These four acclaimed adaptations bring to life the legendary characters, devastating drama, and coarse humor of one of the world's greatest novelists.
For Dickens aficionados who own the first DVD
Collection, but still want some more, this four-disc set collects four sterling BBC productions of some of the author's essential masterworks. The best of the lot is
David Copperfield, starring a pre-Harry Potter Daniel Radcliffe as the tragically put-upon young Copperfield. Shot on film, this impeccable 1999 production is an embarrassment of riches, with a cast that includes Academy Award-winner Maggie Smith, who earned an Emmy nomination as the formidable Aunt Betsey, Oscar-nominee Ian McKellen (
The Lord of the Rings) as the cruel and sadistic teacher Mr. Creakle, a wonderful Bob Hoskins as the debt-ridden Micawber, Trevor Eve as David's loathsome stepfather Mr. Murdstone, and Nicholas Lyndhurst as the dastardly clerk Uriah Heap. Holding his own with this formidable ensemble is Ciaran McMenamin as the adult David, whose ultimate triumph is particularly hard earned. Rich with incident and populated by some of literature's most memorable characters, this production does satisfying justice to one of Dickens's most beloved and oft-told sagas. When it comes to a series of unfortunate events, Lemony Snicket has nothing on Dickens.
The Old Curiosity Shop, from 1979, stars Sebastian Shaw as the grandfather determined to provide a better life for his beloved and beautiful granddaughter, Nell (the winning Natalie Ogle). But his gambling leaves them at the mercy to the bent and malignant Quilp (Trevor Peacock). The lesser known Dombey and Son, from 1983, is a tale of foolish pride, comeuppance, and redemption starring Julian Glover as Mr. Dombey, so determined that his son take over his business that he cruelly neglects his daughter, Florence (the heartbreaking Lysette Anthony). The Pickwick Papers, from 1985, is a welcome comic change of pace that follows the misadventures of "the immortal" (and comically rotund) Mr. Pickwick (Nigel Stock) and his three friends as they embark on the first expedition of "the corresponding society of the Pickwick Club." Shot on video, the latter three miniseries are somewhat stodgy in appearance. The adaptations are faithful to a fault, but Dickens' masterful tales provide inspiration enough for the casts who grandly rise to the occasion. --Donald Liebenson
MPN: WARDE2628D - UPC: 794051262820
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Customer Reviews
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Captures Dickens' time & place 
By A3S60WDN976HHY on 2006-10-26
Part of Dickens' genius was the ability to enable the reader to FEEL
the time and place of the storyline unfolding, as well as the visualize
the gamut of intriguing characters.
The BBC has, again, done the same for the viewer. Selection of
locations, environments and characters is simply wonderful -- sure to
keep the viewer engrossed, even though the dialogue is uncompromisingly
British.
The only caveat is that the viewer must remember that these are
ADAPTATIONS of Dickens' novels -- and, therefore, there are omissions
and modifications to the originals.
The modifications make it very easy for teachers to determine whether
or not a student has actually read the novel or just enjoyed the DVD!
More pure enjoyment !
By AT0WYRQSE0OYJ on 2007-01-17
With the second volume of immortal works of Charles Dickens, brought to the screen by BBC, the pleasure of watching the first volume gets an extention.
I am a big fan of the classics English literature and especially Dickens. He is simply the genius. In my humble opinion no other English writer can be even compared with him.
Any one of his books is worth reading.
And to watch this BBC dramatization is a great pleasure too - it is true Dickens - bright and sparkling on the screen as he does in every one of his books.
If you are the newcomer to the world of his books - watch the movies and be encouraged to go for reading then. You will never regret.
Excellence in Old England
By A1J0A58ZGPBWXV on 2007-01-10
A joyful depiction of one of Charles Dickens writings, the details of the English shops, homes and era dress were fascinating and so believable that it made watching the movie feel as though I was right there. This is on my "to watch often" list.
Great BBC Charles Dickens series! 
By AAVLB0GGEKRCO on 2007-12-31
I loved viewing the four films in this collection. "The Pickwick Papers", "Dombey and Son", and "David Copperfield" were all very enjoyable to watch, while "The Old Curiosity Shop" was tolerable.
Overall, I wouldn't spend more than $30-35 for the set, yet I do believe that they are worth at least thirty dollars, if just for "The Pickwick Papers" and "David Copperfield (2000)", which were my personal two favorites.
The acting in these films was excellent and the plot, characters, and flow progressived well. The only negative was that I just thought "The Old Curiosity Shop" was poorly made with unbelievable characters and an inconclusive, poor done ending.
very good collection
By A13JY1ATPCHW96 on 2007-08-04
I particularly liked the "Pickwick Papers" which I had never seen on film before. It was charming.
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