Merlin series 3 box set review
The Merlin series 3 box set comes in a gorgeous purple fold-out cover, with each of the principle characters on one of the 5 disks, which contain episodes 1-13 along with an array of bonus features. Guest appearances in this series include Warwick Davis (Flitwick), Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley), Miriam Margolyes (Sprout) and Harry Melling (Dudley). John Hurt (Ollivander) also makes a welcome return as the dragon, while Emilia Fox (Ballet Shoes) brings real drama to the series as Morgause.
As would be expected, some of the content of this DVD box set is the same as volume one. Commentaries from Katie McGrath, Bradley James, Angel Coulby and Richard Wilson are the same for episodes one and three. Though understandable it is a shame for those who are inclined towards collecting every manner of DVD available; if you buy volumes one and two, this box set won’t likely add anything new of value to your collection.
Commentaries for the second half of the series include observations from Johnny Capps (executive producer), Anthony Head, Julian Murphy (executive producer) and Jeremy Webb (director). Much can be learnt from listening to these, such as how sets are doubled up due to budget restraints, how the French location filming blends with the shooting done in a studio in Wales, how and why body doubles are used for some scenes and how they brought into play iconic elements from the legend (the round table, Arthur knighting his men, Excalibur in the stone etc…).
Perhaps the most exciting special feature is an all-too-short Making of Series 3 film which includes cast and crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. We get a glimpse of the team on set in the Forest of Dean, shooting the opening sequence for the series, at five o’clock in the morning, having to battle with bright skies which clash with the foreboding tone of the scene. We also see the actors working with stunt co-ordinators on battle sequences. The cast and crew do well to summarise the major themes of this series, with a particular focus on Morgana and how she brings about change to the relationships in Camelot. We also learn about computer generated images which are used for set extensions, creature making and landscaping, visual effects such as wind and motion capture which is used to bring to life John Hurt as the dragon. Colin Morgan takes us on a brief tour of the studios in Wales and the production team discuss the different work ethos for Cardiff versus Pierrefonds castle; when on location in France, time is of the essence, so multiple episodes are shot simultaneously and the cast are shared by directors, according to their availability.
There are also deleted scenes from nearly every episode of the series and two sets of out-takes. Rounding the DVD off, there are also wallpapers and a gallery with accompanying biographies for the characters. This is, however, missing several knights, something that might be remedied for the next box set.
The Merlin series 3 box set will be released on January 24 in the UK and can be pre-ordered via
Amazon.co.uk.