Customer Reviews

Poldark 2 [VHS]

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Those of you who have already seen the first set of six tapes need no introduction to this wonderful Masterpiece Theatre series. In existence for over a quarter of a century, time has not diminished the capacity of this series to entertain. This is simply a first rate period piece, set in late eighteenth century Cornwall. It focuses on Ross Poldark, scion of a well known Cornish family and a member of the established gentry, and his wife, the base born Demelza. Be prepared to be glued to your television for the twelve hours it takes for this six video boxed set to tell their mesmerizing story.

Poldark's rival and arch enemy, George Warleggan, is now married to Poldark's childhood sweetheart Elizabeth, widow of Poldark's first cousin, Francis. Warleggan will stop at nothing to ensure the continued ascendancy of the house of Warleggan and the destruction of the Poldarks. Family ties that bind both may serve to join their houses, but George Warleggan intervenes cruelly, consigning others to years of unhappiness. Meanwhile, politics also plays its part, and Ross Poldark and George Warleggan find themselves battling for political power.

Meanwhile, Poldark's good friend, Dr. Enys, marries Caroline, the woman of his dreams, a beautiful and gloriously rich heiress. Ross and Elizabeth have a fateful meeting, one that threatens the sanctity of his home with Demelza and fuels George Warleggan's insecurities over his wife's affections, as well as his hatred of Ross Poldark. Of course, Demelza has had enough of Poldark's mooning over the icy Elizabeth, and when a young naval officer sweeps her off his feet, Demelza's resistance is at an all time low.

As the eighteenth century comes to a close, the Poldarks and the Warleggans have undergone many changes and weathered many adversities. Ross Poldark continues to be a proud and stalwart man, bemused by his newly realized love for his feisty wife, Demelza. George Warleggan, alone and embittered by finding out too late what he should have known all along, has yet to put an end to the rivalry that has fueled so much hatred and enmity. The trials and tribulations of these two competing dynasties will have the viewer riveted to the screen.

Robin Ellis as Ross Poldark, Angharad Rees as Demelza, Jill Townsend as Elizabeth, and Robert Bates as George Warleggan are superlative in their respective roles. Judy Geeson is magnificent as the independent heiress, Caroline. Unfortunately, Dr. Enys is no longer played by the charismatic Richard Morant. Instead, Michael Cadman takes over the role and, while competent, is not as romantically charismatic as his predecessor. Eileen Way also gives a very notable performance as Poldark's elderly Aunt Agatha. Kevin McNally gives a very moving performance as Demelza's brother Drake, whose romance with Morwenna, Elizabeth Warleggan's cousin, is star crossed due to the interference of George Warleggan. The rest of the supporting cast is, likewise, top notch.

This second set of six videos is every bit as captivating as the first set of six, leaving the viewer wanting more. Bravo!

'Poldark' (with its continuation in 'Poldark 2') is an excellent series. The passionate, turbulent life of the Poldarks echoes a stormy time in Europe. The close of the 18th century and the Napoleonic wars introduced new theories in man's relationship with mankind, sometimes with violent results. The closest comparison I can make regarding content and scope is 'War and Peace'.

The first series, `Poldark', starts with a British soldier, Ross Poldark, returning from the American Revolution to find his father dead, his estate run-down and his sweetheart, Elizabeth engaged to his cousin. `Poldark' continues with the introduction of Demelza (the kitchen wench Poldark marries), the growing antipathy between Ross and George Warleggan, and the introduction of Dr Enys and his highborn love Carolyn Penvenen. It ends with the start of the French Revolution across the English Channel.

`Poldark 2' continues the story as Ross Poldark and friends stage a desperate raid to free prisoners of war in France, growing stresses on the marriage of Ross and Demelza, the suspicion of George Warleggan that his oldest child is actually the offspring of Ross Poldark, and the budding love of Demelza's brother for a niece of George Warleggan.

If you don't already have `Poldark', get it. Once you see it, you'll be compelled to find out what happens in `Poldark 2'!

And no - `Poldark 2' is not a retelling of `Poldark'. Just make sure you are sticking with the 1978 series for both sets.

Poldark 2 continues the story of Ross, Demelza, Elizabeth, and George through the next three volumes of Winston Graham's series set in eighteenth century Cornwall. We continue to see the tension, both personally and in business, between Ross Poldark and his nemesis George Warleggan. Several very appealing characters join the cast, most notably Morwenna Chynoweth, cousin of Elizabeth who falls in love with Demelza's younger brother Drake Carne.

This series is beautifully shot in Cornwall and, even though it is over twenty five years old, still holds up well. This series ends tragically, with little room left for more sequels. That's a pity, because Graham continued his Poldark saga well into the nineteenth century, focussing on the next generations of Poldarks and Warleggans. Maybe someday we can see Poldark 3!

Joe of Maryland is wrong. This IS the second set from the Masterpiece theatre running in the late 70's of this epic story. As one who saw it then, and relived it through the videos today, I highly reccomend it to anyone interested in the England of the late 18th century.

As good today as it was all those many years ago. It's a love story, drama, and adventure all rolled into one. A really great portrayal of the late 1700's. Wonderful acting, great costumes and the scenery of the Cornish coast is spectacular. If you missed it the first time around, don't miss the opportunity to own these videos. Oh, and Joe was wrong in his review, part II is just that...part II of the the original Poldark, not a repeat.

Ross Poldark returns from America and the in the Revolutionary war to find his fiance preparing to marry his cousin, his estate in ruins, and his father dead. When he adopts a thirteen year old street ruffian housemaid, he is unaware of how she will further disrupt the life he is trying to rebuild, or that she may muture to be more than a maid. The video is filled with authentic Cornish coast scenery and venacular, a love story that holds true to human nature rather than a script.Although the movie was originally shown in the seventies, because it is a period piece it still holds its own today.

I don't think I have ever seen a sexier scene--and their clothes are very much on! A well-executed, lively story with lots of secondary characters and subplots cleverly tied in (watch for To Sir With Love's Judy Geeson as the spoiled rich girl who wins the doctor's heart). I was wildly upset when the series ended--this is video heaven!

This was one of the most popular series on Masterpiece Theatre. Why Why is the studio not bringing this out on DVD. The videos are available, but are very expensive. The first Masterpiece series, The First Churchills is out on DVD I love that one, why not this one. Please everybody type in your information to Amazon to be contacted when the DVD's are out. Amazon states this is a vote for the product. We can let the studio know we Want ALL OF BOTH Poldark series out on DVD ASAP.

"Poldark" was originally released on VHS tapes. Seems like it took a very long time for "Poldark" Series 1 (DVD) to FINALLY become available. Then it was over a year before "Poldark" series 2 (DVD) could be had. Now, how long will it be before the rest of Winston Graham's "Poldark" is available for those of us not living in Europe? It's not as if the movies are being created and filmed, they are being copied. Does anyone know the real reason for this stingy/frustrating 'release' schedule? Maybe it's simply a clone of the corporate America marketing model= 'follow the money' ?

Story takes place in Cornwall and the scenery and constumes during the times of the French Revolution and the closing of the copper and tin mines are breathtaking. There are stories within stories of ruling families and families striving to become so. The resulting famine and suffering of the cornish people and their struggles to survive (smuggleing, etc.) are shown. The lead, Ross Poldark plays his part extremely well. There are, however, some characters who are such hams that they should have been reined in by the director early on. I enjoyed it.