David Copperfield - The Memorable TV DVD Review

Bob Hoskins, Trevor Eve, Pauline Quirke, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Ciaran McManamin, Alun Armstrong, Thelma Barlow, Michael Elphick, Emilia Fox, Dawn French, Paul Whitehouse, Cherie Lunghi, Ian McKellan, Daniel Radcliffe, Amanda Ryan, Zoe Wanamaker

WHAT’S IT ABOUT THEN?

Young orphan boy David Copperfield grows up to become an idealistic teacher and becomes romantically involved with two women, Dora and also Emily who is promised to another.

SO IS IT ANY GOOD?

Originally seen as a 2 part Christmas time production from 1999 this sumptuously mounted period piece, said to be Dickens own favourite amongst his novels, is surely the very definition of classic BBC Television. Featuring a pre Harry Potter Daniel Radcliffe as the young David in part one Copperfield is positively jam packed with quality British acting talent from renowned names like Trevor Eve, Bob Hoskins, Maggie Smith to comedy names like Nicholas Lyndhurst, Dawn French and the fantastic Paul Whitehouse, superb stuff really.

Roadshow have wisely retained the two part episodic format rather than taking up the option of presenting the piece as a feature length one allowing the story to spread out properly, funny and sad in

equal measure this version of David Copperfield was a huge delight when first shown and is the kind of production that will hold up to many repeat screenings.

The cast do make it extra special though and mention must be made of Bob Hoskins magnificent Mr Micawber, the stuff of legend – slightly over the top but oh so perfect; Nicholas Lyndhurst also does very well playing against type as the sinister Uriah Heep. An effortless production that is just a veritable Dickensian feast. Delightful.

ANY SPECIAL FEATURES?

Excellent documentary from the BBC and 1999 also taking an indepth look at the production and 30 minutes of the productions wonderful soundtrack.