Jane Eyre

Starring:Virginia Bruce, Colin Clive, Beryl Mercer, David Torrence, Aileen Pringle, Edith Fellows, John Rogers, Jean Darling, Lionel Belmore, Jameson Thomas, Ethel Griffies, Claire Du Brey, William Burress, Joan Standing, Richard Quine, Desmond Roberts, Gretta Gould, Hylda Tyson, Edith Kingston, Olaf Hytten
Director: Christy Cabanne
Studio: Alpha Video
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

Lighter Than Eyre
Almost exactly like the book
Fresh Eyre
Jane Eyre
The Best Ever Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre (Masterpiece Theatre, 2006)
Starring: Ruth Wilson (II) , Toby Stephens , Amy Steel (II) , Jacqueline Pilton , and Anne Reid
Director: Susanna White
Manufacturer: WGBH Boston
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000LPQ6DE
Release Date: 2007-02-20

Amazon.com

You may think the world doesn't need another adaptation of Jane Eyre--but you're wrong. This new and wonderfully lush Masterpiece Theatre version, directed by Susanna White (who directed the equally sumptuous miniseries of Bleak House starring Gillian Anderson), contrasts Jane Eyre's vivid inner life with the harshness of her outer life; both Georgie Henley (The Chronicles of Narnia) as the young Jane and newcomer Ruth Wilson express the inner vitality of the outcast orphan girl whose spirit captures the heart of the rough, charismatic landowner Mr. Rochester (Toby Stephens, Die Another Day). Stephens, it must be said, is far too conventionally handsome for the part, but he makes up for it by capturing Rochester's abrasive and mercurial temperament. (Wilson's looks are perfect; at one moment she seems awkward and homely, at another utterly luminous.) Jane Eyre is so often remade because the story is so potent; this production brings all of the novel's juice and passion to the fore, emphasizing the characters' sensual experience while staying true to the restrictions and mores of the period. All in all, exceptional. --Bret Fetzer

Amazon.com

After a wretched childhood, orphaned Jane Eyre yearns for new experiences. She accepts a governess position at Thornfield Hall, where she tutors a lively French girl named Adele. She soon finds herself falling in love with the brooding master of the house - the passionate Mr. Rochester. Jane gradually wins his heart, but they must overcome the dark secrets of the past before they can find happiness. When Jane saves Rochester from an eerie fire, she begins to suspect that there are many mysteries behind the walls of Thornfield Hall. Her fears are confirmed when Rochester's secret past is revealed, destroying her chance for happiness, and forcing Jane to flee Thornfield. Penniless and hungry, she finds shelter and friendship in the shape of a kind clergyman and his family. But she is soon shocked to uncover the deeply hidden truth of her own past. This lavish and sensual new version of Charlotte Bronte's classic novel is modern and moody, timeless and romantic. Starring Toby Stephens as Mr. Rochester, Ruth Wilson as Jane, and Francesca Annis as Lady Ingram.

Customer Reviews:

Lighter Than Eyre.......2007-07-05

This is effectively "Jane Eyre for Dummies". Rule of thumb -- if you can't actually write better than the author, use the AUTHOR'S words.

[from BBC 2006]
Eyre : I'm sorry sir, I did not ask permission to read the books.
Rochester : (to the effect) You don't need to ask permission Jane . . after all, you're a thinking person . . blah-bi-di-blah-blah-blah

Yeah.

There are more than a few spoon fed lines in this adaptation, some of which assault like anvils, giving it an antiquated, pre-cable feel. You remember 10+ years ago, before gifted auteurs, who were masters of dialog, started getting notice on U.S. TV. Which is a shame because the camera work and overall production values are great and Ruth Wilson's performance is terrific; heartfelt and sympathetic. But she is hampered by shoddy writing and comparatively light weight conflict.

Somewhere along the line, someone got the bright idea that Stephens should play Rochester like he never really means the coarse -- no Bronte's coarseness is removed from this version entirely -- maybe objectionable is a better word . . yeah *objectionable,* things he's says, almost apologizing, signaling to the audience not to be alarmed, "Honest, I really am a romantic guy at heart, I swear it".

The problem is in Bronte's book, Rochester IS a manic, game playing a**hole. Sure he's *really* attracted to the governess, and has a looney wife in the attic, all of which creates a lot of stress. But not ALL men would play out sexual/romantic pursuit in this twisted, convoluted way. His eccentricities and changeable moods provide much of the dark, menace in the story, both for us and for Jane. With pc-Edward the conflict and dynamic in the Thornfield segment, is greatly reduced and feels flat. Also, Stephens often seems to be wincing or frowning, which makes me feel, maybe the actor wasn't entirely comfortable in the role. I will admit the proposal scene (one of the best in this version) had a lot of life to it, but at points the changed dialogue landed awkward, and after building to the kiss, he lands one . . . right at the *side* of her mouth. Go figure.

And please no purist finger pointing, I firmly believe you can create too faithful an adaptation of a 500 page novel. But in the end you have to at least make choices that are consistent with the tone and other various components that define a story.

We also get far less testing of the waters in this one (during the 1st interviews)--pulling rank, barking at her and knocking her continually off balance. Points are far too easily won for *this* Jane, which took a lot the fun and intrigue out of it for me. Tho when Ruth Wilson was on camera it was easier to believe, at times, these things had happened between them but of course that can only stretch so far.

Otherwise hack techniques are used to ramp up the romantic angle, such as back lighting during the "after the fire" scene, creating silos that are more evocative of "Romeo and Juliet", than the dangerous sexuality in "Jane Eyre."

In this version St. John, upon discovering the exhausted Jane, gracefully stretched out on a rock, simply lifts her up and rescues her.

The '83 adaptation (which I discovered only recently) on the other hand, with all it flaws, does not omit the dirty bits. There, after weakened, dejected Jane tries to trade her gloves for a-day-old biscuit; she is shamed and thrown out of the bakery. She winds up shoveling gruel into her mouth, meant for pigs, with her bare fingers. Then starved, frozen, exhausted and delirious she bangs on a door during a storm, in tears and yelling incoherently and is turned away by the housekeeper. After which St. John finds her.

In other words, Jane has fallen a lot further down than sh wa two year earlier, because of the childish games and lies this man has told her.

All in all, I'd recommend the '83 adaptation. The production values are weak, the scoring abominable, the camera work unimaginative and a few scenes tip way into melodrama, even after good starts-- due, I think to time constraints and/or directorial assy-ness. Still THAT one, which DOES use much of Bronte's gutsier language, tells THIS particular story much better. Timothy Dalton is walking thunder and gives it the edgy pulse that is decidedly Bronte. However while giving a bigger performance than Stephens, he is overall less mannered than Stephens and far more relaxed, as tho he were relishing the game and in his element. He really plays the duality in this character and his tender moments are both real and surprising.

Given the BBC recently produced gritty works involving female protagonists like, "The Virgin Queen" and "The Final Act," without flinching, this bloodless, girly-girl treatment of "Eyre" is puzzling and very disappointing. Next time they have the urge to give Bronte the Austen treatment, I hope they'll come to their senses and hand the project over to HBO.

Almost exactly like the book.......2007-07-04

I enjoyed this version of Jane Eyre the most compared to the 1996 and 1997 versions. The Mr. Rochester is perfect. Although the actress who played Jane Eyre wasn't very believable I expected her to have a stronger presence. This movie pretty much met my expectations.

Fresh Eyre .......2007-07-04

This is the most enjoyable "Jane Eyre" I have seen. The dialogue is good and it is very well paced. There is a definite chemistry between the two principals (which make it a success) along with an excellent supporting cast. Jane and Rochester are attractive and appealing, despite the premise that they are both not physically good looking. Most versions of "Jane Eyre" work on some level,to me, this works on all levels.

Jane Eyre.......2007-06-27

I saw it on TV and had to buy the DVD
somewhat modernized, romantic tale
probably the sexiest Rochester ever

The Best Ever Jane Eyre.......2007-06-22

I have been a huge fan of Charlotte Bronte's novel since I was a teenager, and have seen many interpretations of the story over the years. I did not believe it was possible for the 1983 miniseries starring Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke to be improved upon - but I was wrong. This is the most involving, passionate Jane Eyre I have ever watched. Ruth Wilson is staggeringly good - utterly believable. Initially, I thought Toby Stephens would not fit the image I had of Edward Rochester, but the nuances and intelligence he brought to the role made him the most romantic, beguiling Rochester ever. You could feel the two characters falling in love and every step of the way it made perfect sense that they do so. The `updated' screenplay captured the essence of the story and made it more accessible for a modern audience than any other film or television version I have seen - it was sheer perfection. I know I will watch this DVD again and again and again.

Average customer rating:

La la la loved this movie
Gothic Romance at It's Best
Now that's a lady!
Romance for the Soul
Best Jane Eyre film version

Jane Eyre
Starring: Orson Welles , and Joan Fontaine
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000MGBLHS
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Amazon.com

Made two years after Citizen Kane, this 1943 version of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre sure looks like star Orson Welles muscled his way behind the camera much of the time. (In fact, costar Joan Fontaine--who plays the title character--has maintained that Welles methodically did just that every day on the set.) Not that the film's official director was a hack: Robert Stevenson, who later had a busy career at Disney making numerous live-action hits for the studio, such as Mary Poppins, gets the credit. But there's no mistaking Welles's masterful hand in the film's bold and creative look, and there's no getting away from his enigmatic charisma as Rochester, the widower who takes in Jane as a governess to his daughter. An engrossing, gorgeous film, there's even a small role for Elizabeth Taylor at the beginning as Jane's unlucky, doomed friend at a cruel boarding school. --Tom Keogh

Description

Jane Eyre secures a job as governess to the child (Margaret O'Brien) of the troubled Edward Rochester, sire of Thornfield, a mysterious English manor. When she hears strange cries and noises from a distant wing, her inquiries are rebuffed. As time goes on, Jane and her master fall in love and decide to marry. But their halted when a visitor suddenly reveals the shocking secret that Rochester has kept for years.

Customer Reviews:

La la la loved this movie.......2007-07-04

I am a big orson welles fan and i absolutely love this movie. i could watch it all day everyday and i pretty much have.

Gothic Romance at It's Best.......2007-06-13

I love this version of Jane Eyre. Orsen Wells with his deep, husky voice is great as Rochester. The mousy Jane. They are wonderful together. This is a must have classic to add to your collection.

Now that's a lady!.......2007-06-13

Where have the Joan Fontaine's of the world gone? That gentle and queit character; unassumming, demure, beautiful but nonetheless powerful. I honestly can't recall any other movie that made me feel myself the love that was growing between two other people.

Romance for the Soul.......2007-06-12

Jane Eyre is timeless and I now own every version made. The Orson Welles is so classical and how could anyone resist the chemistry between Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine!!

Best Jane Eyre film version.......2007-06-08

Really enjoyed the movie, love the book. It's Orson Welles so what can you say?Great film.

Average customer rating:

Almost true to the author
Good but a bit long....
bronte film
English novel reader
BBC Drama Jane Eyre : a must !

Jane Eyre (BBC, 1983)
Starring: Timothy Dalton , and Zelah Clarke
Director: Julian Amyes
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000784WMW
Release Date: 2005-04-19

Amazon.com

Jane Eyre--the mother of all gothic romances--gets abundant passion in this 11-episode BBC miniseries. Young Sian Pattenden is wonderfully willful and impetuous; viewers will immediately identify with the child Jane as she fights against ill-treatment at the home of her aunt and at boarding school. It's a shame to see her grow up into Zelah Clarke--until Clarke asserts her own quiet yet fierce spirit. The plot really starts rolling when Jane takes a position as governess at Thornfield, a handsome estate owned by the imperious and tortured Mr. Rochester (Timothy Dalton, a few years before he became James Bond). From there, this 1983 adaptation rips through the perilous highs and devastating lows of Charlotte Bronte's powerful novel, in which the courtship of these two prickly personalities gets twists and turns galore. Though the visual style is a bit pedestrian, the well-crafted script and skillful performances grow more gripping with every episode. The necessary feverishness springs from simple yet effective means, like macabre laughter floating down the halls of Thornfield. The scenes between Clarke and Dalton crackle with chemistry; Bronte fans will not be disappointed. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

Almost true to the author.......2007-06-27

I expected any film made about Charlotte Bronte's, "Jane Eyre" to corrupt the story missing the flavor of Ms. Bronte's openness. The novel being a wonderfully written page-turner, I was wonderfully surprised to find the BBC version of Jane Eyre to be true to the novel. One glaring possible exception, Timothy Dalton was too good looking to play Mr. Rochester, but I forgive him.

Good but a bit long...........2007-06-13

I know that is exactly what some of the earlier reviewers particularly liked about this Timothy Dalton/Sian Pattenden version but I felt like there were just too many words at times in this adaptation of Jane Eyre. (I even fell asleep at one point.) Even though I am certain that it is more true to the book than the Ruth Wilson/Toby Stephens adaptation, I personally preferred the Toby Stephens one.

bronte film.......2007-05-25

I enjoyed this film, however he format is distracting. The frequent breaks and credits of the masgterpiece theater production break the flow of the film.

English novel reader.......2007-05-25

This particular adaptation of the novel remains my all-time favorite. The screenplay stays very true to the book, the acting is very good, and the portrayal of mid-19th century English society, living conditions, class differences, etc. is very well done.

BBC Drama Jane Eyre : a must !.......2007-05-07

Like most BBC productions of classic novels adaptations, quality is at rendez-vous in this Jane Eyre version.
Compared to the VHS the DVD footage is longer by 25%.
The casting is remarquable introducing tiny actress Zelah Clarke giving Jane a shy, self-effacing, sensitive and generous touch but never submissive nor resigned in her mind playing opposite tall actor Timothy Dalton giving Rochester an authoritative, imposing and unpleasantly teasing stature but often vulnerable and tormented in his heart.
The slow rhythm of action emphasizes the oppressive atmosphere of the situation and lets yourself immersed in what life could be in both wealthy mansions and modest cottages of 19th century Britain northern countryside.
This Jane Eyre television drama is the one I like better.

Average customer rating:

Great Story, Great Actors, Less Than Great Movie
Wonderfully Made Production.......Truly a Excellent Film
Very beautifully done!
We are truly devoted
All Dressed Up But Nowhere to Go

Jane Eyre (1996)
Starring: Anna Paquin , Nic Knight , Nicola Howard , Sasha Graff , and Fiona Shaw
Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00007K02F
Release Date: 2003-02-04

Amazon.com

Franco Zeffirelli (Romeo and Juliet) and screenwriter Hugh Whitemore strip away a bit of the familiar romanticism of Charlotte Brontë's novel and come up with a more plain but somehow quite interesting film adaptation. Charlotte Gainsbourg (The Cement Garden) makes for an oddly appealing but deliberately unlovely version of Jane (previous actresses have included Susannah York and Joan Fontaine), and William Hurt is excellent as an equally revised Rochester, brusque and self-involved but not the totem of torment and charisma we've seen before. The story clings to the usual chapters in the book, but with Zeffirelli shaping the principal characters to reflect their cautious perceptions of one another--rather than to a Hollywood notion of grand passion--the film has a wonderful accessibility. Great support from Joan Plowright, Billie Whitelaw, Anna Paquin, and the rest of the cast. --Tom Keogh

Description

Academy Award(R)-winner William Hurt (1985 Best Actor -- KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN; SMOKE) leads an all-star cast in this story of passion and intrigue! Jane Eyre (Charlotte Gainsbourg) is a young woman whose will to overcome a life of hardship leads her into a passionate romance with a handsome -- and mysterious -- gentleman (Hurt). Swept up in the possibility of a happy new life, Jane is shattered when terrible, untold secrets from his past are revealed, threatening to tear her and her lover apart forever! Also featuring the talents of Anna Paquin (THE PIANO), Joan Plowright (ENCHANTED APRIL), and sexy Elle MacPherson (SIRENS), this enduring tale has captivated moviegoers everywhere, just as Charlotte Bronte's classic best-seller has entertained for generations!

Customer Reviews:

Great Story, Great Actors, Less Than Great Movie.......2007-05-29

Jane Eyre is a novel I adored in high school. I never sought out the movie since I felt it would taint the way the story sits in my memory. However, the recent release of Charlotte Gainsbourg's 5:55 album sparked my interest in her past artistic works, which are mostly films. I saw The Science of Sleep, which was awesome. Jane Eyre seemed like it'd be good, but the storyline seemed rushed, which was pretty annoying. I could sense the vision was there, but for whatever reason it wasn't executed properly. Oh well, no more novel-based movies for me.

Wonderfully Made Production.......Truly a Excellent Film.......2007-05-21

Now I must confess that I have never read Jane Eyre (Athought I have brought the book a few weeks ago and plan to read it soon) so I can not comment on Whether it is faithful to Charlotte Bronte novel.
Athough I have seen the 1983 BBC Production, the 1997 A&E Production (borrowed from the Library) but this 1996 Production is the one that I really enjoyed the most and the only one that I brought.
The 1983 BBC Production was in my option made on a small budget. When you are watching it, one feels like they are watching a play. I really did not enjoy it at all.
The 1997 A&E Production was an improvement on the 1983 Production however Ciaran Hinds as Mr Rochester I did not enjoy. It seemed as many other reviews have commented he spends most of the production yelling and shouting at Jane.
But on the other hand Samantha Morton as Jane Eyre was likable. I think the main reason I could'nt come to enjoy and like this version is performance by Ciaran Hinds as Mr Rochester.
Now the 1996 production I enjoyed watching it so much so that I have seen it four times already and I only got the DVD from Amazon on Friday 18th May.
Franco Zeffirelli has done a wonderful job. From the cast to the locations to the costumes to the music. Everthing in this version was first rate.
I much perfer William Hurt performance as Mr Rochester. One can see that he is not a happy man and he is diffcult to understand but he does not spend the whole production yelling or shouting.
Anna Paquin is a great talent and she is amazing as the young Jane.
Charlotte Gainsbourg plays the adult Jane. From the three versions I have seen her performance was the one I really enjoyed the most and one could sense what she is feeling.
One of many scenes that I enjoyed was when Jane goes back to see her Aunt Reed as she is dying and requested to see Jane.
Jane offers her Aunt forgivness for all that she has done to her. She pulls away from Jane. Jane then replys "Love me or Hate me as you will, you have my Full and Free Forgivness" What a prowerful message.
To the people that have not seen this movie I say make up your own mind about this Production and dont base you decision on other reviews. If I did that I would of missed out on something wonderful.
To the people that are looking for family friendly production. This is one of them but I think that your children need to be a certain age before they can watch it.
This is a clean movie about Adversaries, Love and Forgivness. I found this Production of Jane Eyre a very lovely sweet movie one that I am happy to have in my own personal collection.
I can not recommend this movie highly enough. This is a must have.

Very beautifully done!.......2007-05-21

It isn't as close to the book as the BBC version is, but if you want a version that is more theatrical and dazzling, then go ahead and buy it.

The film quality is perfect and the music really puts out a lot of feeling and passion. I was quite moved by the childhood part.
However, in the first half of the movie, it has a good godly outlook on life and I don't feel that the producers kept that feeling going throughout Jane's adulthood. Zefirelli has reduced 'Jane Eyre' into a mere romance movie.
Joan Plowright said that 'Jane Eyre' was like a fairy tale, a "Cinderella story in reality." She is so wrong. It's more than just a romance novel, it promotes standing up for what's right even when the pressures are hard, practicing what you preach and not looking down on other people because of their station.
That's about the only thing I'm dissiatisfied with in this film. Every actor did a wonderful job-only William Hurt is a little stiff. Go ahead and buy it. It's worth the price.

We are truly devoted.......2007-04-14

"Jane Eyre" seems like a slightly odd choice for the great Franco Zeffirelli, but he turned out a slow if excellent adaptation, full of exquisite scenery and picturesque gothic flavour. But what really makes it brilliant is a virtuoso performance by William Hurt as the tortured hero, even if his costar lacks the necessary passion.

Jane Eyre (Anna Paquin) was raised by a nasty aunt-by-marriage, and later taken to a cruel minister's boarding school for girls, where she was humiliated and treated badly. Years later, the grown Jane (Charlotte Gainsbourg) leaves the school behind, taking a job as a governess to a little French girl, at a remote Gothic castle owned by the brooding Mr. Rochester (Hurt).

But there are mysteries at the castle -- mad laughter can be heard from the upstairs, and Rochester is tormented by difficulties that have made him "hard as an India-rubber ball." Yet Jane still falls in love with her fiery, reclusive employer, and he falls in love with her strange, strong ways -- until the nastiest secret of his life comes out, and threatens to separate them forever.

Somehow I never expected this classic gothic novel to be the sort of thing Zeffirelli would have done. But he does an excellent job bringing Charlotte Bronte's story to life, and giving it an unearthly beauty -- lots of misty countrysides, sunlit graveyards, and a looming castle up on a hill like a medieval fortress.

It's rather slow-moving -- Jane's nasty childhood takes up a lot of time, for instance. But Zeffirelli builds up suspense and suppressed feeling, all of which climaxes in a literally burning finale -- a magnificently taut and terrifying scene. And he adapts Bronte's prose into intense, vivid dialogue ("Even she is better off here than she would be in a lunatic asylum, but I have spent the last fifteen years in TORMENT!").

Gainsbourg has the required unearthly plainness that Jane Eyre needs, but she lacks the essential intensity and passion that the character possesses. During the movie's most intense scenes, when Rochester's secret is revealed, she doesn't even blink -- she just stands and stares. A young Anna Paquin has a lot more hidden fire early on.

But William Hurt is simply stellar as Rochester -- he's not young or handsome, but he has the dark, sardonic, embittered, sorrowful thing down to an art. He's especially great in the final lap, where he plays Rochester with all his bitter anger and love unleashed, and Rochester after a fire ravages his home. The final scenes are absolutely exquisite.

The movie suffers from some lackluster acting at time, but Hurt's performance and Zeffirelli's direction make "Jane Eyre" an excellent, watchable adaptation. Definitely a good watch.

All Dressed Up But Nowhere to Go.......2007-03-29

I'd better confess that I'm a Jane Eyre fan since I was a child, having read the book several times. I can practically recite passages by heart. I have a small collection of every version of this story I have found. I keep hoping that I will find the right combination of actors and script... I'm still waiting.

Zeffirelli obviously had some money to spend on this production, and managed to get some very good people to play the respective parts - they LOOKED like they were supposed to look - but even all dressed up in good costumes with great cinematography, the movie doesn't go where it should.

Of course, it would be impossible to condense Bronte's novel into 2 hours and convey the stark psychological drama that is the major theme of the work. The script is actually well done all things considered. A friend who watched it with me and didn't know the book liked it well enough. But there was a sad lack of passion in the grown up Jane and William Hurt just wasn't rakish enough.

I was also very disappointed with the "meet the mad wife" scene. I don't think I have ever seen this rendered as it ought to be, a descent into Hell and damnation and horror. Zeffirelli's rendering was even weaker than others. I suppose that the madness was supposed to be conveyed in the eyes or something, but it was lost on me just like Jane's passion and Rochester's recklessness was so absent due to under-acting.

As I said, Charlotte Gainsbourg and William Hurt really looked the parts, they just weren't up to playing them. Probably the best acting in the whole movie was by Geraldine Chaplin as Miss Scatcherd at Lowood school and John Wood as Mr. Brocklehurst. They were really fiendishly evil.

I just wish that with all the effort put into the arranging of the movie, they had put a bit more into ACTING!

Average customer rating:

my favorite version
The best
Best Jane but very MEAN Rochester!
Passionate performances
Not at all the best version

Jane Eyre (A&E, 1997)
Starring: Deborah Findlay , Laura Harling , Joanna Scanlan , Ben Sowden , and Barbara Keogh
Director: Robert Young (III)
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0767020294
Release Date: 1999-10-26

Product Description

Charlotte Bront s moving story of the improbable love between a young governess and her mysterious and tragic employer is one of the towering classics of English literature. A&E brints this beloved tale to life in a brilliant production starring Samantha Morton (A&E s EMMA) and Ciaran Hinds (Persuasion, A&E s IVANHOE).After a wretched childhood as an orphan, Jane Eyre arrives at Thornfield Hall to take over her duties as the governess. She soon falls in love with the brooding owner of Thornfield, Mr. Rochester. Jane gradually wins his heart, but they must first overcome the dark secrets of his past before they can truly find happiness.Directed by Robert Young (Fierce Creatures) and filmed entirely on location in England, CHARLOTTE BRONT S JANE EYRE is an exquisite adaptation of one of the most beloved stories of all time--now in the crystal clear digital clarity of DVD.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

The fascinating British actress Samantha Morton stars as the titular heroine in this provocative version of Jane Eyre, based on Charlotte Bronte's oft-filmed, 1847 novel. The familiar contours of Bronte's story are all here: Jane, the unhappy orphan, grows up to become governess at Thornfield, a gloomy estate owned by the imperious and worldly, but curiously desperate, Mr. Rochester (Ciarán Hinds). While the latter's grasping attentions stir the inexperienced young woman, the gothic goings-on at Thornfield suggest layers of unwholesome secrecy in Rochester's life. Most productions of Jane Eyre carefully reflect Bronte's absorbing balance between romance, horror, and Jane's psychological passage to adulthood. But this 1997 television movie is interesting for its near-reckless emphasis on Jane and Rochester's mutual obsession and galloping jealousies. The dramatic strategy throws off the story's overall tone, but such problems are worth it to see Morton and Hinds explore Jane Eyre's darkest possibilities. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

my favorite version.......2007-05-25

BBC has filmed a couple of versions (a 248 minute job in 1973, and a 311-minute version ten years later) of "Jane Eyre" before. Due to their greater length, both of those are much more closely stitched to the text. If you're a stickler for fidelity, you'll probably want to direct your attention thither.

But for me, the Robert Young version from 1997 is easily my favorite. At 108 minutes, it's sadly abridged, but the more vigorous pace and, more vitally, the sparkling performance on the part of the lead actress, Samantha Morton, more than make up for this defect.

The ending is guaranteed to plaster a smile on your face for the rest of the day.

The best.......2007-05-07

Ciaran Hinds and Samantha Morton are the perfect Jane and Edward - I am not sure the people that wrote the script read the book too closely but they were perfect - the way Jane talked when they were under the trees and she was leaving was exactly what I would have wanted to say in that day and time - the other jane's including the book do not really address the real issue as is done in this movie.

Best Jane but very MEAN Rochester!.......2007-04-25

This is the FAST FOOD version of Jane Eyre!!! Still it is quite entertaining. Music was very good, much better than the BBC 1983 version. This Jane is the BEST Jane I have seen so far. She is an incredible actress who portrays all of Jane's emotions. I am disturbed by so much change in the wordings though. Also I found myself disliking this Mr. Rochester because he SCREAMS all the times. ICK! He definitely looks over 20 years older than Jane. The best Rochester is the PBS version. This movies is still worth a look for its entertaining value!

Passionate performances.......2007-02-12

This is probably the best film version I've seen of Jane Eyre. One of my friends, who is no fan of the book or the other film versions, commented that she "got" the characters for the first time when she caught a rerun on A&E and I'd have to agree. The essence of Jane and Rochester is all here: Passion. It's restrained in "plain and little" Jane, who inside is all rebelliousness, and smoldering in Rochester, who here is just as gruff and domineering and bad-tempered as he ought to be. Watching this film I can believe that this version of Rochester and Jane are passionately in love with one another. I don't believe that in the other versions I've seen, including the most recent PBS version. Cutting out portions of the book to get at the meat of the story was a wise decision that made for a much better film.

Not at all the best version.......2007-02-08

It is beyond me how anyone can say this is the best version of Bronte's novel. Beyond the highly truncated screenplay which makes little attempt to be faithful to the novel, both Morton and Hinds are horribly miscast. I love both these actors and was initially excited to see them in these roles -- until I sat down to watch it. Hinds made a wonderful Capt. Wentworth (and many other roles) but as Rochester all he does is shout and bellow his way thru the story. His Rochester is entirely one-note, a very shallow performance on his part -- there's no dimension, no spark, no inner life. He seems to have viewed the role as just a cliched cartoonish gothic hero - he doesn't approach the character with any seriousness. Morton is equally shallow in the role - neither actor seems to have taken their characters seriously. There are good production values and Morton and Hinds are good enuf that some good moments come thru. This certainly is superior to the William Hurt/Zeffereli version, but then that's not too difficult. Even the recent flawed Toby Stephens version is superior to this one as well. Best versions: 1983 Dalton/Clarke, 1973 Jayston/Cusack, 1970s Scott/York, 1940 Welles/Fontaine

Average customer rating:

Probably only for the die-hard fan.
The best screen adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's immortal novel, hands down!
If you are a Jane Eyre fan - a must see
The Definitive Version
Very Enjoyable Adaptation

Jane Eyre (BBC, 1973)
Starring: Sorcha Cusack , Michael Jayston , Susan Jameson , Jean Harvey (III) , and John Phillips (VI)
Director: Joan Craft
Manufacturer: Acorn Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Jane Eyre (Masterpiece Theatre, 2006)
Jane Eyre (BBC, 1983)
Jane Eyre (A&E, 1997)
Jane Eyre (1996)
Jane Eyre

ASIN: B000FS9FG2
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Description

After a childhood that would have broken weaker girls, Jane Eyre finds a respectable position as governess to the ward of the enigmatic Mr. Rochester. Twenty years her senior, brusque, and hardened by loss, Mr. Rochester finds his spirited new employee strangely bewitching. Despite the social chasm that divides them, they are drawn to each other as equals and contemplate true happiness at last. But there is an impediment to their love that tests Jane's integrity and strength almost beyond endurance.

Considered by many to be the best adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's romantic classic, this BBC miniseries is true to the original story, with dialogue taken directly from the novel. Best of all is the perfect casting and chemistry of the unlikely lovers, with Sorcha Cusack (Casualty) as Jane and Michael Jayston (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) as Mr. Rochester.

Customer Reviews:

Probably only for the die-hard fan........2007-06-10

I watched this as a die-hard fan of Jane Eyre who is determined to watch and own every filmed version of the book. While I think experiencing this version was a worthwhile exercise in its own right, I don't think this version offers anything that hasn't been done better since. In fact, I would say everything was improved upon only 10 years later, in the 1983 BBC version. For example, this version's faithfulness to the novel was matched, if not superceded, in the equally faithful ( and I think more dynamic) 1983 BBC version. Also, while the best thing about this version for me is Michael Jayston as Mr. Rochester - he's attractive enough to be compelling and gruff enough to be Mr. Rochester - I believe Timothy Dalton is more compelling in the 1983 version. Similarly, Sorcha Cusack, for me, suffered in comparison to Zelah Clarke's understanding and portrayal of Jane's passion. The production values in both versions seem to be about the same; they're shot much like a play. They both include outdoor scenes, but no accompanying music. If you're looking for a film version so you don't have to read the book, go with the 1983 BBC version. If you just enjoy the story, as I do, you probably won't regret the 4 hours you spend watching it yet again.

The best screen adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's immortal novel, hands down!.......2007-06-04

I was just a lad of ten when I saw this 1973 BBC production of "Jane Eyre" for the first time. Michael Jaynston and, above all, Sorcha Cusack made an everlasting impression on me. After all these years, to be able to see her again as Jane is... all joy! I've seen this DVD release so many times since I bought it that I'm seeing it now in bits and parts - specially those witty ones with Jane and Rochester. What a cracker!...
Michael Jaynston is a great, really great Rochester; but Sorcha Cusack, with that beautiful round face, those lovely eyes and that velvet voice, is a Jane from the other world! I don't mean to be rude to those reviewers whom have written here criticizing her performance, but I'm afraid they simply don't grasp british humor - particularly, the "understatement", which is present in almost every line of many of the intimate dialogues between Jane and Rochester (both in the novel and in the TV production)...
To my mind, in a scale of 1 to 10, this production deserves 9.9. It would get a clear 10 out of me if it had (as it should) at least fifteen episodes. Nevertheless, a sublime piece of art. Don't miss it!...

If you are a Jane Eyre fan - a must see.......2007-06-01

I'm a huge fan of the recent BBC production of Jane Eyre with Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens. However, a friend who is involved with the Bronte Society here in the UK advised I have a look at this one. I enjoyed it very much and here are a few comments.

We all know the story of Jane Eyre. It's something deeply embedded in our collective literary psyche. Each film production is a little different and is, of course, someone's interpretation of this seminal novel. In this version, I thought Rochester was exceptionally well done by Michael Jayston. He is both tormented and light hearted as he falls deeper and deeper in love with Jane and because this version adheres pretty close to the book, we get large tranches of dialogue lifted straight from the author's pen. One tends to forget how erudite and clever Rochester is and how sparkling and teasing his conversations with Jane are. My husband, who watched this version with me, actually laughed out loud at some of Rochester's cracks to Jane.

I was not so keen on Sorcha Cusack although she does very well in this. I think I have been seduced by the more sexualised (in the nicest possible way!) version with Wilson and Stephens. Sometimes in this version the passion simmers a little too far below the surface.

One thing that annoyed was that in this version the physical acting was awkward and stilted - for example when Jane and Rochester kiss, it's abrupt and not very romantic - small complaint - but comparing it with the recent BBC version, you see how unnatural it is. However, the great dialogue, Jayston in particular, makes up for it.

I thought as I watched this that I could have listened to the whole thing as an audio book or radio play and perhaps this would have overcome the very bad hair-dos and the stiffness of some of the scenes.

I recommend this one. It's certainly number 2 on my list now after the recent BBC production and I have seen most of them. An oldie but goodie and worth the effort to watch.

The Definitive Version.......2007-05-30

I have seen the better adaptations of this story (i.e., Timothy Dalton/Zelah Clarke, Welles/Fontaine), but this Cusack/Jayston version is the best because of the superb casting, acting, and faithfulness to the novel. I concur absolutely with another reader who says Cusack is a better Jane Eyre than the excellent Zelah Clarke; both Clarke and Timothy Dalton are too stiff; they give stage, rather than screen, performances. Also, Timothy Dalton (as one of the world's best looking men) cannot be credited as Bronte's Vulcan-like Edward Rochester. (As a bit of trivia, the actress who plays the cruel Mrs. Reed in the Cusack/Jayston version later plays Mrs. Fairfax in the Clarke/Dalton version.)

Highly recommended.

Very Enjoyable Adaptation.......2007-05-21

I am glad I was not discouraged by some of the negative reviews here from watching this version of Jane Eyre. I found it very enjoyable in nearly all respects. This version most resembles the Timothy Dalton film, in many cases word for word as they both stick closely to the dialogue in the novel. This version has a little more of the dialogue, however. It sticks very closely to the book, though there are a few variations. For example in this movie Jane guesses immediately who the "gypsy" really is, and therefore Rochester doesn't have a chance to use the ruse to try to get Jane to make a confession.

As for some of the criticisms, I didn't find the voice over narration to be intrusive but rather illustrated Jane's interior monologue. I also didn't find the characters to be cold to each other. Much of the humor of the novel comes through.

Highly recommended to anyone looking for a faithful adaptation of the novel.

A&E Literary Classics - The Romance Collection Megaset (Pride and Prejudice / Emma / Victoria & Albert / Tom Jones / Jane Eyre / Lorna Doone / Ivanhoe / The Scarlet Pimpernel)

Average customer rating:

Simply Terrific!
Doe's anybody know if this collection have spanish subtitles?
A Strong Compilation
wonderful set
Buy it for your wife!

A&E Literary Classics - The Romance Collection Megaset (Pride and Prejudice / Emma / Victoria & Albert / Tom Jones / Jane Eyre / Lorna Doone / Ivanhoe / The Scarlet Pimpernel)
Starring: Colin Firth , Jennifer Ehle , David Bamber , Crispin Bonham-Carter , and Anna Chancellor
Director: Simon Langton , Diarmuid Lawrence , and John Erman
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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A&E Literary Classics - The Romance Collection 2 Megaset (Horatio Hornblower / Nicholas Nickleby / Vanity Fair / The Flame Trees of Thika / The Mayor of Casterbridge / Tess of the D'Urbervilles / The Great Gatsby)
Jane Austen Collection (Sense & Sensibility / Emma / Persuasion / Mansfield Park / Pride & Prejudice / Northanger Abbey)
Persuasion (1995)
The Charles Dickens Collection (Oliver Twist / Martin Chuzzlewit / Bleak House / Hard Times / Great Expectations / Our Mutual Friend)
North & South

ASIN: B0000687BO
Release Date: 2002-07-30

Product Description

The exquisite push and pull of Darcy and Elizabeth's courtship in Pride & Prejudice. The rollicking adventures and bawdy conquests of Tom Jones. The knightly pageantry and unshakable honor of Ivanhoe. A&E's magnificent productions of timeless classics have set a new standard for literary adaptations. And now, eight perennial favorites are available together for the first time in this extraordinary DVD set.

Unforgettable performances from top stars, masterful screenplays, and unmatched production values make A&E Literary Classics: The Romance Collection a must-have addition to the library of any fan of intelligent, sophisticated entertainment. Like no other films ever made, these lavish realizations capture every nuance of the celebrated stories that have captivated generations of readers.

System Requirements:
Color, Approx. 30 hours total + extras

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Simply Terrific!.......2007-05-05

You will just love these, especially if you love the classics. A&E does an awesome job...don't hesitate to buy these! Although they are all wonderful, my favorites are Pride & Predjudice and Jane Eyre.

Doe's anybody know if this collection have spanish subtitles?.......2007-04-12

Anybody knows if this collection have spanish subtitles?

A Strong Compilation.......2006-07-13

I bought this set for my retired Mom, on the strength of the Pride and Prejudice. Much to my delight, I found that we enjoyed the lesser known titles like Lorna Doone far more.

wonderful set.......2006-02-02

I bought this set for my teenaged daughter - who really enjoys period films - she, I and my husband have all enjoyed them immensely. The Scarlet Pimpernel is great fun and this is the best Pride and Prejudice ever. It's great to have these to lend out to friends as well.

Buy it for your wife!.......2005-10-24

My wife loves Jane Austen, and this collection includes a version of Pride and Prejudice widely considered the best one. I bought these for her as a gift, not realizing how much I would enjoy them.
For the husband that can get past the stigma of watching Victorian British films, this can be a really enjoyable collection. I've even shed some tears watching these with her (except for Tom Jones, we're not big fans of that one).
This is a very good collection.

Average customer rating:

Jane Eyre ~ Worth the Wait
Bad Edit?
Now I know why it's $4.99
Note on video quality
Proficient Version of JANE EYRE

Jane Eyre (1971)
Starring: George C. Scott , Susannah York , Ian Bannen , Jack Hawkins , and Nyree Dawn Porter
Director: Delbert Mann
Manufacturer: Unicorn Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Jane Eyre (BBC, 1983)
Jane Eyre (1971)
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Jane Eyre

ASIN: B00005Q4ED
Release Date: 2001-10-02

Customer Reviews:

Jane Eyre ~ Worth the Wait.......2007-03-30

I ordered this DVD from Amazon, and it arrived in about 2 days. Fast shipping is always appreciated. The DVD was in excellent condition, and the movie is just as wonderful as I remembered. I was very pleased with the whole transaction.

Bad Edit?.......2007-02-05

Maybe it's just because of the horrific DVD edit but I really don't understand why other reviewers are calling this a "gem". I had no idea why Jane would fall in love with this Rochester (Maybe because she's in her 40's?). Maybe all those scenes got cut out. This St. John Rivers doesn't strike me as an idealistic man of God, he acts crazed and fanatical! York is too old and too pretty. Scott is at least old and grouchy but he does poorly looking tortured. The scene at the end is puzzling, Scott as Rochester is flippant and emotionless (maybe he used up his histrionics in the rest of the movie) There are so many good versions of this, this one seems like a waste of time.

Now I know why it's $4.99.......2006-07-03

The plot of the book has been simplified, the dialog is not particularly faithful to the book, and the overall tone is rather more melodramatic. However, there are few really glaring errors in terms of spoiling the period atmosphere, except for Rochester's statement that no one would care if he and Jane lived together without being married. In 1971 when the film was made, perhaps few people would have. In the Victorian era when the action takes place, every woman in their social circle would have refused to associate with any kept mistress or allow her to appear at respectable gatherings.

The acting is good, and it's nice to see major characters who are not Hollywood stereotypically attractive. The costumes are rather a mixed bag of mid-19th-century styles. The settings aren't bad. Thornfield Hall could be more luxurious, but Lowood School is done very well, complete with the constant noise of many girls chanting different lessons in the same room. The lighting is excellent, and the background music is sweeping enough to make you forgive a great deal.

EXCEPT:

The DVD quality is atrocious. The many and large streaks and blips on the screen, always worst right in the middle of it, are constantly spoiling the film. I don't care if they had to use an old print, there is editing software to clean up this kind of thing. I spent about every other screen being distracted by a huge green line all the way down the middle--they could at minimum have cleaned up major problems like that.

So, when you buy this DVD you're getting your $4.99 worth. No more.

Note on video quality.......2006-05-23

The reason for the atrocious quality of the DVDs and tapes is probably that they were made off old film prints from TV stations and the European theatrical release, with all their splices, dirt, color shifts, sound drop-outs, etc. Not to mention old transfers to video from God knows when. Maybe it's no longer copyright protected and in the public domain, so anyone with an old print can knock off some cheap copies and sell them at dollar stores and the like.

Someone on an IMDB post says that the original material (e.g. the original negative, sound elements, copies used to make release prints and so on) was destroyed. If this is true, there is no way to get a re-mastered version as all you can do is try to find the best of these crappy broken-down prints and old video transfers. Storing original negatives properly at a lab or other archival facility is expensive and it seems many producers just threw stuff away not thinking it would be worth anything in the future. This is too bad as it sounds like it's a rather decent production that had some nice cinematography and good performances.

Proficient Version of JANE EYRE.......2006-03-11

George C. Scott is wonderful as Rochester while Susannah York is capable and satisfactory in the title role yet she seems to lack some passion inward or outw