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Ireland with Ardal O'Hanlon (TV)
R2 - United Kingdom - Simply Media Review written by and copyright: Rick Curzon (7th March 2019). |
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The Show
 Ardal O'Hanlon will always be known as Father Dougal from the sitcom classic Father Ted. In this travelogue, the comic explores the Emerald Isle and Irish life, heading off the beaten track to learn more about what makes the Irish… well, Irish. As he travels around his beloved homeland, Ardal visits small towns and some of the more idiosyncratic attractions that the Emerald Isle has to offer. To aid his voyage of discovery, Ardal uses a series of very proper Victorian guidebooks by Mr and Mrs S C Hall, written originally with the purpose of tempting the English over to Ireland in the 19th century. As he travels, he examines Irish stereotypes and issues surrounding faith and belief, investigating how the Irish became such renowned storytellers and why they are obsessed with myths and legends, including leprechauns. And he discovers how the new generation is embracing the traditions of the past. With his insider's knowledge and humorous approach, Ardal wanders from pulpit to pub, rejoicing in the unique festivities and characters he finds along the way.
Video
Bright, clearly shot modern documentary series' most likely all lensed in HD. These three shows (Great Irish Journeys with Martha Kearney, Wild Ireland, Ireland with Ardal O'Hanlon) were all made around the same time (2015-16) and are very much of a muchness. Colours are bright and clear with no bleeding, black levels are rich with no signs of crush that I noticed. Contrast is moderate allowing detail to shine through as far as it can in the typical fog of standard definition. Detailed patterned surfaces can occasionally have very minor signs of moire or mosquito noise but that's to be expected in standard definition. Occasionally in darker patches of the screen mild artefacts can be detected but nothing much to mar enjoyment for the viewer. On a corrected setup display these won't be noticeable at all. All in all, a decent standard definition image. 1.78:1 / PAL / Ireland with Ardal O'Hanlon - 140:25
Audio
English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Subtitles: None Straightforward, modern 2.0 stereo track. Music is pushed mainly to the surrounds, dialogue remains front and centre and is very, very clear. It's primarily designed to be supportive of the presenter so like the video: new and well up to the usual standards capable of DVD for what it is. No subtitles is unforgivable in this day and age; folks who're hard of hearing will have to do without these three releases.
Extras
Nothing. No outtakes, no interviews nothing. Surely there must have been some promotional bits and pieces, deleted scenes etc that could've been included?
Packaging
Standard keepcase.
Overall
Barebones releases of fairly recent, modern, light documentary series'. Picture and sound are as good as can be for the standard definition format. These were most likely HD lensed so a Blu-ray release would be ideal. However, coming down from Lala land this kind of programme isn't going to warrant the extra expense. A decent release for what it is and if this is your bag you'll be pleased.
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