Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell - Blu-ray

Film: There have been no active wizards in England for over 300 years. Magic is only practiced in theory by a few so-called gentleman wizards. But young Mr. Segundus (Edward Hogg) is determined to bring magic back to England. For according to a prophecy, this is to be done by two magicians. He himself is not one of them, but he sets out to find the men who are to restore magic to its former glory and prestige. Segundus finds the first in Mr. Norrell (Eddie Marsan). The latter has bought up every spellbook in the land and painstakingly learned sorcery over decades. The second is Jonathan Strange (Bertie Carvel), who discovers his talent for magic after meeting the mysterious drifter Vinculus (Paul Kaye). Together, Strange and Norrell could achieve great things. But to live up to his reputation, Norrell has made a pact with the dark side of magic in the form of a mysterious elven servant (Marc Warren). And that pact is now taking its toll.

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell is the TV adaptation of the multi-award-winning novel by Susanna Clarke. Set in an alternate version of England during the Napoleonic Wars, the story is fascinating for its blending of historical events and fantasy elements. Playwright Peter Harness rewrote the novel for television and the 7-part mini-series was directed by accomplished TV director Toby Haynes, who has sat in the director's chair for Sherlock or Doctor Who. With Eddie Marsan (Sherlock Holmes, Ray Donovan), Bertie Carvel (Les Miserables), Marc Warren (Mad Dogs, The Musketeers) or Alice Englert (Beautiful Creatures) the film adaptation is also very well cast.

But what the series really benefits from are the atmospheric set, the stirring camerawork and the special effects, which are really good for a television production and literally give the story something magical. There's also a pleasant dash of British humour in the first episode, which makes for a very watchable mix. However, the lightness that comes despite some dark moments at the beginning is almost completely lost over the course of the seven episodes. The story gets darker and darker and also more and more convoluted, which has a little negative effect on the entertainment value. Especially the last two episodes are still something for the eye, but are no longer as much fun as the first episodes.

Dennoch: even if the end can not quite keep what the beginning promises, so Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell is overall really first-class TV entertainment for all fans of solid fantasy stuff. Excitingly told, elegantly staged and very well acted, the series immerses you in a world of magic, of which you definitely want to see more at the end. (Even though the story is self-contained, the finale makes a sequel almost imperative). And for that there is a very clear: Absolutely worth seeing!!!

Picture + Sound: A high image sharpness, an atmospheric color scheme and coherent contrasts make the absolutely clean picture of the Blu-ray a real pleasure. The audio, especially in the scenes where magic is used, has some very nice sound effects to offer, which come across well in the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. Overall, both the picture and the audio help to capture the very special atmosphere of this series. Good!

Extras: Unfortunately, the rather extensive bonus material of the British box set did not make it to Germany. In this country, the viewer is not offered any extras at all. Considering the fact that additional material such as making of, outtakes etc. was produced, this is really extremely disappointing.

Conclusion: Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell is an exciting and very enjoyable fantasy mini-series that scores points with a gripping story, a dash of dry humor, good effects, and interesting characters. An entertaining wizarding adventure that just screams for a sequel! The Blu-ray box of the mini-series is technically very well implemented. Only the lack of extras smells of a lazy magic. Overall, however, viewers are treated to seven exciting and highly entertaining hours of great show value here. And for that there is a very clear: Absolutely recommendable!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp