DVD Review: Classic Drama Collection

 A lush collection of award-winning dramas starring acclaimed actors, Classic Drama Collection arrives on DVD on June 24, 2014 from Acorn, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand. These five star-studded programs represent the best of British costume drama—an ever-popular genre that’s only grown in popularity with the success of imports like Downton Abbey. A stolen kiss on the windswept moors…a glorious country house hiding terrible secrets…the witty banter that masks unspoken passion, be transported to the romantic eras of Brontë, Austen, and more (533 min., $79.99, AcornOnline.com). Jane Austen’s Emma, Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, and The Woman in White are being simultaneously released individually as DVD Singles ($19.99) and are now available for streaming on Acorn TV, the premier British TV streaming service.

Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre (1997) - A prim and principled governess (Samantha Morton, Minority Report, In America) falls in love with her brooding, mysterious employer (Ciarán Hinds, Game of Thrones, Above Suspicion). Co-starring Gemma Jones (Bridget Jones’s Diary).

Jane Austen’s Emma (1996) - Beautiful, rich, and infuriating Emma Woodhouse (Kate Beckinsale, Underworld) meddles in other’s romantic lives with unexpected results. Screenplay by Andrew Davies (House of Cards, Bridget Jones’s Diary) and co-starring Bernard Hepton (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy), Mark Strong (Sherlock Holmes), and Samantha Bond (Downton Abbey).

The Woman in White (1997) - Based on the mystery by Wilkie Collins and seen on Masterpiece Mystery, the story follows a disturbed woman who holds a secret that could imperil the lives of two sisters. Starring Tara Fitzgerald (Brassed Off, Waking the Dead), Justine Waddell (Tess of the D’Urbervilles), James Wilby (The Forsyte Saga), Simon Callow (Chance in a Million), Timothy Carlton (Sherlock), and Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead).

The Death of the Heart (1987) – Based on Elizabeth Bowen’s novel, in 1930s London, an awkward 16-year-old struggles to find herself through a disastrous love affair. Starring Robert Hardy (All Creatures Great and Small), Miranda Richardson (Sleepy Hollow), and Nigel Havers (Coronation Street).

The Lady’s Not for Burning (1987) - Based on the play by Christopher Fry, a beautiful woman accused of witchcraft (Cherie Lunghi, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Horatio Hornblower) and a world-weary drifter (Kenneth Branagh, Wallander, Hamlet) are thrown together before their executions. Co-starring Susannah Harker (Pride and Prejudice)

Street Date: June 24, 2014              SRP: $79.99  

 My Thoughts

Wow! This box set is a great deal for anyone who enjoys historical films or movie adaptions. Some of the titles were new to me and I'll be looking for the paperbacks. Some I'd seen or read before, but they are all fantastic. You get mystery, romance, and intrigue, along with stunning costumes and scenery from time periods ranging from the 1400s to the 1930s, all of which will pull you right into the past.  For one low price you are getting five complete films including:

 Emma

 Kate Beckingsale is perfect in the roll of Emma. It's one of my favorite adaptions of the classic novel. Emma is always sticking her nose in everyone's else's love affairs, but her attempts to play matchmaker often get her into trouble. This is probably the original romantic comedy. The period costumes are beautiful as is the lovely scenery.


Jane Eyre

Jane struggles through a difficult childhood. When she's orphaned, her aunt throws her in an institution. Trying to find her own way in life, she becomes the governess for the dashing Mr. Rochester. He's a little on the morose side, but their personalities compliment each other, and Jane knows she's falling in love. But this is more than just your typical rags to riches romance. There are secrets in Thornfield Hall, locked behind a door on the third floor--secrets that could lead to murder if Jane isn't careful.


The Woman in White

This movie revolves around two half sisters, Laura and  Marion. One of them is rich thanks to an inheritance form her mother, while the other is poor. They live with their uncle and are being tutored. Their teacher falls in love with Laura and isn't deterred when she gets engaged to someone else. In the midst of this, the Lady in White makes her appearance. She escaped from an insane asylum and has a few secrets about Laura's fiance. 


The Lady's Not for Burning

Set around 1400 and based off a play, this story revolves around a discharged soldier named Thomas and  Jennet, the daughter of a deceased alchemist.   When a man goes missing, Thomas insists it was him, but still Jennet is accused of witchcraft. He longs for death and she fights for life, and in the end, they fall in love with each other.


The Death of the Heart

This one takes us to London in the 1930s. A sixteen year old girl finds herself in a disastrous love affair. The innocent Portia falls in love with her brother's cad of a friend and struggles through the intense life of London society.  A combination of drama and humor, this classic is a great addition to any library.

This box set gives you the opportunity to see a variety of great classic films and a full cast of outstanding stars!  It's a marathon worth seeing! If you'd like to pick up a copy of this DVD collection for your personal library, you can find it on Acorn Media for only $79.99.