. . . a new media!
So far in Austen in August, we've been spending a fair amount of time in the past. And though last week's "assignment" took me somewhere modern, it. . . didn't quite work out the way I'd have hoped. So I'm giving modern Austen adaptations a chance to redeem themselves by going super modern! We're diving straight into the digital world by sampling a few of the (surprisingly many) available-on-youtube adaptations of Austen. These adaptations tend to be bite-sized and vlog-style, taking their cues from the LBD (more on that below), and though I've seen a few in their entirety, some I've only sampled, and some are completely new to me!
Below you'll find trailers and info for a number of these web series (often put together by enterprising young Janeites), but I'm sure there are more out there — and if you know of any, let me know!
I encourage you to watch an episode or two of at least one of these modern adaptations this weekend. I'll probably be dipping into a few and seeing what catches my attention (and likely settling on rewatching Emma Approved again. For science). I may or may not tweet out some thoughts, but because of the nature of these retellings, I'll likely be squeezing them in here and there, and not marathoning an entire series (maybe?), so we'll see.
But I'd love to hear your thoughts, either in the comments, or on social media with the hashtag #AustenInAugust!
The Lizzie Bennet Diaries
The series that started it all. This very clever and mostly well-acted series took the internet by storm, spawned a couple of books, a couple of spin-offs, numerous copycats, and a rabid fandom — and managed to win a gosh-danged Emmy!Not too shabby.
Emma Approved
One of those spin-offs mentioned above? Emma Approved. Much like the original Emma, Emma Approved grows on you; also much like the original, this version's Emma may cause viewers to rage. She's a divisive girl, our Em. (But again, like the orig, I love her.)She also recently got a mini-revival!
Sanditon
Sanditon fan? The LBD's Gigi headed to Sanditon! This one's not for people who haven't seen the original Lizzie Bennet Diaries, as it's heavily dependent on the storyline of the LBD. But if you've seen LBD and not Sanditon, this may be the way to go!Northbound
I already knew that The Lizzie Bennet Diaries inspired some spin-offs and copycats, but I actually hadn't even heard of this digital vlog-style modern retelling of Northanger Abbey (I don't think? Did someone tell me about this, ages ago??).The Cate Morland Chronicles
Similarly, The Cate Morland Chronicles takes on Northanger Abbey via the vlog. This one looks a little more produced, but both have piqued my interest!From Mansfield with Love
And lastly, for this little weekend roundup, we have From Mansfield with Love, which (of course) takes a new approach to Mansfield Park! Not entirely sure how they're gonna take on that cousins storyline, though...So which would YOU choose to watch? Or have you seen them? Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and what you'd like to see get the web series treatment!
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I’m not a vlog watcher but I’d choose Emma (I saw LBD years ago when I supported the DVD crowd funding)
ReplyDeleteI've watched most of these. They are so fun. Because I've never seen them I would have to pick Northbound and From Mansfield With Love. Thanks for scouting them out. :)
ReplyDeleteRegarding From Mansfield With Love, they do not make Edmund and Frankie (The name they use for Fanny in this adaptation) related. Instead her family is just old friends with the Bertrams so they all grew up together without being blood relatives. It's an excellent series that is SO good. Well acted and well done
ReplyDeleteFrom the snippets I watched of those I haven't seen yet, From Mansfield and the Cate Morland Chronicles interested me the most.
DeleteHope you enjoy them! From Mansfield is one of my favorite Austen adaptations, it's excellent. Just binged Cate Moreland Chronicles last night and *chef's kiss*
DeleteI watched the LBD and Emma Approved but haven't seen the others. I hadn't even heard of the last two.
ReplyDeleteI have the jingle from Emma Approved in my head now, it's so catchy!
I love everything about EA!
DeleteI had no idea there was so many, yay! The LBD one I had heard of .... I can’t wait to watch some of these this weekend . I have been eager to watch Scents and Sensibility but I can’t view that here . It looks awesome too . Did you watch it Misty ? Is it fabulous ?
ReplyDeletelol, oh god! You clearly didn't see last week's homework. Yes, I've now watched Scents & Sensibility. Trust me when I say, you're not missing much by not having access to it... It's so bad. So, so bad.
Deletehttp://www.thebookrat.com/2019/08/scents-sensibility-befuddled-rant.html
I have heard of LBD but haven't seen any of them yet. I must confess though that I'm a bit skeptical about these modern adoptions, I prefer much more Regency Era and BBC
ReplyDeleteI think I would start with Lizzy and Emma.
ReplyDeleteI've watched all the episodes of LBD and enjoyed it and am about halfway through Emma Approved. I would love to see Persuasion and North & South adapted.
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