Nicholas Nickleby (2000/TV/Acorn)

 

Picture: B-     Sound: B-     Extras: C     Episodes: B

 

 

Thanks to the hit stage version, in which people were asked to pay big ticket prices, then come back the next night, Charles Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby has been given a new lease on life.  Several adaptations are available on DVD and a two-part British TV version form 2000, starring James D’Arcy in the title role is the one we are looking at here.  He is great, showing dignity, offense and a moral core when dealing with his evil idiot uncle (the great Charles Dance in one of the great thankless roles) and taking a job at a supposed school where a sick family exploits dozens of young boys for their money and free labor.

 

This version does not get to dig into the ugliness of that situation enough, but it pulls no punches either, something the entire production manages to do in staying realistic throughout, while still retaining a sense of classiness.  That is not easy.  Of course, Nickleby’s adventures and the actions that bring them about are always entertaining and nothing else is watered down here either, despite being only two parts and limited either way.  Sophia Myers also stars.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image is pretty good throughout, shot on what looks like digital High Definition of the day.  It holds up very well because of the costumes and production design being as impressive as the feel of the whole piece.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has decent Pro Logic surrounds and a good score by Colin Towns I really enjoyed.  Dialogue is also very clear, as it should be.  Extras include text on Dickens materials, stills gallery and cast filmographies, which is adequate, especially considering how much is already crammed onto a single DVD.  This is a fine adaptation well done of the classic that everyone should see.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo