Amazon.com.au:Customer reviews: Northanger Abbey

Reviewed in Australia on 9 September 2020

Nothing wrong with the DVD - it just took two months to arrive on cheap postage
It was to view to support my daughter's studies - but arrived after her exam!
Gee, thanks

Helpful

Gretel

An (almost!) faithful film adaptation of Austen's novel

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 August 2020

Verified Purchase

I approached this in fear and trembling after the absolutely awful adaptations of recent years; not of 'Northanger Abbey', but of some of Austen's other novels. There have been some good adaptations and this is one of them. The script stuck closely enough to the novel for me not to need to cover my eyes, scream or throw things at the screen. There were some necessary dramatic additions because film is a different genre, after all - but if you are a bit of a purist (like me!), then this film will not offend your delicate sensibilities.
The only thing I would take issue with is that John Thorpe is re-imagined as a genuine suitor for Catherine, and is not the arrogant unpleasant boastful idiot that he is in the book. I can see why the film did this - it does add some sexual tension to Catherine's time in Bath, with two eligible suitors after her - but it is a bit of a shame all the same. I would have liked to see an actor get his teeth into this role and show John Thorpe in all his awfulness! Still, that's a minor point.
The settings are all amazing considering that they didn't film it in Bath - it's all very realistic, and seeing Northanger Abbey brought to life, looming over the countryside and the characters, with all the dark wood panelled corridors and flickering candles, was really satisfying.
So - overall, I was very happy with this adaptation of Austen's novel, and recommend it to the delicate of sensibilities who dislike it when film producers completely change the plots of the novels they adapt.

8 people found this helpful

Snowdrop

Middling Jane Austen – but any Austen is worth the price of entry

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 March 2016

Verified Purchase

Not one of Austen's greatest, so don't expect the complexity and emotional fireworks of the 1995 "Pride and Prejudice" (Andrew Davies adapted both novels), or the tear-jerking climax to "Persuasion", Austen's final novel, also produced in the mid-90s by the BBC. "Northanger Abbey" is relatively slight and the original book spent a lot of energy poking fun at the fashion in Austen's day for scary Gothic fiction – our very naive heroine is quite a fan and runs into trouble when she confuses Gothic fantasy with reality. It takes her a while to learn from her mistakes (as do other characters), but the wicked are punished and the virtuous rewarded, which is just how we like it. But it's all a fraction underwhelming and our involvement never really rises above tepid, mainly because Austen is in a coolly satirical mood with this one (and Davies respects that) rather than delivering a highly charged kick. "Northanger Abbey" is also an ITV production, and somehow the BBC always seems to do these period pieces better.

11 people found this helpful

Vero

Disappointed

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 March 2022

Verified Purchase

The story is good, the reason for marking 4 stars is beacuse the quality of the DVD dusc, was not good. Towards the end of the disc it started jumping, even when the disc was cleaned it still jumped, which ruin my enjoyment of watching this brilliant adaption. To get full entertainment from the DVD I had to play via selection of screens. I will keep can't be brothered to send back.

Amazon Customer

Present for an Jane Austen fan

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 January 2022

Verified Purchase

I bought this DVD as a present for a Jane Austen fan, who was reading the book and said they prefered it above all her other novels.
The recipient was overjoyed at recieving this as a gift. Very happy

Rick

overwrought imagination

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 March 2012

Verified Purchase

Catherine Moreland feeds her imagination by reading Gothic novels. While Jane Austen treats Catherine's imaginings with discretion, I find that the adapter gives too much rein to his own rather lurid imagination (somewhat distracting). Jane Austen doesn't need to be 'sexed up'. She is a genius of characterization and wit, and she can stand on her own. Fortunately, the essential core is retained. I found the denouement moving but it was rushed towards the end. A very good effort nevertheless.

One person found this helpful

Lisa

Jane Austen classic

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 July 2021

Verified Purchase

Another adaptation of a Jane Austen classics, beautiful, pride was a bit much, packaging could be better.

Martine Mackenzie

Like all Jane Austen's books it was a great story and a very entertaining DVD.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 April 2021

Verified Purchase

Not so well known a some of her other books but this DVD was an excellent production with a good cast.

Isobel Abbott

Average

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 February 2021

Verified Purchase

Nothing wrong with the film - but the story is a bit thin - one must admit.

The Grinchess

Lesser known work of Jane Austen

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 April 2014

Verified Purchase

Excellent adaptation of Jane Austen's lesser known novel, Northanger Abbey. Although not so dynamic as Pride & Predjudice, Emma et al, has a certain gentle charm all of it's own....and a happy ending, which is always a plus!!! J J Fields is as gorgeous as ever - NOT my only reason for buying this....honest!!! ;)

2 people found this helpful

5 star		73%
4 star		15%
3 star		6%
2 star		2%
1 star		3%

Northanger Abbey

›

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

Northanger Abbey

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

From Australia

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

From other countries

Northanger Abbey › Customer reviews

Customer reviews

Northanger Abbey

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

From Australia

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

From other countries

Northanger Abbey

›

Customer reviews