Around their fourteenth year, most students are required to read Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. Many will agree that the Victorian language can present a bit of a stumbling block. Kids reading the book will likely appreciate the ‘plain’ language of Mike Newell’s recent theatrical adaption. This isn’t a film that necessarily adds anything to a well known story, but it makes the emotions, sometimes missed by the Victorian era hyperbole, easier to understand.

Young orphan Pip (Toby Irvine) lives with his insufferable sister (Sally Hawkins) and her kind, blacksmith husband Joe Gargery (Jason Flemyng) in a smithy on the Kent coast. While visiting the grave of his mother, Pip is approached by an escaped convict (still bound in chains) named Abel Magwitch (Ralph Fiennes) who scares the boy into bringing him food, drink, and a file from Joe’s workshop. Though Magwitch is caught by the authorities a day later, it’s not before Pip makes an impression on him. Later, Pip is sent to the home of Miss Havisham (Helena Bonham Carter), an eccentric local recluse, who wants him to spend time with her adopted daughter Estella (Helena Barlow/Holliday Grainger). It’s not long before Pip falls in love with Estella, but is eventually told to stop visiting, as his help is no longer needed.

Years later, Pip (Jeremy Irvine), now a blacksmith, is told that an unknown benefactor has arranged for him to go to London and learn the ways of being a gentleman. Convinced that his life is being reshaped by Miss Havisham, Pip excitedly relocates to the big city, hoping to become the kind of man Estella can love. However, when Magwitch reappears, Pip is forced to drastically alter his plans.

Great Expectations jumps years very quickly, and has quite a few strands of story that must come together rather quickly. However, director Mike Newell has a nice handle on the pacing and handles the subtleties in mood and environment that are so important, extremely well. The film never really drags, and skips through time with wonderful ease. Cinematographer John Mathieson (Gladiator, 47 Ronin) expertly uses images in a way that denotes the passage of time. Beyond that, Newell and Matheison have effectively captured the grimy look of England so aptly described by Dickens. The lovely framing and the ease with which all the actors play their roles, will likely assist many junior high and high school students better understand the book.

The 1080p transfer is presented in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Newell and DP John Mathieson have given things a diffused look throughout, which might be mistaken for softness. In actuality, fine detail is quite good, with faces looking particularly life-like. Colors are somewhat desaturated at times, but appear appropriate. Contrast is strong and shadow detail is commendable. There doesn’t appear to be any DNR in use.

Great Expectations‘ lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is immersive when necessary, and offers clean and clear dialogue throughout. Ambient and environmental effects are well placed. Richard Hartley’s impressive score is used appropriately throughout.

English SDH, and Spanish subtitles are included.

The following extras are available:

  • Great Expectations: Premiere (HD, 3:37) interviews and scenes from the film.
  • Great Expectations Trailer (HD, 2:29)
  • UV Digital Copy
  • Digital Copy (as download)