Cranford: The Collection (Cranford / Return to Cranford)

An absolute delight! Superb in every way!Keeping in mind that I have not read the books this production is based on, I would like to share my review of 2007's Cranford from The Cranford Collection. The BBC, known for high quality, entertaining period drama, did not disappoint. This production has it all. It is absolutely high quality entertainment!What an amazing cast! Several of this distinguished cast I was familiar with. Others I knew less well or not at all.Several times throughout the unfolding twists and turns of gossip and the dilemmas resulting from it I kept saying to myself, `why doesn't he just tell Mrs. Rose why he bought the gloves?' Or `why won't they take his/her word instead of assuming the worst?' So I had to keep reminding myself that this takes place in another era and in a community staunchly marked by the lack of change. Evidently being raised elsewhere, and most recently from London, the young doctor had no idea his well-intentioned gestures were being so misconstrued.Here are some of my observations on a few of the characters:Miss Pole - the town gossip extraordinaire. What she doesn't know she finds out, and what she doesn't find it out she manufactures. She and sweet Mrs. Forrester were as much to blame for the scandal associated with young Dr. Harrison as was his mischievous friend, Dr. Jack Marshland. Yet neither seemed to either recognize or admit to their part involving Mrs. Rose, nor did anyone else in their little close knit circle - knowing them as they did - consider that things were not altogether as they seemed. Indeed, Mrs. Rose moved in with Miss Pole afterwards, and Miss Pole referred to Dr. Harrison as 'that vile man.' As is so often the case with nosy gossipers, how unfortunate that Miss Pole and Mrs. Forrester did not realize or acknowledge their part in putting such ideas in Mrs. Rose's head to begin with.Miss Deborah Jenkins - altogether stoical and reserved. While she exhibits Christian graces and promotes them, her friendship seems dependent on whether or not others adhere to her opinions and her ideas of 'proper behavior.' I found her domineering to some degree, coming across as 'it's my way or the highway.' (As when she stated to Captain Brown, upon learning of his opinions on and impending job for the railroad, that their acquaintance was clearly at an end.) There is no doubt she was a good woman at heart, well liked and respected by all who knew her, but altogether too stuffy for my taste.Lady Ludlow - while Francesca Annis, in her statements in The Making of Cranford, said that she (Lady Ludlow) was a very kind woman, I found her kindness altogether too intermingled with a will to be in control of others' lives and the snobbery so apparent in her class. Snobbery less toward those of a lower station than she, and more toward station and ideas regarding education of the lower class. She clearly believed they should be kept 'under the thumb' of those more fortunate. I also found a part of me feeling great pity for her. As a mother with only one surviving child out of seven, she truly sensed, I believe, that her son cared much less for Hanbury than she was willing to let on. There was a real element of sadness to her demeanor. She was struggling desperately to hold on to a way of life that she knew was destined to disappear.Harry Gregson - a young boy who cared more for and took more responsibility for his mother and siblings than his worthless, lazy, wandering father. A father who, in his narrow minded ignorance, denounced his son's desire to learn. Harry's inner character and staunch perseverance in the midst of his circumstances proved unswerving, however, and succeeded in winning the admiration of Mr. Carter, Miss Galindo, and, eventually, Lady Ludlow herself. His life circumstances gave him a maturity beyond his years.Mr. Carter - although he comes across at first as being somewhat harsh, his softer side soon emerges. His devotion to and love for Hanbury often puts him at odds with Lady Ludlow's views and methods. It is in becoming a mentor to Harry that we truly see his compassion show through. I believe he indeed could - as he stated to Lady Ludlow - imagine what it was like to have a son. Upon learning that the poacher on the estate was Harry's father and that Harry was involved, we see his anger. Yet, despite his disapproval, he intervenes on the man's behalf because of his regard for Harry. Harry's love and respect for him grows as he mentors the young man, teaches him to read, and fosters in him a desire for further knowledge. The legacy he passes to Harry impacts not only Harry and his family but future generations as well.The Tomkinson sisters - it seemed so very evident to me that neither of these ladies could (or would) recognize that Dr. Harrison displayed none of the characteristics of a suitor toward Caroline. His politeness was that of a gentleman only, his show of concern that of a physician only, and his admiration of Sophy was clearly evident to Caroline, if not to Augusta. As I saw Caroline sit idly clutching the infamous valentine, which caused so much unhappiness, I just kept saying, 'lady, you need to get a life!' But then I had to remind myself of the era, and the desperate emotions that so many women in that era surely felt at the lack of, and even remote possibility of, gaining a husband. How unfortunate that an unsigned valentine was attributed to one who never even knew it was sent.The doctors - Dr. Harrison is absolutely adorable! Handsome, dedicated, a true young gentleman. I found Dr. Morgan's demeanor toward him to be less than satisfactory. When Dr. Harrison arrived later than expected, there was no 'so glad you're here. I was getting worried.' Instead, only a stern countenance as he pronounced him late. He went to Jem Hearn's house when Dr. Harrison was there to remove the bandages, saying he wondered if he could be of assistance. Really?! How many doctors are required to remove bandages? He obviously wanted to see the outcome. While he asked to shake Dr. Harrison's hand, I would like to have heard a 'you were right and I was wrong.' He even reprimanded Dr. Harrison on 'beginning extremely badly,' reminding him that 'this is Cranford - everything unchanging, perpetual...' He did not seem to welcome new medical procedures that might 'rock the boat' that is Cranford in spite of saving limbs and lives. I also found him lacking in the unfortunate scandal that arose surrounding the young doctor. He apparently refused to even consider Dr. Harrison's pleas of innocence, instead assuming his behavior to be that of less than a gentleman. Why did he not undertake to investigate the situation? I must say Dr. Harrison remained a gentleman through it all; wounded and heartbroken as he was.Miss Matty - kindness personified. While she admired, depended on, and looked up to her sister, thankfully, she did not exhibit Deborah's stoicism and firmness in her opinions. There is a melancholy sadness about her. Her regret over never having a child, her enduring love for Mr. Holbrook, her continued heartache at having to turn down his proposal so many years earlier, her renewed hopes for the future, snatched away so abruptly. Through it all she remained a true lady who displayed no bitterness. Even in the midst of her devastating financial setback she remained more concerned over the ten shillings owed the butcher than over her own uncertain future. The scene where she recounts to Mary Smith the incident with Peter and why he left home is superb!Sophy Hutton - a young woman catapulted into the responsibilities of adulthood by the death of her mother. Yet, instead of resenting her lot, we find her devoted to her younger siblings and caring for them with as close to a mother's love as one could have from a sister. She was beautiful inside and out. I would very much have liked to know, at the end, where the young couple made their home. In Return to Cranford, there are absent, as is Dr. Morgan, apparently.I've given you my opinions of some the characters. Now to give you my opinion of those portraying them. The casting in this production is outstanding! Indeed, the cast members BECAME these characters. I'm not an expert, but I found no performance lacking.The costumes, the sets, the locations, nothing is found wanting in this pristine production. From humor, to sadness, from long held love, to young love, from privilege, to poverty, this production covers the gamut.I'll be honest. I have not yet watched the whole Return to Cranford. For me, having gotten so `into' the characters of Cranford, I found the sequel a bit disappointing and lost interest early on. So many of the characters in the first production are missing from that one, and the new ones introduced seem so much less `Cranfordish.' After some time has passed, I'll watch it. But it has a lot to live up to reach the standard of Cranford. I don't think it could be any better.

This is a box collection. The third dvd is scratched so I am unable to watch it. Should have opened it when I brought it. Too late for a refund or replacement. Very disappointing.

The DVD set came on time and well packaged. No problems with the playing of the DVD. It's closed-captioned (as all DVDs should be) for deaf/hh folks.As far as the movie itself, if you like fictional characters set in relatively accurate historical settings -- and if you like good acting and British dramas -- I think you will like this.In addition to likable and engaging characters, it really help reflect the way the class system impacted the ways of thinking in an English era that was far earlier than the eras of "Downton Abbey", earlier than "Mr. Shelfridge", and even predates "The Paradise". All that was secondary, but realistically incorporated into the historical framework, and helped [but not heavy handedly] engage some aspects of the storyline and characters' frame if reference and thinking.Heartwarming, humerous, engaging, entertaining.If any of you have these others, it's an interesting look at how the system evolved over the 19th and early 20th Century. None of that takes away from character interaction, the writing of relationships and events, or the enjoyment of the viewers.On a side note: it was interesting to see the lion's share of the movie (its writing, production, event-driven characters, etc.) was accomplished by women.

If you are a fan of Masterpiece Theater or of movies/novels; such as EMMA, PRIDE & PREJUDICE, SENSE & SENSIBILITY etc., you will truly enjoy CRANFORD and RETURN TO CRANFORD. The acting is superb and the settings, costumes, et al, as true to 1830 's England as human;y possible. As you view the DVDs, you will find yourself removed from this world and totally emersed in that era and relating to those remarkable people as if you, yourself, actually lived in Cranford at that time. As a history buff for many years, I was amazed at how much more I learned about the way people lived in those days. I have introduced more than a dozen men and women to these and have yet to hear a negative comment about either DVD. We all fell in love with the strong women and gentle men so aptly portrayed by the very talented actors. They protray their characters so well that at the end you are hard pressed to recall who the actors were but you will never forget the characters they played.Our local libraries have their own sets which continually have long waiting lists of borrowers requesting them. The wait can be several months; owning your own set is ideal. Although I did not request any kind of express delivery, my DVD's arrived from Amazon most expediently.Had I not been able to purchase this set at the sale price that Amazon recently offered, it would still have been worth every penny of the original purchase price. I know that I will be treasuring these classic tales for years and years and viewing them over and over again. Having enjoyed CRANFORD and CRANFORD, THE RETURN so very much. I look forward to adding NORTH AND SOUTH, WIVES AND DAUGHTERS, and the LAKE RISE TO CANDLEFORD series to my collection in the very near future.

A great ode to Judi Dench, magnificent as nearly always. A truly great series set in 1844. Cranford is a small rural village where the way of life has been circumscribed for centuries. Monumental change is afoot, both in social discourse and with the threat? of the coming of the railway, and all that that portends. What HORRORS await the good? citizens of Cranford!Well rewarded will be all that purchase this excellent series base on Elizabeth Gaskill's three novels set in the North-West of England.Also featuring Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton, Julia McKenzie, Francesca Annis, Phillip Glenister, and Barbara Flynn amongst the cast

Love this, I had to have chemotherapy and was living in France so bought a ton of English Classics to watch whilst lying on the sofa (and after Chemo you spend a lot of time just lying on the sofa). Dr Dench used to be our family GP in York and every time I see Dame J I am reminded of my Dad saying 'There's Dr Dench's little girl Judy' - even when she was a fully grown woman he said this every time he saw the great actress. In this story Dame J is with a host of acting Dames and the result is magnificent.

We saw the first series when it was broadcast by the BBC in 2007 and enjoyed it tremendously so seeing this DVD in passing when browsing for others I thought I would purchase the set and enjoy it all again with the addition of Return To Cranford.So far we have only watched the first five episodes but what five hours of pure joy and pleasure they are! The story line takes you back to 1843 to a small Cheshire town inhabitated mainly by women and just prior to the railway coming to their town. It is sad, heartwarming and funny, and in the final episode of the first series poignant and horific too. It will take your emotions on a roller coaster of a ride but, rest assured, all is well and a tearful, happy ending is guarenteed. I defy anyone.....man or woman......not to be moved to tears by many of the performances. Buy it today......it will be the best £6.99 you will spend this year. Trust me.

I replaced a much loved set of dvds for my own use. The product was sold as 'used in excellent condition.'It was brand new! The cellophane was still wrapped around the box and there was no sign of use at all. I am well pleased with this company and will buy through them in the future.

Having just watched and reviewed Downton Abbey it was hard to believe that anything could rival it but I was wrong. Set in a totally different time, some 80 odd years earlier Cranford more than matched Downton. With an all star cast led by some very watchable senior (for give me) actresses who gave as always supurb performances, this series had my wife an I again staying up late into the night. I have to mention that I think that young Alex Etal who played Harry Gregson is one to watch, his performance alonside so esteemed a cast was a sheer joy to watch and I am looking forward to watching him in another of his performances in From Time To Time alongside Dame Maggie Smith and Timothy Spall. Surrounded by all those distinguished actors and actresses what better start can he have in his acting career.