Search - Jane Eyre on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Adult Situations Movie Release: 1996 DVD Release: 02/04/2003 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 56 mins Studio: Miramax Members Wishing: 41 Genres: Drama, Romance, Romantic Drama, Period Film, Gothic Film

Director Franco Zeffirelli stresses emotional realism over gothic chills in this restrained adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's classic. The screenplay, by Zeffirelli and Hugh Whitmore, remains relatively faithful to the original story, beginning with a condensed look at the troubled childhood of young Jane (Anna Paquin) and her mistreatment by a cruel aunt (Fiona Shaw). The bulk of the film centers on Jane as an adult (Charlotte Gainsbourg), a prim governess who accepts a position at Thornfield Hall caring for the young Adele (Josephine Serre). There Jane also must deal with the estate's head, Edward Rochester (William Hurt), a mysteriously brooding yet oddly alluring older man. She finds herself drawn to Rochester, but their potential romance is threatened by Jane's fears and Rochester's internal torment. Rather than the spooky visuals of earlier adaptations, Zeffirelli and cinematographer David Watkins opt for a subdued gloominess, placing emphasis on Gainsbourg's and Hurt's wounded portrayals. Fans of the gothic will likely find Zeffirelli's interpretation anemic in comparison to the passionate 1944 version with Joan Fontaine and Orson Welles, though others may appreciate the more naturalistic and faithful approach. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

William Hurt - Edward Rochester
Charlotte Gainsbourg - Jane Eyre
Joan Plowright - Mrs. Fairfax
Anna Paquin - Young Jane
Geraldine Chaplin - Miss Scatcherd

Charlotte Gainsbourg stars in this screen adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's classic novel, which arrives on DVD in an elegant presentation. Jane Eyre has been transferred to disc in letterboxed format at the widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1, which has been enhanced for anamorphic playback on 16 x 9 monitors. The audio has been mastered in Dolby Digital Stereo; the dialogue is in English, with no multiple language options, though the feature is closed-captioned in English. Bonus materials include the film's theatrical trailer and a short documentary on the making of this film as well as the many interpretations of Brontë's story. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide