TheLittleSongbird Don't get me wrong, as explained in my review for the recent 'Poldark' series, the recent adaptation of 'Poldark' which first aired last year is a great and often magnificent series that was one of 2015 television's highlights in a year where my television watching was pretty sporadic.Just that this 1975 adaptation is even better. Whereas the newer version had minor flaws with occasional pacing issues and Jud being played too straight (for my liking that is), this one was perfectly paced and the performance of Jud brought much needed levity and beautifully timed humour to the proceedings. Didn't have any problem with this version, didn't detect any scenery chewing (something that's obvious to me) and the 70s production values still looked good and added to 'Poldark's' charm.Even if the production values are of its time and the newer version has more clarity and polish, the series still looks great. It's beautifully photographed, evocatively costumed to the extent that it's like being transported back in time to that period, has very faithful attention to detail (even more so than the recent version) and has splendid scenery that doesn't look confined or studio-bound.'Poldark' is understatedly scored, intelligently written, richly characterised and dramatically compelling with plenty of tense and poignant moments handsomely staged. Robin Ellis and particularly Angharad Rees are excellent in the lead roles, while Jill Townsend and Paul Curran are notably sterling support.In summary, wonderful and the superior version. Both versions are highly recommended. Will watch the 1996 version, but am not expecting much. 10/10 Bethany Cox

lycanjunk When this "mini-series" first aired in the U.S. I was in junior high school and waited eagerly for each weekly episode to air on our local PBS station. Now, as an adult, I still find it completely engrossing and entertaining, only now on my DVD whenever I desire."The Poldark Saga" captures the struggles of an 18th century Cornish family, both economic and social, with characters that one can grow to love and cherish. This was a ground-breaking series in the 70's, taking the action off of the sound stage, and on to location. As the series progresses, the outdoor scenes improve, adding the rugged beauty of Cornwall to the cast of characters. This is a lovely series, and highly recommended for anyone who loves a costume drama that is truly British.

Damfino1895 I first saw this in the '70's when I was about to enter my teens, it made such an impact on me that every time it was re-screened I was glued and made sure I got it on DVD when it was released. Set in 18th Century Cornwall it tells the story of the trials and tribulations of people who you deeply care about, which is part of it's real success. I lived in that part of the world for 14 years and the beauty of the area is shown perfectly and the atmosphere of the times is spot on, it is not glamourised at all. All the performances are excellent without exception and it is a complete joy to watch again and again. A must see. I quite simply love it.

bonney What a series! My husband and I were spellbound for the 18 or so hours (over a month) it took to watch Part 1 and 2. The plot twists are great but what is primarily so entrancing is the presentation of life at the end of the 18th Century. We particularly like Ross Poldark's propensity for going into prisons and removing prisoners who have been falsely jailed or whom he is fond of. He does this on a fairly regular basis. Cornwall seems to be very much like Seattle - only a few scenes are shot in sunshine - all in all, a sort of up-scale, historical soap-opera.