Romantic DVD box set will dazzle mom

THE ROMANCE COLLECTION: SPECIAL EDITION (A&E Home Video, not rated, 8 movies, 14 discs, $99.95) — ****

Forget the potted geranium or macaroni necklace. Nix the runny eggs and undercooked bacon.

If you really want to wow mom — or grandma — this weekend, this box set pulls together in one collection some of the best romance classics from literature and history.

Although the collection is pricey, coming in at slightly less than $100, its eight miniseries/movies (on 14 discs) run more than 30 hours for plenty of enjoyable entertainment.

The updates of these romance favorites, from the BBC and A&E, brim with gorgeous period costumes, beautiful locations, superb acting from famous and not-so-famous actors and even some swordplay.

Included in this treasure trove is the well-known "Pride and Prejudice," starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, as well as the lesser known "Victoria and Albert," staring Victoria Hamilton and Firth's brother, Jonathan.

The movies are:

• PRIDE AND PREJUDICE — The well-done 1995 adaptation of the Jane Austen classic won a boatload of awards but perhaps is most memorable for Colin Firth's complex portrayal of the mysterious Mr. Darcy.

Extras: Jane Austen and cast biographies, filmographies, behind-the-scenes featurettes; 2 discs

• VICTORIA AND ALBERT — Released in 2001 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Queen Victoria's death, the epic presents history in the form of the love story between the British queen and her German prince consort.

Victoria Hamilton's nuanced, sympathetic performance of Victoria is well worth the time you'll spend watching this miniseries. Hers is a human portrayal of an unprepared and overprotected teenager who assumes the throne and then manages to evolve into a strong monarch who restores dignity to the crown.

Jonathan Firth is excellent as Albert, who married his first cousin in an arranged marriage but grew to love Victoria and become her closest adviser. Among the stellar supporting cast are Peter Ustinov (King William IV), Diana Rigg (Victoria's governess, Baroness Lehzen) and Nigel Hawthorne (Prime Minster Melbourne).

Extras: Cast biographies and filmographies; 2 discs