Merlin: Series 1 Volume 2 [DVD]

I started watching this a month or so ago (as it premiered in the U.S.) because summer television here in the U.S. is pure dreck. Well, I'll take that back. U. S. television - at whatever time of year - is pure dreck, generally.

I'm actually not completely sure how I managed to find "Merlin", as what happened was that I turned on my DVR one evening to see what I might have recorded - and "Merlin" was there - much to my surprise, as I honestly do not remember setting my machine to record it.

Perhaps a small instance of Merlin's magic?

For the first few weeks two episodes were shown back-to-back each Sunday evening. I admit that I wasn't too impressed until episode 4, when "The Poisoned Chalice" completely drew me in. By the close of this episode I was well and firmly hooked.

I wanted more.

I came to the Amazon U.K. website to order the 2-set DVD's for the first full season and found that they were in Region 2 PAL format (players in the U.S. generally cannot play PAL disks).

No problem for me, though, as I had purchased a multi-region DVD player back when the Toby Stephens "Jane Eyre" was playing here in the U.S. and I wanted to get the R2 "Eyre" DVD because the R2 had "extras", the U.S. R1 did not.

The region 2 "Jane Eyre" played perfectly for me on my (then) new multi-region DVD player. In case you are interested, a multi-region DVD player can be had starting at about $40.00 U.S. I purchased mine through Amazon U.S.

The ordering process for the "Merlin" DVD's from Amazon UK was quick and easy, the promised delivery date was three weeks from order date, I was pleased to find that the DVD's actually arrived at my home in the U.S. only 5 days post order. Even though I had not requested any special nor accelerated shipping.

The "Merlin" DVD's are a total delight; the video is in the semi-letterbox that I very much prefer, the sound and video quality is beautiful and crisp. There is one full DVD in each set devoted to behind-the-scenes information and "video diaries" (I ordered the two sets, Set 1 is episodes 1-6; Set 2 is episodes 7-13).

I was especially looking forward to the voice-over narration (a special interest of mine, and something that I always enjoy), my only disappointment - and it is a small one - with the DVD's is that there is no voice-over narration for my favorite two episodes, "The Poisoned Chalice" and "Le Morte D'Arthur".

My only other comment - and hope - is that in the second season the writers get a bit away from the "monster of the week" story lines. There are some wonderful stories here, just aching to be told - let's hope that "Merlin" is allowed to tell them.

It would also be nice if the "video diaries" were pared down a bit on the next sets of DVD's in favor of more behind-the-scenes information. I loved the bit where Colin Morgan talks about his enthusiasm in performing his very first ever "stunt". Fascinating stuff.

All in all, I am extremely well pleased with my purchase; especially so since I firmly believe that this series is destined to become a classic.

A side note: I have never before purchased a television show on DVD. This is a first for me. And I am glad that I did. A real quality show, which I am glad to have added to my miniscule DVD library.

As a long running fan of Merlin films I eagerly awaited the release of this new series. I wasn't quite sure what to expect as this is modern and seen from the young Merlins point of view.

I wasn't disapointed though. It fulfilled all my wishes of fantasy, Myth, Magic and life in the middle ages as I percieve them. A great story, well written and captivating from start to finish.

As with Merlin Vol 1. Merlin Vol 2 has left me eager and wanting more

Just when you thought nothing could fill the void where Doctor Who was... Merlin comes along. The DVDs are even better with the commentaries and video featurettes. Volume 2 adds even more cast commentaries, which are hilarious to watch, and video diaries which are, frankly, genius. As for the episodes themselves, episodes 7-13 are a little darker and more powerful than the first six, but still have some really sweet and funny moments scattered throughout. I'd recommend this to anyone really!