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Emma (2009) |  | Actors: Romola Garai, Jonny Lee Miller, Michael Gambon, Tamsin Greig, Rupert Evans
Studio: BBC Warner
Category: DVD
List Price: $34.98
Buy New: $23.84
as of 9/6/2010 23:42 CDT details
You Save: $11.14 (32%)
New (26) Used (6) from $20.73
Seller: pm3enterprises
Rating:  146 reviews
Sales Rank: 497
Format: Color, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Languages: English (Subtitled), English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Region: 1
Discs: 2
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Running Time: 229 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.8
MPN: 883929096596
UPC: 883929096596
EAN: 0883929096596
ASIN: B002XTBE6K
Release Date: February 9, 2010
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
A young gentlewoman's matchmaking schemes for herself and others cause upheaval in her English village.
Amazon.com
Although Jane Austen's Emma has been adapted for the screen many times before, including for an American version starring Gwyneth Paltrow, this four-part miniseries is the version to begin with. The story of Miss Woodhouse, a matchmaker and meddler whose wit and misdirection need to be carefully acted to match the novel's complex character, is perfectly expressed through Romola Garai's portrayal. Throughout the retelling of this comedic romantic drama, Garai not only conveys Emma's strong-willed sensibility but also manages to update Emma for modern audiences without relinquishing the traditional manners and tastes that Austen fans love in her 1815 historical tale. Each episode, here, opens with a seasonal shot of Hartfield, the estate Emma rules while caring for her loyal and kind but protective father (Michael Gambon). Having lost her mother early, Emma feels a bond with two other unfortunate children in Highbury, Frank Churchill (Rupert Evans) and Jane Fairfax (Laura Pyper), whom Emma befriends as they return home from boarding schools abroad. The dramas that ensue revolve around Emma's attempts to pair lovers, with varied degrees of success. Episode One establishes Emma's curious desire to marry everyone off except herself. John Knightley (Johnny Lee Miller), Emma's childhood friend, is constantly by her side, coaching, supporting, and chiding her as she matures into an intelligent, regal young lady. Miller's ability to portray Knightley as the respectable, patient man he is throughout the series also lends this Emma incredible strength. In Episode Two, after Emma's beloved governess, Anne Taylor (Jodhi May), moves out to marry, Emma bonds with new girlfriend Harriet Smith (Louise Dylan), and from here we begin to see some of Emma's plans backfiring. Part of this series' genius is in how it manages, in keeping with Austen's book, to express deeper love developing between Emma and her true mate while Highbury's daily gossip continues. Though in Episodes Three and Four one weathers some minor emotional upheaval with aging parents, losses of wealth, and illnesses, this story is not tragic and most side plots point toward Emma's final love realization, which does not arrive until the last 20 minutes of the last episode. Settings and costumes enhance the story greatly, and views of the village farmers' market contrast with lavish balls and dinner parties hosted by the Woodhouse family and others to underscore Austen's original emphasis on capturing the preoccupations of upper-class British society in her day. Some scenes, as in Episode One when Knightley and Emma squabble for much too long over whom Harriet should marry, drag on, allowing one to marvel at how much free time these people had to worry about other business besides their own. Still, the romance in Emma is quite powerful and humor throughout makes this series ultimately enchanting. --Trinie Dalton
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| Customer Reviews:
 Ignore the Janeites on this one September 3, 2010
Christopher S. Curdo
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a magnificent production. Those who makes comments on these pages that Romola Garai does not live up to the role and that others in the cast, such as Michael Gambon, are inadequate are utter fools. Garai is stunning and a superbly nuanced actress and gives a bravura performance. Gambon is a sweet and dear Mr. Woodhouse who is subtly hilarious. Having not read the book in a few years I can not speak to the scene to scene (in)consistencies in the novel vs. screenplay, but this adaptation stands strong on its' own merit. Garai, on whom the whole production centers, as it should, is a far superior actress to Paltrow. And the older productions do not even belong in the conversation.
Fabulous Representation of Austen's Masterpiece September 1, 2010
Janice M. Mahon (Annapolis, MD)
I just finished reading "Emma" and I think this book is Jane Austen's masterpiece.
I own two film versions of Emma. The 1972 BBC version, which I thought was very close to the book. Although the actor portraying John Knightly, John Carson, was 45 years of age and too old for the role. Knightly was 37 in the book. The actor portraying Mr. Woodhouse looked like he was on his death bed. Too old and too fidgety.
And then there is the version with Gweneth Paltrow. Beautiful scenery, beautiful homes. They squeezed too much of the book into the film. And then the cast, good grief. Harriet Smith is 17 years old in the book, slender, short statured. What were they thinking when they cast porky older Toni Collette in the role? Paltrow is an American and her accent just drove me over the edge. And what was she saying when she realized she loved Mr. Knightly "oh John oh John, how I love you." His name is George, George Knightly. John is Emma's brother in law, not her love interest. Good grief.
So, here we have the 2009 version and it is magnificent. Simply superb. Brilliant casting. The actress who portrayed Miss Bates just nailed it. Mr. Woodhouse is brilliantly portrayed and not like an idiot. Mrs. Weston is shown in this movie pregnant, as she is in the book, unlike the other two movies. The actress who portrayed Harriet Smith is appropriate for the role.
Romola Garai is Emma, that lovely flibbertygibit gad about. Johnny Lee Miller is perfect as Mr. George Knightly whose love for Emma is on his face from the first frame.
Jane Austen said that no one would love Emma but herself. Well, she was wrong. And what would Jane Austen think about all these wonderful movies based on her masterpieces? Thank goodness for Austen's genius. Jane died too soon at the age of 42. I wonder what other glorious creations would have come from her pen.
 Lousy - waste of money. August 30, 2010
Oldie But Goodie (USA)
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
Romola Garai has no screen presence. Her portrayal of Emma is without energy and shallow. There is no chemistry between her and any of the other actors. Given she is the central character, that causes the whole series to fall flat on its face. I forced my way through the first two episodes, but was not able to make it through the third. Tossed the series in charity bin at my local grocery store. Items (books, cds and dvds) are sold for $2.00 a piece, and that is about all this series is worth. I would have given it zero stars, but that is not possible.
Purchase the 1972 BBC adaptation with Doran Godwin. She is vivacious, intelligent, witty and energizing. There is chemistry between all cast members. Minor characters that are poorly portrayed and downright annoying in the Romola Garai adaptation are well acted and endearing in this one. Although a half hour longer, this adaptation seemed much shorter due to being totally enjoyable. The 1972 presentation is far superior in every aspect.
 Where's the humor? August 26, 2010
Geoffrey Hayes (San Francisco, CA United States)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is the most humorless Jane Austen adaptation I've seen. Wonderful comic characters such as Mr. Woodhouse, Mrs. Elton and Miss Bates are rendered boring. Pales in comparison to the Gwneth Paltrow version, both in casting, music and wit. I've enjoyed Romola Garai in the past, but here she overacts -- constantly making faces. The location photography while pretty, has no particular style. Biggest complaint: why is this spread over four hours? Hopelessly padded. Johnny Lee Miller is no Jeremy Northam. This production is only adequate.
 good adaptation of emma but still much to be desired August 24, 2010
karmalooped
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
First off, I'm an avid Austen fan, and I've read this novel at least 3 times. Wow, so this modern adaptation of Emma did not sit well with me at all. When I first found out that the BBC was filming this I was burning with anticipation only to be disappointed when i finally watched it in its entirety.
Whats wrong with it? Romola Garai as Emma. She did a good job as the 18 year old Briony Tallis in Atonement, but this role was not for her. Her mannerisms and conduct definitely set 19th century propriety at naught. She also lacked the air and self importance that Emma has in the novel. Yes, Romola Garai was cheery and bright like the Emma from the actual novel, but I really dont like Romola Garai as Emma, she just didnt do the job for me this time around. I definitely prefer Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma in the 1996 version. This Emma is far too modern.
What else is wrong with it? The script. While the storyline followed the novel pretty well, the dialogue was surprisingly lacking in the wit and cleverness that I really enjoy in Jane Austen's novels.
Another thing on the list of no's: Michael Gambon as Mr. Woodhouse. I've seen this man play countless characters in period pieces such as Charlotte Gray, Cranford, Wives and Daughters, Brideshead Revisited, and even Dumbledore in Harry Potter. He's supposed to be over fussy, always worried about ones health and catching cold, and caring and loving all at the same time while giving off a slightly comical effect. Michael Gambon just doesnt cut it for me in this movie. He was just another old man not Mr. Woodhouse. I rather prefer the Mr. Woodhouse in the 1972 version of Emma.
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