Product Details

• Actors: Kate Beckinsale, Samantha Morton, Ciarán Hinds, Nigel Hawthorne, Jonathan Pryce
• Directors: |
• Format: Box set, Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 8
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: A&E HOME VIDEO
• DVD Release Date: October 27, 2009
• Run Time: 1015 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B002FU8J0G
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,330 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

The acclaimed productions of these timeless romantic classics have set a new standard for literary adaptations. From young Queen Victoria s consuming love for Prince Albert to the rollicking adventures of one of literature s towering heroes, Tom Jones, these exquisite films provide nearly 17 hours of entertainment and feature unforgettable performances by top stars.

The CLASSIC LITERARY FILMS COLLECTION brings together five perennial favorites in a beautiful eight-disc set sure to delight all fans of sophisticated entertainment. Filmed on location and featuring lavish sets and period costumes, these extraordinary realizations capture every nuance of the celebrated stories that have enthralled generations of readers.

Titles in this collection include:

EMMA Starring Kate Beckinsale

JANE EYRE Starring Samantha Morton & Ciarán Hinds

VICTORIA & ALBERT Starring Nigel Hawthorne, Jonathan Pryce, & Sir Peter Ustinov

TOM JONES Starring Steven Waddington & Ciarán Hinds

IVANHOE Starring Max Beesley, Samantha Morton, & Benjamin Whitrow

BONUS FEATURES: Cast Biographies and Filmographies; Author Biographies and Bibliographies

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Correction to amazon production notes, February 17, 2010

By 

Joslyn (Rutherfordton, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classic Literary Films Collection DVD SET (DVD)

First, I must confess that I have not seen this collection, as a collection. Therefore cannot speak to the quality of the reproductions. But I have seen and thoroughly enjoyed 3 of these 5 TV adaptations of the classics, and feel justified in rating the collection at least 4 stars. Kate Beckinsale's "Emma" is refreshingly different from other productions of this Jane Austen classic. The production of "Tom Jones" is a very entertaining, and rather bawdy, romp through 18th century England, in 5 full-length episodes. Costumes, scenery, etc. are delightful. But it's the not-so-subtle comic acting that keeps this satire / mystery / romance among our favorites.

However, the actors are incorrectly listed in these (and other) blurbs. Tom Jones is played by a young and handsome Max Beesley, Samantha Morton is his love interest (or rather, one of many!). I am a big fan of Ciarin Hinds, and can assure you he is NOT in this "Tom Jones" production. Can only surmise that he is in the production of "Ivanhoe" (which I have not yet seen), and that his and Steven Waddington's names are inadvertently switched with Beesley and Morton of the "Tom Jones" cast.

It is easy to see how such mix-ups occur, as these fine actors are in so many worthwhile British productions. Samantha Morton is also in this version of "Jane Eyre", and so is Ciarin Hinds, along with other PBS/BBC/A&E stars such as Gemma Jones. And the adaptation of "Victoria & Albert" included in this collection draws on more of the same: Victoria Hamilton (Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park"), Sir Peter Ustinov, and Jonathan Firth (younger brother of "Pride & Prejudice" Colin Firth). All sumptuous British productions, with consummate British actors. Nothing but the best!

NOTE: While this A&E collection "Classic Literary Films" includes 'Emma', 'Ivanhoe', 'Jane Eyre', 'Tom Jones' and 'Victoria & Albert', there is another A&E collection called "The Romance Collection" which includes these same 5, plus an additional 3: 'Lorna Doone', 'The Scarlet Pimpernel', and Colin Firth's 'Pride & Prejudice'.

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent english movies, June 9, 2011

By 

chfancier "chfancier of fine movies" (Brookings SD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classic Literary Films Collection DVD SET (DVD)

these are some of the finest literary drama's plus the other three that one viewer mentioned.
the lovley english country sides and the magnificent clothing and dance routines are out of this world.
It is like curling up with a good novel and enjoying the ride
so do buy this set plus the others mentioned and enjoy
chfancier " fincer of fine movies"

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Literary Films, May 6, 2011

By 

Marisa Sánchez - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Classic Literary Films Collection DVD SET (DVD)

I am a huge fan of good literary stories...and having these splendid films in my private collection, thrilled me! I highly recommend these films and having them all together in a package, is the best!!