The Oscar Wilde Collection (The Importance of Being Earnest / The Picture of Dorian Gray / An Ideal Husband / Lady Windermere's Fan) [DVD]

"The Oscar Wilde Collection" includes four performances of Wilde's works, and a feature on the life of Oscar Wilde. These were all broadcast on the BBC in the past, and they feature several well-known actors, such as Sir John Gielgud, Joan Plowright, Jeremy Brett, Susan Hampshire, Margaret Leighton, and more."The Importance of Being Earnest" is one of Wilde's greatest works. It was first performed in 1895, in the St. James' Theatre in London. However, the performance here is not the original four act version of the play. The written information lists this as being the 1988 production of the play, but the Internet Movie Database shows it as being from 1986, and one can see in the video credits that the 1986 data appears to be correct. This is the story of two men, each of whom use an unreal person to give them an excuse to avoid unwelcome situations. This practice ultimately results in causing more trouble than it avoids for each of them. The performance is good, but far from exceptional. Joan Plowright gives a decent performance as Lady Bracknell."The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a performance based on Wilde's 1891 novel. This production first aired in 1976, and I don't think it is very good at all. The only thing worthwhile is the performance of Sir John Gielgud as Lord Henry Wotton. Of course, this is the one work presented here which is not a play in its original form. The story is of a man (Dorian Gray) who wishes he could stay young like his portrait, and have the portrait grow old in his place."An Ideal Husband" is originally from 1895, and this is my favorite of the four productions included in this collection. First broadcast in 1969, there are several great performances here. Jeremy Brett is wonderful as Vicount Goring, and Margaret Leighton (Mrs. Cheveley), Dinah Sheridan (Lady Chiltern), and Keith Michell (Sir Robert Chiltern) all deliver strong performances as well. The play involves blackmail, political corruption, and the idea that no one should be judged entirely by their past."Lady Windermere's Fan" is a play from 1892. This performance is from 1985, and as with "The Importance of Being Earnest" it is a good, but not great, performance. This play is about the appearance of impropriety which nearly destroys Lord and Lady Windermere's marriage, when she learns that he is spending an unseemly amount of time in Mrs. Erlynne's presence and giving her large amounts of money. Mrs. Erlynne is well played by Stephanie Turner.The feature titled "The Life and Loves of Oscar Wilde" is well done, and provides a great deal of insight into the man and his tragic end.

It's nearly impossible to believe that just a century and a few decades ago, people lived, dressed, behaved, spoke as they are portrayed in these four opulent productions of works by Oscar Wilde. But one can't help wondering if they were even half as witty and self-possessed as the characters of Wilde's imagination. Even the dullest duchess is granted a witticism now and then, that has me snatching up my notebook to record it for future recycling. I suppose Wilde must have scribbled such spontaneous repartee on the lining of his velvet jacket, for eventual condensation in dramatic form. I've known some rapier-sharp gay blades here and there, but none with as polished an edge as the typical dissolute dilettante of Wilde's wild imagination.They were a handsome race of people, Wilde's upper-crust Brits in their finery, though perhaps that's a 'willing suspension' of disbelief based on the art of casting and costuming. In effect, it's a tribute to the skillful acting of every figure in these BBC productions, that they all seem utterly plausible as Victorian Britons. Their style, their wit, their sense of 'comme il faut', is such that it makes our current mode seem hideously drab and lax. Yes, yes, "they" were the few, amid throngs of drudges and destitute, and I have no particular desire to dress my wife and daughters (the latter imaginary) in corsets and bustles, or myself in a frock coat, but it does seem that we've "let ourselves go". I fear Oscar Wilde would find us dreadfully lackluster.These four adaptations are a lot of fun, and a blessed relief from "action" films and vampire romance.

I'm not really a fan of Oscar Wilde's novels, but this DVD makes me appreciate some of his work. However, there are two major factors that makes me even more pleased. First, this 2-disc DVD package played just fine on my all-region DVD player, and second, I discovered two movies starring one of my all-time favorite legendary actors, Mr. Jeremy Brett! He was most famous and recognized by international viewers for his brilliant portrayal as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's super sleuth, Sherlock Holmes (the '80s TV series from Granada Studios on ITV UK). He appears in two films: "The Picture of Dorian Gray" as Basil Hallward (the painter of Dorian) from BBC Play of the Month in 1976 and "An Ideal Husband" as Lord Goring from the same BBC show in 1969. Oh joy!! :D

Very good performance by the BBC and closer to the novel than any other version I have ever seen, although the novel has never been given full justice by any movie or TV adaptation. It is also a lot more gay than other productions which is again more accurate to the novel although surprising for the mid 1970's. The principal actors are EXCELLENT in their rolls and perfectly chosen. Peter Firth as Dorian Gray is the ONLY actor in a movie version who ever looked awesome enough to be the captivating to both sexes Dorian Gray. Sir John Gielgud was of course born for Sir Henry. This one is so very much above the horrible and inaccurate movie version of the 1940s that this one will blow you away by comparison.The only drawback is that the play was originally recorded by the BBC on standard def videotape which looks dated and a little washed out today on full def big screen, but it is impossible to do anything more than has been done in this transfer due to the limitations of the source. Even with that drawback, it is still the best ever released hands down.

Arrived on time and in good shape. Oscar Wilde done as only the BBC can do it. Very enjoyable

Just love the old Movies of the Golden Age!

A good buy I believe with some top=notch British actors. Made a long time ago so I may be somewhat prejudiced but I loved this great buy of 4 works by the master Oscar Wilde.

Excellent dvd and excellent service!

I thoroughly enjoyed these plays. I enjoyed the acting and was wholly entertained. They gave a good idea on the seriousness and playfulness of his work.