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Cranford | 
| Actors: Paul Roberts, Ben Wood
Studio: BBC Warner
Category: DVD
List Price: $34.98
Buy New: $25.99
You Save: $8.99 (26%)
New (47) Used (13) from $22.35
Rating:  93 reviews
Sales Rank: 549
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dvd-video, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
Number Of Discs: 2
Running Time: 291 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.8
MPN: WARDE37442D
UPC: 883929012404
EAN: 0883929012404
ASIN: B00140PK6O
Theatrical Release Date: 2007
Release Date: May 20, 2008
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 05/20/2008 Run time: 295 minutes Rating: Nr
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
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| Customer Reviews: Read 88 more reviews...
It makes you a better person to watch it November 13, 2008
Merrilee D. Rowland
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I just finished watching Cranford and was moved in all my emotions. It is a beautiful piece about friendship, sacrifice, loyalty, mercy, regrets, new hope, and romantic love at ALL stages of life. I can truly say this is a film that WILL stay with me for months and years. While I found it dark at times (a couple grim surgeries and the oppressive poverty of a major character) the film was a mix of sun and shade, just as life. Do not expect the lightness of Austen throughout, but the depth of story is tremendous. The acting was perfect, the production values were wonderful, and I consider this film a gem.
Everything I Had Hoped November 1, 2008
J Stinson (Lumberton, Texas)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I always read the reviews posted before I make a purchase. So I am writing this to confirm the previous reviews stating what a fantastic movie this is. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Make the purchase! You'll not regret it!
Charming October 31, 2008
Mebanne (TX)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Cranford is an unchanging village with traditions its loathe to part with. A lovely capsule of life in a small town.... Gossips, romances, traditions and grief, all in the life of the inhabitants of Cranford. Judi Dench and the cast are all wonderful.
WELL DONE LOVED IT October 30, 2008
Trisha (Cardston,Alberta)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Loved this series. The values they believed in and lived. Hard to find nowadays. Much to be learned from their integrity. Well acted and beautifully filmed. Have lent it out to others who have never heard of it and they loved it to and don't want to give it back.
superb! October 29, 2008
Michael Eldicott (Cyprus,ex. UK)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Set in rural England of the mid 19th century and featuring a group of gossipping women, this doesn't seem very likely, altho' several romances and deaths provide some interest. But this film is great viewing due to the excellence of its production. Script, performances (by a tremendous cast) and production values are topnotch: the BBC have not done so well since the 1995 Pride & Prejudice.
A special is promised for Christmas 2009, so this dvd will have plenty of time for frequent viewing.
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