February 7th this year marks the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens, regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian period. Already during his lifetime, Dickens enjoyed a wide popularity and fame and he remained popular ever since, having been responsible for some of English literature's most iconic novels and characters. Many of his novels were published in monthly instalments and unlike other authors who finished novels before they were serialised, Dickens created the episodes in the process. The practice lent his stories a particular rhythm, punctuated by cliff-hangers to keep the public looking forward to the next instalment. The continuing popularity of his novels is proven by the fact that they have never gone out of print.

To coincide with the bicentenary, Opus Arte re-released the popular Charles Dickens BOX SET which explores the life, times and work of Charles Dickens: There is much about his incredible life that remains unknown. His is a fascinating story; from rags to riches, complete with bankruptcy, prison, forced child labour and fame and fortune, overshadowed by guilt and secrecy. This 3 DVD set demonstrates how much Dickens drew upon his own experiences in his fiction.

The outstanding casts in these productions include Anton Lesser, Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Prunella Scales, Timothy West, Michael Elphick, Trevor Eve, Bob Hoskins, Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey), Nicholas Lyndhurst, Zoë Wanamaker, Dawn French and Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings).

DVD 1

Uncovering the Real Dickens, presented by Peter Ackroyd. An innovative mix of documentary and dramatic reconstruction vividly recreates the author’s extraordinary life.

DVD 2

The acclaimed 1999 BBC TV drama David Copperfield, featuring a star-studded cast including Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe. Three hours of classic drama heaven!

DVD 3

  • A Christmas Carol
    At Dickens’ house a group of his friends and relatives attend a private performance of a classic Christmas story. An authentic dramatization by Anton Lesser as the novelist. 
  • Songs From Grope Lane
    The 12-year old Dickens escapes the miserable daily life in a brief spell of raucous tavern entertainment. Lucie Skeaping’s ensemble performs deliciously seedy pub songs.
  • The Making Of Uncovering The Real Dickens
    A surprising look behind the scenes of this evocative production.