2 out of 2 people found the following review helpful:

An excellent period drama and 'feelgood' DVD.

Gareth Ryan from Southampton, England, 28th December, 2005

This mini-series, of two one-and-a-half hour episodes, is well cast and acted and really portrays a believable Dickensian era Britain and London in particular. The first episode is very dark and covers many of the same issues to be found in Oliver Twist, that of poor children being abused and used for unscrupulous reasons. Many of the characters are quite abhorrent, and Gregor Fisher, he of Rab C. Nesbit fame, really shines in his role as the head of particuarly cruel family. The plot gets quite involved which often leaves you wonderring, 'What will happen next?' The ending is predictably good but the final denouement is unexpected and sad. All in all, an excellent mini-series that will leave you wishing it was that little bit longer!

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2 out of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Funny and charming period drama

A Customer from cheshire, England, 5th August, 2005

This DVD is divided into two parts. The first part is quite grueling with threads of Oliver twist. The characters are well cast and the second part especially will make you laugh. Not a tear jerker but a pleasant period drama.

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Deserves more than 5 stars

Andrina Baird from Glasgow, 25th January, 2008

One of my all time favourite Dickens' stories. Excellent cast - especially Lee Ingleby as Smike. Wonderful adaptation. Engaging and well acted. Loved it so much I went out and bought it. Yes, it really is that good!

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brilliant

kim from surrey, england, 14th October, 2005

if u like period drama, u will enjoy this. i enjoyed every minute. very good acting.

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0 out of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Conscientious but uninspired

milnerv from Dorset, 15th October, 2005

Everyone seems to be trying hard in what appears to have been the first of an ongoing annual adaptation of Nicholas Nickleby. However the whole thing lacks inspiration and any chemistry between the characters.

As far as I can remember the screenplay is a literally accurate version of the novel but unfortunately the production plays tricks with the spirit.

The emphasis at Dotheboys Hall is placed on the amorous frolicking between Wackford Squeers and his wife, the daughter is a completely over the top characture (Dickens makes her a very simple silly girl), and the brutality of the treatment of the boys is completely missing (maybe it is no longer allowed to be filmed). The brimstone and treacle scene just fizzles out in the distance, what has happened to the steaming cauldron and the close up grimaces of the boys as it is poured down their throats.

With the right cast Charles Dance would have made an excellent Ralph Nickleby, but the main Dickensian roles seem completely outside the scope of the other actors, only the misguided antics at Dotheboys make any impact.

If you want to watch Nicholas Nickleby I suggest renting one of the other four versions available.

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