As seen on PBS ?Wonderworks? ? Starring Maureen Lipman, Miriam Margolyes and Nigel Havers — WINNER, Parents? Choice Award and BAFTA Award for Best Children?s Program Amelia Shankley shines as Sara Crewe in this faithful ada... more »ptation of the beloved children?s novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett (The Secret Garden). Produced for London Weekend Television, this mini-series fully captures the spirit of the original novel and brings all of its extraordinary characters to life. Sara Crewe has always been the pampered darling of her doting father, a British Indian Army captain, and the exclusive boarding school she attends. But when her father dies and her fortune is lost, Sara becomes the victim of hardship and cruelty. Through friendship, imagination and her own resolute nature, the ?little princess? finds her way back to happiness.« less
Susan F. (scoutmomskf) from ALEXANDRIA, VA Reviewed on 9/27/2022...
This is the version I found most faithful to the book. A Little Princess is one of my favorite children's books, and it is a pleasure to see a video version that does it justice.
Movie Reviews
A little help for those wanting to know what version to buy.
hodgrow | Pacific Northwest | 05/06/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the definitive adaptation of "A Little Princess" to watch! While the film may suffer somewhat from budgetary limitations (the "Banquet Hall" scene never fails to make me cringe,) the value and depth of the story absolutely make up for any shortcomings. This film is great!
I previously owned the VHS version and was surprised to find that the DVD release is not quite the same as the old VHS release. The DVD is apparently the original UK version, split into six separate parts (25 minutes each.) This version has been a long time coming! When this was rebroadcast on PBS, it was re-edited for US audiences into a three part series, using alternative dialogue and extended scenes. The US edit was sold as a three VHS set and a slightly edited-for-religious-content version was available as a one or two VHS set.
In comparing the US and UK cuts, I have to say that the US version is longer but now feels more like a dumbed-down edit to me. Everything in the US cut is explained much more thoroughly. The UK cut contains whole new scenes not found in the US version and I feel that this makes for a broader, more enjoyable plot. It's as if the storyline was trimmed for US audiences and then, the remaining scenes extended to ensure that the condensed storyline was even further explained with precision. Perhaps I'm too harsh -- both cuts certainly have their merits, but I must say that the conclusion is far more poignant and detailed in the UK edit, shown on the DVD.
The picture quality on the DVD release is much better than I was expecting. Audio quality is average, but clear. Subtitles are included under the menu options. Each episode is available under the menu and there is a play-all option, but no special features or extras are included.
While this might not have been exactly what I was expecting, the DVD turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
"
One of the best film productions I've seen to date
hodgrow | 05/26/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The "Little Princess" is a movie not to be missed by child or adult. Though I'm partial to British productions, and this is one, everyone I have talked to about this film has agreed that it's the very best version yet. Amelia Shankley (now Amelia Curtis) shows incrediable talent. She plays a young girl who faces what life gives her and in the end is rewarded. Simple discription I know, but for you who don't know the story, watch this version. Don't bother with the Shirley Temple or any other version. This one is by far the best."
A joy to watch!
Viewer | USA | 03/15/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am breathless with excitement! My favourite movie of all time is finally coming out on DVD and it looks like it will be beautiful! This is the ONLY version that is accurate to the book, with an excellent cast and a very true depiction of Victorian life and the various social levels. From upper class down to the scivvy, and everyone in between, this enchanting and heartbreaking story not only is tremendously well done and entertaining, but teaches anyone at any age that being a princess is not about what you have, but rather how you act and treat others. A dream come true!"
By far the best film production of this book.
Kevin Keech | 01/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An excellent and superbly acted production that is 99% faithful to Burnett's book of the same name. A must see for Burnett (The Secret Garden, Little Lord Fauntleroy) fans or anyone that enjoys a good story with a moral and a happy ending!"
Oh Dear! - mixed feelings
Kevin Keech | Brea, CA United States | 07/03/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"There is no question, in my mind, that this is the best adaptation of "A Little Princess". The casting and acting are great, the story is well told, and the sets and costumes support the mood and times very well. It's quite obvious that everyone involved took this production seriously.
This DVD release is superior to the old VHS version in all respects except one: the original VHS version was 180 minutes (3, one hour episodes), while the DVD is 120 minutes (5, 24 minutes episodes). As a result of the cuts, the DVD version feels rushed. At times, critical character establishing dialogue has been skipped. I hope that in the future, this series is released uncut.
Even so, given the cuts, I would still recommend buying this version: if you saw the VHS version, the clarity of the DVD is worth it; and, if you never saw the VHS version, the cuts are not so excessive that they degrade the watching experience."