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From Amazon.co.uk
Arthurian legend meets Beverly Hills 90210 in this BBC series that imagines the lives of King Arthur and the wizard Merlin as teenagers. The show takes any number of liberties with the traditional mythos, but two are crucial: Arthur's father, Uther (Anthony Head, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), has banished magic from Camelot on pain of death; and Guinevere (Angel Coulby), Arthur's destined queen, is the servant of Uther's ward, Morgana (Katie McGrath), setting up a class schism between her and Arthur (Bradley James). This developing romance is one of the strongest throughlines of the second season, which also sees Morgana cultivating her magical powers and Merlin (Colin Morgan) learning about his mysterious father. In fact, season 2 is much more about Arthur than Merlin--episode after episode features Arthur maturing, learning a little humility and patience whilst engaging in a lot of swordplay and jousting, while Merlin spends a lot of time observing from the sidelines and muttering the occasional spell. (Though fans of the young sorcerer shouldn't fear--Merlin has plenty of dashing moments himself.)
The special effects budget has clearly been upped--the show teems with monstrous creatures, including gargoyles, giant scorpions, a troll, a were-panther, and of course the last dragon from season 1 (voiced by John Hurt, Alien, 1984). Merlin has its flaws; the young actors seem more modern than Arthurian thanks to their wonderful teeth and contemporary attitudes, and the scripts and direction can be a bit pedestrian. But that's not what connects viewers to the show--it's the passions of adolescence merged with the pageantry and derring-do of British legends, enacted by a charismatic cast. The climactic episodes will leave fans hungry for season 3. In addition to 13 episodes, Merlin: The Complete Second Season offers an entire disc of behind-the-scenes footage and other extras. --Bret Fetzer (Amazon.com)
Product Description
The mythical city of Camelot, in a time before history began, is a fantastical 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 magical powers arrives at the gates of Camelot as a young man, sent by his mother to start a new life. Though bright-eyed with wonder, the young sorcerer quickly makes enemies, including the heir to Uther's crown, the headstrong Prince Arthur. This collection brings together all the episodes from show's second series.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
61 of 66 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
After becoming addicted to this after the first series, I didn't originally know if a second series would be as good, but if anything its even better. I have been told that the viewer ratings weren't that great for this, but that may have been due to the BBC endlessly changing the times it was shown.
I am still amazed that this works at all, after all there is a tradition of Arthurian stories getting mixed up and altered over the years, but this one is so original. And thankfully, unlike the dire Robin Hood, this is highly watchable and entertaining. There are some great cameos in this series, Charles Dance plays a witchfinder, Emilia Fox is in chainmail (who could believe that a woman could look sexy in all that metal? But Emilia shows that it can be done), and Sarah Parish is absolutely fantastic as a troll.
With Merlin having to still keep his magic a secret, Morgana finding out what she really is, and Mordred vowing vengeance on Merlin there is more than enough action here. On top of that Uther falling in love with a troll due to magic, and Arthur having a love spell placed on him there is bound to be trouble and comedy in store. Arthur professes his feelings for Guenivere and starts to learn more about humility and compassion, whilst Merlin has to keep his promise to let the dragon go free, and he also finds out who his father is. Merlin also starts to see that his powers are greater than he could have first suspected and that he must use them wisely.
Why this works so well is that it mixes drama and action (with great effects) with a touch of humour, and it doesn't try to lay down some kind of code for behaviour, although with its depictions of chivalry, honour, truth, humility and compassion it does show an ideal of how we should all behave.... Read more ›
I am still amazed that this works at all, after all there is a tradition of Arthurian stories getting mixed up and altered over the years, but this one is so original. And thankfully, unlike the dire Robin Hood, this is highly watchable and entertaining. There are some great cameos in this series, Charles Dance plays a witchfinder, Emilia Fox is in chainmail (who could believe that a woman could look sexy in all that metal? But Emilia shows that it can be done), and Sarah Parish is absolutely fantastic as a troll.
With Merlin having to still keep his magic a secret, Morgana finding out what she really is, and Mordred vowing vengeance on Merlin there is more than enough action here. On top of that Uther falling in love with a troll due to magic, and Arthur having a love spell placed on him there is bound to be trouble and comedy in store. Arthur professes his feelings for Guenivere and starts to learn more about humility and compassion, whilst Merlin has to keep his promise to let the dragon go free, and he also finds out who his father is. Merlin also starts to see that his powers are greater than he could have first suspected and that he must use them wisely.
Why this works so well is that it mixes drama and action (with great effects) with a touch of humour, and it doesn't try to lay down some kind of code for behaviour, although with its depictions of chivalry, honour, truth, humility and compassion it does show an ideal of how we should all behave.... Read more ›
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is so good, it brings tears to the eyes. The brilliant concept of a Merlin the same age as Arthur continues to breathe new life into the legends.
Talents have converged to produce something special. Fine scripts. Splendid castle. Awesome dragon. Great special effects and audacious stunts. Throughout, the cast shines - especially Colin Morgan, superb as Merlin - good natured, put upon, vulnerable, all the while his powers growing. Who will ever forget his heartrending performance in that final episode? His scenes with Gaius (Richard Wilson) and Arthur (Bradley James) are amongst the series' many particular pleasures.
The 13 episodes (several with commentaries, all with background bonuses) cover a wide range - in turn exciting, uplifting, moving, upsetting and very funny indeed. Visiting villains further enhance. Mackenzie Crook and Sarah Parish are both hilarious, she as a troll at her most happy when gorging on fresh horse manure. Charles Dance is a genuinely menacing Witchfinder, especially disturbing when giving Gaius such a tough time.
Characters have developed, the stage thus set for Season 3. Romance is budding between Arthur and Gwen. Morgana, Mordred and Morgause (Emilia Fox excellent) are clearly now fully motivated to create future havoc - many knights thereby destined never to see another day.
One cannot help holding blinkered King Uther (Anthony Head) personally responsible for most of the troubles, with so much unnecessary slaughter, attitudes hardening amongst those he persecutes. Arthur will need to break free from such entrenched inherited prejudices. Lucky is he to have loyal Merlin as a guide. The prince may as yet not fully appreciate him - but viewers do, apparently the world over.... Read more ›
Talents have converged to produce something special. Fine scripts. Splendid castle. Awesome dragon. Great special effects and audacious stunts. Throughout, the cast shines - especially Colin Morgan, superb as Merlin - good natured, put upon, vulnerable, all the while his powers growing. Who will ever forget his heartrending performance in that final episode? His scenes with Gaius (Richard Wilson) and Arthur (Bradley James) are amongst the series' many particular pleasures.
The 13 episodes (several with commentaries, all with background bonuses) cover a wide range - in turn exciting, uplifting, moving, upsetting and very funny indeed. Visiting villains further enhance. Mackenzie Crook and Sarah Parish are both hilarious, she as a troll at her most happy when gorging on fresh horse manure. Charles Dance is a genuinely menacing Witchfinder, especially disturbing when giving Gaius such a tough time.
Characters have developed, the stage thus set for Season 3. Romance is budding between Arthur and Gwen. Morgana, Mordred and Morgause (Emilia Fox excellent) are clearly now fully motivated to create future havoc - many knights thereby destined never to see another day.
One cannot help holding blinkered King Uther (Anthony Head) personally responsible for most of the troubles, with so much unnecessary slaughter, attitudes hardening amongst those he persecutes. Arthur will need to break free from such entrenched inherited prejudices. Lucky is he to have loyal Merlin as a guide. The prince may as yet not fully appreciate him - but viewers do, apparently the world over.... Read more ›
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By J. Fowler
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I would recommend this series to anyone who wants to watch action, humor and adventure. MERLIN is a breath of fresh air to television. Looking forward to season 3.
46 of 51 people found the following review helpful
By A.H
Format:DVD
Merlin is a fun watch. This review however will concentrate on the DVD Extras for the people out there like me who really appreciate seeing/hearing from their favourite cast members. Great extras help make the decision to buy an easy one.
Merlin have really spoilt the fandom, thank you to who ever gave the cast a camera for their video dairies, and the cast themselves for "doing their homework". It has provided the fans with fantastic informal moments. These daries and the ones from Series 1 have left me eagerly awaiting the Series 2 Box set.
EXTRAS:
--------
Secrets and Magic (~10 - 15 mins each)
---------------------------------------
Each Merlin episode has a corresponding S&M episode. They are very much appreciated as they provide interesting footage on behind the scenes and guest stars. All 13 have been included in the box set (1-6 in Vol 2.1, 7-13 in Vol 2.2), which is great for non-UK people.
Last year the cast diaries were included as separate videos. This year there is no separate cast diary video. Instead their recorded videos have been sliced into the secrets and magic episodes where relevant.
The great upside to having the diaries in the S&M means we the fans get to see them on a weekly basis during airing which is -----> fantastic :)
But it would have been great if they had also included just the diary footage together as a separate video. This would allow fans to just watch the cast, rather then having to fast forward the S&M to get to say the "Your the Voice" (scratch that, its been cut, perhaps due to licensing) or "Lost in Abergavenny" video.... Read more ›
Merlin have really spoilt the fandom, thank you to who ever gave the cast a camera for their video dairies, and the cast themselves for "doing their homework". It has provided the fans with fantastic informal moments. These daries and the ones from Series 1 have left me eagerly awaiting the Series 2 Box set.
EXTRAS:
--------
Secrets and Magic (~10 - 15 mins each)
---------------------------------------
Each Merlin episode has a corresponding S&M episode. They are very much appreciated as they provide interesting footage on behind the scenes and guest stars. All 13 have been included in the box set (1-6 in Vol 2.1, 7-13 in Vol 2.2), which is great for non-UK people.
Last year the cast diaries were included as separate videos. This year there is no separate cast diary video. Instead their recorded videos have been sliced into the secrets and magic episodes where relevant.
The great upside to having the diaries in the S&M means we the fans get to see them on a weekly basis during airing which is -----> fantastic :)
But it would have been great if they had also included just the diary footage together as a separate video. This would allow fans to just watch the cast, rather then having to fast forward the S&M to get to say the "Your the Voice" (scratch that, its been cut, perhaps due to licensing) or "Lost in Abergavenny" video.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very nice set.
Very nicely presented set, fits nicely with the other sets. Very good quality. Will definitely buy further sets. Very happy.
Published 20 hours ago by Adam
5.0 out of 5 stars
Merlin - Complete Series 2 Box Set DVD
This was bought as a birthday present. The recipient loves it as she is a huge Merlin fan so this will be a treasured addition to her collection.
Published 8 days ago by Philippa Willets
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely
I haven't seen the series, yet, but the box is lovely!
It arrived in an excellent state. I bought it for mother's day and my mom absolutely loves it :)
It arrived in an excellent state. I bought it for mother's day and my mom absolutely loves it :)
Published 10 days ago by Lise
5.0 out of 5 stars
Merlin series 2
My son is 11 and was late to becoming a Merlin fan so he missed the early series. Consequently we bought the series 1 box set and now have series 2. Read more
Published 18 days ago by skones
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
The television finished on part 1 of 2 episodes so I bought the series as I couldn't wait for the tele. Read more
Published 18 days ago by Mal
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
Missed some of the series when it was on TV so was great to watch it after the 1st series
Published 20 days ago by Stella Stone
5.0 out of 5 stars
Grandsons' love Merlin
I bought Merlin Series 1 and 2 because I had a hunch my grandsons' would love it. (I did!). They are now firm fans of Merlin. Read more
Published 28 days ago by poetseye
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect buy
Decided to treat myself to Series 1 and 2 first of all and will be definately getting the rest. Product was delivered within a week to my local co-op which saved me relying on... Read more
Published 29 days ago by Faye Barker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Merli Rocks!
A great TV series, possibly under-rated. I watched the TV shows and now, with this box set, can watch them all again!
Published 29 days ago by nikki jones
4.0 out of 5 stars
It's Merlin- what can I say?
Great packaging for the collector and the whole series all together- good value and nicely put together. Also makes a nice gift (mine was).
Published 1 month ago by TopMam
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