MERLIN'S APPRENTICE
UNRATED VERSION

HALLMARK ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS

Release Date: NOW, 2006

MSRP Price: $29.95 
Amazon Price: Unavailable
Wallmart Price: $24.98
Costco Price: $23.99

Format: widescreen
Studio: Echo Bridge Entertainment
Run Time: Approx 180 Minutes
Number of Discs -  1
Sound - Dolby Digital 5.1 

Merlin's Apprentice - Rating:   B

Video - A
Audio - C
Content - B
Extras - C
Overall - B

STARS: Sam Neil, Miranda Richardson, Andrew Jackson, Alexander Kalugin

Blade has to go down as an action packed trilogy in the likes of Matrix, Indiana Jones and Back to the Future. All three films kick butt. The third Blade film rocks from opening scene to final credits. 

This is a follow-up mini-series to the original "Merlin" mini. Sam Neil returns as Merlin after Camelot has fallen and the Holy Grail vanished. 

I have never been much into these types of tales retold in various versions. Hallmark is does an excellent job in television mini-series and this one is no exception as far as the look and the acting. I found the script a bit boring and the dialogue trying at times. 

The film works on many levels through the acting of the supporting roles. The story excels after the death of Merlin as his young apprentice, and son, learns the extent of his abilities. This mini-series, like most, really takes off in the second half. 

PACKAGING 
The artwork is blah. There's nothing catchy or memorable for that matter. It's a standard one disc keep case with a one sheet insert. It's a safe somewhat colorful image. 

VIDEO: 
The television video looks good. The darks are black and the colors sharp without fading. Debris and dirt are minimal and the video quality remains consistant throughout the mini-series.

AUDIO: 
There's no working through the speakers worthy of the 5.1 surround. The voices are sharp and there is some noise in the background at a higher volume. The music is melodramatic and... fits the film. 

BONUS FEATURES: 
New Line really packed the shit into the DVD. It all good for at least one time through.  

• Interviews with the cast and crew members. 

SUMMARY: 

This is a watchable mini-series with some entertaining moments. I have always enjoyed Sam Neil and his performance in Merlin's Apprentice is very good. The mini-series is actually made by the acting of the supporting cast. 

Viewers will find an entertaining mini-series. It will not put you on the edge or your seat but it's watchable and very good. If you can nail it down for the $15 price tag online, get it. 

Nerlin's Apprentice Rating: 
video/audio/content/extras/overall: A/C/B/C/B

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