Return to Cranford [DVD]
C**E
the first season is so important to watch prior!
I do so love this series, as I do and did most other BBC dramas. The plot moves quickly, but not so that you lose track of the action after one conversation--there is the perfect amount of time to absorb what happens, and an appropriate amount of suspense (none so much that you become anxious, but from time to time I was rather involved). Season one was a fitting companion, and although this series can stand alone, I feel it makes much more sense and a more enjoyable experience with the first season's progression in mind (it's free for prime members at the moment, so do take advantage). As always, Dench is fabulous. I don't recommend watching this directly after viewing her Macbeth performance, as that's all I could think about for a little while after attending my theatre capstone class lectures, but ugh these characters are so lovable and dynamic and wonderful. I hope you enjoy the series as much as I!
L**A
First Watch Cranford I; Then This Continuation
Totally engaging like a continuation of "Lark Rise To Candleford" might be, and very much in the style of Madame "George" Eliott's "Middlemarch." It's been a while since I enjoyed the first Cranford saga; so I'm not disappointed that a few characters' actors have changed for this continuation, still great casting still led by one of my favorites, Dame Judi Dench, and a few others I recognize and like from other British costume dramas; but all are well cast in this period piece of rural society arcing toward the industrial revolution. Don't miss "The Making Of" bonus feature how this quaint town is actually adapted for the series; and the cast interviews. You don't want it all to end. "Please, Sir, I want some more?" ;)
C**S
Excellent writing, character portrayals, and humor!
As with Season 1, another high quality movie. This short series, and being British, says it all. The writing is intelligent, as are the character portrayals, of quality, humor and with a sense of expectation of what a small town people, and especially 2 sisters, might have experienced in daily life, with high and low differences, and the coming of the industrial revolution and change to their small, unchanged, town.I found some of the expressions and attitudes, that I have either heard about as human experience or read about, seemingly possible and others hilarious. Of course, there are the separation of classes and respectabilities that exist, still, although not so obvious and obvious. If life then wasn't exactly as portrayed in this series, I still think it mirrors life in all small towns to some degree, even now.This was a very enjoyable series and I recommend it strongly for its sheer various portrayal qualities.
G**Y
A perfect ending to the Cranford series
I didn't know that this film existed until recently. The earlier series was fantastic, so finding out that there was more to the story was wonderful for me. This series seemed a bit rushed, but many of the original characters and actors are back. Dame Judy Dench is perfect as always. I'd recommend this film especially to anyone who knows the story. It's a fine ending.
M**S
Sweet Cranford - when can I move in?
It's so hard to find clean, up-building series or movie content these days, or anything you feel comfortable recommending to friends, but with Dame Judi Dench leading the ensemble in Cranford (Seasons 1 & 2), it has been very a very sweet visit to another time and place. I think this is one I'll probably re-watch again and again. When can I move in to Cranford, lol?
K**R
Not as good as season one
I watched the first season free on Prime, and then bought the second season. I wish I hadn’t. It wasn’t nearly as interesting as the first season, and many of the characters from the first season didn’t even appear in the second season. It is educational about the time period but not very enjoyable to watch.
A**A
I want to live in Cranford!
Season One was mostly about introduction to the widows of Cranford and how they, and therefore we as well, believe everything revolves around the widows' point of view. It was a romantic comedy with engaging characters and delightfully antiquated boundaries. I still chuckle thinking about the way that tall feather predicted juicy gossip on its way. ( mangled beyond recognition, but juicy)Season Two however digs deeper into fear and wounds and healing. The widows finally take a step toward the future.
R**D
more than a knockoff, but lacks the depth of the original series
The first Cranford is a favorite in our home: it has well drawn characters in deep and subtle situations that are fraught with emotion, with historical change, with personal development and hope. It is one of the most beautiful mini-series I have ever seen, yet never gets precious or maudlin. SO it was only a matter of time before we got this one.On the one hand, there are many strengths to this production. The characters develop, some in very surprising yet believable ways, including tragedies, changes in plans, and love. This is very fun and makes it more than a simple follow-on. The period atmosphere is also elegant and plush, vividly and accurately evoking a period in history - my kids had many questions about it. On the other hand, the story feels rushed. Not only is there too much going on too fast, but the viewer lacks the time to integrate it all. That translates into a kind of overload and a complete lack of the meditative, almost poetic pauses and asides that makes the first production so much fun.As far as the plot goes, the train remains a controversial issue, with many complications and the need for continuing negotiations with owners and changes of attitude. (This was one reason why train networks spread in the US much more swiftly.) The son of the reigning aristocrat also returns, though after some machinations he is wisked away all too quickly. The wonderful boy who is charged with getting an education in order to create a school for the town also faces a significant crisis. Nonetheless, while most of the principal characters are there, the doctor no longer serves the town. His loss is partially made up with a group of very good new characters, but again, it feels rushed.
M**.
A good sequel to the original "Cranford " with the all- star cast providing a suitable end to the story.
This was part of a Con by the TV lot. I purchased this DVD because I thought it was a follow -up to "Cranford" which I didn't have. It was only on viewing the film it looked familiar and I realised it was the same as I already had, which when shown at Christas time on TV was billed as " Cranford At Christmas " even though it had nothing whatsoever to do with the festive season. Content wise it was a very good sequel with the cast of Dames and others bringing the story to a suitable end.
A**R
Television at its best
I bought this DVD because I'd had a bit of a binge on the original series DVDs which I bought shortly after they came out and wanted to watch the second series. I'm not sure it was quite as good as the first one, and I did miss Martin Shaw as Peter, but it was still greatly enjoyable.
Z**S
A lovely addition to the main series.
The DVD consists of two episodes which are each 1.5 hours long. The story is set about two years after the series left off and, as before, is of a high quality with plenty of tragedy to tear you up, drama to excite and Miss Poole to giggle at every episode.There are new additions to the cast who are all absolutely excellent, well known actors such as Tim Curry and Celia Imrie and their stories are wonderful additions which gel seamlessly with the story told in the first series.The seller did not provide enough postage, so there was some faff in retrieving the parcel, but upon notifying the seller I received a refund.
G**A
Go back in time, you will probably be glad your here now!!!
I've got the set for this and if you want to go back in time and like period pieces this series is fabulous, so many good actors and actresses. Nearly as good as Pride and Predudice, my all time favourite.
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