5/5 This is a gem! Ranks among the best period dramas.
  by eileenpr (Boston, MA USA)
Cranford is a gem -- ranking among the best of the period dramas, such as Pride & Prejudice (Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle version), North & South (Richard Armitage version), The Forsyte Saga (Gina McKee version), Sense & Sensibility (Emma Thompson), Emma (Gwyneth Paltrow), and a new favorite: Lark Rise to Candleford. I love the tension between the comfort of tradition and the push toward change (exhibited by the new young doctor's passion for modern medicine and the push for education for the poor). Mostly, I loved the relationships, the sense of community, the beautiful land, life so full without consumer electronics -- all of which make me long to leave the rat race of our modern world for a slower, gentler, more connected way of life.

5/5 Beautifully and sensitively done.
  by Helen I. Maguire (Arizona, United States)
The village of "never changing" Cranford is about to be beset by many changes. New generations, with differing aspirations, sometimes in conflict with the more established citizens, nevertheless treat one another with due respect. The producers of Cranford have done a magnificent job of re-creating for us the scenery and, most of all, the characters that make up this complete little society, complete with aristocracy, gentry, and the laboring poor.
The stellar cast composed of so many of our favorites greatly enhanced our enjoyment. Thanks, again, BBC!

2/5 What a dissapointment
  by Jeff And Dinara Kline (j)
Just loved this story. However, this DVD collection is severely edited from the original BBC production, leaving it shorter and harder to follow. WTF? Why did the BBC need to cut so much out?

Sorry I bought these and am hoping the full version will come out soon.

5/5 Witty and Deep Portrait of Life
  by Kristin Evans (Memphis, TN USA)
This is a lovely adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's novels! The day I first watched it, I wasn't sure if I was in the mood for a stuffy storyline, but this is anything but! While showing you the deep complexities of life back then, it also has such witty moments, I laughed out loud. I loved this story and highly recommend it to any Jane Austen fan.

5/5 Time Gone By
  by Sam
Cranford is the kind of television production that puts everything else shown to shame. The acting is excellent as well as the settings. Judi Dench is, as always, wonderful. Francesca Annis reminds the viewer what a true performer really is.