Cranford : Complete BBC Series [2007] - DVD (Judi Dench, Philip Glenister, Francesca Annis, Michael Gambon, Lesley Manville - Dir: Simon Curtis)

Based on a trio of novels by Elizabeth Gaskell, Cranford is the latest in a long line of sumptuous costume dramas from the BBC. And it's a fine addition to the BBC's heritage too, pulling together a stellar cast for an involving, highly enjoyable series that's well worth picking up on DVD.

The key asset Cranford has in its corner is that aforementioned cast. It's lead by the marvellous Dame Judi Dench, and she's in fine company alongside Dame Eileen Atkins, Francesca Annis, Michael Gambon, Julia Sawalha and Imelda Staunton. They're just some of the residents of Cranford in the 1840s, a town in the north of England on the verge of potentially dramatic changes.

In the midst of the general feeling of unrest comes a new Doctor, Frank Harrison (played by Simon Woods). His presence further unsettles matters, thanks to his appeal to the town's female contingent, and also his differing methods. From here, Cranford goes on to deliver an engrossing cocktail of humour, emotion and raw drama that's quite brilliantly put together.

Cranford is, ultimately, the kind of lavish production that we've come to know and admire from the BBC. It's a very good drama, spread across five episodes, that simply leaves you thirsting for the next time the corporation unlocks the costume cupboard. That time can't come soon enough. --Jon Foster

Customer Reviews of Cranford : Complete BBC Series [2007]

AS
France
5th January 2009

Cranford but muddled...
I think they should not have mixed the three books to make this film. This has made it confusing and took away the charm of Mrs. Gaskell's writing... such a pity! Why cant they stick to the book??? Why must everything appeal to the TV audiance nowadays?

skeadugenga
UK
26th September 2008

Wonderful
Absolutely brilliant adaptation and a great ensemble cast. I have to single out Eileen Atkins performance as the one which affected me most - the scene where she sits struggling with her ideas of convention as to whether she can attend the funeral in support of her friend is breathtakingly good - so much of what you understand is going on is not dialogue based but entirely down to her performance.

More drama of this quality please.

jane austen
The Netherlands
7th August 2008

Exellent
This is a beautiful, sad and very funny costume drama, really a treat. The acting is super and the costumes, surroundings are one of the best so far. I would highly recommend this for any costume drama fan!

j26812

18th July 2008

Excellent
Others have covered what my views on this, so I'll just say an excellent rendition of the original. Worth watching and re-watching.

beachcomber
blackpool. england
3rd July 2008

Pure Class
What a fantastic series, and a real breath of fresh air on television which is polluted with "reality" stars who are famous usually for being talentless.
A quality cast from the top to the bottom, great subtle humour, some very funny moments as well as being heartbreaking in parts. A real gem, a great delight and unfortunatley a real rarity for any channel to produce such an all round class act.