Pride & Prejudice: HD DVD Review (2007)

This lush costume dramedy based on Jane Austen's book can be wicked and wickedly funny, particularly given its flighty performance by the marvelous Brenda Blethyn as Mrs. Bennet and the ferocious appearance by Dame Judi Dench as Lady Catherine de Bourg.

Keira Knightly offers an Elizabeth who is pretty, which rails against form, but audiences should know that her beauty doesn't tip the balance.

She remains unable to restrain herself from saying exactly what's on her mind, which creates some wonderful tension as her budding, tug-of-war relationship builds with Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen).

Director Joe Wright gets it right in that he also focuses on the periphery, where the three other Bennet sisters are brooding for a mate; Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods) is a shy as ever around poor Jane (Rosamund Pike); and the bond shared by Elizabeth and her father, Mr. Bennet (Donald Sutherland), remains magical regardless of the transition between mediums.

As for the ending, well, let's hope you're wearing a summer wardrobe when you see it, because the last scene is undeniably, uncontainably hot.

Rated PG. Grade: A

Read the full review here.