The Charles Dickens Collection 1 & 2

No classic video collection is complete without this anthology featuring ten timeless masterpieces from the prolific and genre-defying Charles Dickens. Social and moral dilemmas lie at the heart of these brilliant adaptations, which bring to vivid life the comedy and tragedy of Victorian London. Includes Hard Times (1994), Oliver Twist (1985), Martin Chuzzlewit (1994), Bleak House (1985), Our Mutual Friend (1998), Great Expectations (1981), David Copperfield (1999), The Pickwick Papers (1985), The Old Curiosity Shop (1979), and Dombey and Son (1983). All-star casts include Daniel Radcliffe, Dame Maggie Smith, Dawn French, Sir Ian McKellen, Bob Hoskins, Patrick Malahide, Dame Diana Rigg, and Keeley Hawes. Loaded with bonus features including “making-of ” featurettes and short fi lms.

Oliver Twist (1985)
Marked by superb acting and consistent faithfulness to the book, this excellent presentation brings to life the classic characters of Fagin, the Artful Dodger, Nancy and Bill Sykes in Dickens’s most beloved tale, the story of the poor boy who asked for more.

Martin Chuzzlewit (1994)
When the elderly Martin Chuzzlewit disinherits his grandson, the rest of the family closes in like sharks to determine who will inherit his fortune. A host of memorable characters and a thrilling tale come together in this magnificent adaptation of Dickens’s comic masterpiece.

Bleak House (1985)
This stunning production brings to life an unflinching look at the absurdity of the legal profession, whose sole purpose seems to be lining the pockets of lawyers. As the interminable court case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce grinds on, it entangles a growing number of innocent victims, from the proud Lady Dedlock to destitute crossing-sweeper Jo.

Hard Times (1994)
In Dickens’s dark treatise on capitalism without a conscience, Tom and Louisa Gradgrind, raised according to utilitarian philosophy, face the consequences of being starved of emotion and imagination. This extraordinary production captures the soot and smoke that blot out the sun in dank, industry-choked Coketown.

Great Expectations (1981)
Violence and Victorian gentility meet in this powerful adaptation of Dickens’s most piercing examination of upward mobility. Containing some of his finest comedy and such legendary characters as Miss Havisham and Magwitch, this tale of Pip’s epic journey from boy to man is one of the author’s greatest works.

Our Mutual Friend (1998)
Critically acclaimed as Dickens’s crowning achievement, the sweeping tale of two turbulent love affairs set against a tangled web of wealth, corruption, passion and betrayal in 1860s London is captured in this superb dramatization.

The Pickwick Papers (1895)
A hilarious masterpiece about Samuel Pickwick, a retired businessman who is determined that after a quiet life of enterprise the time has come to set off on an unforgettable excursion with his three closest friends. The four ramblers travel throughout the English countryside getting into trouble wherever possible. Stars Nigel Stock, Alan Parnaby, Clive Swift and Patrick Malahide.

Dombey and Son (1983)
Foolish pride and self-importance come to light in this classic Dickens tale. Mr. Dombey, a successful merchant, is desperate for his son to carry on the family business. He is delighted when the long-awaited successor arrives but only misfortune follows, leaving Dombey alone in the world. Stars Julian Glover, Lysette Anthony, Max Gold, Sharon Mughan and Paul Darrow.

David Copperfield (1999)
Dickens’ most autobiographical book, David Copperfield tells the moving story of one mans journey from birth to maturity. David navigates through a life fraught with hardships and challenges, unexpected joys and sometimes even love, striving always to be the hero of his own story. Stars Nicholas Lyndhurst, Bob Hoskins, Maggie Smith and Daniel Radcliffe.

The Old Curiosity Shop (1979)
The riveting story of a beautiful young girl named Nell who lives with her loving grandfather in his shop of curiosities. With danger lurking, Nell’s grandfather is desperate to provide a better life for his sweet granddaughter, eventually gambling away what little savings they had. Stars Natalie Ogle, Sebastian Shaw and Trevor Peacock.

Barnaby Rudge (1960)
A gripping tale of murder, conspiracy and revolt that culminates in the burning of the Newgate Prison during the anti-popery riots of 1780, Barnaby Rudge tells the story of a sweet, simple-minded youth swept up by the mob into acts of horrible violence and barbarism. Dickens is at his most brilliant and terrifying in this thrilling adaptation.

Oliver Twist (1985)

Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Alexander Baron
Directed by Gareth Davies
Produced by Terrance Dicks
Original Music by Dudley Simpson
Film Editing by Mike Bloore

Martin Chuzzlewit (1994)

Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by David Lodge
Directed by Pedr James
Produced by Chris Parr
Executive Produced by Rebecca Eaton, Michael Wearing
Original Music by Geoffrey Burgon
Cinematography by John Kenway
Film Editing by Dawn Mears, John Rosser

Bleak House (1985)

Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Arthur Hopcraft
Directed by Ross Devenish
Produced by John Harris, Betty Willingale
Original Music by Geoffrey Burgon
Cinematography by Kenneth MacMillan

Hard Times (1994)

Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Peter Barnes
Directed by Peter Barnes
Produced by Anne Brogan, Richard Langridge
Executive Produced by Rebecca Eaton
Original Music by Stephen Deutsch
Cinematography by Rex Maidment
Film Editing by Robin Graham Scott

Great Expectations (1981)

Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by James Andrew Hall
Directed by Julian Amyes
Produced by Barry Letts

Our Mutual Friend (1998)

Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Sandy Welch
Directed by Julian Farino
Produced by Catherine Wearing
Executive Produced by Michael Wearing
Original Music by Adrian Johnstone
Cinematography by David Odd
Film Editing by Frances Parker

The Pickwick Papers (1985)

Written by Charles Dickens
Screenplay by Jack Davies
Directed by Brian Lighthill
Produced by Barry Letts
Original Music by Carl Davis

Dombey and Son (1983)

Written by Charles Dickens
Screenplay by James Andrew Hall
Produced by Barry Letts
Directed by Rodney Bennett
Original Music by Dudley Simpson

David Copperfield (1999)

Written by Charles Dickens
Screenplay by Adrian Hodges
Directed by Simon Curtis
Produced by Kate Harwood
Executive Produced by Jane Tranter
Original Music by Rob Lane
Cinematography by Andy Collins
Editing by Philip Kloss
Costume Design by Mike O’ Neill

The Old Curiosity Shop (1979)

Written by Charles Dickens
Screenplay by William Trevor
Directed by Julian Amyes
Produced by Barry Letts
Original Music by Carl Davis

Barnaby Rudge (1960)

Written by Charles Dickens, Michael Voysey
Directed by Morris Barry
Produced by Douglas Allen
Film Editing by James Colina

BAFTA® Awards
1999 – Best Design – Malcolm Thornton - Our Mutual Friend
1999 – Best Drama Serial – Catherine Wearing, Julian Farino, Sandy Welch - Our Mutual Friend
1999 – Best Sound – Paul Hamblin, Catherine Hodgson, Graham Headicar, Richard Manton - Our Mutual Friend
1995 – Best Costume Design – Jeremy Turner - Martin Chuzzlewit
1986 – Best Costume Design – Michael Burdle - Bleak House
1986 – Best Design – Tim Harvey - Bleak House
1986 – Best Make Up – Lisa Westcott - Bleak House