I feel the desire to compare with summarized effort, the two movies depicting the famous romance in Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen. I wonder how the newer 2005 version can stand next to the 1995 A&E production. I don’t wish to show one in superiority to the other, or to deeply delve into minute details, but just to show a mere overview.

The comparison begins with the heroine and star, Elizabeth Bennett. I see beyond the curvacious features of one, versus the stickly figure of the other, and also beyond the composed maturity of one, versus the giggly smirks that often accompany the other. This new story line chose to give Elizabeth a complete desire for secrecy, while A&E more accurately depicts Lizzy quite confident in confiding most of the story with her sister, with a few exception. I feel that was lacking that Keira was not as open and friendly with her sister as the book directs.

Of course with all the characters and their interminglings, 300 minutes to develop them versus only 129 minutes can hardly promote comparison. I feel that of course the lengthier version shows us more feelings and connections of the characters. However, the shorter of the two also allows sufficient scenes to depict the most important and controversial developments of the characters. I was also surprised that 2005′s movie had more accurate dialogue in many scenes, but only in the few scenes they actually followed the dialogue Jane Austen has given us.

Mr. Collins, I must comment on, for he stands out as one of my favorite characters. The longer version I feel does much better in allowing us to see Mr. Collins in his true moronic awkwardness. The Keira Knightley version doesn’t nearly do justice to Mr. Collins personality, except for the fact that they made him very short, which was quite comical. I enjoy the eloquent speaking nonsense of A&E’s casting far above the stuttering cumbersome “shorter” Mr. Collins.

The music in both movie stands out to me to be both excellent, but different. In both movies, the music is unique and clever, creating the perfect mood of the scene, although the moods are the difference. A&E was wise in pairing a particular theme to most characters, and creating a vibrant title piece that mimics a hunting chase. Focus Features managed to create a much more romantic piano melody that truly intensifies the emotions of this film. The music successfully allows one to be whimsical and flirtacious, while the other is more romantic and sensual.

Another enjoyment I find in both stories in the great scenic shots of the beautiful landscape. The particular sections of England that comprise the setting of this story are more than adequately painted on the screen. Undoubtedly the view of Pemberley would be quite appealing to anyone with the means of purchasing such property.

With Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, the development and shifting of their relationship is much more apparent, although I was more satisfied with the affectionate tenderness of Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden. Especially in terms of the conversation that creates their engagement, the new misty scene captivates and delivers much more intimate satisfaction at their finally coming together, then the more tedious and unfeeling older version, despite it being more accurately dictated from the book. The chance encounter Lizzy has with Mr. Darcy at his estate, however, is far more enjoyable in the A&E version, showing much more of the change in Darcy’s countenance, and Lizzy attentions to him, the 2005 film was somewhat rushed in this part and disappointing.

Singling out Joe Wright, he has earned the title of brilliance in one scene alone – the ball at Mr. Bingley’s estate. It is a favorite scene of mine, with the blatant contrast of Bingley’s and Darcy’s elegance with the Bennett’s less dignified way. The dancing scene with Darcy and Elizabeth is legendary, and the continued camera flow throughout the mansion truly puts the viewer there in the ball, with all the feelings of the evening.

The success of either film can be easily seen. In 2005 the theater-released version of the film was nominated for 4 Oscars. IMDb rates it with 7.8 out of 10 stars. It was also praised in many other award venues. In its day, the 1995 version won the daytime Emmy, and is praised with 9.3 out of 10 stars on the same website. Also the substantial success for A&E’s timeless version, is its capacity to withstand time and remain a legendary favorite that is rediscovered in every generation. Only time will tell if the shorter of the stories will also withstand.

Of course it is nicer sometimes when you don’t have 6 hours to watch the more developed story, that a shorter and equal story has been made to fit better in our schedules. Undoubtedly I have to admit that the book still stands supreme in my eyes as the ultimate depiction of ultimate romance in the tale. It is only then that Elizabeth and Darcy become exactly who we want them to be.