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"PRIDE & PREJUDICE" Blu-ray Review by Kevin Carr MOVIE: ** (out of 5 stars) BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: ***1/2 (out of 5 stars) Rated PG Studio: Focus Features Back to DVD Review Home |  |
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
Five years ago, director Joe Wright established himself in the costume drama genre by making a big budget feature adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice.” The film stars Kiera Knightly as the feisty Elizabeth Bennet, who struggles with the oppressive role of women in the 18th century while she watches her sisters long to marry. When Elizabeth meets the stuffy Mr. Darcy, she finds that there might be love for her after all, if only they can get past their differences.
WHAT I LIKED
Well, the costumes were nice.
Seriously, that’s what my grandmother would say about community theaters performances that she really didn’t like. It’s not that I have anything against Jane Austen, Joe Wright, Kiera Knightly or the entire phenomenon of “Pride & Prejudice,” but it’s just my cup of tea.
With that said, this was a beautifully shot adaptation, bringing the Georgian era to life. You can always count on Joe Wright for a nice looking film like this.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
If you’re not a fan of Jane Austen, you’ll know exactly what I’m going to say. This movie was stuffy, boring, cumbersome and all around annoying to me. I just don’t get into the whining of girls who are pining for a guy - whether they’re 18th century debutants or 21st century high schoolers in love with a vampire. The giddy nature of the girls in the film are often further exaggerated with the filmmakers’ love for the era. I can only take so much giggling.
Plus, Mr. Darcy is a douche. It may have worked in the 18th century, but it doesn’t work for me now. Then again, I think Edward Cullen is a douche. Shows what I know about women’s fiction.
BLU-RAY FEATURES
The new Blu-ray includes the DVD features, like interviews with the cast, feature commentary by Joe Wright and several futurities: “Jane Austen: Ahead of her Time,” “A Bennet Family Portrait,” “HBO First Look: Pride & Prejudice,” “The Politics of 18th Century Dating” and “The Stately Homes of Pride & Prejudice.”
Also, new to the Blu-ray is access to Universal’s BD-Live, which has features for this and other titles.
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
The old ladies at my church.
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"ATONEMENT" Blu-ray Review by Kevin Carr MOVIE: *** (out of 5 stars) BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: ***1/2 (out of 5 stars) Rated R Studio: Focus Features Back to DVD Review Home |  |
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
In 2007, Joe Wright made lightning in a bottle a second time with star Kiera Knightly. This time, instead of casting her in a Jane Austen adaptation, he put her in “Atonement,” the story of forbidden love between a high-society girl in the early 20th century and her childhood friend. Spanning generations, “Atonement” shows what some people will go through for their true love.
WHAT I LIKED
Back when “Atonement” came out, I remember telling people that it’s not a Jane Austen movie, but it might as well be. That’s because it covers much of the same ground, showing young lovers constrained by the politics and expectations of their era. I liked this film far more than “Pride & Prejudice” because things actually happened here. People fell in love. People had sex. People were in real danger. That made it more of a movie to me rather than a weepy costume drama.
Like Joe Wright’s other films, this movie looks great, and it has a very classy feel to it. It is also very well acted with Kiera Knightly and James McAvoy giving fine performances. And let’s not forget the fantastic debut performance of Saoirse Ronan, who was nominated for an Oscar.
But ultimately, this is for the same kind of fan who loved “Pride & Prejudice,” though it does deal with some heavier, darker issues.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Same old, same old when it comes to Jane Austen style films (yes, I know this comes from a book by Ian McEwan, but to me this is futuristic Jane Austen with some sex dropped in). It’s an aching love that takes place over many years. I get that people find this fascinating, but it has always bored me to tears. I like a good action piece, or at least a little more lightheartedness to my love stories.
There were also a few things that didn’t quite sit right with me for this film. First, the entire plot hinges upon a “Three’s Company” style misunderstanding that seemed to stretch really thin. Plus, the misplaced letters in the storyline just didn’t seem believable.
Finally, while I heard many people praise the film for a complex tracking shot in the middle, this level of production value leaped up so much it just seemed out of place for an otherwise subdued film.
BLU-RAY FEATURES
The Blu-ray’s special features are imported from the DVD, including Joe Wright’s commentary track, deleted scenes. Two featurettes include “Bringing the Past to Life: The Making of Atonement” and “From Novel to Screen: Adapting a Classic.” There’s also access to Universal’s BD-Live with an active internet connection.
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
Jane Austen-style fans and Joe Wright film aficionados.
