twist, from 1985, fares better; it's a zippy treatment of this tale of childhood deprivation and juvenile delinquency, and the horrors of Victorian orphanages will raise your hackles. The adaptation is capable but a little flat--still, any story where an undertaker observes, "Every tear is another shilling in the till," is clearly not lacking in wicked wit.

Fortunately, the others are considerably juicier: Martin Chuzzlewit, a lesser-known but richly satirical book, has a star-studded production from 1994, featuring Paul Scofield, Tom Wilkinson, Pete Postlethwaite, and Julia Sawalha, among others. The wealthy Martin Chuzzlewit, deeply suspicious of all mankind due to being hounded by greedy, grasping relatives, threatens the happiness of his ward Mary and his namesake grandson. In addition to the sterling and energetic cast, Chuzzlewit has outstanding production values, as does the 1998 version of Our Mutual Friend, which goes to great lengths to evoke the textures of life in Dickens' London. The mysterious death of a man about to inherit a great fortune sets in motion a complex plot that intertwines two love stories (it's one of Dickens' most romantic works), social scheming, and murderous obsession. The names aren't quite as famous (such as Paul McGann, Timothy Spall, Anna Friel, and Keeley Hawes), but the performances are top-notch and the script is particularly dynamic.

Bleak House, a Kafka-esque story of young innocents caught in an all-consuming, multi-generational lawsuit, cultivates a rich and potent Gothic horror; the 19th century seems like an unnerving alien world, through which lawyers and policemen stride like cruel predators. Diana Rigg is the most famous face in this 1985 production, but strong performances abound. The final component of this box set is the most curious: A 1994 version of Hard Times starring Alan Bates and Richard E. Grant, which turns this dark story--about a schoolmaster/politician who raises his children on reason at the expense of all feeling and finally reaps the bitter rewards--into a compact, theatrical feature film that's so swift it's almost jaunty. Adapted and directed by Peter Barnes (writer of The Ruling Class), it's the most stylized production of the bunch, and while lacking the depth and narrative detail of the others, it effectively cuts to the essence of Dickens. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

Dickens Package 1.......2007-06-27

This collection is an embarassment of riches. Each story is divided into several episodes which take time to view and absorb. So far we have only viewed "Bleak House" and "Our Mutual Friend". Both are excellent and capture the steamy world of Dicken's London. I think I am constantly amazed at the attention to detail that the Brits recreate in historical drama. And of course there is the wealth of character playing for which Britain has always been famous. A really excellent series.

Dickensian Delights.......2007-06-02

This collection is wonderful, you can "watch" these novels over and over, faithful to Dickens in tone, plot and spirit -- Highly recommended.

opinion.......2007-06-02

I've just bought the collection, I've seen 3 movies so far, they're great, faithful to the books I've read. They come with cc(closed caption)so it helps the understanding. I watch a film and read the book. They're perfect for those who are really into literature. I highly recommend them.

lovely , region 1 only .......2007-05-08

The dark stories about the impossible lives of the unfortunate makes it a kind of films that will glue anyone to the chair. BBC serieses are not like any other film, and I simply escape to anothr world every time I watch.
Had to watch it in my computer though, since it was not my region( not even after I changed the region in my "region free" DVD player ) which also means I had no subtitles either. A good computer screen is needed for that purpose.

Good value.......2007-03-28

My husband and I are major fanatics when it comes to literary
pieces brought to film. We have been renting some of these classic BBC films from an online rental business. We finally decided to buy the set. My husband, being a english teacher, loved several of these films. The best two out of the set is Martin Chuzzlewit and Our Mutual Friend. It is a shame that Hard Times did not live up to the book and was only roughly based off of it. We just finished Oliver Twist, not knowing the story at all, we were on the of our seats just waiting to hear the big twist and to see how the plot works itself out. Highly recommended, even with Hard Times being not faithful to the book.

Great Expectations (1946) - Criterion Collection

Average customer rating:

David Lean's Great Expectations
Great Expectations - Criterion Collection
An English Teacher's Review
Changed from the book but still worth seeing!
A Great Movie From A Great Novel, And Perfectly Cast

Great Expectations (1946) - Criterion Collection
Starring: John Mills , Anthony Wager , Valerie Hobson , Jean Simmons , and Bernard Miles
Director: David Lean
Manufacturer: Criterion
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Period Piece | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

7-9 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adapted from Books | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Criterion Collection | Stores | DVD | Video

Classics | Criterion Collection | Stores | DVD | Video

International | Criterion Collection | Stores | DVD | Video

All | Criterion Collection | Stores | DVD | Video

( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Oliver Twist (1948) - Criterion Collection
Brief Encounter - Criterion Collection
David Copperfield (1935)
A Tale of Two Cities (1935)
The Heiress (Universal Cinema Classics)

ASIN: B00000F17E
Release Date: 1999-01-12

Amazon.com essential video

David Lean's handsome adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic novel captures the warm humor and richness of character that so many filmmakers miss in their reverent recreations of Victorian England. From the nightmarish opening sequence on the windswept graveyard where young orphan Pip (Anthony Wager) meets the desperate escaped criminal Magwitch (Finlay Currie) to the shadowy, musty mansion of the widow Miss Haversham (Martita Hunt) where he first meets the impertinent young beauty Estella (Jean Simmons), Lean captures a childlike exaggeration of reality with his elegant expressionism. When Pip's sudden change in fortune sends him to London as a burgeoning gentleman in high society, Lean sketches a beautiful, bustling city. John Mills's performance as the adult Pip charts his change from the wide-eyed wonder and generous spirit of the child he was to the class snob transformed by money and social standing, an ugly flaw that Pip confronts when his mysterious benefactor is finally revealed. The outstanding cast also features Valerie Hobson as the grown-up Estella, now a beguiling enchantress, a bright young Alec Guinness in his film debut as Pip's jovial London roommate Herbert Pocket, and the imposing Francis L. Sullivan as the decidedly humorless lawyer Jaggers. Exquisitely photographed by Guy Green (who won an Oscar for his work). Lean and his collaborators effectively maintain the heart of Dickens's epic drama while cutting it to its essentials in this vivid, compelling film. --Sean Axmaker

Description

One of the great translations of literature into film, David Lean's Great Expectations brings Charles Dickens' masterpiece to robust onscreen life. Pip, Magwitch, Miss Havisham, and Estella populate Lean's magnificent miniature, beautifully photographed by Guy Green and designed by John Bryan.

Customer Reviews:

David Lean's Great Expectations.......2007-06-22

Perhaps the finest Dickens adaptation ever, this rich, fascinating film about chance encounters and changing fortunes begins with a nerve-rattling sequence in a graveyard that's one of the finest moments in British film. Both Mills and Guinness are a trifle old for their roles, but their virtuosity fully compensates. Guinness, in his first significant screen appearance, is particularly striking as pocket, giving us a tantalizing taste of things to come. A bona-fide classic.

Great Expectations - Criterion Collection.......2007-01-31

I usually love Criterion editions and am willing to pay the increased price to receive all the usual Criterion extras - commentary, interviews, etc.

Unfortunately, aside from the normal remastered print of the film (very well done indeed), the trailer and the inside notes, this edition had none of the features I have come to expect (and pay dear for). Therefore, I would not recommend this item (at its current high price) to anyone who already owns a good print of the movie.

JBF

An English Teacher's Review.......2006-12-19

I should mention first that this is the only film version of "Great Expectations" that I have ever seen. There may be better ones, but I'm only qualified to talk about this one.

My 10th graders were spellbound by this film. They saw it on a big screen from an Epson 720p projector with big stereo sound, which probably helped. However, their reaction to it really surprised me. From the first frame they were rapt, and it turned into one of their favorite experiences of the year.

David Lean's brilliant cinematography is partly responsible for this - the lighting and composition are absolutely stupendous. Many people talk about the "possibilities" of black and white, but David Lean delivers them. The film is visually stunning.

The film also does a decent, if not perfect, job of following the book; obviously some scenes needed to be shortened or left out entirely or this would have been a five hour film. It is not so accurate that you can read a chapter and then watch it, but it is accurate enough that it is certainly worth showing as a reward for finishing the book.

I withhold the fifth star only because the actresses who play young Estella and "grown woman" Estella are so jarringly different as to be almost impossible to accept as the same character. For instance, young Estella seems to have a nose from Sweden, while grown Estella's nose seems to hail from somewhere near Rome. The actresses just aren't similar enough to sustain even the most willing suspension of disbelief.

The actress who plays Miss Havisham, however, is utterly perfect, and her whole broken-hearted domain is reproduced exactly as I imagined it from the book, right down to the mouse-gnawed, spider-infested wedding cake. Her 25 year-long tantrum is shown as half-hilarious, half-horrifying, which is exactly as Dickens intended it in my opinion, and the actress captures the perfect blend of nuances in portraying this unique character as perfectly as she could be portrayed.

The rest of the characters are quite well done also, including the attorney, Pip's sister, Joe and the "pale young gentleman." Even the clerk with "The Aged" father is well played, although the tour of his castle-house from the book is absent. Pip himself is portrayed very appropriately by both the young and older actors, and never disappoints.

Along with the characters, the film provides an incredible amount of tantalizing 19th century detail, enough to keep even the sleepiest, most sullen student awake at 8:02 am on a cold winter morning. All in all, well worth the $35 asking price, especially because, like all Criterion titles in my experience, the DVD transfer looks and sounds absolutely beautiful.

Changed from the book but still worth seeing!.......2006-06-23

The characters of Charles Dickens's timeless tale come to life in spellbinding black and white that perfectly captures the book's tone. Both Estella and Miss Havisham's characters are vastly sweetened from the book. Estella has genuine affection for Pip instead of just seeing him as another person to manipulate. Miss Havisham is actually concerned when Estella and Pip fight instead of being happy that her master plan of having Estella break Pip's heart is succeeding. These changes allow for the overly saccharin ending that is greatly different in tone and plot from either of the two grim endings Dickens actually wrote for the book.

A Great Movie From A Great Novel, And Perfectly Cast.......2005-12-25

If a movie ever captured better the look in your head of a book you've read than David Lean's Great Expectations, I don't know what it would be. From the moment young Pip is seen running along the marsh road to the deserted cemetery and his encounter with the escaped convict, Magwitch (scaring Pip as well as us half to death) to Pip the young man ripping down the dust-laden, moldering drapes in Miss Havisham's decaying mansion and letting the daylight in, we see what we imagined, and it's just about perfect.

Great Expectations is one of Charles Dickens' greatest novels, and the movie, in my opinion, is David Lean's greatest accomplishment as a director. You'd have to be a cynic not to be captured by this story of a young, poor boy, an orphan raised in a blacksmith's home by his sister and her husband, who unexpectedly becomes a young gentleman of great expectations.

Lean chose actors who bring the characters vividly to life. Pip (John Mills) is a young man who has become self-satisfied with the mysterious funds he receives that have enabled him to become a gentleman. In time, however, he realizes "that in becoming a gentleman, I had only succeeded in becoming a snob." But Pip's innate honesty and humanity come through as he accepts the debt he owes to his benefactor and faces the love he has for Estella. Jean Simmons as young Estella and Valerie Hobson as Estella the woman are beautiful and cruel, as Estella was raised to be by Miss Havisham. Francis L. Sullivan is perfect as the large, shrewd lawyer, Mr. Jaggers, who knows all the secrets. Miss Havisham is played by Martita Hunt. Miss Havisham was abandoned on her wedding day years before. She has retreated into bitterness, living within her mansion as if time at stopped, the draperies closed, still wearing her wedding dress, cobwebs festooning the rooms and the banquet table still fully set, bearing what remains of the bride's cake. She will see to it that men, through Estella, will suffer as she suffered. Finlay Currie is Magwitch, the tough, hulking convict who was unexpectedly touched by young Pip bringing him food. Alec Guinness is Herbert Pocket, good natured, energetic and a true friend.

At the end of the story, Pip and Estella realize they will have great expectations together. There is sadness, happiness, redemption, regret and love. Most off all, there are these marvelous characters in a great story.

The Criterion DVD looks fine. There are no significant extras. An insert contains an informative essay about the film and Lean by Adrian Turner, a British film critic.

Great Expectations (Masterpiece Theatre, 1999)

Average customer rating:

Mr. Dickens' Divorce Tells in this Story.
The Production is Great......But dont Buy this DVD
bad DVD production
Excellent film adaptation
Great Expectations Box Set

Great Expectations (Masterpiece Theatre, 1999)
Starring: Ioan Gruffudd , Justine Waddell , Charlotte Rampling , Angela Sims , and Hugh Lloyd
Director: Julian Jarrold
Manufacturer: Wgbh Boston
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Period Piece | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

WGBH Boston | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

Miniseries | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

David Copperfield
Solomon & Gaenor
Our Mutual Friend
Middlemarch
North & South

ASIN: B0002XVRGG
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Amazon.com

This capable and intelligent adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic novel is one in a long line of Great Expectations put to film. But this two-part drama distinguishes itself with its faithfulness to the book and outstanding performances by the principal cast. Ioan Gruffudd plays the adult Pip, an orphan who lives with his sister and her kindly blacksmith husband. Pip's life changes when he is sent for by Miss Haversham (Charlotte Rampling), an eccentric and wealthy spinster who wears only her bridal gown, which she was wearing when she was left at the altar years before. Introduced to Estella (played later as a woman by Justine Waddell), Miss Haversham's contemptuous ward, Pip falls in love with the girl and spends the remainder of his youth attempting to be good enough for her--a state of affairs that suddenly seems possible when a mysterious benefactor makes Pip's education as a London gentleman possible. Gruffudd is a fine choice for the central character, and his naturally intense expression underscores Pip's problems with insecurity and sense of deservedness. Waddell is an appropriately solipsistic Estella, slightly reminiscent of Vivien Leigh, and Rampling's casting is an unexpected but terrific move on the filmmaker's part. The veteran actress's career-long air of mystery, vague suffering, and intense sexuality bring a potent power to Miss Haversham's baleful looks. Dickens would be proud of this one. --Tom Keogh

Description

Ioan Gruffudd, Justine Waddell and Charlotte Rampling star in this adaptation of Charles Dickens' enduring classic Great Expectations, the story of a young orphan named Pip who lives with his sister and her blacksmith husband, Joe.

Customer Reviews:

Mr. Dickens' Divorce Tells in this Story........2007-04-06

The story focuses upon a young man, who desires a young woman, who is pretty but immature, and makes a fool of him. The attractive, but deceitful charm of the pretty young woman leaves the young man empty, and so you.

The 1981-version has a better first episode; but then drags painfully. Both versions have some strange scenes.

The 1947-version is much better, with John Mills, father of Haley Mills.

Mr. Dickens wrote the story "Great Expectations" in 1861, after leaving his wife. Mr. Dickens married his wife Catherine in 1836. They were together 21-years; during which he wrote his brilliant novels: "Oliver Twist"-1839, "A Christmas Carol"-1843, and "David Copperfield"-1850. Mr. Dickens left his wife in 1858.

Unlike "Great Expectations", Mr. Dickens's great novels have a high-minded thought; balance with moments of cheer, triumph for the main character, adventure, and interesting characters. A novel is not a classic just because it is: old, assigned in English class, and written by the writer of other novels indeed brilliant. "Great Expectations" has portions which show Mr. Dickens's talent; however overall it lacks the charm and elements that make his other stories enjoyable, true, classics.

Walt Disney, usually brilliant, made the poor decision to go from one feature length animation film at a time, directly, to working on three such films at a time, over-extending and nearly bankrupting the company, as World War II closed Europe to Disney. The Disneys saved the studio, only, by becoming a public corporation, giving up total family control and ownership. Mr. Disney's poor decision followed the tragic death of his beloved mother, caused by a leaking gas heater, that had supposedly been repaired by a Disney studio mechanic the day before. Mr. Disney hurried to use work as a distraction from his grief. (This is also likely the reason Bambi's mother is killed.) Mr. Disney eventually bounced back. Divorce is also traumatic, even if for the better. I do not judge Mr. Dickens's divorce. I do say Mr. Dickens's divorce from the mother of his ten children affected his writing, and for the worse, telling in the empty "Great Expectations".

The Production is Great......But dont Buy this DVD .......2007-04-05

Even though I have never read the book I found this Production very good.
I would recommend this to any one who is a Dickens Fan but do youself a favour and dont buy this DVD release.
As a British review on Amazon uk site indicated this DVD looks as if it was copied straight off the TV and also the commentary in the beginning and end of the movie telling us about the Great Expectations novel made the DVD worse.
Masterpiece Theatre has spoiled this Great BBC Production of Dickens Great Expectations with it's Commentary (even though they think they are being helpful- but are not) and poor DVD.
Four Stars for the Production itself but giving this Two stars because of the DVD quaility.
Wait until BBC Release a DVD of the Production and the DVD quaility will be much, much better.
I will be selling this DVD and wait until BBC release the DVD in Australia.

bad DVD production.......2007-03-02

The video quality of this fine adaptation is terrible. I've been waiting years for a DVD release only to be dissapointed by the poor video transfer to DVD.

Excellent film adaptation.......2007-01-23

Charles Dickens triumphs once more. This excellent film adaptation of the masterpiece novel manages to be somewhat dark, gritty, and mysterious, and still maintain quirky memorable characters and a tangled web of plots in the typical Dickens way. Justine Waddell's performance as the icy Estella (a very different role from her warm character in "Wives and Daughters") is perfect, complimented by Ioan Gruffud's dramatic display as the hero of story, Pip. The movie is fairly true to the book, and likewise manages to be ambiguous, but satisfying. Fans of Dickens work will not want to miss this instant classic, and anyone looking for a good drama with mystery and character study will not be disappointed.

Great Expectations Box Set.......2007-01-10

This movie follows the book pretty well. My 8th grade students enjoyed it. We watched the movie before we read the book since sometimes the book can be hard to follow with the English flavoring in the language and the many characters. I would reccommend this movie.

Laugh and Learn About Childbirth - Lamaze and Beyond

Average customer rating:

Annoying and condescending
Informative but can sometimes be long-winded
Great Source of Info
We learned a lot.
everything you need to know

Laugh and Learn About Childbirth - Lamaze and Beyond
Starring: Sheri Bayles
Manufacturer: Great Expectations
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

Pregnancy Workouts | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video

General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Laugh and Learn About Breastfeeding
Laugh and Learn About Newborn Baby Care
Bringing Baby Home: The Ultimate Baby Care DVD
Having Your Baby! A Complete Lamaze Prepared Childbirth Class
The Happiest Baby on the Block - The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Baby Sleep Longer (DVD)

ASIN: B0000DK2ZW
Release Date: 2003-09-01

Description

'Laugh and Learn About Childbirth - Lamaze and Beyond' is the first video in a series of educational classes, and the only comprehensive childbirth course on the market. This DVD covers all aspects of labor and delivery, including pain relieving options, as well as the entire Lamaze training - including breathing techniques and natural childbirth.
Like the other two video classes in this series, 'Laugh and Learn About Breastfeeding' and 'Laugh and Learn About Newborn Baby Care', 'Laugh and Learn About Childbirth' is a comprehensive and fun way to learn everything you need to know to have a pleasant pregnancy, labor and delivery. The classes are taught in an entertaining way by award winning childbirth expert Sheri Bayles, RN in six easy to watch lessons, perfect for watching at your own pace in the comfort and convenience of your home.

Customer Reviews:

Annoying and condescending.......2007-06-19

My husband and I couldn't fit a birthing class into our schedule, so upon reviewing our options we decided to buy this dvd. Being that we are a couple with a great sense of humor, and don't like to take anything too seriously, "laugh and learn" sounded like the right choice. Honestly, we both found this woman-Ms. Bayles- to be extremely annoying with her stories and condescending atttude. She constantly made fun of the people she was talking about...especially the men. We were expecting a nice take it easy approach to lamaze, but we found ourselves rolling our eyes at every digression. Although, I have to say that she is quite knowledgeable and if she would stick to the facts and not try so hard to be funny, this would be a worthwhile dvd. By the way, I never write reviews, ever.

Informative but can sometimes be long-winded.......2007-05-22

Overall, this DVD is great. It's informative and hey, you can watch it on your own time, according to your own schedule.

The instructor was funnier in the beginning than I found her to be at the end, and she gets a little long-winded, trying to hard be funny about childbirth. But, that's what the 'fast-forward' button is for, right?

Compared to others on the market (which isn't very many to choose from), I think this one's a keeper.

Great Source of Info.......2007-05-21

I like the convienence of the dvd/in home classes. Most of my questions are answered through the classes. Format is a bit dry, but very informational.

We learned a lot........2007-05-15

My husband and I didn't take a lamaze class, but instead purchased this video. We learned a great deal about the stages of labor and the medical terminology used to describe the various phases and situations. I didn't use the breathing techniques while giving birth to my son, as they seemed unnatural and forced and I preferred to breathe as I felt was comfortable (which worked much better for me). I was able to give birth to my son without pain meds which I think had something to do with being comfortable with the process that my body was going through (which I learned about from this DVD as well as from birthing books such as "Natural Childbirth The Bradley Way"). I would recommend it for the educational material... but wouldn't necessarily recommend women strictly adhere to the methods presented. The lady's voice was a little annoying at times... but that just made my husband and I laugh with one another.

everything you need to know.......2007-05-13

Its a wonderful info source. My husband and I are very happy with our purchase. It answered all of our questions, and it was nice to learn things on our time in our living room with bunch of snaks around us. I strongly recomend! Oh yes, and its funny too.
Good luck to all of you.

-Maya

Average customer rating:

BEST EVER
Yay for good anime with bad computer animation!
Rabat arrives, and Jura finally gets to combine!
Introducing Rabat...Jura combines...Christmas Tree in space
Can't go wrong

Vandread - Great Expectations (Vol. 3)
Starring: Hiroyuki Yoshino , Yumi Kakazu , Julie Maddalena , Fumiko Orikasa , and Yu Asakawa
Director: Takeshi Mori
Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer]
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( V ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Vandread - Nirvana (Vol. 2)
Vandread - Pressure
Vandread - Enemy Engaged (Vol. 1)
Vandread The Second Stage - Final Assault (Vol. 4)
Vandread - Second Stage - Sacrifice (Vol. 2)

ASIN: B0000639GY
Release Date: 2002-05-14

Amazon.com

As the pirate ship Nirvana visits different worlds, this sci-fi comedy-adventure begins to resemble a mixture of Crest of the Stars and Star Trek, with the robot 7-Zark-7 from Battle of the Planets thrown in. The crew meets Rabat and his ape sidekick on a deserted space station: he introduces the women of the Nirvana to cosmetics, beats up Hibiki, and then departs in "Impossible." The people of the water world of Anpathos worship a mysterious "harvester ship" apparently intent on devouring them--until Hibiki and Jura create a crablike mecha to destroy it. A Christmas party--a holiday unknown to Hibiki, Bart, and Duero--coincides with a visit to an ice comet in "White Love." Vandread offers some so-so computer-animated space battles, plenty of cleavage shots, and some broad comic moments, but these elements never gel into a coherent story. Rated 13 Up: Violence, risqué humor. --Charles Solomon

Customer Reviews:

BEST EVER.......2007-04-20

This is a really good anime. What people say about the voice-acting is true. However, I believe that when they traslate it into english they must change the script a bit to fit lip movments. This means that at times thay say some corny things but that doesn't mean it is bad! I don't care what other people say, the computer-generated stuff is great! And the fast paced battles, EVEN BETTER! It gets my adrenaline goin'! I'm not one for the big robots, but luckily they use them only a little in this anime, I HIGHLY recommend it.

Yay for good anime with bad computer animation!.......2004-08-02

I know that the computer animation is lame, but somehow you get the idea. More akward, but funny and with a bit of innocence too. Two planets. One male, one female, mortal enemies, and cute, colorful characters. Three guys on a spaceship filled with nothing but pretty ladies. Smells indecent but actually turns out to be very clean. Blossoming love from the female side and pride that does not allow for any very lovey-dovey stuff. The only thing that is kind of odd is the fact that Dita resembles Starfire from Teen Titans. This is all I really have to say. Enjoy,enjoy,enjoy!

Rabat arrives, and Jura finally gets to combine!.......2004-03-26

Don't believe what the editor says--this is a wonderful show and one of my top five favorites of all time. The characters are awesome, even the goofy ones like that girl who wears costumes to avoid the men. Meia is a loner with issues, Jura is probably the most beautiful woman on board and knows it, Dita is more like a five year old than a teenager, and Hibiki just wants to fight. Parfet is the know-it-all mechanic, and Duero the doctor is her love interest (they are so cute together!) And BC kicks major ass (you'll see why in the first volume of the Second Stage).

But that is only reducing the characters to one-sentence personalities. They are SO MUCH MORE than that! Jealous, petty, perky, friendly, hateful, angry, loving, silly, exasperating--the list goes on and on. You just can't help but watch, if only to see what they will do next!

And the space battles; while it can be hard to distinguish what is going on sometimes, that is because the computer animation is just that good. The objects in battle move at lightning speed, which is how you would expect them to in zero gravity. After all, it's not like there is air to slow them down. It is this speed that makes it hard for me to follow what is happening at times.

And the machines--all of them--are jaw-dropping. Meia's Vandread (her Dread combined with Hibiki's Vanguard) is modeled after a falcon. It moves at incredible speeds, fast enough to punch a hole right through another ship, and has claws like drills. Dita's Vandread is more of a humanoid shape, and uses a staff that resembles a lightsaber. This staff can be snapped into two pieces and used like twin swords (If you've seen Rurouni Kenshin, think of it like Aoshi using both of his kodachi). And Jura's...well, Amarone sums up Jura's in one sentence. But Jura's Vandread can also put a barrier around an entire planet. ^_~

So, we've covered the characters, the space battles, the machines...ah ha! Voice acting! The voice acting in both versions is unbelievable! However, I PREFER the English dub, as it is even more full of life and the girls don't sound as young. See, in the Japanese version, both Jura and Dita tend to speak about themselves in the third person. That gets old. Besides, their voices in the English version aren't at all screechy or weird.

Next...the art! The animation for this series was done (I believe) by using cels and computer animation. (Correct me if I'm wrong) The colors are bright and fun to look at, which is a plus considering the various designs of the women's clothing. It all looks good! And everything moves smoothly, from the people to the machines in space. It looks so...incredible! Especially when Jura is using her sword. ^-^

I love this series so much and fully recommend it to each and every anime fan!

Introducing Rabat...Jura combines...Christmas Tree in space.......2002-08-02

The 3rd installment of Vandread...we meet a new character, Rabat, who seems to have something against Hibiki...the two get into an altercation during which Hibiki is pummeled...Jura finally gets to combine with Hibiki's Van, but the result leaves her REALLY disappointed, until she finds out what it can do...Hibiki learns that women have the perogative to change their minds at a moments notice...the men learn about Christmas...
The series contiunes the fun from the earlier episodes, while building on the characters. It's definitely a sereies that has kept me curious throughout, and I'm await the closing act with a smile.

Can't go wrong.......2002-05-21

Vandread is a suprisingly good anime series
considering i hadint herd of it till i bought
the first dvd set a wile back (and evey one since).
The voice acting is some of the best I've heard.
The animation (with the exeption of the dated
CG space battle sience) is to notch and the
story is for the most part pretty good. My only
gripe is that after the thired episode the
story kinda shifts any were it pleases makeing
it seem mor like a bunch of side storys than the
main one. How ever thise (side story's) are quite
funny and entertaining.
In the 3 episodes coverd in this dvd. The first
tells of a smooth talking merchant who try's to
sweet talk the wimen of the Nirvana and steal
the Vangard (a transforming robotic mobile siut).
The next you get to see Hibiki and Jura finaly
combind the fighters to creat a new Vandread, the
only thing is that the transfermation leaves Jura
less then thrilled with the finaly product.
And in the finaly one its Christmas time on the
Nirvana and this leaves the men a little dumb founded
due to the fact that thay have never celebrated
Christmas be for. Things get even more complicated
for the men when thay are told thay are sapost to
give presints to people just hours be for poeple
start exchanging gifts.
All in all this is a very solid anime and is worth
a look at. Hope you like it.

Average customer rating:

Would you believe...?

Great Expectations (1974)
Starring: Joss Ackland , Richard Beaumont , Maria Charles , Erik Chitty , and Ben Cross
Director: Joseph Hardy
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Period Piece | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Old Curiosity Shop
Great Expectations (1998)
Great Expectations (Masterpiece Theatre, 1999)
Great Expectations (1946) - Criterion Collection
Dombey and Son

ASIN: B00022EEY4
Release Date: 2006-07-24

Customer Reviews:

Would you believe...?.......2007-05-07

This production was originally filmed as a musical for theatrical release. The songs were edited out and this version of "Great Expectations" was released to television instead. Michael York does a credible job as Pip, and Sarah Miles is excellent as the snobby Estella.

Average customer rating:

Mr. Dickens's Divorce Tells in this Story.
Not worth the money or the time.
Eh
Too long!
Best movie in the world!

Great Expectations (BBC, 1981)
Starring: Stratford Johns , Patsy Kensit , Derek Francis , Colin Jeavons , and John Stratton
Director: Julian Amyes
Manufacturer: BBC home video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Oliver Twist (BBC, 1985)
Bleak House
Martin Chuzzlewit
Great Expectations (Masterpiece Theatre, 1999)
Our Mutual Friend

ASIN: B0009PVZK0
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Description

Violence and Victorian gentility meet in this powerful adaptation of one of Dickens's greatest creations. While passing through the churchyard where his mother is buried, a young Pip encounters a desperate convict, Magwitch. Soon afterward he is summoned by the wealthy, eccentric recluse Miss Havisham to play with her beautiful but cruel ward Estella. With these two remarkable encounters begins Pip's epic journey from boy to man. When Pip comes of age, Miss Havisham's lawyer, Jaggers, informs him he has come into great wealth. But who exactly is the source of his mysterious new fortune? And perhaps it is not so easy -- or desirable -- to leave his humble past behind.

Customer Reviews:

Mr. Dickens's Divorce Tells in this Story........2007-04-06

Mr. Dickens wrote the strange story "Great Expectations" in 1861, after leaving his wife. Mr. Dickens married his wife Catherine in 1836. They were married 21-years; during which he wrote his great novels: "Oliver Twist"-1839, "A Christmas Carol"-1843, and "David Copperfield"-1850. Mr. Dickens left his wife and mother of ten children, about 1857.

Unlike "Great Expectations", Mr. Dickens's great novels follow a high-minded thought; balance with moments of cheer, triumph for the main character, adventure, and interesting characters. A novel is not a classic just because it is: old, assigned by your English teacher, or written by the writer of other novels indeed brilliant. "Great Expectations" has portions which show Mr. Dickens's ability; however overall it lacks the charm and elements that make his other stories great, true, enjoyable, classics.

This 1981-version has a better first episode than the 1999-version; but then drags painfully; wearing the viewer out. Too much time on the dreary. The 1999-version leaves you empty in the end. The 1947-version of "Great Expectations" is best; with John Mills, father of Haley Mills. The 1947-version pulls out the cheerier portions of the novel and focuses on them, for a story of some interest.

Mr. Dickens's, "Nicholas Nickelby", written in 1839, is better.

Not worth the money or the time........2007-01-27

I agree with the other reviews about too much emphasis on the bleak, and dragging on interminably. No movement. No captivation. Unfortunately filmed in short segments, so you have to deal with opening and closing credits, etc. frequently.

I did find it hard to follow the dialog with the various dialects of the characters, so I wanted to use subtitle. Alas! Subtitles are not enabled on DVDs in this series (BBC white covers). I switched from viewing the DVD via the component connection to viewing via the coax "VCR" connection. That allowed me to take advantage of the television's closed captioning capabilities. However, I had to sacrifice picture quality.

Eh.......2006-04-10

It kind of looked like a play you'd watch in person rather than a movie. Granted it was made in the 80's but there are so many awkward pauses and comments made by the characters you can't help but notice it. I think it's absolutely ridiculous that after each scene they have to have a big long list of all the actors in the scene and this ridiculous dying flower bouquet that lasts for like a minute. The characters are still beautiful and it is true to Victorian form. I'm not sure whether or not I recommend this movie.

Too long!.......2006-01-01

What started out to be a suspensful movie dragged in the last several episodes. I found myself begging for it to finish, and even then, the ending was very dull. My daughter and I finished the over 300 minute movie with an "Oh, well." We love period movies, but this one is better borrowed or rented than bought for a library. I will admit the Old Miss Haversham was the most enjoyable character to watch. I would recommend other Dickens Classics such as "Our Mutual Friend."

Best movie in the world!.......2005-05-22

It is very faithful to the book. The actors are great, especially Pip, ages 8 and adult, the 12 year old isnt so good. Herbert is excellent, and this is around 5 hours long, and just wonderful, touching and classic.

All the Right Moves / Great Expectations

Average customer rating:

All the Right Moves / Great Expectations
Starring: Ethan Hawke , Gwyneth Paltrow , Hank Azaria , Chris Cooper , and Anne Bancroft
Director: Alfonso Cuarón , and Michael Chapman
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Cocoon / Cocoon - The Return
One True Thing
Havoc (Unrated Version)
Get Carter
Swimfan

ASIN: B000KGGIVE
Release Date: 2006-12-05

Amazon.com

All the Right Moves: Most films about high school football players usually fall into one of two categories: glossy jock romance or locker-room sex farce. This one defies the odds and scores both as decent character study and decidedly unsentimental sports melodrama. It's not only a helluva coming-of-age yarn, but also, like Paul Newman's Slapshot, it's a bracing look at the hopes and dreams of blue-collar survivors. Tom Cruise plays a mill-town football star determined to escape the same traps that ensnared his parents. Craig T. Nelson, in a terrific villain role, is the coach who takes revenge when Cruise's ambitions drift a little too close to home. Michael Chapman, Martin Scorsese's favorite cinematographer, made his directorial debut with this gritty little winner, which benefits from being shot on location in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and which is set to a great Jennifer Warnes-Chris Thompson theme song. Lea Thompson and Christopher Penn co-star. In 1983, another Cruise vehicle had even better moves: Risky Business. --Glenn Lovell

Great Expectations: The key ingredient in this modern-day version of Charles Dickens's classic is director Alfonso Cuarón, who made the glowing, estimable A Little Princess. If you saw that (and you should), understand that Expectations has those ingredients (great sense of time, place, and timing) but adds modern music and sex appeal; the latter personified by the long-legged Gwyneth Paltrow.

Average customer rating:

Ethan Hawke brings no expectation of acting skills to a totally ridiculous film!
Beautifull movie filmed in a beautifull place.
Every Artist....
Greatest love story ever!!!
Exceeded Expectations

Great Expectations (1998)
Starring: Ethan Hawke , Gwyneth Paltrow , Hank Azaria , Chris Cooper , and Anne Bancroft
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video