| Cranford | 
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Avg. Customer Rating:   (based on 53 reviews)
Sales Rank: 257
Category: DVD
Actors: Francesca Annis, Eileen Atkins, Judi Dench, Michael Gambon, Philip Glenister
Director: Simon Curtis
Publisher: BBC Warner
Studio: BBC Warner
Brand: Warner Brothers
Label: BBC Warner
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dvd-video, Widescreen, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD
Running Time: 291 minutes
Number Of Items: 2
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: 1000037442
UPC: 883929012404
EAN: 0883929012404
ASIN: B00140PK6O
Release Date: May 20, 2008
Theatrical Release Date: 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
Adapted from Elizabeth Gaskells' novels, the five-episode miniseries Cranford focuses on female characters in the 19th-century British town to thematically contemplate encroaching modernity in rural England. With the camera roving house to house, each drama within the grander story is constructed of scenes featuring dialogue between several gossipy ladies obsessed with moral code, romantic ideas about courtship, and social occasions. Three main characters, the ever-appropriate Deborah Jenkyns (Eileen Atkins), her sweet sister, Matilda (Judi Dench), and their younger, more savvy relative, Miss Smith, continuously weigh in on situations, providing a dependable view when other ladies, like the nosey Miss Pole (Imelda Staunton) are too judgmental. In fine period dress, the women of Cranford remind the viewer of how little action was needed in their small-town lives to provide unceasing entertainment. The series' most intriguing aspect lies not in the ample female conversation but rather in its display of earlier technologies and ways of life. Part One, for example, quickly launches a main narrative thread that runs throughout the series, namely the arrival and assimilation of London doctor, Frank Harrison (Simon Woods), into village society. Dr. Harrison's medical practices, such as his refusal to amputate a man's arm because it's broken, are all the more radical because they are so fundamental by today's standards. In subsequent episodes, he recommends Miss Smith get spectacles to cure her headaches, and saves his love's life by cooling her fever after conservative doctor, Dr. Morgan (John Bowe), recommends the old school practice of burying her in blankets in front of a raging fire. In Part Two, Lady Ludlow (Francesca Annis) throws a garden party at her estate, treating all the women in their fancy hats to a new novelty: ice cream. This scene foreshadows Ludlow's future concern at a railroad plan involving her land that would connect Cranford to Manchester, symbolizing the ruin of this idyllic setting. In fact, fluffy and clever as some scenes are, death and rebirth assert themselves in each showing, both physically and idealistically. Part Four shows an auctioning off of a deceased man's antiques, and focuses on issues of class and women's education, as Mr. Carter teaches a peasant boy to read while his assistant fumes at her trappings as a seamstress. Part Five ushers in a new period of medical emergencies, securing Dr. Harrison's shaky position in town. In total, Cranford offers a powerful, if sentimental, look at how death begets life, love, and passion. ‹Trinie Dalton
Product Description
The BBC drama series adapted from Mary Gaskells classic novels of small town gossip secrets and romance. 1842. Cranford a market town in the North West of England is a place governed by etiquette custom and above all an intricate network of ladies. It seems that life has always been conducted according to their social rules but Cranford is on the cusp of change? For spinsters Deborah Jenkyns the arbiter of correctness in Cranford and Matty her demurring sister the town is a hub of intrigue - a handsome new doctor Frank Harrison from London has arrived; a retired Captain and his daughters have moved in to a house opposite and the preparations for Lady Ludlows garden party are underway. Everyone - from charming rogue Dr Marshland to mean Mrs Jamieson and her lap dog talks and is talked about behind closed doors. The town also has its secrets which it slowly reveals: Mattys encounter with an old flame at the garden party; Lady Ludlows gardener Mr Carter teaching a gypsy lad to read and write; the wild expectations of the May Day celebrations and - news that shakes the town when it is revealed - a railway line from Manchester is coming to Cranford.Running Time: 295 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/BBC UPC: 883929012404 Manufacturer No: 1000037442
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| Customer Reviews: Read 48 more reviews...
 Very good production July 7, 2008
This production of Cranford is very good, although it is a little slow going for a while. Once it gets into the second DVD the action picks up a bit, and the ending is very satisfactory. My wife and I enjoyed it and I would recommend it to anyone who is patient and loves period productions. One note: The acting is superb.
Those Amazing Brits! July 7, 2008
I found this series to be powerfully dramatized. Like many series the first episode is not as strong as the following four episodes as the actors discover their characters and the writers unveil their intertwined plots. But Cranford ends with a moving conclusion that avoids cliche while delivering hoped-for satisfactions. The cast is absolutely superb and the writing excellent, incorporating many favorite 19th century conventions revitalized by an artful screenplay.
If you enjoy the writing of Charles Dickens and similar adaptations by the BBC you will almost assuredly enjoy this production.
Another classic for Dame Judi July 3, 2008
Judi Dench is my alltime favorite actress. Every time I see her in a movie I say this is the best one yet. Now I say it again. The cast consists of 25 major british actors. The script is first class and the sets are as authentic as you can get. Whoever said that Judi can do more with facial expressions than anyother actor can do with a page of dialog should view this series and see how right he was. This is classic BBC television at its very best. If you buy this set, make sure that you watch the extras at the end.
A Wonderful Story July 3, 2008
I don't know enough about filmmaking to give a
comprehensive review, so all I can say is that
I'll watch Cranford over and over. I love it!
I was invested in the characters from the
beginning and was sorry when it ended.
Will the story of Cranford continue?
Wonderful Character Acting July 2, 2008
Michael Gambon, Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, Francesca Annis, and many others are a joy to watch and lose oneself in the storyline. The scenery and costumes are perfect. There are multiple love stories going on, and I appreciate Elizabeth Gaskell as a writer.
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