DVD Corner

Merlin Season 2 DVD Review

“Merlin” has not improved in the second season.

In the 13 episode second season, viewers can expect more of the same adventures with Merlin and Arthur in Camelot. Plots include a Camelot Jousting Tournament, a jewel from a sorcerer’s tomb, Druids, the assassin Myor, Gwen being kidnapped, a Troll, a witchfinder named Aredian, Arthur, a warlock named Alvarr, magic, Knights, and The Great Dragon.

For some strange reason, “Merlin” has managed to find an audience, but I’m a little puzzled as to why. It certainly isn’t because of its faithfulness to the source material because it’s far from being an accurate adaptation of the King Arthur tale. I also doubt viewers are tuning into this show because of the writing either as the stories are cheesy and the plot structures are formulaic. So, what could the reason be for the show’s success? Perhaps the cast. While I personally don’t care for much of the acting here (aside from Anthony Head who is the only one classing up the joint), fans of the show seem to dig Bradley James (who plays Arthur), genre favorite Anthony Head (who plays Uther Pendragon) and The Great Dragon (voiced by John Hurt). I guess all it takes to become a hit show these days is to have a teen heartthrob, a genre favorite and a giant CGI dragon.

Summary: If you enjoy fantasy series similar in tone to “Hercules” or “Xena,” “Merlin” might appeal to you.

The widescreen picture quality is a bit of a letdown. In addition to a sometimes fuzzy looking image, the colors often appeared murky. To be honest, I’m surprised “Merlin” hasn’t appeared on Blu-ray yet as I’m sure the show would look superior on that format.

The Dolby Digital Stereo track is sufficient, but I’m a little puzzled about the lack of a 5.1 track considering this is a fairly action heavy series.

Extras:
* Photo gallery.
* An 11 miute featurette in which the cast and crew discuss season 2.
* A behind the scenes look at all 13 episodes.
* “The Making Of Merlin” (34:00) features more behind the scenes footage, information about the second season, interviews with the cast and crew, etc.
* Wallpapers (via DVD-ROM).

* Trailers for “Primeval,” “Doctor Who,” “Sherlock,” and “Hamlet.”

* Commentary on “The Curse Of Cornelius Sigan” by Bradley James and Colin Morgan.

* Commentary on “The Once And Future Queen” by Anthony Head and Angel Coulby. Any track with Anthony Head is worth a listen.
* Commentary on “Lancelot and Guinevere” by Bradley James and Colin Morgan.
* Commentary on “The Sins Of The Father” by Colin Morgan, Bradley James and Anthony Head. A very laid back commentary with plenty of laughter.

* Commentary on “Sweet dreams” by Bradley James, Angel Coulby, Julian Murphy and Alice Troughton.
* Commentary on “The Witch’s Quickening” by Katie McGrath, Julian Murphy and Alice Troughton. Not a very engaging commentary.
* Commentary on “The Fires Of Idirsholas” by Colin Morgan, Jeremy Webb and Katie McGrath.

February 1, 2011 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Anthony Head, Merlin Season 2 DVD Review, Merlin Season 3