Well having made a whole darn DC site I hope I have a bit of knowledge on the subject. :) I've watched (or sat through) several of the film versions and have compiled my findings here, so you can hopefully make an easy decision and waste little time trying to find a good film. I realize I am long-winded, so you can either just read the short reviews below or click on the links to go to the full, comprehensive reports, with my opinion on everything from the staging to the character acting. Enjoy!

These are listed in order from most to least recommended:

1974 BBC miniseries
If you're prepared to watch five hours of DC, this is the most complete version easily found on DVD. Though it's a low-budget film that can seem a bit rote at times, and though the first two episodes were fraught with extremely weak acting, a really strong David, Steerforth, Uriah and Micawber bounce back to make the rest a very enjoyable film. Overall, the production gets a solid A-. Read the long version

1935 MGM film
So the 1935 version of David Copperfield is known as the "definitive" version; of course, that means it is nowhere to be found for internet viewing. XD Fortunately I have the best sister ever who got the DVD for me, and I watched the film with her and our dad. It took several liberties with the story, so I wouldn't call it the "best page-to-screen book adaptation ever", or even the most accurate version of DC. But I love old movies anyway so I was very entertained (and sentiment overwhelms me because my sister got it for me). From me, it gets a total grade of B+. Read the long version, with bonus commentary from my father!

1999 BBC miniseries
Well recently I had the opportunity of watching BBC's David Copperfield miniseries in its ENTIRETY, for FREE! Woohoo, yay for internet. Produced in 1999, this is one of the more famous versions. They had a big budget, which allowed for detail in costume and sets, and a roomy time slot, meaning more scenes. It generally meets with ecstatic reviews about the cast and accuracy to the book. Overall, however, it didn't quite meet my expectations in that I, on the contrary, found it dull and slightly "off", receiving a total grade of B-. Read the long version

1969 20th Century Fox film
20th Century Fox produced their version of David Copperfield in 1969; it was released in theatres in the UK but here in the US of A it was shown on television. As per the 60s, this film tried to be a little more moody and a little more artsy than past adaptations had been performed. The result was a film that most of today's DC fans currently holds in grand derision. I am no exception - and can only legitimately give it a [b]D[/b], I'm afraid. Read the long version

"Remember" is a fan site dedicated to Charles Dickens' 8th novel, David Copperfield. This website is in no way official, it is simply a fan project and is completely non-profit. No copyright infringement is intended; please review the resources or disclaimer or contact with questions. In short? Don't sue me!