Following its well received showing over two days at Easter earlier this year, MERLIN makes a valuable addition to the DVD catalogue. From the same stable as GULLIVER'S TRAVELS and NOAH'S ARK, Hallmark Entertainment under Robert Halmi's guidance have reinvented the TV mini-series with excellent production values in every aspect. MERLIN looks great, has a decent story line, good casting (if a bit star studded for its own good - John Gielgud doesn't make it past the opening credits!) and is packed with more special effects than I have ever encountered in a made for TV special.

Enchanting

It was interesting to slant the story away from Arthur and his Round Table, and take a new swing at the story through the eyes of Merlin. This attempt at retelling the myth has been well tested in novels but this is the first movie I have watched which takes this slant. Does it work? Well first off, it's a "made for TV film" which tends to lift the story away from some of the murkier acts and deeds which would have made it onto film if the family television viewing audience hadn't got to be considered. Most of the remembered fable is here, dressed down and slightly sanitised, but working well within the context of Merlin's reminiscences. It begins with the birth of Merlin and traces his life right up to his mysterious disappearance as myth and magic wane from developing Britain. Wonderful characters are brought into play, Queen Mab (Miranda Richardson - who plays the dual role of her half sister as well), Nimue, King Vortigern, Mordred, etc., but the star turn has to be Martin Short's Frick. His performance is a joy to watch as he outperforms everyone else in his multi-character role of Queen Mab's assistant. The story works apace with the first half crammed with so much detail that the second part seems to lose out. However, overall, the film carries more meaning, impact and strength than much that is coming out of the major Hollywood studios at present.

As sharp as Excalibur

On DVD the presentation looks great. The quality of the image is nothing if not startling. I didn't know that my equipment was this good! This must now go down as the best transfer of image that I have in my collection. The picture is wonderfully clean and crisp with the extra precision that DVD can provide really bringing the image to life. The definition of everything is startling - just check out those knitted textures in many of the costumes - you can practically feel the fabric. The sound is very good with full use of surround to bring the magical atmosphere to life. The special effects (and this movie is literally dripping with CGI) are well absorbed into the context. Many are just throw away (the airborne flower seed under the second part's credits) but are generally well achieved. Only the dragon (there has to be a dragon) doesn't really impress as it should - but that is mainly due to the excellent quality of the rest. Along with all the text only extras concerning the production and the legend of Merlin, there is a good 15 minutes featurette on the making of the film. This is already in addition to a film which runs for nearly 3 hours. Value or what - TITANIC takes note!

Spellbinding

If you haven't already succumbed to the spell, go out and buy it. It is a great disc, well worth every penny. It probably will reappear on the small screen again and again, but terestial broadcast cannot match this quality. It is not the best DVD in my collection. It is not my favourite DVD. But, it deserves every ounce of praise, and if not top of the pile, it certainly is in the top ten so far to make it to DVD. Just suspend disbelief for 3 hours and enjoy a great story wonderfully explored and enchantingly brought to life.

Martin Dawber