Merlin - Series 1 (repack) [DVD]

BBC DVD Merlin Series 1 Box set. Merlin - Series 1 - Complete [DVD] [2008 ]The start of the story for Merlin. Wait before you buy Merlin series 2 because the BBC do overcharge for their popular DVDs and this series 1 a year later now costs a great deal less than series 2 does. Series 1 I consider to be the better of the two series so far. A story of Merlin does get revealed but only in bits and bobs as do the stories of the other main characters. This however is a BBC family series of fairy tales; given the subject more fairy tale than myth really. The writing of Julian Jones, Jake Michie, Howard Overman and Ben Vanstone compile with imagination tales that stray from the actual legend sometimes. However they create a beautiful picture of many colours that unfolds a splendid atmosphere and in the direction of the Arthurian legend.Some significant actors and TV names play various roles in this production which gives gravity to the up and coming young actors Colin Morgan; Bradley James and actresses Angel Coulby; Katie McGrath in this serial. The token voice over of John Hurt is marvellous in creating an angry yet wise dragon. The special effects are done very well for those who would like to escape into fantasy. The expert timing and performances of all the actors and actresses both experienced and relatively new should be commended. Directors James Hawes and Ed Fraiman are successful. This jocular escape skims over the terrible wickedness of the baddies and the mythical monsters that appear in many of these episodes. Good triumphs in the end, but these are only battles and the war is yet to be won. Oh hello lance a lot Lancelot I did not know you were here.Colin Morgan is well cast in this role. I do not watch much television and having some Welsh history I took exception to an Irish man playing the role of legendary wizard Merlin. However the legend infers that Merlin may well have not been Welsh and Mr Morgan's gormless Irish expression high lighted by his master Bradley James' Prince Arthur pen Dragon a royal brat's put me downs creates the humour in the story. However I think that it should be bourn in mind that put me downs are only given by those who fulfil self important roles by discrediting those more qualified around them. As a boy I suppose the legendary King Arthur of round table fame must have been a brat; endlessly being sent to his room by his angry father for not doing as he was told. I am desperately waiting to see some of Arthur's greatness and Merlin to develop the great age, maturity and wisdom of the infamous Merlin. A 3D performance from Colin Morgan and Anthony Head creates a more rounded story for those of us old enough to find wickedness more intriguing than the good triumphs over bad themes from Superman ilk tales. King Uther is not a humorous role and very different from Little Britain's Prime Minister. Richard Wilson has at last found himself a more satisfying role than Victor Meldrew, but on close examination this different character does play an extremely similar role. What a waste of a good actor; in today's wicked society Mr Wilson is probably not sexy enough to play Uther. One suspects the politics and loads of money philosophy of the BBC is shackling the artists story telling and art. In the second series these characters develop further with the story, but this development is extremely slow amongst all the running around and screaming.Good story tellers leave their readers to develop some of their own interpretations of the characters actions and behaviours. The second series speeds up even faster and denies especially the actresses Katie McGrath and to a lesser extent Angel Coulby the space to develop their characters. I hope that the third series does not speed up so much that it ends up as a chaotic mess. Katie McGrath needs the time and space to develop her role; let us see this lady's art.

The thing about Merlin, is that it's not a flawless show. There are times when I think it could have pushed the boat out a bit more in terms of storyline and characterisation. But the thing is... I love this show. In fact, I'm verging on teen-obsessed on it, and I am not a teen anymore.So why do I love it? For the one thing, I find the actors captivating. Merlin definitely wins the charm award, and comes across as a mixture of Frodo (the good parts), Harry Potter (the initial innocence part) and Clark Kent from Smallville (the hero part). He's not arrogant, or self-righteous. In fact, he plays his role as a young Merlin, wonderfully. I couldn't have asked for better. Arthur is the opposite to Merlin. He's arrogant and brattish, but I can't help but *love* that about him. His child-like manner (and humour) makes him extremely likeable. Too likeable. They've taken a gamble with Gwen in terms of status (here, she is a servant), and I know some people will raise eyebrows over her race (but I hope people are sophisticated enough not to care. The actress does a brilliant job, and that's all that matters) but the gamble pays off, and Gwen comes across as an extremeably likeable heroine.Other characters such as Morgana, Gaius and Uther comes cross well, although there isn't nearly enough screentime with them. It is a bit strange seeing Anthony Head as a mean king, and not a stuffy librarian, and he does come across well, although sometimes I wish he were more dynamic in that role (maybe the fault of the script rather than him).There's usually a baddie-of the week plot line (featuring some familiar faces. Dr Bashir from Deep Space Nine, anybody?). And for now, that works well. What I like most, is the interaction between Arthur and Merlin. At first, they do not like each other, but a friendship starts to grow. And I can never resist a story that focuses a lot about friendship (because aside from things like love and money, it's one of the things that keeps us going). The special effects aren't terrific. But the budget isn't exactly high, so that is expected.I love the humour of the show, and the very British feel of it. It's very homely, and makes well for weekend viewing with the family, and it's something I would recommend. Obviously, purists are going to have a problem with this show. So those of you who are a stickler for facts and accuracy: stay clear. Others: good on you for your laid-back approach!Packaging- The dvd comes in the box as shown above (the brown book-like case). It is made of cardboard and I fear it will break sooner rather than later. Aesthetically, it is pleasing, and it opens up like a book with facts inside the cover. I just wish it were more sturdy. It encases the two dvd parts, so for those who bought the two parts separately, I don't think you're missing out on much.Features- Behind the Magic parts 1 and 2, The Black Knight Featurette, Cast Video Diaries, Commentaries, Wallpapper and photo galleries.Subtitles- I'm sorry people, but this only seems to have English subtitles.Overall- this is a round-about good show. Room for improvement, but definitely a delight.