No, not the Winter Olympics; we mean Emma. The three episodes are available for viewing on the PBS Masterpiece website until March 9. This might only be available to viewers in the U.S. and possibly Canada; we’re not sure.
Emma (BBC 2009)
Emma09/10: Wrapping up
StandardSo, those of you who have not already had the end of Emma broadcast, let us know what you think, unless you’re watching the Superbowl like everyone else. 😉
Everybody Loves Emma
StandardThe first part of Emma 2009 (in which we see the inherent problems of the year-labeling system, but we still like it better than the numbering system) starts in a very short time on PBS’ Masterpiece Classics. The New York Times liked it fine, and we’ve no doubt that most of our Gentle Readers will do so as well, though Sarah Seltzer at the Wall Street Journal’s Speakeasy blog writes that while it may be fine, it will be hard to top Clueless (we agree). So what did everyone think?
Barnes and Noble hosting online discussion of Emma
StandardBarnes and Noble is currently hosting an online discussion of Emma in conjunction with the broadcast of the new miniseries on Masterpiece Classic. The discussion has already begun; special guests will include Joan Ray the week of January 25-29 and Sandy Welch the week of February 1-5.
The San Francisco Chronicle has a review of the series.
There have been other adaptations of “Emma,” including the versions with Kate Beckinsale and Gwyneth Paltrow, and the deliciously savvy modern update, “Clueless.” And it can be argued with the new miniseries, as it can with many great works that “Masterpiece” has readapted over the years, that a new version isn’t really needed. Yet, thanks largely to superb performances, especially by Romola Garai in the title role, the new “Emma” contributes to our love and appreciation of Austen’s genius.
We’re still desperately trying to get interested in this, so it is doubtful we will be posting much about the series in the leadup to the broadcast; however, there will be discussion threads on Sunday night as always. Also, there is a Twitter party during the broadcasts, so you can get your discussion groove on there as well.
There also might be a little surprise ready for our Gentle Readers by Sunday night…stay tuned! We have not spent all our non-blogging time lately lying about eating bon-bons.
Emma 2009 Soundtrack Information
StandardAlert Janeite Sylvia M. sent us some information about the soundtrack for Emma09:
Sound clips and more info:
http://www.moviescoremedia.com/emma.htmlCD distributed by Screen Archives Entertainment:
http://www.screenarchives.com/title_detail.cfm?ID=13171Download album in 320kbit mp3 format here:
http://www.payloadz.com/go?id=1171154Download album on iTunes here:
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/emma-music-from-bbc-television/id340396690
The CD was supposed to be released yesterday, so it’s unclear when it will be available.
Emma Region 1 DVD release date and details
StandardAlert Janeite Cinthia has let us know that the Region 1 DVD of Emma 2009 will be available on February 9, 2010. The 2-disc set will include:
Emma’s Locations
Emma’s Costumes
Emma’s Music
Emma’s Mr. Woodhouse – interview with Michael Gambon
Emma 2009 To Air in UK Beginning in October
StandardTim Bullamore, publisher of Jane Austen’s Regency World, heard from the BBC this week that they expect to start broadcasting Emma early in October.
Also, if you’re a subscriber, you should be receiving your new issue of JARW (with two pics from the series) any time now, if you haven’t already.
First photos from Emma in Jane Austen's Regency World
Standard
We heard from Tim Bullamore, the publisher of Jane Austen’s Regency World magazine, who sent us an advance image of the next issue’s cover (click on the thumbnail for a larger version) and told us that the first few official photos from the upcoming BBC adaptation of Emma will be in the next issue, which will be mailed to subscribers next week. The BBC has given these images exclusively to JARW. The next issue will have even more photos and also an interview with the producer. Tim said the broadcast dates (in the UK) are not yet firm and could be anywhere from October to December! Click on the link above for subscription information.
The Telegraph has an autumn TV preview that states the broadcast will be in October. So we will see! But the October through December timeframe at least seems definite.
Region 2 Emma09 DVD to go on sale November 30
Standard
[/caption] Alert Janeite Ari sent in a link to the BBC Shop to preorder the DVD for Emma 2009, which will be released on November 30. It doesn’t say, but we’re assuming this is the Region 2 DVD. No doubt the Region 1 DVD will follow the Masterpiece Classic broadcast of the film in early 2010.
Also, BBC Books has announced a tie-in edition of the novel to be published on September 17, 2009. (Click on the thumbnail of the book cover to see a larger version.)
Emma remains one of Jane Austen’s most enduringly popular novels, with its feisty heroine whose determination to find love for those around her almost thwarts her own chance of finding happiness!
The much-loved Austen novel has been given a fresh look in this series adapted by award-winning writer Sandy Welch, who also provides the introduction for the new book. With well-known actors, Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller taking the title roles of Emma and Mr Knightley, this promises to be a very special and enduring adaptation.
No idea if it will be available outside the UK; we’ll try to find out.
And for those who missed it (in the Editrix’s book group 😉 ), here is the introductory clip from the series:
And here is the BBC press release about the cast. Just getting everyone caught up. 😉
Emma 2009 clip up at BBC
StandardYes, we are slipshod and late at updating. Thanks to the many, many Alert Janeites, apparently concerned that we were wallowing in ignorance rather than sloth, who wrote with much urgency to tell us about it: Sylvia M., Cinthia, Maria L., Marian, and Karenlee.
The BBC has posted clips of some of its upcoming stuff, including Emma. Flip through the “carousel” until you get to Emma. Or, just watch it on YouTube:
For those who need a link to YouTube for their mobile devices, like the Editrix’s gorgeous new Palm Pre, we are happy to oblige.
We have to say we’re no longer one bit excited about this miniseries. Sigh.
AustenBlog 