Reviews

Gr 8 Up-British actor Martin Shaw reads this shortened version of the classic Emily Bronte novel. His easily-understood accent is appropriate and helps to set the mood. Shaw reads at a very steady pace, pausing effectively for emphasis or when his character might be thinking. Usually calm and gentle, his voice can resonate with anger or other emotion when necessary. There is some differentiation in pitch to emphasize male vs. female speech, but it is not exaggerated or overdone. The abridgement retains Bronte's words linking speech or narration sometimes from one page to another. It provides students with an easier way to become familiar with the story and get a feel for her style. Teachers could use this presentation to introduce the novel or to entice students to read it on their own.-Claudia Moore, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

This splendid remake of Emily Bronte's novel shows it's possible to create a new version of a beloved classic that, while different from its predecessor, is equally compelling. Film buffs might think no one can come close to Laurence Olivier's masterful portrayal of Heathcliff, Bronte's brooding antihero. But they and audiences new to the story on film will be thrilled by Tom Hardy's brilliant interpretation as well as equally fine performances from the other talented cast members. The tale of the mysterious gypsy boy adopted by the Earnshaws, his abuse by his adoptive brother, Hindley (Burn Gorman), his profound love for his adoptive sister, Cathy (Charlotte Riley), and the revenge he wreaks on his tormentors unfolds amid beautifully filmed landscapes of the English moors. Even familiarity with the story won't detract from the film's dramatic impact. This entertaining and very reasonably priced program is highly recommended for all fans of literature and classic film.-Sheila S. Intner, Prof. Emerita, Simmons GSLIS at Mount Holyoke Coll., South Hadley, MA Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.