Search - The House of Eliott - Series One on DVD

GREAT TRANSFER - INFERIOR SOUND

J. MACKENZIE | Taconic, CT USA | 08/10/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For some bewildering reason, the transfer for this wonderful series has very poor sound. One has to raise the volume to the max, to even begin to hear it. Much of the dialogue is swallowed.

A pity. And no, I am not going deaf: when you put another DVD title in, at the same sound level, the track is deafeningly LOUD.

Otherwise, a terrific romp through the '20s."

Better on DVD!!!!!!

John A. Rinaldi | NYC | 08/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first saw this show on on A&E several years back and taped it then. The DVD version has a few small scenes that were cut for A&E commercials,the story is great , the digital color remastering is superior!!! The only thing I miss is the commentary at the beginning and end of each episodes by Jean Marsh which was part of the A&E presentation. I also hope and pray that Acornmedia will also put out the second and third seasons of this great drama....If you love costume design, this is the one to watch!!!!!!!!!!!!"

A great series...

S. Hebbron | Leicester UK | 07/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...far more complex and feministic than the "girls and flapper fashions", would have you believe. Needs to be seen in it's entirity and revived for a modern audience as the series is now an overlooked gem. The leads are excellent and follow in the best traditions of such British historical series such as "Upstairs Downstairs". If you have never seen it you will not be dissapointed and the lead actresses are extremely good, both RADA trained and both have worked extensively with the Royal Shakespeare Company."

A classic for women

SM | United States | 06/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although this series is from the early '90s, I only recently discovered it. A timeless story about coming of age - for both of the main characters, as well as the transitional time period of the 1920's for women. The story caught me immediately as I could relate to the characters struggle. While the two sisters have grown up comfortable and sheltered, their father's sudden death leaves them with an uncertain future. Their realistic fate greets them with constant challenges to be overcome. The older sister Beatrice has a great deal of emotional baggage from having to raise her sister and missing her chance at marriage. According to her time period she might be considered an old maid, so she is understandably a little bitter and uncompromising. However, she is a likeable character with much creativity and sensibility. Evangeline, the younger sister, seems intelligent but often immature. Portrayed as most young adults as being opinionated without experience, but her innocence makes her charming and creative. She is free from the baggage that her sister carries, however life will not leave her unaffected. Obviously it is on this age difference and maturity that the sisters often clash despite their close relationship. The series also delves into the 1920s lifestyle describing women on the verge of independence. Some are clinging to the outdated traditions, while others are embracing the change. Needless to say that the sets and fashions in the series are excellent.

The DVD visual quality seems adequate, although I agree with another review that the sound quality is poor. Music seems loud, while taking too low. I've had the volume at max as well. And a shame there are no captions or subtitles to make up for this audio lack. I also wish there were some extras to go with the series.

Overall, I would highly recommend the series. I watched it with my mother, so its a great show to share with someone else."