EvaEames: it's weird how you say "was" as if Colin's perfection was a temporary state. Silly rabbit. Colin Firth is always perfect, as himself or Mr. Darcy.
SLEXTRAVAGANZA: I like the 2005 version too and Matthew Macfadyen is yummy but I also love Colin Firth. He makes up for having to listen to the ultra shrill Mrs. Bennet.
and I wouldn't go anywhere near where you did comparing the two; different strokes for different folks. It's the story I enjoy. A bigger budget doesn't make it automatically bad.
budget isnt the issue, its a completely different style. one is quintessential English and the other is american blockbuster. given its just about the most English thing ever I know which one fits, for me!