Little Dorrit (DVD, 2009)

We first viewed this story on PBS. We got so involved in the story, we could hardly wait for the weekly installment on TV. So when I found the DVD on ebay I had to have it. The actors portray the characters in a very compelling way. We thoroughly enjoy this DVD.

My wife & I are BBC costume drama addicts, and this is another title we really enjoyed. It took a few episodes before the Mrs. was 'pulled in' but after that we both watched with growing excitement. The director / producers did a good job of recapturing a bit of what waiting month to month in the 1850's ( or whenever ) would've been like for the original, serialised magazine installments. For us 21st century folk, productions like these can provide subtle lessons in just how recently our 'advanced' European relations acted rather ... primitive.

Speedy shipping and excelelnt quality film. New as promised and at a fair price considering the DVD sells for much higher in other places.

Just love to see the way things use to be and find it hard to believe such things could go on. Acting grand, also a sweet love story,keeps you enthrolld through out.

I bought Little Dorrit DVD once I saw the series on PBS and had to have it. It is a great story of faith and courage. And has a great ending! I was happy that it has less PBS interruptions, so I could watch the whole series through.

This production of "Little Dorrit" is just what one would expect from Masterpiece Theater in terms of quality, entertainment and beauty. I had not previously read this Dickens novel, but was so impressed with the story presented in this video, that I am looking forward to reading the book, although I feel it will follow the lines of this DVD story very closely, as other Masterpiece Theater series have been true to the original books. Very nice and I highly recommend.

It is another GREAT story from Charles Dickens and done very well with all believeable characters to either love or hate!

This was a gift for a friend..who was very happy with it. I always ck with half.com and ebay before purchasing this type gift Have always been quite happy with the purchase.

The Little Dorrit Series was riviting! It took turns I did not see coming. It was not just a romantic Victorian series. It was an ongoing mystery as well. The characters are interesting and compelling. The playing time is a bit long, but worth getting to the end, and seeing the story develop before your eyes.

I enjoyed it so much that I want to watch it a second time as soon as possible!

Speedy shipping, Excellent condition. Just as described. Will do business agai and again with this ebayer. Thanks

This is one of Dickens lesser known works and is given a wonderful screenplay by Andrew Davies who also did the Pride and Prejudice and Bleak House adaptations for BBC TV. The novel centers on two characters whose lives are changed when the father of one of them dies and triggers a search for answers from the past. Much of the storyline is taken from Dickens personal experiences as a young boy when his father was imprisoned in a debtors prison. The theme of imprisonment pervades the entire storyline and every character is affected by it in one shape or form (physical, psychological, and societal). Dickens satire on the Victorian society class snobbery, bureaucracy, and greed are displayed by the characters in this novel.

The original novel was broken into two parts with Arthur Clennam being the primary focus in the first part and Amy Dorrit in the second part. This adaptation chose to focus on both characters right away instead of following the original novel time line. There are many great individual performances in this 7 1/2 hours saga. The two central characters remain unchanged despite financial, family, and social status pressures. This adaptation blends humor, sorrow, joy, and a mystery embedded in a love story that transcends time and place. It is a rare TV event to see such a wide ranging emotional and visually impressive presentation. Many of the questions that people look for answers like who we will live our lives with, what obligations do parents and children have for each other, and how will we live our lives are brought out from this presentation. This is a timeless series with a timeless message that what really matters in life is not money, status, or power.

The following is taken from Mr. Davies introduction to the BBC novel edition.
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I realized that I would have to simplify and clarify the way the characters are introduced, so that the audience could get a sense of how they interrelate. I also needed to get a handle on the mystery that lies at the heart of the Clennam household. The mystery goes back into the past, involving characters that are dead before the book begins. It revolves around a will, a particular bequest, twin brothers, and a tin box that disappears and then reappears, and it culminates by bringing the house down literally. I had to consider how to translate all this coherently to television, while laying the clues so that the audience can get a shock of recognition when all is revealed.

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The sets, costumes, background scenery, and acting are all first rate with many familiar British actors/actresses in the cast. The heroine of the story (newcomer Claire Foy) becomes the primary focus of the entire story and deservedly so. The musical pieces (especially the haunting opening score with the piano and string instrument and Amy Dorrit's pensive mood music scenes at the bridge) are beautifully matched to the story actions throughout the presentation. Dickens is mostly known for his more popular works such as Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, A Christmas Carol, and Great Expectations. Little Dorrit (originally titled "Nobody's Fault" by Dickens) deserves more wider recognition because its message is one that touches the heart of nearly everyone. A rich, moving, and touching story excellently presented.