This version of Jane Austen's fiercely beloved novel has the daunting task of living up not only to the classic book, but also to the excellent 1995 miniseries of the same name. Yet 2005's PRIDE & PREJUDICE is up to the task, thanks to lively pacing, a witty script, an excellent cast, and clever direction from British newcomer Joe Wright. The surprisingly still-relevant story follows the five Bennet sisters as they deal with suitors and love, as their mother desperately schemes to marry them off advantageously. Sweet-tempered beauty Jane (Rosamund Pike) develops feelings for the equally amiable and extremely wealthy Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods), but forces conspire to keep them apart--while Lizzie (Keira Knightley) finds herself first appalled by, but gradually drawn to, Bingley's aloof, intelligent, and socially awkward friend, Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFayden). The movie, at just over two hours, is forced to cut and condense a number of the book's subplots, and at times it tries to heighten the drama of certain scenes. But, for the most part, it's as faithful to the spirit of the original as time and cinematic convention allow.

The tremendous supporting cast includes Brenda Blethyn as Mrs. Bennet and Donald Sutherland as her wry, withdrawn husband; Jena Malone as teenage twit Lydia; Judi Dench, effortlessly haughty and imperious, as Lady Catherine de Bourg; and Tom Hollander, who steals every scene he's in as the ludicrously pompous and awkward Mr. Collins. The movie's script, adapted by Deborah Moggach, manages to be proto-feminist without becoming anachronistic--and, like the novel, it is incisive about the class politics and gender inequalities of the day.

Theatrical Release: NOVEMBER 11, 2005

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 2.35
Single Side - Dual Layer
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - English, French, Spanish
Subtitles - English - SDH
Subtitles - French, Spanish - Optional
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentaries - Joe Wright - Director
Behind the Scenes - 1. "Behind-the-Scenes at the Ball"
2. HBO First Look
Documentaries - "Jane Austen, Ahead of Her Time"
Featurettes - "A Bennet Family Portrait"

Keira Knightley: Actress, BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM (2002)
Donald Sutherland: Canadian Actor
Brenda Blethyn: British Actress
Matthew MacFadyen: Actor
Judi Dench: British Actress
Rosamund Pike: Actor, DIE ANOTHER DAY (2002)
Jena Malone: Actress
Claudie Blakley: Actor, GOSFORD PARK (2001)
Kelly Reilly: British Actress
Pip Torrens: 
Sabrina Matthews: 
Roy Holder: British Supporting Actor
Tom Hollander: 
Penelope Wilton: British film & television actress, SHAUN OF THE DEAD
Peter Wright: Ballet choreographer
Moya Brady: 

Joe Wright: Director, PRIDE & PREJUDICE (2005)

Tim Bevan: 
Eric Fellner: Producer
Paul Webster: executive producer

Deborah Moggach: PRIDE & PREJUDICE (2005)

Dario Marianelli: Composer, V FOR VENDETTA (2005)

Paul Tothill: 

3 stars out of 5 -- "Knightley is a lippy, tantalizing ball of fire....Romantic yearning hasn't looked this sexy onscreen in years."
"Keira Knightley, in a witty, vibrant, altogether superb performance, plays Lizzie's sparky, questing nature as a matter of the deepest personal sacrifice....The acting in PRIDE & PREJUDICE tingles with nuance and presence." -- Grade: A
"[S]umptuous....[The film] gathers you up on its white horse and gallops off into the sunset."
"[A] stellar adaptation, bewitching the viewer completely with an exquisite blend of emotion and wit."
"Knightley is splendid, while Matthew Macfadyen broods with aplomb as Mr. Darcy..."
4 stars out of 5 -- "It's a handsome production and shot in some of the most eye-catching locations in England....Warm, satisfying and amusing..."