Merlin's Apprentice
by David Wu
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DVD details
Actor: John Reardon, Meghan Ory, Miranda Richardson, Sam Neill, Tegan MossDirector: David Wu
Brand: Echo
Producer: Christian Ford
Writer: Christian Ford
Producer: Matthew O'Connor
Producer: Michael O'Connor
Producer: Robert Halmi Jr.
Producer: Robert Halmi Sr.
Writer: Roger Soffer
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 5.1; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.78:1
Running Time: 176 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2006-03-14
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Model: 44179
Studio: Platinum Disc
Product features:
- MERLIN'S APPRENTICE WS (DVD MOVIE)
DVD Reviews of Merlin's Apprentice
DVD Review: A new tale about Merlin and Camelot
Summary: 5 Stars
Having watched Hallmark's 'Merlin' and being impressed by it, I turned to this film, expecting a sequel. This is where most of the other reviews have gone wrong. It most definitely is not a sequel to 'Merlin', but a companion story.
This fact is obvious right from the start, where the Camelot we find is very different to the Camelot at the end of 'Merlin', as is Merlin himself, even though the character is played again by Sam Neill, who handles the role deliciously in both mini-series. So be prepared to see a totally new story which draws on the Camelot legends for its basis, but follows none of them.
This new story starts slowly from a demolished Camelot. Merlin has been in hibernation for 50 years, but a young, undisciplined magician, as yet not very skilled, has appeared to partly fill the gap created by the missing Merlin. Merlin returns and with the remnants of the citizens of Camelot sets out to create a new Camelot. Along the way, he acquires the afore-mentioned young magician as an apprentice.
The story is beautifully constructed, slowly developing, taking on twists and turns and leading to an ending which the cynical might see as corny, but the lover of such fantasies will see as almost inspiring. Some of the dialog can be a little pedestrian, but most is quite competent and at times rises to scenes of near-brilliance.
As in its earlier companion film, 'Merlin', the technical aspects of film making are excellent. The photography is of quite a high standard, as is the editing, but they are both handled in such a responsible way that they do not draw attention to themselves. Color and 5.1 sound on this widescreen film are also excellent. And, an important contribution to most films, it has a delightful music score.
Although a different director to 'Merlin', the direction skillfully draws together all the elements of the film to create a result which I thought was superior to 'Merlin'. Certainly it had less special effects, at least obvious ones. but I don't watch a film for its special effects, I watch for the telling of a good story or the exposition of a good character study. And in this I found quite a good story. As in 'Merlin', neither the story or the film is a masterpiece, but at least there is a solid well-developed story, a rarity in most films.
I was slightly disappointed in the acting of the pivotal character, the apprentice. The character portrayed was exactly right for the story and he looked very good for the part. Unfortunately, his acting was marred by a little rigidity. However, he got away with this failing. Surprisingly, Miranda Richardson, the focus of evil in the story, was unusually bland.
In total, I thought this a good film, not one to go down in history, but superior to most of what we see in our cinemas (this is a TV two-part mini-series). If you like this type of fantasy, buy it. But don't expect a sequel to 'Merlin' or any other Arthurian film you have seen. It is a new story that stands alone from the rest. Approach it as any sort of sequel and you will be disappointed. Approach it on its own merits, and you should experience enjoyable viewing.
Description of Merlin's Apprentice
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