4.51

4

Mar 18, 2012

While Downton Abbey has certainly deserved all the praise that's been heaped on it recently, there was another TV sensation over 15 years ago that caused another tsunami of fan fever, and probably had a huge impact on all the Austen (as well as other classic) book-to-film adaptations produced since 1995.

Pride and Prejudice remains one of the most highly loved books of all time, and this adaptation remains, IMO, the best adaptation (regardless of the teeny tiny fact that Colin Firth was too While Downton Abbey has certainly deserved all the praise that's been heaped on it recently, there was another TV sensation over 15 years ago that caused another tsunami of fan fever, and probably had a huge impact on all the Austen (as well as other classic) book-to-film adaptations produced since 1995.

Pride and Prejudice remains one of the most highly loved books of all time, and this adaptation remains, IMO, the best adaptation (regardless of the teeny tiny fact that Colin Firth was too chubby to be my Mr. Darcy....sorry, it's true, ladies) :p

After recently finishing the excellent The World of Downton Abbey, I pulled this book out of my TBR pile so that I could immerse myself in another "behind-the-scenes" companion book. Unlike the Downton Abbey book, this book focused exclusively on the film production of the P&P mini-series, and gave the reader a very in-depth look at what it took to pull it off. My favorite part of the entire book focused on the owner of the house they used for the Bennett family. Her observations over having her home rented out for several months was fascinating (she continued living in a small corner of the house during the entire production). She seemed like a lovely, gracious lady, and I was happy to learn that she used some of the proceeds of the rental of her house to fix the roof after it was all done.

An entertaining read; recommended for fans of the mini (and it paid off to wait over 2 years for this to finally become available from my paperbackswap wishlist) :D ...more

4

Sep 29, 2016

A volume with lots of photographs, telling every aspect of the production in some detail. There are lots of interesting tidbits (one I found most interesting: there was a hair on the lens of one of the cameras during the Netherfield Ball, so a lot of that footage was unusable and they had to make do with a lot of steadicam). It was strange to read about some aspects of this now, 20 years after filming. I don't know a lot about moviemaking but I had a strong sense that it's much more A volume with lots of photographs, telling every aspect of the production in some detail. There are lots of interesting tidbits (one I found most interesting: there was a hair on the lens of one of the cameras during the Netherfield Ball, so a lot of that footage was unusable and they had to make do with a lot of steadicam). It was strange to read about some aspects of this now, 20 years after filming. I don't know a lot about moviemaking but I had a strong sense that it's much more technologically advanced now. They were calling people on the phone to check the weather forecast!

Those who, like me, have found Jennifer Ehle's and Colin Firth's presence lacking in the Blu-ray special features will find a lot more content from them here. ...more

4

Aug 26, 2016

Before Downton Abbey swooped in and consumed our minds and hearts, there was another miniseries phenomenon which enraptured the viewing audience to a similar degree. It occurred back in 1995, on the A&E Network for those of us in America: Pride and Prejudice. It was a phenomenon I happily wound myself up in from the moment those first strains of Carl Davis's opening theme began playing; I can remember waiting eagerly each week for the next installment of the six-episode series (yes, Before Downton Abbey swooped in and consumed our minds and hearts, there was another miniseries phenomenon which enraptured the viewing audience to a similar degree. It occurred back in 1995, on the A&E Network for those of us in America: Pride and Prejudice. It was a phenomenon I happily wound myself up in from the moment those first strains of Carl Davis's opening theme began playing; I can remember waiting eagerly each week for the next installment of the six-episode series (yes, children, this was before streaming and binge watching - The Dark Ages).

I've never been shy in stating the '95 adaptation of Jane Austen's most popular and best loved novel is the best and the one which probably comes the closest to perfection. Colin Firth's pantaloon-clad thighs occupied my dreams for a goodly number of nights that year and beyond. TMI?


C'mon, can you blame me? Really?

So it was surprising it took me so long to read this slim, but highly informative volume. I haven't read many other books in the same vein (though most of them on are my list) but instead of looking at the era in which Pride and Prejudice is set and comparing/contrasting to the world created by Jane Austen and/or Andrew Davies, who adapted Austen's novel, this book instead looks at the work it took to translate words to screen. Starting from the very first moments of creation, when producer Sue Birtwhistle first met Andrew Davies back in 1986, the book takes us step-by-step through the eighteen months of production, detailing every step from the pre-production casting and location hunting, to the script, production design, costume, makeup, and hair design, through to post-production editing, dubbing, and publicity. It's an amazing journey into the world of film-making and the effort detailed within makes me appreciate that much more what I see on screen. About the only quibble I have with the book is that a lot of the photos are really small; I wish the editor/publisher had done full-page layouts for the photos so more detail could be seen. Oh, well.

For the casual and hardcore fan alike, The Making of Pride and Prejudice is an entertaining, informative, and thoroughly worthwhile read - highly recommended. ...more

4

Aug 27, 2009

This book takes you through the steps of making a movie like "Pride and Prejudice," has interviews and desrciptions by cast and crew, and many colorful pictures (both still and action shots). I enjoyed this book, learned a lot, and have a new appreciation for the movie. In addition, it gives the average person an idea of the different aspects of making a movie and all the different careers and talents used.

There are 10 chapters with an introduction. The chapters are:
- The script
- This book takes you through the steps of making a movie like "Pride and Prejudice," has interviews and desrciptions by cast and crew, and many colorful pictures (both still and action shots). I enjoyed this book, learned a lot, and have a new appreciation for the movie. In addition, it gives the average person an idea of the different aspects of making a movie and all the different careers and talents used.

There are 10 chapters with an introduction. The chapters are:
- The script
- Pre-production
- Production design
- Costume, make-up, and hair design
- Music
- Dancing
- Two weeks to go . . .
- Filming
- A conversation with Colin Firth
- Post-production

Some favorites for me were the chapters about music, dance, and costume because I would probably like to work in one of those areas. Also the interview with Colin Firth was very interesting. In one of the chapters they include the schedule for one day of filming, it lasted for 6 pages! It is amazing how much work goes into a movie!

The reason I give it 4 stars out of 5 is because some parts were not very interesting, like the part about lighting. In addition, a lot of the pictures are too small and of poorer quality to see the details, I would have liked to have bigger illustrations so you can see the details that are talked about. ...more

3

Sep 08, 2019

how am i just finding out that jennifer ehle wore a wig for the entirety of this show

4

Aug 17, 2018

A bit drier than I would’ve thought from the very entertaining introduction, but fascinating overall.

5

Dec 15, 2011

I got this for my aunt, but I can't help but snatch peeks at it before I wrap it up for Christmas. (And I may just have to put it on MY wish list for next year.) It's just wonderful! I love all the tidbits, behinds the scenes aspects such as costuming, set design, script, etc; interviews with the cast (including a long one with Colin Firth); the great photos (all the guys in hair nets to protect their wigs, haha! and the headshots from the audition--Mr. Collins' is the most shocking, the actor I got this for my aunt, but I can't help but snatch peeks at it before I wrap it up for Christmas. (And I may just have to put it on MY wish list for next year.) It's just wonderful! I love all the tidbits, behinds the scenes aspects such as costuming, set design, script, etc; interviews with the cast (including a long one with Colin Firth); the great photos (all the guys in hair nets to protect their wigs, haha! and the headshots from the audition--Mr. Collins' is the most shocking, the actor actually looks somewhat handsome!) Highly recommended to any fan of the iconic BBC production. ...more

4

Feb 15, 2008

What fun to peep behind the scenes of this wonderful production. It's evident great care was taken with the locations, set decorations, costumes, etc., even hair. Did you know Jennifer Ehle died her light eyebrows so the casting directors would take her seriously as a brunette? I try to read a few pages right before I go to sleep, so I can dream about Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy.

5

Jan 17, 2013

This is a wonderfully informative book about one of my most favorite Jane Austen adaptations. I've had this for years and decided it was time for a reread. It includes tons of great behind-the-scene stories and gorgeous set and actor photos. I highly recommend this for anyone interested in how movies are made and especially for fans of the BBC adaptation starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth.

4

Jan 15, 2008

For those of us who have the BBC Pride and Prejudice dialogue memorized (The mode of your declaration merely spared me any concern I might have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentleman like man-na.)...this book is a must. SO much stinkin' fun.

4

Jun 29, 2008

Received this as a Christmas present. Lavishly illustrated with lots of photos of the set, shooting locations, and the cast relaxing away from the set. It's always very strange to see Jennifer Ehle as anything other than a brunette, though--she's fixed so firmly as Lizzy in my head that it's a moment of cognitive dissonance every time.

5

Jun 20, 2012

Lovely book and very interesting to read what really went on behind the scenes of this wonderful mini-series! For a fan of the series this gives you a wonderful sneak peak into what went into making the series and all the extra details and interviews were lovely to read :)

4

Feb 28, 2011

I had recently watched "Pride and Prejudice" (BBC, 1995) again, even the "The Making of..." featurette on the DVD. Said featurette pointed me to this book.

I enjoyed this account of the rigors of movie-making - even at the mini-series level. And I'm not saying that just because there was an entire chapter devoted to an interview with Colin Firth! :)

2

Sep 17, 2011

I don't know what I expected, but I suspect that it would have found it much more interesting if I were more interested in becoming involved in making a movie. The processes and elements described would have been more interesting. As it is, I do appreciate more how much work goes into the creation of a movie.

3

Feb 19, 2009

This very slim volume, while enjoyable, is basically just a re-hash of the making of featurette found on the dvd. However, the book does contain an extended interview with Colin Firth. His explanation of how he chose to portray Mr. Darcy brings an unexpected depth to the character upon later viewing.

4

Apr 11, 2009

If you love the 1995 BBC mini-series that started the new Jane Austen popularity, then you must read this book. It discusses the process of making the mini-series, starting with the producer and screen writer, to the sets, costumes, selecting the actor, the filming locations, changing the seasons, and how the actors learned to dance. Lots of great photos. I would never give up my copy.

5

Oct 27, 2016

One of my all time favorite British miniseries was the 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice. On our recent second trip to the UK, I was able to see some of the locations and my feet hardly touched the ground. I love Austen's book and the series and the 2005 film. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett are two of literature's greatest characters in my opinion, so I thoroughly enjoyed this book that covers almost every aspect of filming. I loved all the anecdotes, especially the line from Colin Firth's One of my all time favorite British miniseries was the 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice. On our recent second trip to the UK, I was able to see some of the locations and my feet hardly touched the ground. I love Austen's book and the series and the 2005 film. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett are two of literature's greatest characters in my opinion, so I thoroughly enjoyed this book that covers almost every aspect of filming. I loved all the anecdotes, especially the line from Colin Firth's brother when Colin was considering playing the part, "Darcy? Isn't he supposed to be sexy?" How often does one say, "The film wasn't as good as the book?" That wasn't the case this time! And now I've purchased the DVDs to watch the series all over again 21 years later. I'm sure it'll mean even more to me (if that's possible) now that I know the backstory and have been where it was filmed. ...more

3

Oct 30, 2019

Actual rating 3.75

This was a fun look at the makings of one of my favorite jane Austen adaptations. This particular Pride and Prejudice has been a huge part of my life and it was a huge part of my childhood so it was a lot of fun to read the bening the scenes details. Absolutely recommend this for fans of the mini series.

5

Jun 13, 2018

Interesting look into the scenes of my most favourite story ever in the history of literature and television. Many of the things, like editing in 1990’s, seem quite ancient now and are therefore interesting to read.
Some of the interview parts with the cast were a bit too long for my taste and the images could’ve been laid out more nicely (many were the size of a post stamp or smaller) but all in all, a really intesting making of.

4

Jan 01, 2018

My 4-star rating is definitely for the book, not the movie. Since this is obviously one of the greatest cinematic experiences of all time, Andrew Davies’ Pride and Prejudice will always win five stars. And I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well. It has pretty much everything you could want from a behind-the-scenes look of the movie. My only very small complaint is that sometimes it got bogged down in descriptions of setting up lighting and behind the scenes camera work that slowed it down in a My 4-star rating is definitely for the book, not the movie. Since this is obviously one of the greatest cinematic experiences of all time, Andrew Davies’ Pride and Prejudice will always win five stars. And I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well. It has pretty much everything you could want from a behind-the-scenes look of the movie. My only very small complaint is that sometimes it got bogged down in descriptions of setting up lighting and behind the scenes camera work that slowed it down in a few places. But other than that I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it to any fans of this BBC masterpiece. You will especially love the first person interviews with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle along with all of the beautiful, full-color behind-the-scenes pictures. ...more

4

Jan 29, 2019

This is the first book (of many) that I bought during my literature tour of the UK that I have found the time to read. I certainly expected to enjoy this book, and I was not let down. It's amazing how much work goes into a movie production and it was great fun to get a peak 'behind the scenes' of one of my favorites. Seeing the head shots of the cast without their costumes and wigs was by far my favorite - I couldn't even recognize some of them!

A great read for any Jane Austen or BBC Pride and This is the first book (of many) that I bought during my literature tour of the UK that I have found the time to read. I certainly expected to enjoy this book, and I was not let down. It's amazing how much work goes into a movie production and it was great fun to get a peak 'behind the scenes' of one of my favorites. Seeing the head shots of the cast without their costumes and wigs was by far my favorite - I couldn't even recognize some of them!

A great read for any Jane Austen or BBC Pride and Prejudice fan. ...more

4

May 01, 2019

3.5 stars

This was pretty enjoyable! Although the 2005 version is by far my favorite, I do still watch and enjoy this one. And I always love finding out behind the scenes stuff about movies and TV. I did wish there was a little less detail about certain aspects of filmmaking that I'm not particularly interested in...I would have liked more from the actors about their experiences and relationships they formed, etc.

5

Jan 08, 2018

Lovely behind the scenes look at one of my favorite book to film adaptations. Very very detailed, with lots of interviews, photos, and descriptions of the entire project from its conception to post production!

4

Jul 21, 2018

The sections on creating the screenplay and how the actors interpreted Austen’s characters were fabulous. The costumes, music, and dancing notes were fun. The definitions of film crew jobs were boring but usually short.

5

Jan 06, 2019

A truly wonderful and comprehensive look beyond the scenes of the 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice full of interviews, analysis, and interesting tidbits from cast and crew