Pride and Prejudice (HD DVD)

When it comes to buying dramatic films in high-definition I think you have to pick and choose while the formats are still new, but when it comes to picking and choosing I really don't think you can go wrong buying Joe Wright's adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. While I am still one of the few that has still not seen the original BBC version starring Colin Firth I loved this film and even put it at #3 on my top ten of 2005.

Oddly, this HD DVD edition doesn't have all the special features that are included on the Deluxe Edition DVD which is releasing the same day. While the audio and visual presentation are impressive and the reason you are watching, I am sure some people will be upset that the "Pride and Prejudice Family Tree" and "Galleries of the 19th Century" that are reported to be on the Deluxe edition, along with a look at Atonement, are not on the HD DVD. There are, however, a couple of goodies that weren't on the original release, even if the "Behind the Scenes at the Ball" feature from the initial DVD release didn’t make the carryover.

Carried over from the original DVD edition is the "Conversations with the Cast", the "Jane Austen, Ahead of Her Time" featurette, the "HBO First Look" at the film, the "A Bennet Family Portrait" featurette and Joe Wright's feature commentary. New to this edition are the "Politics of Dating" feature and a feature taking a look at the various homes and locations used for the film.

The more impressive of the new features would have to be the interactive look at the homes used in the film because these places are impressive. The feature includes looks at Chatsworth House, Burghley, Wilton House, Basildon Park and Groombridge Place. Each includes a video tour as well as photographs. The best part of it all is that it isn't made up of behind-the-scenes clips, this is an actual feature taking a look at these amazing places. The "Politics of Dating" featurette, on the other hand, just takes a few bits and pieces from interviews and tries to compare dating in the 19th century to dating now. You pretty much get everything you need to know about 19th century dating from the film itself.

While it is frustrating that this HD DVD doesn't include all of the goodies from the Deluxe Edition DVD, which includes Dario Marianelli's score, it is nice to have it in high-definition due to the impressive landscapes and sets used in this picture. This film is truly beautiful and looks even better in high-definition.

I don't think you should be too hasty to pick up HD DVD titles unless you know you are going to watch them several times as early adopters have prices to consider, but the HD DVD version of Pride and Prejudice is a title worthy of multiple viewings and your hard earned dollar. However, if you are a special feature junkie and love this film you may want to just grag the Deluxe Edition DVD instead as it is feature packed. Either way, you win.