AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on November 28, 2025, 10:49:36 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/UloY5TM.jpeg)
Studio: Universal
Release Date: November 25, 2025
Rating: PG
Film: 4.5/5
Plot
During the Georgian period in England the Bennet family is in dire financial shape. Mr. Bennet (Donald Sutherland) has five daughters and an overbearing wife (Brenda Blethyn), but if the old man keels over, the family estate passes to a distant cousin and the girls would be at his mercy. In order to have a better grasp on her future, Mrs. Bennet prepares her daughter to marry into suitable families with one requirement—money. However, when Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) comes to town for the summer things may not go according to plan.
My Thoughts
My wife loves this movie and I’ve had to endure it many times over the years, but I have to admit that it’s a very good film. Joe Wright’s adaptation is virtually a flawless adaptation of Austen’s novel and at 129 minutes it never feels rushed, yet it moves with kinetic energy that the somewhat boring BBC versions sometimes lack. Keira Knightley’s portrayal as the headstrong Elizabet and Matthew Macfadyen’s brooking and emotionally constipated Darcy have chemistry from the moment they first meet at the ball. The supporting cast is flawless: Donald Sutherland’s gentle Mr. Bennet, Brenda Blethyn’s somewhat annoying Mrs. Bennet, Jena Malone, Carey Mulligan, Rosamund Pike, Judi Dench as Lady Catherine—the list goes on. The cinematography is fabulous and the score by Dario Marianelli is beautiful. Twenty years on, it’s still perfect comfort viewing that somehow gets better with every rewatch.
Universal’s UHD 4K Blu-ray finally gets an upgrade from the middling VC-1 encode found on the Blu-ray release. Sourced from a 4K scan of the original 35 mm negative, the video is breathtaking from beginning to end with golden candlelit interiors, lush greens of the countryside, and finer details in clothing and sets finally get their just due. Skin tones are natural and the contrast is rich and deep without crushing any of the shadow-heavy interior scenes.
The DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack sounds the same as the Blu-ray release with clear dialog and the audio really opens up with Dario Marianelli’s piano-heavy score. Subtle environmental sounds pull you into the picture and envelop the room. I really am drawn to bass-heavy films, but in this case, there’s virtually none given the subject matter, but this a refined, period-appropriate mix that perfectly suits the film’s romantic tone.
Video 9/10
Audio 8/10 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
Special Features:
- Conversations with the Cast
- Jane Austen: Ahead of Her Time
- A Bennet Family Portrait
- HBO First Look: Pride & Prejudice
- The Politics of the 18th Century Dating
- The Stately hopes of Pride & Prejudice
- Featurte Commentary with director Joe Wright
- Curated 42-page book with behind-the-scenes photos, a foreword written by Direct Joe Wright, excepts from cast and crew, and behind-the-scenes photos
- UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Copy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ur_DIHs92NM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ur_DIHs92NM)
Conclusion
Universal has done a remarkable job with the video restoration of this film that makes Longbourn and Pemberly look more inviting than ever and it transports you into the 18th Century. While I give my wife gruff about having to watch it so many times, it’s the least I can do since she tolerates so many action films. If you’re a fan of the film, this is easy to recommend due to the fabulous video upgrade. I’m a bit bummed that we didn’t get a new Atmos track, but overall it’s a fine upgrade and my wife was over the moon to see it released in 4K. Highly recommended.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(I utilized Portrait Displays' (https://www.portrait.com/) Calman color calibration software)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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I’ve only seen pride prejudice and zombies lol
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I’ve only seen pride prejudice and zombies lol
That one was pretty good too :)
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I’ve never seen either. Hmm. Maybe a double feature is in order!
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I’ve never seen either. Hmm. Maybe a double feature is in order!
Watch the original first and then the zombie one...you'll get more out of it that way!
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Watch the original first and then the zombie one...you'll get more out of it that way!
Greetings,
Totally agree! Nice review buddy...
Regards,
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Greetings,
Totally agree! Nice review buddy...
Regards,
Thanks for chiming in Ralph!