Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Anna Karenina on DVD


Acorn TV on DVD features an award-winning TV adaptation of one of the greatest books of all time, Leo Tolstoy’s romantic saga,ANNA KARENINA on October 16, 2018. Focusing on the passionate affair between a married aristocrat and a dashing count,Anna Karenina stars Helen McCrory (Penny Dreadful, Peaky Blinders) in the titular role and Kevin McKidd (Grey’s Anatomy, Trainspotting) as the dashing soldier Count Vronsky. The BAFTA-Award winning miniseries aired on PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre in 2001. The DVD 2-Disc Set features 4 episodes ($34.99, Amazon.com). Anna Karenina is also available on Acorn TV. Called a“glorious streaming service… an essential must-have” (The Hollywood Reporter), Acorn TV is North America’s most popular streaming service focused on British and international television from RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE).

Helen McCrory is “mesmerizing” (TV Guide) in this “breathtakingly sensual” (The Independent) adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s timeless tale of love and betrayal in 19th century Russia. After a train journey to Moscow, married aristocrat Anna Karenina encounters dashing soldier Count Vronsky (Kevin McKidd), and the two begin a passionate affair. With gossip rife among society’s elite, Anna’s husband (Stephen DillaneGame of Thrones) discovers their indiscretions, setting off a fateful chain of events.

Adapted by award-winning writer Allan Cubitt (The Fall), this “well-acted” (People) period drama offers a fresh perspective on the classic story with a modern style and arresting visuals. The excellent ensemble cast also features Douglas Henshall (Shetland) as landowner Levin, unhappy suitor to the beautiful Princess Kitty (Paloma BaezaFar from the Madding Crowd), and Mark Strong(Kingsman, The Imitation Game) as Anna’s womanizing brother, with Amanda Root (Persuasion) as his long-suffering wife.

Street Date: October 16, 2018                                                         SRP: $34.99
DVD 2-Disc Set: 4 episodes – Approx. 241 min. – SDH Subtitles – UPC 054961268696

Contains disturbing images and sexual situations

My Thoughts

Originally released in 2001, this Emmy-nominated mini-series is a stunning adaption of the novel by Leo Tolstoy.  The film is set in Imperial Russia in the 1870s and centers around Anna Karenina, who feels trapped in her marriage to a much older man. When she meets a handsome, young officer, she can't stop herself from falling in love. Anna succumbs to her feelings, and when they are discovered, she originally faces her husband's rage. In one very emotional scene, he flings the pregnant Anna into a chair.  Later, driven by guilt after her husband shows sincere forgiveness, feeling like she may have lost both her husband and her lover when her officer starts to show less interest, she eventually takes her own life.

There are four episodes in the series, which allows them to stay pretty true to the novel. Both the costumes and the scenery are beautifully depicted and the actors are outstanding. I was especially impressed with Helen McCrory, who even when she isn't speaking, manages to convey such sincere emotion with her eyes.  If you are a fan of the book or historical films, this is one mini-series you don't want to miss!

If you would like to pick up a copy of this outstanding DVD for yourself, you can find it on Acorn Media or on Amazon

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