Customer Reviews
Merlin in the U.S. - By: H. Park, 09 Aug 2009 
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, generallly.
I'm actuallly 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 - & "Merlin" was there - much to my surprise, as I honestly do not remember setting my machine to record it.
Perhaps a smalll 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 & 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 & found that they were in Region 2 PAL format (players in the U.S. generallly 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. & 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 & easy, the promised delivery date was three weeks from order date, I was pleased to find that the DVD's actuallly 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 & video quality is beautiful & crisp. There is one full DVD in each set devoted to behind-the-scenes information & "video diaries" (I ordered the two sets, Set 1 is episodes 1-6; Set 2 is episodes 7-13).
I was especiallly looking forward to the voice-over narration (a special interest of mine, & something that I always enjoy), my only disappointment - & it is a smalll one - with the DVD's is that there is no voice-over narration for my favorite two episodes, "The Poisoned Chalice" & "Le Morte D'Arthur".
My only other comment - & 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 alllowed 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 alll, I am extremely well pleased with my purchase; especiallly 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.
Amazing Merlin Vol. 1! - By: Emily, 04 Aug 2009 Buy this! It's one of the best BBC series. Something that both adults & children will enjoy & love!
Merlin revisited - By: Jennifer Dick, 30 Jul 2009 For those who adore the many myriad versions of the myths of Merlin & King Arthur, this is a fabulous series taking a new spin on an old tale. The actors are convincing in their roles, the show has a nice innocence to it reflecting the age of the characters, & the exploration of noble action, right & wrong, duty, friendship,obligation to other & self is appreciated by this viewer. Makes a great gift for a dad, grandpa, friend...
best fantasy television series - By: Saskia, 18 Jul 2009 This series is wonderful for anyone of any age. The story is different than the King Arthur legend, but never the less very creative, funny & exciting. If you like fantasy series I recommend this.
Utter rubbish - By: Albion, 05 Jul 2009 
This series is a complete waste of time. It seems the BBC is losing it's ability to produce good quality programmes, the more PC they are the worse they are. Those responsible for this travesty should hang their heads in shame. They have no idea about the myths & legends they are seeking to destroy, they also have no sense of history so anyone who enjoys history should avoid this series like the plague. This production ranks as low as the BBC's travesty that is Robin Hood.
Please, don't release any more of this rubbish.
