Product Description
-------------------
Merlin, the BBC’s outstanding re-imagining of the Arthurian
legend, comes to DVD in this 3 disc set containing six episodes
plus a superb package of bonus features: 'Behind the Magic'
feature, cast video diaries, audio commentaries and more.
Set in the mythical city of Camelot, in a time before history
began, this magical adaptation of the Arthurian legend follows
Merlin’s early adventures in the court of King Uther... and his
enthralling encounters with the young Prince Arthur…
The Kingdom of Camelot is a realm of legendary beasts and
mysterious peoples. In this dangerous world, magic has been
banned by the ruthless tyrant, Uther Pendragon. Merlin, a young
man gifted with extraordinary powers, arrives at the gates of the
city. Though bright-eyed with wonder, the young sorcerer quickly
makes enemies, including the headstrong Prince Arthur.
Guided by Gaius, the wise court physician, Merlin is soon using
his talents to secretly defend the Kingdom and unlock Camelot's
mystical secrets. Soon he discovers that his destiny and that of
Arthur, the future King, are inextricably linked.
Starring Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Anthony Head, Richard
Wilson, Katie McGrath and Angel Coulby
'Episode One'
Merlin, a young country boy, arrives at the great city of
Camelot just in time to witness an execution – the result of King
Uther outlawing magic in his kingdom. As Merlin makes his way to
find Gaius, the Court Physician, he begins to realise that the
world he has entered is full of danger.
Episode Two
Valiant arrives in Camelot intent on winning its renowned
tournament. As a disgruntled Merlin gets to grips with his
arduous duties as Arthur’s new servant, he notices the fighter
has an unfair advantage. And, though Arthur is not exactly
impressed with Merlin’s talents, he might just need his help
before taking on Valiant in the final...
Episode Three
As a magical plague brings death to Camelot, Merlin takes pity
on Gwen, whose her is dying of the disease. Evading a curfew,
Merlin risks his life by using magic to cure her her. However,
his delight soon turns to shock as Gwen is arrested for sorcery…
Episode Four
A mysterious servant girl tells Merlin that Arthur is about to
be poisoned. Merlin seizes Arthur’s cup and drinks it himself. He
falls into a coma and can only be saved from certain death by a
flower that grows deep within the forest of Balor. Arthur is
ready to defy the King and embark on the quest, but is he
prepared for the trials and danger he will encounter?
Episode Five
A great fighter by the name of Lancelot arrives in Camelot but,
despite his bravery and skill, his ambition to be a knight is
thwarted by his low birth – only Arthur and Merlin appear to
recognise his true worth. Meanwhile a terrifying winged beast
approaches Camelot leaving the kingdom in desperate need of a
hero…
Episode Six
When a new physician, the red Edwin, saves Morgana from a
mysterious illness, Uther is impressed by his skills. Soon, Edwin
is suping Gaius’s position in the court. But Gaius makes a
shocking discovery about this mysterious stranger. Can a weak old
man and his young apprentice prevent Edwin from committing the
ultimate crime?
.co.uk Review
-------------
The latest classic tale to be dragged up to date by the BBC, the
decision to revive Merlin as primetime entertainment was just
about rewarded, even if it does manage to ride roughshod over
history in the process.
For just as it did with its updating of Robin Hood for Saturday
nights, the legend of Merlin has undergone something of an
overhaul here, and sticklers for authenticity will have plenty to
pick at. The occasional narrative bumps don’t help, either, and
the special effects clearly leave it thirsting for a Doctor
Who-like budget.
And yet, warts and all, Merlin really is quite good fun. The BBC
has wisely wheeled in some experienced thesps to work alongside
the likes of Colin Morgan in the title role, with Richard Wilson
and Anthony Head happy to join in the fun. Don’t knock the
aforementioned Morgan, though: he carries the show well on his
young shoulders, and has a blossoming career ahead of him.
This DVD pack contains the first six episodes of Merlin, and
they gradually introduce us to the land of Camelot, and the
mysterious characters that lie within. They also offer a solid
a of rounded family entertainment, that sets the scene for
an intriguing second half of the series. What’s more, there’s
just enough here to suggest that young Merlin may have further
adventures even beyond then. --Jon Foster