Adapted from three short works by Gaskell - the novellas My Lady Ludlow, Mr. However, taken on its own, Cranford is a rather startlingly assured gambol through stock Victorian fictional conventions, achieving both a lightness of touch (its comedy scenes can either be charmingly low-key or low-brow) and a depth of emotion that's an exceedingly rare combination in this type of TV series. I've never read any of Elizabeth Gaskell's work, so I can't vouch for the fidelity of this adaptation to either Gaskell's intent or tone. period dramas will be delighted at producer Sue Birtwistle, writer Heidi Thomas, and director Simon Curtis' care in crafting two thoroughly beguiling period comedy/dramas that have a distinctively modern, fresh feel. However, those viewers sated with the sometimes staid, almost rote rhythms and tones of such U.K. Based on the works of Victorian novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, and featuring an incredible cast of British actors including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Eileen Atkins, Sir Michael Gambon, Francesca Annis, Philip Glenister, Julia McKenzie, Imelda Staunton, Julia Sawalha and Simon Woods, the Cranford films have all the trappings of conventional British TV period pieces - gorgeous, lush location filming, impeccable costuming and set design, and of course a roster of exemplary performers.

BBC Video has released the three-disc Cranford: The Collection, which includes the original five-part miniseries from 2007, as well as the 2009 two-part follow-up that broadcast as a Christmas special in the U.K.

Author's Note: Since the three-disc set Cranford: The Collection contains the original DVD release of 2007's Cranford, as well as the 2009 Christmas special follow-up, labeled here Cranford: Return to Cranford, I've ported over my original review for Cranford, while adding some new thoughts on the sequel.Ī delightful Easter gift for anyone who hasn't yet experienced the Cranford films.

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