Rating: 
Summary: Not a "who done it?" a "what was done?"
Review: This is one of those films [incase it is cross posted this is a review of "Miss Marple: Nemesis (1986) ASIN: 6303404855] that need to be watched twice. So much is packed from the beginning that you may forget it by the time you need the information. Then you can say "Oh, that was why."
A previous stated "This play isn't about a murder, it's about Miss Marple." And many of the characters repeat this through out the film. And this is maybe not standard but one of the plays where everyone and then some shows up in one place. It is not quite like "And Then There Were None (1945)" ASIN: 6304679661, but in a way more complicated.
Everyone is wrapped up in saying how good the plot is, how good Agatha Christie is, and how well Joan Hickson played Miss Jane Marple. Slow down and look at the Scenery and props. This has the look and the feel of the time from the buildings to the busses. It makes you feel that you are part of that time. At least you want to visit there.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best Agatha Christie portrayals ever
Review: This is one of my favorite films, period. It takes substantial liberties with a weak book, all of which I would rate as improvements--not something I'd often say about films of novels. Joan Hickson is a terrific Miss Marple, but the supporting cast, from the stuffy solicitors to the effusive tour guide, are also wonderful. A great period piece, with structure, humor, mood and grace.
Rating:
Summary: Quaint
Review: Anything that can inspire MatronsApron to write a song about it must be of some merit. A compelling series of mystery stories, each with its own type of clanicity.
Rating:
Summary: See my review of each individual Aunt Jane movie
Review: This collection contains five Aunt Jane Movies ("The Moving Finger," "Nemesis," "The Murder at the Vicarage," "At Bertram's Hotel," "They Do It with Mirrors,"]. There is no way to rank these movies as to which one is best. They are like shoes; everyone has a different favorit.
I did look it up to find that all of Agatha Christie's full Miss Marple novels were made in to movies with Joan Hickson as Miss Jane Marple. And this set has 5. Agatha Christie Collection 1 - Boxed Set, contains 4 more. Then there are three individual films in a third set ... (VHS).
If you do not obtain them all you will be haunted for the rest of your life wondering what you missed.
Rating:
Summary: Not a "who done it?" a "what was done?"
Review: This is one of those films [incase it is cross posted this is a review of "Miss Marple: Nemesis (1986) ASIN: 6303404855] that need to be watched twice. So much is packed from the beginning that you may forget it by the time you need the information. Then you can say "Oh, that was why."
A previous stated "This play isn't about a murder, it's about Miss Marple." And many of the characters repeat this through out the film. And this is maybe not standard but one of the plays where everyone and then some shows up in one place. It is not quite like "And Then There Were None (1945)" ASIN: 6304679661, but in a way more complicated.
Everyone is wrapped up in saying how good the plot is, how good Agatha Christie is, and how well Joan Hickson played Miss Jane Marple. Slow down and look at the Scenery and props. This has the look and the feel of the time from the buildings to the busses. It makes you feel that you are part of that time. At least you want to visit there.
Rating:
Summary: A noticing kind of person......
Review: Step back into Britain of the 1950s. WWII is over and this is your opportunity to enjoy a vanished world of vintage buses, cars and trains. Carry your leather suitcase into the vine covered cottage, or visit your old school chum in her palatial mansion. Observe the Vicar and his wife on their bicycles. Visit the Norman Church for Evensong and note original frescos installed during the Middle Ages. If you're free for a holiday, take a motorcoach trip and visit Blenheim and Stourton. Dine at a first class hotel in London where the waiters wear white gloves or have tea and cakes with Miss Jane Marple--she might even offer you a glass of elderberry wine. Miss Marple is a noticing kind of elderly woman who lives in the Village of Saint Mary Mead. Occasionally she travels hither and thither to visit friends or take advantage of a lovely trip planned by a nephew. She always has her knitting needles in hand, working on a baby blanket or a sweater for a nephew. Jane Marple--Godmother and Aunt to several young people--I wish I had known her personally--but this is the next best thing after the books. "There she goes, tail up and head down" on the trail of another murderer--and she will get her man or woman as the case may be. I agree with the reviewer who said one doesn't buy these DVDs with the expectation of Criterion remastering. Even so, the quality of the films on these DVDs is pretty darn good. I collect Criterion DVDs and expect them to be the fully restored works of art they are. However, some of the films Criterion has restored were so badly damaged they are NOT better than the Miss Marple films even when Criterion has done it's best. Also, many of the Criterion films are Black and White films from the 1930s and 1940s and of interest because of their filmography and/or the innovative techniques their directors employed. Some of these films were shot on a shoestring budget and it shows. Technology has improved dramatically since the 40s. The reason I buy the older Criterion films is to see how clever directors worked around technological constraints. Call me blind, but I think the quality of the Miss Marple tv films is pretty good. Although some outdoor scenes are faded in spots (the films were shot in color) the director had access to camerawork not available in the 40s. Also, these scripts are excellent and filled with interesting detail. Most Criterion films average 1-2 hours of playing time (not counting the "perks" which you may or may not be interested in) whereas Series 2 of the Miss Marple films offers the viewer 500 wonderful minutes. I am grateful that I have access to DVD copies of the Miss Marple stories, and I can watch them any time I want to. When I am watching them, I am reminded of life in the days when I was a young girl. Plus, today's tv entertainment is pretty much directed to the younger set whereas the Miss Marple films are probably better appreciated by older folks like me who lived through the forties and fifties--or younger folks who wish they had. The British actors in the BBC productions are consumate professionals. Joan Hickson was told by Agatha Chistie that she thought Hickson was the BEST Miss Marple ever! Incidentally, I believe Ms. Hickson appears in the Criterion version of THE LADY VANISHES and I know she is in one of the Margaret Rutherford films. If you've read Christie's novels, you know Hickson fits the description of Miss Marple far better than Margaret Rutherford. Christie described Miss Marple as tall and thin with fine white hair and twinkly blue eyes--a gentle person in a cardigan sweater carrying a bag with her knitting needles and latest project--not an agressive broad in a tweed suit. Many other fine British actors are featured in these films--Joss Ackland, Claire Bloom, Rosemary Crutchly all favorites of mine who can out perform the "mega" stars any day of the week. I love the vintage settings, costumes, clothing, china, knick-knacks and bric-a-brac, jewelry, shoes, hats, handbags, luggage, handkerchiefs--nothing is missing. I still own a handkerchief sachet with hand embroidered handkerchiefs my grandmother made --and one makes a very important appearance in a Miss Marple tale. The BBC maintains a museum in Stratford on Avon where one can view the costumes and other props used in various productions. The Miss Marple films give me a vicarious thrill and a trip down memory lane. Tea anyone??
Rating: 
Summary: Miss Marple, Set 1
Review: I am writing more in response to the reviews that refer to the quality of these DVD's or, rather, the lack thereof. I have to agree that these DVD's do not live up to anything Criterion puts out (no company does it better) but, on the other hand, I don't expect it to be that quality for the price paid. Also, these originally were filmed in that late 1980's and I would doubt that the original negatives were retained for recording purposes some 16 years later. I buy them because I love the character of Miss Marple and especially the quality performance of Joan Hickson. Further, comparing Hickson's performance of Miss Marple with Ms. Rutherford's (these were MGM British production in the mid-1960's and were made to be campy and funny--remember at least one of the movies made was originally an Hercule Poirot story) is like comparing Lord Laurence Olivier's portrayal of Henry V to something that John Cleese might do (heaven forbid!). So, take the quality as they are, relax and enjoy. If you want true digital quality, we must purchase anything that is produced from the original negative rather than a positive copied, and from a true, reputable producer of DVDs ...
Rating: 
Summary: Rutherford Reigns
Review: I know that technically I am wrong on every count. Joan Hickson is far closer to the character from the books than was Margaret Rutherford. The T.V. series stuck far more closely to the plots of the books and the style of the books than did the MGM films. And I know that, although they became great friends, Agatha Christie detested the films and thought Rutherford totally wrong for the part. Nevertheless, Margaret Rutherford had such charm and was clearly such an eccentric (as well as being an excellent character actress,) that I far prefer the generally maligned film series. To top it off, Ron Goodwin's soundtracks were terrific. It would be nice to see them on CD. (Fat chance.) By all means, perpetuate the series via DVD, but PLEASE, MGM or Ted Turner or whoever currently holds the rights, issue the Rutherford films on DVD as well. The less said the better, however, about MGM's ill-conceived, ill-fated attempt to launch an Hercule Poirot franchise with Tony Randall. And I LIKE Tony Randall. I loved him in The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao, which, through some uncharacteristic burst of good taste, IS on DVD and which should be purchased forthwith. When they actually manage to put out a deserving film, it is our responsibility to support the effort by buying it. The book (The Circus of Dr. Lao) is 20 times better than the movie and should still be in print. One more thing and then I will shut up. If you are a Margaret Rutherford fan, I strongly reccommend Mouse on the Moon. Granted, Peter Sellers is AWOL, but ya got yer Margaret, ya got yer Terry Thomas, yer Ron Moody, Bernard Cribbens, John Le Mesurier, etc. Ya got yer Richard Lester directing. Could the director of HELP do anything wrong? (Not much chance of The Bed-Sitting Room being issued on DVD, I suppose, is there?)
Rating:
Summary: this isn't a review but a question which to buy dvd or vhs
Review: many dvd's are even cut more than there old vhs originals I'm just wondering if I'd be better off buying the vhs version than the newer dvd version.Anyone who may have seen both versions please reply.
Rating:
Summary: Fairly good adaptations, lousy picture quality
Review: I love the Miss Marple stories. They are cozy, ingenious, and startling at the same time. Joan Hickson is marvelous as Miss Marples. The problems with these productions is two-fold: adaptation and picture quality. If more time had been alloted to each episode, then I'm sure these programs would have been better. As it is, things are rushed (as compared with the novels). In a mystery this is not a good thing. BUT this is a minor complaint compared to the horrendous picture quality of all but "They Do It With Mirrors." How any company could have the nerve to put this out and have the gall to charge for it is beyond me. You would think A&E would care more, but then just check out these same episodes when they are broadcast: the same lousy quality. The picture looks like it is several generations removed from the original and whatever source material was used for the transfer was faded, worn out, dirty, dull-looking (almost no contrast), and extremely grainy--in fact you could play connect the dots with the grain. In some scenes the picture has a wavering quality, especially near the top of the scene. Miss Marple and Agatha Christie deserve far better than this--not to mention us, the consumer. A&E should be thoroughly ashamed!
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