Jane Eyre (1973/Acorn/BBC)

 

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

 

 

For as long as the site has been around as of this pressing, it is hard to believe that the Acorn/BBC set of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre is the first time we have looked at any adaptation of the literary classic since at least a dozen different ones exist on DVD.  Well, this one is the one that caught up with us.  For those not familiar, this is the tale of the title character who barely survives an ugly childhood of humiliation, repression and socio-economic oppression until as an adult, she finds herself in higher position of governess.

 

At first, we see things as they happen, but soon, the story turns into a flashback with the adult Jane talking about her feelings and revealing things in retrospect as her tale unfolds.  The story takes a more interesting twist, as she becomes closer and closer to her employer, Mr. Rochester.  Sorcha Cusack is Jane and Michael Jayston is Rochester in this fine adaptation of the book, which makes no compromises and features exceptional performances all around.  I am not a huge fan of the Bronte Sister’s work, but they are classics for a reason and this 1973 version is on the definitive side.  Those having problems with the book (like boredom?) should take note.

 

The 1.33 X 1 image shows its age as it was shot on older professional analog PAL video.  That means you have imperfections throughout and there is a bit of softness having far more to do with the master tape than Acorn’s high quality transfer.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo-boosted mono fares a little better, making for the best possible playback in this format.  Text on the cast and author are the only extras.  If you need to get a copy of Jane Eyre on DVD, you can’t do any better than this set.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo