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Britain's Bloodiest Dynasty: The Plantagenets - The Complete Series (TV)
R2 - United Kingdom - Acorn Media Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (30th January 2015). |
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The Show
 ***This is an A/V and extras review only. For reviews on the show from various critics, we recommend visiting HERE.*** Out of the chaos, darkness and violence of the Middle Ages, one family rose to seize control of England. Generation after generation they ruled the country for more than three hundred years, ruthlessly crushing all competition to become the greatest English dynasty of all time. They were… The Plantagenets. Presented by award-winning journalist and acclaimed historian Dan Jones, the Plantagenets combines creative and insightful research with searing dramatic reconstructions to bring to life this shocking and visceral time in England’s history. From Henry II, betrayed by his own wife and children when they try to seize the throne to the powerful friendship between Henry III and Simon de Montfort which falls into hatred and bloody civil war; from Edward II’s adulterous French wife and his ‘legendary’ death from a red hot poker to the boy king and tyrant Richard II one of the most vicious and inventive despots in English history; Britain’s Bloodiest Dynasty: The Plantagenets uncovers a dark, vengeful and bloody history which compels viewers into the heart of the action as they bear witness to the most ruthless dynasty in English history.
Video
The United Kingdom arm of multi-national distributor Acorn Media, have released the Channel 5 history series "Britain's Bloodiest Dynasty: The Plantagenets" on to DVD using the original broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The transfer is anamorphic, in PAL format, and is pretty average. The four episodes of this documentary series are made up of a mix of narrated re-enactments, and of presenter Dan Jones talking at historical areas of interest or interviewing an occasional expert. It must be said that the presenting and interview segments are of a higher quality than the re-enactments with a more lively palette, and much more natural looking skin tones. The re-enactment scenes do feel a little muted and dull, especially the greens, though this could be down to the realistic darkened feel of using natural light within enclosed spaces. Details are good, with exterior brick work of the castles of particular note. Dan Jones clothing shows more minute details and facial close-ups have good levels of clarity. The re-enacted scenes do suffer a little in the details department, though again, this appears down to the lighting levels more than anything. When it comes to notable problems, there really isn't much to worry about at all. There is some mild aliasing in some scenes, and some quite obvious signs of posterisation and banding in backgrounds of some re-enactment scenes, but overall this is a passable transfer that most people will be content with. The show is uncut, and the Play All option runs for 181:27.
Audio
Acorn Media have included a English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track on the disc, which is more than suitable for the show. The score for the show is better than you would expect, capturing the particular atmosphere of each re-enacted scene surprisingly well. It is quite robust considering the stereo limitations, but at the same times, never overshadows the crystal clear narration from presenter Dan Jones. Smaller more subtle effects can also be heard, though are perhaps a little on the quiet side, especially in scenes with Jones talking to the camera as he is walking. Channel separation is minimal but noticeable, and there are no issues to speak of such as scratches, pops, or background hiss. A solid, well-rounded audio presentation. Optional subtitles have been included in English.
Extras
Unfortunately there are no extras.
Overall
Channel 5 aren't exactly known for their high-brow documentary series, but this certainly worth a look for history buffs and novices.
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