Fanny Hill (2007/Acorn Media DVD)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C     Main Program: C

 

 

No matter how legendary the story of Fanny Hill may be, this recent British TV version penned by Andrew Davies surprisingly unexciting, uninvolving and flat television version with Rebecca Night in the title role is almost smug, treats sex as too much of a joke and has humor that also never works.  The story of the innocent girl who goes from a sexual awakening by a lesbian encounter to reach higher society is an oft-told tale and is underwhelming.

 

Casting is not bad, with Samantha Bond the most familiar supporting actor, but this is too often as tame as Jane Austen fare outside of the sex and is only for the most interested.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image is on the soft side, is likely an HD shoot and looks too much like everything we have seen before and lately, looking fairly good on its own at best.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is also good, but nothing spectacular, looking like the usual competent British TV product.  Extras include behind the scenes footage, Bio text on Davies and interviews.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo