Not on DVD?
This is the best version of Great Expectations in film, I gave it a star because it's in VHS. I have no idea why they didn't come out on DVD.

Well...if any of you are waiting for DVD or planning to buy this VHS, think again. This film actually came out in DVD at UK so look somewhere else.

Great movie, poor quality
This is, by far, the best movie version of Great Expectations. It follows the book closely and the acting and character portrayal are superb. The problem is that it is VHS and we could barely make out the dialogue. I am anxiously waiting for it to come on DVD.

the best version
This is by far the best overall version of "Great Expectations" and when I say that I mean to take nothing away from the great David Lean film. I had taped this when it was originally broadcast on the Disney channel, but made the mistake of loaning it to my niece when she was studying the book in school. She's a great kid, but I never saw the tapes again.

Hopefully one day Disney will issue this on dvd without screwing it up. I should think even if there was no other reason to see it there would be some interest in seeing the pre-Hannibal Lechter Anthony Hopkins threatening to eat someones liver.

Bizzare Twists
The story has a number of bizzare twists and strange characters. The first strange character is Ms. Havisham. Ms. Havisham receives a letter just before her wedding announcing that the groom will not be marrying her. Ms. Havisham lives an isolated life in mansion and is occassion by money hungry relatives; the marriage room is unalter and rodents and spider webs cover the room; her skin has yellowed from lack of sunlight and she keeps warmth from her fireplace; she adopts a orphan girl from Jagger name Estella; she sits on a throne seat and orchastrate a drama between Pip and Estella; Ms. Havisham does not teach Estella how to love and instead creates an unapproachable and emotionally void apprentice; Estella marries the evil Durnham and inherits most of Ms. Havisham wealth; Pip is lead too believe Ms. Havisham is the source of his secret funds; Ms. Havisham respresents the stingy, cruel, and cold world of the superwealthy.

Mr. Magwitch is an odd fellow. Mr Magwitch abandons Pip as a young boy leaving him to be raised by Pips sister, the Blacksmith Joe's wife; Magwitch thinks he has killed Compeyson; Jaeggar defends Magwitch with some success; Mr Magwitch serves prison time in Austrilia and is under felony punishable by hanging, if he returns to England; Mr. Magwitch makes his money speculating and accumulates 20,000 pounds; Mr. Magwitch through Jaeggar funds Pip education to become a gentleman and a Lord; Mr. Magwitch learns from Pip he has a daughter, Estella; Compeyson leads the police to Magwitch, a fight ensues, and Mr. Magwitch kills Compeyson; Mr. Magwitch becomes sick, but before dieing faces the magistrate and is sentenced to death; Pip remains loyal to Magwitch and watches his die of his sickness avoiding the hanging.

Herbert Pocket should have been the true heir to Ms Havisham wealth. Pip manages to convince Ms. Havisham of this fact and upon her death she donates 4,000 pounds too Mr Pocket. Pip arranges through Mr. Wemmick too purchase part ownership for Mr pocket in a trading company. Mr Pocket becomes wealthy, Pip keeps the investments secretive, and Mr. Pocket marries Clara. Mr Pocket is a close friend of Pipe and probably of source of wealth for Pip as he became old.

Estella is the unapproachable woman. Pip is completely in love with her but through out she remains apart from him. Estella allows Pip to kiss her on the cheek twice; she treats Pip gestures of love with contempt and calls him, 'silly boy'; Estella believes Pip is a hero because Ms Havisham raise Pip status in the eyes of jealous relatives bring them pain and these relatives brought Estella pain; Estella believes she shows Pip love by not using him; Ms. Havisham has taught Estella how to hurt men. Estella and Pip do not fall in love with each other and remain friends apart. Pip can not love another woman and has surrender his love completely to Estella including all his devotions, heart, attentions, and protections. After 11 years, Estella is broke but still will not love Pip.

Superb!
This is by far the best adaptation ever made! True to the text with stellar performances by the entire cast. In our opinion this is the best performance ever done by the great Anthony Hopkins. My VHS version has worn out because we have made a family tradition of watching it together every Christmas. I cannot understand why this not out on DVD!