Customer Reviews

Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman of Substance Trilogy (A Woman of Substance / Hold the Dream / To Be the Best)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this trilogy on the strength of the 5 star review I had read. To save someone else the disappointment I received, I am writing my first review.
The first of the 3, the title piece, was worth watching and on it's own might rate 4 stars. But the quality of the other two fell off dramaticly and I wouldn't give either of them more than 2 stars. Have our standards changed so much in the last 14-20 years since these were made and first broadcast, or would they have seemed just as insipid to me if I had seen them then, I wonder? I suppose if you have read and enjoyed the books (which I have not) you might have a different opinion. But I found the story rather contrived, the acting mediocre, and the characters underdeveloped and unappealing. Even the love scenes were uninspiring. The worst part, though, I think would have to be the cheesy background music which made it impossible to forget that I was watching a repackaged 80's miniseries.
So buy it only if you are a big Barbara Taylor Bradford fan and can overlook some major shortcomings. This trilogy has certainly not made a fan of me.

I was so happy when I learn that "A Woman of Substance" series was coming to DVD. These are two great DVD's(while Hold the Dream is okay)The picture and sound on all three movie's is great. My only complaint is why was Lindsey Wagner casted for "Hold the Dream?" The change in the cast hurts this movie. Overall, "The woman of substance" trilogy is must for any fan of the books.

disc #1 was wonderful ... I started disc #2 the same night and was THOROUGHLY DISAPPOINTED.... this #2 started out about 30 yrs ahead.. There was ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ON THE DISC ABOUT EMMA'S LOVER PAUL AND THEY STORY TOGETHER... i watched #3 just because I had it... I WROTE TO THE AUTHOR MRS BRADFORD AND THE COMPANY THAT MADE THE CD... I WANTED A REFUND.... If there is a complete disc 2 out there I never saw it :(

Captivating stories. 3 disc set received in good condition. Customer service excellent.

I purchased this item for my Mother for Christmas. She has the book and on VHS. It is one of her favorites story lines. I myself have never read or seen the show, but I can say my Mother is very picky about what she watches, so I would say that this is a good bet.

I saw this as a TV mini series 25 years ago,and for years, I hoped that it would eventually come out on DVD. It is as wonderful or even better than I remember it. This is a wonderful story. There is good acting and character development, as well as a good plot, and beautiful location photography. There is authenticity of scenery, sets, etc., and the characters are very believable. I had not seen the 3rd installment and I could hardly wait for it to arrive! It is a nice video to have and play again and again, and is enjoyable by another generation. Today, it is hard to find a TV series, show, or movie that is not crude or so violent that you would not want to look at it with a child. Order this TODAY!

A Woman of Substance DVD - Excellent!
Hold the Dream DVD - picture quality not a good as the first one.
To Be The Best DVD - totally different-different cast, story line
I'm glad I bought the trilogy.

This is Deborah Kerr at her best! A young Liam Neeson is outstanding, as is Jenny Seagrove in the lead roles. Saw Woman of Substance as a TV mini-series is '86 and enjoyed it then - even nicer to own it and review whenever you want.

Great TV mini series Poor woman taken advantage of and then gets mad and chanels her anger into making money through her own business and builds an empire. Not very lucky in the love department though.

Very easy process to find order and deliver.
Will order again soon.