O Holy Night Comparisons

Well, since it is now post Christmas, there will only be three Christmas song comparison posts this year – but that’s okay. Up now, “O Holy Night” – and the winner surprised me (pleasantly). :)

Celtic Woman – 9

 

Best words to describe this version include clear, high, and light. As the song progresses, it moves to a louder volume that is absolutely lovely, and full of power. (After listening to multiple versions of this song, I realized that it requires power – and some singers did better than others.) I really love the building notes and volume. This version is one of my favorites!

Katherine Jenkins – 8.5

One really neat thing about this one is how Katherine rolls her notes. She keeps up a good pace – I love her voice! It’s a flowing version. The stringed instruments (I think they’re stringed…) are a lovely accompaniment. She has amazing volume and hits those high notes wonderfully.

Scotty McCreery – 9

 

Wow. He has such a rich young voice. I love it. His notes are perfect, of course, and the words are fully understandable. I love the even tempo. All in all? This is a beautiful version.

Susan Boyle – 8

This song definitely showcases Susan’s voice! She sure can belt it out – I am very impressed. She’s got a deeper voice than Katherine and Celtic Woman, but still beautiful. She’s also got a lot of loud volume – I feel like this version would be most amazing in person.

Il Volo – 9.5

 

Having never listened to these guys before, I didn’t really know what to expect…but wow. I loved this one. They’re kind of like Josh Groban or Il Divo. Smooth. Operatic. Powerful. I could listen to this song many times (indeed, I intend to!). Their harmonization is stunning. And I’m giving them an extra .5 for that held note towards the end! Love.

Placido Domingo – 8.5

I feel like he’s the male equivalent of Susan Boyle. But he’s better with this song than she was. He’s really loud and has amazing vibrato. A great voice. This is certainly not a relaxing version. I love the building notes and abrupt stop of background music there towards the end!

Favorite:

Oh dear. I have to choose one. I had several version that I really liked! But I think. Having listened to several again. That Il Volo really does deserve their 9.5 and they win! Close runners up include Celtic Woman (who was winning until Il Volo came along) and Scotty McCreery.

Your thoughts:

Did I mention your favorite version? If not, what version do you love and do I need to listen to it? And if so, which is your favorite?

Blue Christmas Comparisons

Due to finals and finally getting home for Christmas break, I’m later on getting this second post out than I intended…oh well. So it goes. So, here we go with variations on “Blue Christmas”! :)

Elvis – 8.5

{{Sadly, I'm unable to find a video of this version...weird, right? They won't work. So find your own!}} 

He starts right away, no waiting around for anything! It’s a song that you’ll want to bob your head to. There’s a nice steady beat too. The choir is an interesting touch. A pretty quick pace, and all in all, I’d describe it as cheery.

Michael Buble – 9.5

 

This version just has a newer feel than Elvis’ does. Michael has a super smooth voice, and his timing is just uneven enough to be catchy without being annoying – does that make any sense? And then that lovely instrument that has such a big part in this version – a horn of some sort? I’m hopeless with identification. After you learn it, and learn his variations, you’ll be singing along! Michael totally sings his heart out and it’s awesome. Summed up? It’s crazy cool. Love this version!

Kelly Clarkson - 9

 

A very pretty version! The piano is a lovely touch. Kelly has a stunning voice and I really like her tempo too! The song sways along in a beautiful way. This is a fresh take on this song! The musical interlude is really neat too – and this song alone makes me want to buy her newest album, Wrapped in Red! :)

Andrea Bocelli - 9

 

This version, unlike most others, actually sounds like Bocelli is feeling blue – which is appropriate for the song. It’s also pretty slow. And of course, operatic. Then too, Bocelli sings with Reba McEntire, and they have some cool harmonization. It’s a peaceful version, quieter and almost calming. Very steady.

Blake Shelton – 8.5

 

This one definitely had a quicker pace, especially since I listened right after Bocelli’s. There was some reflection of Elvis here (and also in Buble’s), but it was bad. I really love Blake’s voice and accent. This version? Fun and light.

Celine Dion – 8.5

 

I hadn’t listened to anything of Celine’s before, and was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this version! It has a very Christmasy feel from the very beginning. Celine’s voice is older than Kelly’s, smooth and slower than most of the version (except Bocelli’s), and easy to sing along to. I also really liked the background music. Her voice is also lower. A good version.

Glee – 8

I know, I know, me, listening to anything by the Glee cast? But several people online mentioned this as a favorite, so I gave it a shot – and it wasn’t too bad. The guy had a good steady voice, and I really liked the way the choir was done – barely noticeable in the background. This version was almost sleepy. I also liked the variations they included – fitting for the song.

Favorite:

Well. No way around it. Michael Buble’s version won. I really liked Kelly Clarkson’s and would list her as the runner-up, but Michael’s – it’s just so crazy and fun and I love it!

Your thoughts:

Did I mention your favorite version? If not, what version do you love and do I need to listen to it? And if so, which is your favorite?

The Christmas Song Comparisons

Last year, on each Saturday before Christmas in December, I did Christmas music comparisons – one song, several versions, and chose my favorite. It was a lot of fun, and I loved doing it, so I’m doing it again this year with four different songs! Here we go with the first song. :)

Frank Sinatra – 8.5

 

Quite an old-style version of this song, naturally. Almost in a style like a musical. Sinatra has great vibrato, and is very melodic. And the background choir – that’s what makes it old-style. Loved the touch of “Jingle Bells” melody. The choir was a neat touch! This one is relaxing.

Andrea Bocelli – 8.5

Sung with Natalie Cole. She has a really throaty voice for a woman. Bocelli’s voice is smooth and luscious though! I quite disliked Cole on here though. It’s got a very steady beat. I like the variations and I really like the ending. It’s slow. I gave it an 8.5 because of the gal, which I dislike.

Celtic Woman – 9

Such clear voices! A piano background, very lovely. Their voices are smiling and sound happy which I love! A very smooth and flowing song. I like the high parts – sparkling and lovely! Beautiful variation.

Blake Shelton – 9

A rather different beginning from most versions! Blake’s voice is quite similar to Bocelli’s, but with a country accent. A steady slow beat, and a classic feel. It’s a very peaceful and soothing song, especially during the music interlude.

Scotty McCreery – 9.5

Finally, a version that doesn’t have a piano background, but instead, guitar! I really liked that. Scotty has such a smooth and satiny voice, young, and I love it. Definitely easy to listen to. I love the tempo. Not a huge fan of the ending high note, but all in all? I love this version. A Western feel!

Katherine Jenkins – 9

As usual, a soaring and lovely voice! Again, I must use the word smooth and say her version is smoothly gliding. And her vibrato is great. I love the background music, and I love her soprano part as well!

Favorite:

Scotty McCreery wins. I love his version a lot. It’s absolutely wonderful.

Your thoughts:

Did I mention your favorite version? If not, what version do you love and do I need to listen to it? And if so, which is your favorite?

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Comparisons

Our last song comparison for this year...enjoy it! And don't forget to comment! Merry Christmas!

Bing Crosby -- 8 high

Amazingly rich voice. More American than Andrea Bocelli, but they're vaguely similar. Clear words. And it's beautiful, really! Cheerful but calm. Steady.

Frank Sinatra -- 8.5

He croons it. Slow and satiny. Amazing and a highly enjoyable voice. Repetitive, nicely. He does well with the tenor too. Calm and smooth. Like it!

Judy Garland -- 8

The original! It has uneven timing (which I'm not used to which is weird since this started it all). But Judy has really amazing vibrato and quite a deep voice. It's a short song here. She is so young for that voice! Neat timing though. :)

Amy Grant -- 8 high

Quiet and low and quite gentle. Almost soothing. She's not a show off here! Also quite short, but easy to listen to. It'll put you to sleep if you're tired!

Katherine Jenkins -- 8

{{no video, the CD is too new}}

Katherine has a beautiful voice, but this isn't meant to be an operatic song. Her voice soars in a lovely manner, but it's not right for this song. Great job/voice, wrong style. Nice variations too.

Michael Buble -- 8

Perfect style -- rhythmic and smooth. Done in a gentle way for Michael. And not really un-traditional at all either, which is nice. Good.

Celtic Woman -- 8.5

Beautiful harmony! No instruments for the first half or so. One word? Lovely. It's absolutely flawless -- doesn't get much better! Delightful!

Favorite:

Frank Sinatra won. Though Celtic Woman is a close second! But honestly, Frank is great here. :)

Your thoughts:

What's your favorite? Have you seen Judy Garland sing the original in Meet Me in St. Louis? Comment! And Merry Christmas!

First Noel Comparisons

When I decided to do song comparisons, I knew I'd have to do this one this year...it's always been a favorite of mine, and "Noelle" is actually my middle name! And after hearing my favorite version...well, I couldn't leave it out. This song. Or that version. Here we go!

Susan Boyle -- 8.5 high

Strange timing, but not discordant. Overall: peaceful. And calming. Satiny. I like it!

Scotty McCreery -- 9.5

Anyone wanna guess what my favorite was? ;) This guy has Josh Turner's voice. Love it! Guitar and string instruments accompany him. It's a country Christmas! The words are clear...it's truly lovely.

Bob Dylan -- 7

I didn't know what to expect when I downloaded this...and I'm still recovering, a week later. His voice is very raspy, it sounds painful! The harmony is weird; the voice, annoying. I think his voice and the way he groans and rasps, would be appropriate for a drinking song. But not this one. If I was a wiseman, I'd be offended. :P

Josh Groban and Faith Hill -- 8.5

A huge relief to the ears after Bob Dylan! Their voices complement each other in a lovely manner, and it's so smooth! Josh sings the melody and Faith accompanies most of the time. Pleasant. And they do sing out! But very nicely, unlike SOME versions.

Favorite:

Scotty McCreery all the way. So beautiful! I loved it and am still loving it!

Your thoughts:

What's your favorite version? Did I get it on this list? :)

White Christmas Comparisons

I had a lot of fun comparing all these versions of White Christmas! Good song. :) Here we go! Oh, first? This was the hardest song to choose a favorite. Out of all four I'm comparing this month!

Celtic Woman -- 8.5

Beautiful. Fairly basic (love that video tho). Quite soprano, but certainly not unpleasant. There's some lovely harmonizing! Splendid! 

Il Divo -- 8.5

Varying male voices, extremely pleasant. Excellent vibrato on some parts! Some in Latin? Or probably Italian? I don't know. But either way...it's stunning. 

 Michael Buble -- 8.5 high

Sung with Shania Twain. It has a very methodical background beat with no tune. It's certainly not traditional, but it's memorable. One word to describe? Catchy. :) Fun and steady. I discovered on listening to Elvis' that it's almost an exact copy, with just a few changes!

Andrea Bocelli -- 8.5

Note that this is my fourth 8.5...and there are more to come! He calls it White Christmas/Bianco Natale. Some of it's in Italian? I think. It's rich and flowing, mostly deep and quite stirring. Lovely. Great  voice, and an octave below Michael Buble's.

Bing Crosby -- 8.5

See, I love all these 8.5 versions and can't rank them lower! Bing Crosby's feels very old-style -- that's how I'd describe it. But not less delightful! I like his voice -- hadn't heard it before. It's a slow song. And oh! The whistling and humming! Very good.

Elvis -- 8

Before you condemn me, note that this is my very first Elvis song ever. Except for Just Do It which I did hear once...or was the Michael Jackson's? ANYWAY. I don't usually listen to Elvis. But here, I liked it...he has a voice like Michael Buble, but his pronounciation of the words seemed sloppy. It's basic, and you'll want to sway with it. Interesting variations.

Ella Fitzgerald -- 8

Slightly rough voice, mostly pleasant and okay though. Some good vibrato. A deep voice for a woman, seemed to me. Usually it would be easy to sing along with as far as rhythm. Easy listening.

Favorite:

In the end, Michael Buble's won as my all-time favorite version of White Christmas. But Bing Crosby was a close second!

Your opinion:

What is your favorite, and what versions did I miss? :)

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Comparisons

Firstly. Before we begin. Let me explain. I decided that this year, it would be fun to publish comparisons of several versions of one song each of the first four Sundays in December. They're all songs I enjoy, and I think you really will too. So, here we go with the first one! Make sure and read to the end -- leave me a comment. :)

  

Phillips, Craig and Dean - 8.5

 

Full of beautiful harmonization -- you'll enjoy that! There's a steady beat in the background, but the tempo varies through the song, however that works. It's very good.

Best of Celtic Christmas - 8.5

 {{unable to find on youtube, but available on Amazon}}

 

Peaceful. If I had to describe it with one word, that word would definitely be smooth. It's also slow and gentle -- a song to play when trying to sleep. Beautiful and calming! Gently repetitive. 

Enya - 8.5

Sung in a classically Enya way, reminiscent of May It Be. Crisp and clear, and not super slow like some versions. Interesting chorus, I though. Definitely spotlights her voice! 

Francesca Battistelli - 8

 A deeper voice than the previous ones, certainly. It bugged me that I noticed every breath she took. You can often hear them, but here, I thought they were very noticeable -- rather annoying. The words are easy to follow, and she has a basic piano accompaniment. 

Katherine Jenkins - 9

{{Since the song is on her newest CD, they don't have it on youtube. SO. Go buy the CD, it's worth it. And there's the trailer.}}

 

So beautiful. A smooth and gentle two verses and one chorus, then a suddenly swelling and absolutely thrilling chorus! A great exhibit of Katherine's beautiful voice. My descriptive word here? Thrilling.

Favorite:

I think it's obvious: Katherine Jenkins. That was the song that inspired me to do all the song comparisons that are coming this month! 

Your opinion:

How familiar are you with this song? What version did I miss that you love/know? Leave a comment and tell me! Oh, and do you enjoy one of these more than my favorite?

Persuasion Comparison: Part 4

This is the 4th and final post of the Persuasion films comparison by guest posters Miss Amy Dashwood of Yet Another Period Drama Blog, Miss Laurie of Old-Fashioned Charm, Miss Melody of Regency Delight and Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Elegance of Fashion. In this part they compare music, scenery and costumes from the 1995 and 2007 adaptations of Jane Austen's Persuasion and tell which film version they prefer and why.

Music

Miss Amy Dashwood: The 2007 theme, though hauntingly lovely, was a bit repetitive and I got tired of hearing it after about half an hour. However, it did have several variations and the harp/piano arrangements were quite pretty. I did prefer the 1995 theme music (sigh. I sound like a broken record) because it was more varied, and I loved how it was sweeping and dramatic one moment and quiet and soothing the next
Miss Laurie: The 1995 soundtrack is mostly pieces by Frédéric Chopin and Johann Sebastian Bach with a couple compositions by Jeremy Samms and each piece seems to whisk us away into the Regency world, I especially love the pieces that play during the scenes at Lyme because they perfectly capture the rolling feeling of the sea. Most of the 2007 soundtrack was composed by Martin Phipps especially for the film and each piece is very moving and just brilliant. It's hard to choose a favorite here but the 2007 music is almost a bit repetitive and how can you compare a new composer to the old masters? So I guess I like the 1995 music best.
Miss Melody: A lot of the music in the 1995 film were Chopin pieces rather than a fresh soundtrack, and while I liked some of it, other times it seemed out of place and rather took away from some of the scenes’ significance or continuity. Some of the 2007 music was all right, but a lot of it was too modern-sounding, and didn’t really seem to go. Though Anne plays Moonlight Sonata briefly, which for some reason or other scores a lot of points with me—though I should ignore it, because that’s not part of the soundtrack. Overall I think the 2007 music went better with its movie than the 1995 soundtrack went with that one, if that makes any sense. (Whether or not I have purposefully avoided declaring a particular preference, I shall leave you to determine.)
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: There are two different tones that each adaptation uses. The 1995 version's music has a bouncier tone while the 2007 version has a much slower, sadder tone to it. To me, Persuasion isn't that sad of a book (maybe more serious, but not sad), so I'm going to have to go with the 1995 music.

Scenery

Miss Amy Dashwood: The scenery in 2007 can be summed up in one word: bleak. Shades of gray and green and more gray, predominantly. I’m not saying it’s not beautiful—it is!—but the outdoors seemed to be constantly shrouded in mist, whether the story was taking place in Lyme, the streets of Bath, or the countryside near Kellynch. The interiors were better, but the colors were still soft and muted—appropriate for the quietly charming story. The 1995 scenery was nothing to write home about, but at least it wasn’t quite as gloomy as in 2007. One complaint I did have was that the interiors were often poorly lit and it was hard to see the actors’ faces—overall, both versions had their good points and bad points.
Miss Laurie: The composition of the 2007 film's scenes are visually stunning, so filled with color and light that they are quite like works of art. There are picturesque country houses, storm swept walks in Lyme, views over rolling hills and the view of historic Royal Crescent in Bath is very impressive. But overall I prefer the 1995 scenery because the country houses, Bath scenes and even Lyme just look like real place where real people are living. I also think the 1995 film was shot using a wider lens because the country houses look grander, the walks through rambling country fields are more vast and the scenes of strolling on the seashore and Cobb at Lyme are just gorgeous!
Miss Melody: The 1995 scenery was quite nice, and seemed quite Jane Austen Adaptation-ish (which, obviously, is a good thing to me). The general feel of the 2007 scenery, colors, and filming of this one seemed to be more dark; not the old-fashioned, happy feeling I like Jane Austen movies to have, so I believe I favor the 1995 scenery.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: The scenery in both are almost nearly opposites. The 1995 movie had very colorful scenery, while the 2007 version had darker and -- dare I say it? -- more washed-out colors. I have a preference for more colorful scenery, so I'm going to have to say that the 1995 scenery was better.

Costumes

Miss Amy Dashwood: Hands down, I preferred the costumes in 1995, as I’m assuming that we’re including hairstyles in this comparison as well. Anne’s severe updo in the 2007 version left me wincing whenever she moved her face (it must have been pretty painful, so tightly pulled back!). Many of the characters in 2007 wore unflattering clothes, and I preferred the slightly older (that is, they looked well worn) outfits of the 1995 version. (Anne’s dress at the concert was especially lovely.)
Miss Laurie: I'd never really thought about which costumes I've prefer until recently reading a costumer's thoughts on how the 1995 costumes are amazingly period correct down to the tiniest details. And even though the customs regarding when navy officers were allowed to wear their uniforms were not always observes the uniforms are so dashing that you don't mind any historical mistakes. The 2007 costumes are richer in the fabrics and more jewelry and accessories are worn but I find that the colors, fabrics and accessories often don't suit the character who is wearing them so that most characters are dressed to extravagantly. I prefer the simpler styles of the 1995 film with it's earthy color palate because the costumes truly suit the characters who wear them.
Miss Melody: I liked the costumes in the 1995 version depending on the character; for instance, I really liked most of Anne’s, but Lady Russell’s never impressed me favorably. One thing I liked about the 2007 costumes was that there weren’t as many low necklines as many Jane Austen movies have, but other than that they weren’t really very interesting, though I did love Louisa’s hat. I suppose it was stained beyond washing after her fall – what a shame. ;-) Anyways, I suppose I’ll go with 1995.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: I liked both sets of costumes. One of the good things about the 1995 version was that the costuming was very accurate to the Regency era. While I did like most of the costuming for the 2007 version, I did not like how during the concert scene Elizabeth Elliot, Mrs. Clay, and Lady Dalrymple had hair that was reminiscent of 1830s hairstyles (and hairstyles that have been taken to an extreme). Because of that, I'm going to have to go with the 1995 costuming.

Overall

Miss Amy Dashwood: In case you haven’t noticed yet, I preferred the 1995 version by far. It seemed to me to capture the very essence of Jane Austen’s lovely novel, and made me want to re-read the book—the highest praise I can give any literary adaptation! The 2007 version felt rushed: I didn’t have enough time to get to know the characters as well as I would have liked, and if I hadn’t read the book first, I might have been confused by some events. Definitely, the 1995 version was superior. Poignantly beautiful, occasionally hilarious, moving and all-around wonderful, Persuasion 1995 was a real treat to watch. I will look forward to seeing it again—and may I add that 1995 was an excellent year for Jane Austen adaptations.
Miss Laurie: Each film version is very sweet, beautifully filmed and are lovely period dramas in their own right. But taking the good points and the bad together Persuasion 1995 has so many more strengths and is so much closer the the book. To me the 2007 version seemed to be focused on making a pretty and romantic film instead of being faithful to the spirit of Jane Austen; the cast were popular modern choices and the scenes are written with a flair for the sappy romanticism. The 1995 film to me is like a peek into what Jane Austen's world was really like and it's to the story and the spirit of its author. And if you couldn't already tell Persuasion 1995 is probably my favorite Jane Austen adaptation of all time! 
Miss Melody: To say the truth I can’t decide which I prefer, and I don’t want to try. I know I should like the 1995 version better because it pays the most attention to detail/how things were in the book (except for changing a couple of the minor characters’ first names), but I don’t enjoy it more than the other, and tallying up all my favorites from everything else would make the 2007 version win. Really I don’t think either one holds a candle to the book, and there are things I like and dislike about each of them in different ways. I must mention that I liked how Anne kept a journal in the 2007 version, because it relayed what she was thinking in the book.  In short I think it all comes back to Captain Wentworth— he wasn’t the greatest in 2007, but frankly I just can’t stand him in the 1995 version, and I hope that Certain Other Bloggers won’t kill me now that I’ve said that.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: There were things that I preferred in the 1995 version over the 2007 version and vice versa. While there were a lot of things that I very much liked about the 1995 version, I still think my favorite is the 2007 version. I found that the 2007 version had better actors/actresses for their characters.

Navigate to the Different Parts of the Persuasion Comparison!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Charity: Well, readers, you've reached the end of these wonderful guest posts! I just finished reading them through for the first and enjoyed them so much. Thanks, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Melody, Miss Laurie, and Miss Amy! I know you put an amazing amount of work into these posts, and I greatly appreciate that. I loved these posts! Most interesting. Thank you again, ladies!

Persuasion Comparison: Part 3

This is the 3rd post of the Persuasion films comparison by guest posters Miss Amy Dashwood of Yet Another Period Drama Blog, Miss Laurie of Old-Fashioned Charm, Miss Melody of Regency Delight and Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Elegance of Fashion. In this part they compare four of the major scenes from the 1995 and 2007 adaptations of Jane Austen's Persuasion.

Anne & Captain Wentworth Meet Again

Miss Amy Dashwood: Sally Hawkins did an admirable job of conveying Anne’s nervousness and awkwardness in the 2007 version of this scene. Rupert Penry-Jones’ Wentworth is again a little too stiff, and seems completely unfazed by meeting Anne again. In the 1995 version, both actors clearly show the characters’ feelings after meeting again, without overdoing it—and Captain Wentworth isn’t rude. It was in this scene that I began to like Ciaran Hinds’ portrayal tremendously. Coincidentally, it was in this scene that he first appeared, but that is immaterial.
Miss Laurie: The 2007 film's cinematography is gorgeous with the colors and movement of Anne staring out the cottage window. There is much excitement from Henrietta and Louisa like in the book, but I dislike that Captain Wentworth's face falls from friendly to cold and a bit resentful when he sees Anne.  The 1995 version includes more details from the book and Captain Wentworth is open and friendly during the call and is not at all resentful in his looks. The touches of Anne gripping the chair and her eyes growing ever wider perfectly fit her quiet character. Overall I prefer the 1995 version of the scene because it is happier and follows more closely to how Jane Austen wrote the scene in the book.
Miss Melody: In the 1995 version, this scene failed to impress me as much as I would have liked it to — it needed something else with the filming, perhaps — though I did, as always, enjoy Amanda Root’s acting. In the 2007 adaptation there was also something lacking, and the music was kind of spacey and distracting and didn’t go with the scene at all. Overall, I think I liked the 2007 scene better — probably just because of Captain Wentworth — though they are mostly equal.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Both scenes had their high points. I liked how in the 1995 movie, Anne is clutching the chair behind her to show that she was nervous as Mary is introducing Captain Wentworth to her, but I don't think Ciaran Hinds's Captain Wentworth had enough emotion in that scene. The 2007 version was more emotional. You can tell that Captain Wentworth was very much affected and so was Anne. I think I'll have to go with the 2007 version's scene since the emotion is more present in that scene.

Louisa Musgrove's Fall

Miss Amy Dashwood: In the 2007 version, Louisa’s fall happened so fast—and off-camera—that I had hardly noticed it before it was over. In contrast, the 1995 version slowed it down a bit too much, putting Louisa in slow motion as she came down, which was slightly creepy. Anne’s reaction was well-played in both—collected, quick and ready to help. Captain Wentworth’s reaction, however, was much better in 1995, where he was horrified at what had happened and immediately blamed himself. In 2007, he seemed hardly more upset than an uninvolved passer-by might be. I definitely preferred the 1995 scene, as it showed how well Anne and Wentworth worked together under pressure.
Miss Laurie: I like how in the 1995 version even though the scene runs quickly but there is time for Captain Wentworth and the others to give Louisa a few warnings and for him to start running back to try and catch her before she jumps. It's nice her jump and the shot of her "lifeless" on the pavement is slowed down so you get the full idea of what has happened and after her fall the other character's actions and words are very faithful to the book, they react quickly and to Anne's directions. I find that in the 2007 version the actual jumping flies so quickly by that it's difficult to understand what has happened to Louisa, then the focus shifts to Captain Wentworth taking off his cravat to press against her wound and ends with he and Anne staring melodramatically into each other's eyes. I infinitely prefer the 1995 version of the scene because it follows the book almost to the letter.
Miss Melody: I hardly ever like the slow motion effect, and it annoyed me in the 1995 scene. I think the fall should happen all of the sudden, as that’s how it was in the book; when it’s slow motion, you know that something big is happening. I liked the 2007 scene, but it wasn’t as good as the book either. (We need Mary’s “She is dead! She is dead!” scream to be present and noticeable.) Overall I prefer the 2007 one.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: In the 1995 scene, we see Louisa in slow motion falling towards the ground before she is knocked unconscious. The angle that they had it during her fall, I thought, would have been better if it was at a different angle, like a side angle or something. The 2007 fall did not actually show her falling and it was very quick; the scene would have been a little better if they actually showed her falling. Since the accident was supposed to happen quickly, I'm going to have to go with the 2007 version.

Captain Wentworth's Letter & Proposal

Miss Amy Dashwood: I’m beginning to sound redundant, but I liked the 1995 version of this scene so much better. In 2007, Anne’s race through the Bath streets following her receipt of the letter was downright indecorous, not to mention the fact that the scene with the letter itself was much less dramatic and moving than it could have been. But in 1995, I was actually tearing up during Anne’s reading of the letter (don’t you dare judge me) and then openly crying as Anne and Captain Wentworth kissed in the street with the convenient circus parade going by. Like I said, don’t judge me. It’s Jane Austen, peoples. It’s gorgeous.
Miss Laurie: The 2007 scene is a frenzy of movement that sees Anne Elliot, a genteel Regency woman, actually running after reading Captain Wentworth's letter, and her running down one street only to have to turn around and run all the way back hardly makes sense! The proposal scene is strange and drawn out, too breathy and they take such a long time to reach each other's lips that the kiss is actually pretty gross. I greatly prefer the 1995 scene because it follows the book very closely and includes sweet things such as Captain Wentworth listening to Anne talk about constancy, him writing the letter and calling Anne's attention to it, him taking her hand in his when they meet in the street and even their gentle kiss isn't too out of keeping with Jane Austen's story. I love how it ends with the couple walking away arm in arm and only wish they had included a scene where we could hear what they were saying!
Miss Melody: The 1995 version is pretty good up to the point where Captain Wentworth gives Anne the letter, but I disliked the ‘reading voice’ changing from Wentworth to Anne and back again as Anne was reading the letter, and the following scene, where Anne and Wentworth come to an understanding, I would have liked better if that noisy parade wasn’t going by. The 2007 version struck me as more romantic and I liked the voice we were hearing for the letter better. Although Anne running around Bath after Captain Wentworth does not annoy me as much as it does some people, I didn’t appreciate that, because it wasn’t how the book had it and wasn’t very in character for prudent Anne. I enjoy watching the 2007 one better (especially the bit when Anne and Captain Wentworth are actually talking—“and nothing, you may be sure, will ever persuade me otherwise!”) but I’m going to have to choose the 1995 version, just because accuracy to the book is very important to me as a devoted Janeite.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: I had my issues with both letter/proposal scenes. The 1995 version was probably closer to the book, but when Anne and Captain Wentworth kiss, there's a parade going on behind them? Would that have passed in Regency England? However, the 2007 version featured "Anne's marathon through Bath" *Cue slow motion running song*. The one that I prefer? Probably the 1995 version since it was more realistic.

Ending Scenes

Miss Amy Dashwood: Frankly, the 2007 ending scene made up for all the little bits and pieces that I disliked in the rest of the film. Maybe I’m just a sentimentalist, but I found the spinning hug utterly adorable, though the whole blindfold-Anne-and-bring-her-back-to-her-own-house a bit confusing. Captain Wentworth didn’t buy Kellynch Hall in the book, did he? The 1995 ending scene was sweet as well—I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Anne’s horrid family get their comeuppance when Wentworth asked Sir Walter for her hand, and when the happy couple sailed off in their ship together… well, I melted. Again.
Miss Laurie: I love that the 1995 film includes a scene of Captain Wentworth publicly asking for Anne's hand in marriage because it gives us a chance to see their friends and family's reaction to their engagement. And the ending with Anne on board ship with her Captain sailing off into the sunset is very sweet and but simple. The 2007 ending with Captain Wentworth surprising his wife by buying Kellynch and then dancing an impromptu waltz on the front lawn is very romantic and always makes me smile but unfortunately unlikely to have happened since the house was part of the baronetcy and probably couldn't be sold. I think the 1995 scene of Anne sailing with her Naval Captain husband is more in keeping with the way Jane Austen ended the story.
Miss Melody: I liked how the end of the 1995 version gave us a glimpse of what was to be in the future for Captain and Mrs. Wentworth, and that she was to sail with him. Very sweet. The 2007 version was likewise very sweet, though the thing about Kellynch being Anne’s wedding present has always been hard to decipher. And while it’s cute to have them waltzing in the lawn, waltzing was not the fashion yet and they probably wouldn’t have known how to do it, if I am not much mistaken. As for my favorite, I just can’t choose! I think each was nice in its own way, and fits very well with the version it belongs to.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: I liked both endings. The 1995 version had Anne on the ship that Captain Wentworth was commanding that was sailing out to sea, and the 2007 version had Captain Wentworth giving Kellynch to Anne as a wedding present. Probably out of the two, the 1995 version was more realistic. The 2007 version is not clear whether Captain Wentworth now owns Kellynch or if he is just letting it, but nevertheless it would be fairly difficult for him to do either (with convincing Sir Walter to allow him to buy/let it). But at the same time, I found the 2007 version sweeter. I think I may have to say the 2007 version, but only by a hair.

Navigate to the Different Parts of the Persuasion Comparison!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 4

Persuasion Comparison: Part 2

This is the 2nd post of the Persuasion films comparison by guest posters Miss Amy Dashwood of Yet Another Period Drama Blog, Miss Laurie of Old-Fashioned Charm, Miss Melody of Regency Delight and Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Elegance of Fashion. In this part they compare actors who portray minor characters in the 1995 and 2007 adaptations of Jane Austen's Persuasion.

Charles and Mary Musgrove

Simon Russell Beale and Sophie Thompson (1995) 

Sam Hazeldine and Amanda Hale (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: Sam Hazeldine and Amanda Hale (2007) were only so-so in their roles as the Musgroves, with Mr. Hazeldine in particular being quite forgettable. I found Amanda Hale’s voice incredibly irritating, and though Mary is supposed to be an irritating character, I was tempted to groan every time she appeared. Simon Russell Beale and Sophie Thompson (1995) were much better suited to the parts, and I found myself actually liking Charles Musgrove.

Miss Laurie: Sophie Thompson as Mary keeps in character and the timing of her lines is actually quite comedic so that the character is quite hilarious. Simon Russell Beale captures Charles as the sportsman who enjoys shooting but also shows the kind, fatherly and brotherly side of his character. Amanda Hale makes a younger and prettier Mary and her unique take on the character makes Mary exuberant, youthful and quite childish in her manners. Sam Hazeldine plays a quieter and gentler Charles who usually indulges his wife but also seems to pay a bit too much wistful attention to Anne. Overall I prefer the 1995 Charles & Mary Musgrove because with their respective hunting and whining they are a perfectly matched pair and very much as Jane Austen described.
Miss Melody: Simon Russell Beale and Sophie Thompson (1995) & Sam Hazeldine and Amanda Hale (2007)

Simon Russell as Charles didn’t impress me favorably, but then Charles has never exactly been a favorite character of mine. Sophie Thompson’s Mary was very good. Sam Hazeldine played the part well, as did Amanda Hale—she did very well (and annoyingly) as Mary, but sort of in a different way than Sophie Thompson. As a couple, I would probably choose the two from 2007—they were just more interesting. But who knows, a year from now I may have a different opinion.

Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Sophie Thompson's Mary Musgrove was much more comedic than Amanda Hale's Mary Musgrove, whose comments it would seem you are supposed to take seriously (plus it seemed like you were supposed to pity her). I didn't see enough either of Charles Musgrove  to really form much of an opinion on, so I may have to base my decision on Mary. That being said, I think Sophie Thompson's Mary was closer to the book than Amanda Hale's Mary, so I'm going to have to go with 1995 Charles and Mary Musgrove.

Admiral and Mrs. Croft

John Woodvine and Fiona Shaw (1995) & Peter Wight and Marion Bailey (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: John Woodyine and Fiona Shaw (1995) were excellent in their roles as the jolly, pleasant Crofts, and I sincerely liked them, but Ms. Shaw’s hairstyle got on my nerves at times— all those little forehead curls reminded me of Fanny Dashwood! Peter Wight and Marion Bailey (2007) were also quite good, and I think it’s a toss-up between the two couples.
Miss Laurie: Fiona Shaw as Mrs. Croft is the perfect older sister for Captain Wentworth; you quickly catch her enthusiasm for travel and understand how much she admires and loves her husband. John Woodvine presents a tall, noble Admiral Croft who is very easy to imagine in command of a fleet and is actually shown on board ship at the beginning of the film. Marion Bailey looks well over the 40-year-old Mrs. Croft and is almost too fine in her appearance to be very convincing as the world traveler. Peter Wight does not really look like a navy Admiral and overall he actually plays the character as too thoughtful and personable. Although the 2007 Crofts have some fun interactions and discussions about "Frederick", I greatly prefer the 1995 Crofts with their truly devoted but slightly haphazard relationship. 
Miss Melody: I liked Admiral Croft’s portrayal in the 1995 version, and Fiona Shaw did Mrs. Croft very well & memorably, though I didn’t care for her hair either. There was nothing wrong with the two from 2007 exactly, but I easily preferred both actors in the 1995 version for those roles.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Aww! I loved both versions! They were so kind and sweet to Anne! I think, for the most part, I liked Fiona Shaw's Mrs. Croft a little better than Marion Bailey's, but I prefered Peter Wight's Admiral Croft to John Woodvine's (I thought John Woodvine looked a little too frail to be an admiral). So, I can't really pick which couple I liked better, but I will say that I liked 1995 Mrs. Croft better and 2007 Admiral Croft better.

Captain James Benwick

Richard McCabe (1995) & Finlay Roberton (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: Finlay Robertson’s portrayal of Captain Benwick in the 2007 version left much to be desired—maybe I’m just easily confused, but I kept getting him mixed up with Captain Harville. I definitely preferred Richard McCabe (1995) but his portrayal of Benwick made the character seem rather air-headed and not particularly likable.
Miss Laurie: Richard McCabe of the 1995 film is at first glance a strange choice for Captain Benwick as he does not look like a young man who is relentlessly grieving for his lost love, but he does have the look of a navy officer and when he quotes Byron at Anne he perfectly transforms into the character. Finlay Roberton of the the 2007 film is younger and better looking but in his few short scenes he steals away Captain Harville's words on constancy from the book and those words coming from him almost make him seem cheeky to Anne. Overall I prefer the 1995 Captain Benwick because his character is portrayed closer to the book. 
Miss Melody: Richard McCabe’s Benwick… well, he was too heavy, and his hair irritated me. Call me silly if you will. Finlay Roberton annoyed me too, actually, but he was closer to what I would have pictured reading the book.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: I liked both Captain Benwick's well enough, but there was something that bothered me a little bit about the 1995 version's Captain Benwick. Finaly Roberton's Captain Benwick in the 2007 version was melancholic since his fiancee (Captain Harville's sister) died. You could see that he was in pain and that he was deeply in mourning. With Richard McCabe, I didn't get that sense. He seemed to rally his spirits a little bit better, but (if I remember correctly), Captain Benwick is supposed to be very much in mourning. Because of that, I'm going to have to go with Finlay Roberton's Captain Benwick.

Captain Harville

Robert Glenister (1995) & Joseph Mawle (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: Joseph Mawle (2007) was closer to Anne’s age, and seemed okay for the part, but a bit boring and forgettable. I infinitely preferred Robert Glenister (1995)—he was fun, jolly, genuinely concerned for his friend Benwick, warm and welcoming to Captain Wentworth and the rest of the party, and an all-around nice guy.
Miss Laurie: Robert Glenister as Captain Harville makes a good friend to Captain Wentworth, a kind and generous former sea captain with a believable limp. I love that they show his feelings as a husband and father with his family being introduced and in his discussion with Anne about the constancy of men and women. The 2007 film strangely christens the character "Harry" but includes the lovely scene of him thanking Anne for her efforts to cheer Captain Benwick and adds delightful scenes of Captain Wentworth confiding in him about Louisa and Anne. But in cutting out Mrs. Harville, their children and changing the scene where he should be discussing constancy with Anne, Joseph Mawle's Captain Harville is flatter and underdeveloped. Overall I prefer the 1995 Harville because although his scenes are short he is everything that Jane Austen wrote. 
Miss Melody: Robert Glenister’s Captain Harville was very nice, and I liked his speech towards the end where he is talking to Anne; the famous “loving longest when all hope is gone” part. As for the 2007 version, I liked the way Captain Wentworth & Harville’s friendship was more pronounced. As for the actor, though, I suppose I’ll choose Robert Glenister.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: I really liked how the 1995 version included his family. The 2007 version did not mention if Captain Harville had a family or not. Robert Glenister's Captain Harville I thought was more accurate to the Captain Harville in the book: in one way it was more accurate, in the book Captain Harville was wounded and (presumably) had some sort of cane with him. Joseph Mawle's was well and able to walk around on the beach! There was also more of Captain Harville in the 1995 version, so I'm going to have to go with Robert Glenister's Captain Harville.

Mrs. Penelope Clay

Felicity Dean (1995) & Mary Stockley (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: To be honest, neither portrayal of Mrs. Clay (Felicity Dean in 1995 and Mary Stockley in 2007) greatly impressed me. Both seemed rather boring and not as well-developed as they could have been, which was a pity because every character Jane Austen created deserves to be treated well. But if I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be Felicity Dean (1995) because Mary Stockley’s (2007) springy Shirley Temple curls annoyed me. An intellectual observation, I know.
Miss Laurie: Felicity Dean's Mrs. Clay is a tad silly, hang onto every word from Elizabeth and Sir Walter and has the freckles and slightly bucked teeth which fit Jane Austen's description of a not beautiful simpering woman whose freckles improve under the constant use of Gowland's lotion. Mary Stockley presents a beautiful young woman whose smiles could be of serious interest to Sir Walter but she doesn't fit the book's description very well. I prefer the 1995 Mrs. Clay with her humorous awkward moments that make me giggle every time! 
Miss Melody: Felicity Dean’s Mrs. Clay annoyed me a good deal; I cannot say why, exactly, but she did. (She did look like a Penelope, however.) Mary Stockley’s representation seemed to do a little more than just hang out with the Elliots, saying very little and being rather insipid as the 1995 Mrs. Clay did. Mary Stockley was more suited to how I imagined the character, I think.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Mrs. Clay, in both versions, is just there -- like she is in the book. She has a small role, but doesn't say very much, so we don't really know more about her character other than she is most likely trying to marry Sir Walter. The Mrs. Clay in the book isn't supposed to be very pretty (at least, to Sir Walter's eyes), so this comparison might be based on looks. In short, I found that Mary Stockley was a pretty Mrs. Clay and that Felicity Dean was not a pretty Mrs. Clay, so I'm going to have to give my vote to Felicity Dean's Mrs. Clay.

Mr. and Mrs. Musgrove

Roger Hammond and Judy Cornwell (1995)

Nicholas Farrell and Stella Gonet (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: Nicholas Farrell and Stella Gonet (2007) were by far my favorite of the Musgroves. Roger Hammond and Judy Cornwell (1995) were not quite as endearing, and Mrs. Musgrove’s reaction to Louisa’s fall bordered on frightening. (Fun fact: Nicholas Farrell played Edmund Bertram, another Jane Austen character, in Mansfield Park 1983.)
Miss Laurie: Judy Cornwall as a great comedic actress brings a lot of life, laughter and motherly warmth to the 1995 Mrs. Musgrove. Roger Hammond makes a jovial Mr. Musgrove with the kindness of an old-fashioned country gentleman. Stella Gonet of the 2007 version presents a sweet and motherly Mrs. Musgrove but her dresses and jewels almost make her too fine to fit the character. Nicholas Farrell makes a kind and caring Mr. Musgrove who even strangely helps Anne set his grandson's broken collar bone, but lacks the natural good humor of the character. Overall though both films cut out facets of the Musgrove's lives I prefer the 1995 Mr. & Mrs. Musgrove because their lively manners seem to set Anne completely at ease in their company.

Miss Melody: Roger Hammond must have been good enough, for I do not remember disliking him, it is just that I do not remember him at all. I do remember Judy Cornwell, though, and I liked her well enough. As for 2007, I liked Nicholas Farrell but didn’t really notice Stella Gonet. If I had to choose a couple, I would pick the one from 2007, but they are both about the same, I think.

Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Both are good, but have different approaches. With Roger Hammond and Judy Cornwell, I had the impression that they were more of a jolly couple (more of a comedic effect?), but with Nicholas Farrell and Stella Gonet, I found them to be a more serious couple (not in a bad way, of course), but at the same time, they were very warm to Anne. I think my preference is Nicholas Farrell and Stella Gonet's Mr. and Mrs. Musgrove because they were so warm to Anne.

Mrs. Smith

Helen Schlesinger (1995) & Maisie Dimbleby (2007)

Miss Amy Dashwood: Helen Schlesinger (1995) struck me as being a bit too happy-go-lucky; Mrs. Smith is supposed to be a cheerful person, yes, but also rather beaten down from all the hardships she’s had to undergo. I preferred Maisie Dimbleby’s (2007) slightly more subdued portrayal.
Miss Laurie: Helen Schlesinger as Mrs. Smith is that invalid whose health and finances are quite bad but her spirits are still remarkably high, which is exactly as she is described in the book, though she may be a tad too old for the role of Anne's 30-year-old school friend. Maisie Dimbleby makes a prettier younger Mrs. Smith but by making the character younger than Anne, and by actually showing her walking quite quickly toward the end of the film, the 2007 version totally missed the concept of the character. Though both adaptations fail to faithfully explain the connection between Mrs. Smith and Mr. Elliot, I prefer the 1995 Mrs. Smith because she is portrayed as someone who could truly be an encouraging friend to Anne and her situation is more faithful to the book.

Miss Melody: Helen Schlesinger looked a bit odd, but I did like her air of merriment. Maisie Dimbleby wasn’t too memorable, but for some reason I did like her better. As far as Mrs. Smith’s health goes, the 1995 version was closer to the book, but that 2007 inaccuracy was the adaptation’s fault and not the actress’. (By the way, the first name “Harriet” was just made up for the 2007 movie, so Mrs. Smith does not have the same name as Emma’s Harriet Smith. Heehee.)

Miss Elizabeth Bennet: What bothered me about Maisie Dimbleby's Mrs. Smith was that she was not paralyzed and sickly like she was supposed to be. Instead, she is well enough to be walking about (even during the ending scene where Anne is running through Bath). So, because of that, Helen Schlesinger gets my vote for the better Mrs. Smith.

Navigate to the Different Parts of the Persuasion Comparison!
Part 1
Part 3
Part 4