Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The Forsyte Saga Collection DVD Review

 
I have always been a sucker for a historical a television mini series and The Forsyte Saga Collection is no exception. It is set in the beautiful world of Victorian England.  The tale centers around a pair of star crossed lovers from different social standings. Their love leads to terrible betrayals and shocking scandals that will leave you with your mouth hanging open. Once I started watching this additive series, I couldn't stop until I had watched the whole box set.  The combination of a powerful story line filled with historical facts and stunning costume design left me glued to my seat for hours.  The stories were based on the bestselling novels of John Galsworthy, and after seeing the show, I am itching to pick up copies of the books. Here is a little more info straight from Acorn Media.

 Featuring outstanding casts led by Homeland’s Damian Lewis (Band of Brothers, Life), The Forsyte Saga Collection arrives to DVD in a value-priced set from Acorn Media on August 14, 2012, including the two complete miniseries that tell the story of a family bitterly divided by ambition, adultery, and revenge. Based on John Galsworthy’s epic Forsyte novels, the sumptuously addictive adaptations impressed critics and fans alike when they aired on PBS’ Masterpiece Theatre from 2003-2004 and were voted #2 on the list of viewers’ favorite programs of all time. Featuring sumptuous costumes, bold characterizations, and slow-burn action, the dramas also star Gina McKee (Notting Hill, The Borgias), Rupert Graves (Sherlock, Garrow’s Law), Ioan Gruffudd (Horatio Hornblower, Ringer), Julian Ovenden (Foyle’s War), and Corin Redgrave (Trial & Retribution). The DVD 5-dics boxed set includes the complete unedited U.K. broadcast edition, featuring more than 20 minutes of Series 1 footage not included in the edited U.S. broadcast; as well as a bonus 20-minute making-of featurette, photo galleries, booklist, and more ($79.99, www.AcornOnline.com).

Spanning generations and chronicling one family’s turbulent transition to the modern age, Series 1 stars Damian Lewis as Soames, the scion of the wealthy Forsyte family. A model of Victorian repression, Soames is a successful London solicitor whose ruthless self-control is challenged by his covetous feelings for the beautiful but destitute Irene (Gina McKee). Longing to possess her, he makes a promise he is not ready to keep in order to make her his wife. Adultery, betrayal and sexual jealousy ensue as the tumultuous Forsyte clan encroaches on Soames’ seemingly golden existence. Based on the first two of John Galsworthy’s nine books about the Forsytes, this sweeping drama follows the family through two tumultuous decades that reflect the pivotal times in which they live.

Series 2 tells the story of young lovers in the next generation. They meet by chance as youngsters and make an indelible impression on each other. A decade later, unaware of the secret that so bitterly divides their families, they meet again and fall instantly—and disastrously—in love. This era in the saga of the privileged Forsytes unfolds amid the gaiety and social upheaval of the 1920s, the dawn of the modern age.

BONUS: Making-of featurette (20 min.), photo galleries, John Galsworthy biography and booklist, and cast biographies and filmographies

 If you want to get the advantage hour of drama that will leave you on the edge of your seat, than this is the box set for you. You can order The Forsyte Saga Collection for only $79.99 at Acorn Media.


***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way. ***

0 comments: