Jane Eyre (1961) DVD Review

In 1847 English writer Charlotte Brontë under her pen name "Currer Bell" published the novel Jane Eyre. It was a novel that was so far ahead of its time. That is probably why it has survived all these years and still is read, and it is adapted into movies almost 200 years later.

Now in the in the 1950s, 60s and 70s television station would air TV productions of classic novels on the networks to rave reviews. These were mini-movies and were extremely popular. Now adays we don't see made-for-TV movies anymore. And that is a shame.

Well Liberation Hall have been rescuing this classic TV production from obscurity and releasing them on DVD. So physical media fans can relive this TV production. We have seen such classics released as Harvey, Noon Wine, The Diary of Anne Frank and Of Mice and Men just to name a few. Now it's time for the production of Jane Eyre to receive its chance to live on DVD.

Beautiful and kind Jane Eyre is the new job as governess of young Adele at Thornfield Hall. The manor's master, Edward Rochester, is hated by the staff. At first, Jane intimidated, but that soon changes when she saves him from a dreadful bedroom fire.

Edward begins to include Jane in family events, and falls in love, announcing he has decided to marry Jane. But all is not well when Mason, Edward's brother-in-law shares a secret that will bring Jane's world crashing down.

Jane Eyre was broadcast on August 6th, 1961. I love TV productions of classic literature and Jane Eyre is no different. Zachary Scott (Mildred Pierce), Sally Ann Howes (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and Fritz Weaver (Black Sunday) are tremendous in this production. This production was produced by David Susskind and directed by Marc Daniels. He is known for directing episodes of classic TV shows like Star Trek the Original Series, I Love Lucy, Gunsmoke, Mission Impossible, Alice, Hogan's Heroes and so many more. He knows how to direct a TV show!

Liberation Hall has transferred 2 versions of this TV film to DVD. A feature complete with original commercials (59 minutes) and a version that is commercial free (50 minutes). The films are presented in full screen and the audio is a Dolby Digital 2.0. I was really impressed with the quality of this black and white print. For a TV production from the 1960s this looks great!

Liberation Hall deserves a lot of credit for keeping these classic TV productions alive. This production is 62 years old, and it looks amazing! And let's face it, it would be mostly forgotten if it wasn't for Liberation Hall! 

So if you love these TV productions as much as I do. This DVD release of Jane Eyre is a must own for your collection. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.


Out of 4 TV sets (4 being the best) Liberation Hall's DVD of Jane Eyre receives....