Poldark - Season 1- Blu-ray

Movie: In 1783, Ross Poldark (Aiden Turner), thought dead, returns to his native Cornwall from the American War of Independence. But during his absence, it seems that everything here really has changed - and not for the better: his father is dead, the family mine run down and heavily in debt. And as if that weren't bad enough, the love of his life, Elizabeth (Heida Reed), is set to marry his cousin, of all people, in a few weeks. All reasons to run away again, actually. But Ross decides to stay in Cornwall. He keeps his father's servants and also hires young Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson), whom he rescues from the clutches of her violent, alcoholic father. With all his strength and iron will, Ross rebuilds the copper mine and indeed seems to be back on track for success. But many conflicts in the village community, intrigues and unrequited love for Elizabeth ensure that Ross Poldark is simply not allowed to rest.

This is not the first time this material has been made into a film. Back in 1975 and 1996, Winston Graham's Poldark novels were adapted for British television. The first season of this new British-American co-production is based on the first two of a total of twelve Poldark novels. With Hobbit star Aidan Turner, the perfect successor has been found for the original Poldark Robin Ellis, who can also be seen in a small supporting role in the new adaptation. Grandiose landscape shots and the grippingly told story ensure that this film adaptation of the popular books has also become an absolute hit.

No wonder then that the series has become an absolute ratings hit for broadcaster BBC One. An average of 8 million viewers watched the first season spellbound, which was followed by a no less successful second season in 2016. At the BAFTAS 2016, the British Oscar equivalent, there was then also the audience award, followed by numerous other awards. The reason for its success is really not hard to pinpoint. This Poldark version is simply a superbly produced historical drama that not only has plenty for the eye with landscapes, sets and costumes (and, it must be admitted without envy, for the ladies, the lead actor), but also tells its story extremely engagingly.

Although the whole thing is set in a different time, which already automatically builds up a certain demarcation, one easily finds access to the characters and sympathizes with their fate. One hopes for Ross that he can decide between Elizabeth and Demelza, that his mine will bring in money again and that he can successfully overcome all obstacles that stand in his way. The fact that this doesn't always seem to be the case only makes the series all the more exciting, and the love story in particular all the more tragic.

So if you have a soft spot for wonderfully filmed and superbly acted historical dramas, you definitely shouldn't miss this first season. It's just tremendous fun to dive into this time and finally follow a really interesting hero with depth in his adventures. Absolutely recommendable!

Picture + Sound: The fascinating landscape shots of Cornwall are shown off to great effect on the Blu-ray thanks to the coherent colour scheme, decent picture depth and very good overall sharpness. But even with darker interior shots, the picture quality can convince. The audio is in a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix, which primarily transports the dialogue powerfully out of the home theater speakers. But also ambient sounds such as the roar of the sea or smaller sound effects provide an atmospheric soundscape. For a current TV production, this is absolutely convincing. Good!

Extras: On the first Blu-ray, in addition to a very whimsical and informative audio commentary on the first episode (without subtitles) with Aiden Turner, other cast members, the screenwriter and two producers of the series, there are three short documentaries about the character Ross Poldark (approx. 7:36 min.), about the filming (ca. 6:27 min.), as well as about the women in the life of Ross Poldark (ca. 9:38 min.). The second disc has an absolutely worth seeing documentary (ca. 56:05 min.), which not only deals with the filming, but also with the book and the historical background. German subtitles are available for the video extras.

Conclusion: Poldark is a very well-acted, superbly filmed and stirringly told historical drama, buoyed by a charismatic lead actor, wonderful landscape shots and a gripping story. The first season of the British ratings hit presents itself on two Blu-rays in good picture and sound quality and also has a few good extras to offer. That is enough for a more than satisfied: Absolutely recommendable!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp