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Occurring in an alternative world in which magic was once fact in British history, this seven-part mini-series from the BBC recounts the story of how real magic made its glorious return into the world thanks to two competitive magicians in the early 1800s. Stylish and slick and operating much like episodes of Doctor Who, the seven-hours that make up Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell are delicious period-dramas that combine strong characters with a soaked atmosphere of heavy curtains revealing gray skies. Any fan of the BBC’s current television successes with their commitment to strong production values will easily be entranced by this mini-series.

It must be mentioned upfront that condensing the wickedly-spun gothic flourishes of author Susanna Clarke’s 2004 fantasy novel is not easily done and that, YES, there is a difference between the book and the BBC’s somewhat downsized production. Not big ones, mind you, but noticeable ones that may or may not disappoint serious fans of the novel. It is my opinion that nothing about those changes – which includes more humor and less pontification – reduces the overall spell the narrative – in any form – casts upon its audience. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is a fascinating trick AND treat for the vivacious viewer.

Refocused by screenwriter Peter Harness into a more character-driven piece of mystical folklore, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell stars Bertie Carvel as Strange and Eddie Marsan as Norrell. The two men – Norrell being a relative recluse and Strange being led by an eccentric prophecy – have a unique interest in the dark arts. Norrell, who makes statues move, is drawn out of his comfort zone thanks to a push from his servant, John Childermass (Enzo Cilenti), to aid England in its fight against France during the Napoleonic War. Strange, who has only just begun his magical studies as Norrell’s apprentice, is guided by a series of different forces – some domestic – all merging together to create an unstoppable storm of magical proportions.

Soon enough, the two magicians – driven by their different interpretation of magic – go their own way in a mystical journey that involves the dead being brought back to life, worlds behind mirrors, and realms of black magic that probably should never be entered. The series is directed by Toby Haynes, a notable director of British television shows, and is yet another great example of the BBC’s effort to create strong tales dressed in specific garb that stretches practical production values while contrasting minimal use of special effects and managing its weight as the series becomes more fantastical.

Haynes, who previously directed episodes of Being Human, Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Three Musketeers, combines his skills for helming action scenes and creating a sense of suspense here with an affinity for the darker elements effectively.   Much of Harness’ adaptation of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell relies on quick steps across heavy effects-driven material and guided dramatic beats that, under Haynes direction, merge together to create an effective tale of mystical intrigue quite nicely.

Magic IS real.

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[tab title="Film Details"]

MPAA Rating: Not rated
Runtime: 420 mins
Director: Toby Haynes
Writer: Peter Harness
Cast: Bertie Carvel, Eddie Marsan, Marc Warren
Genre: Fantasy | History
Tagline: Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
Memorable Movie Quote:
Distributor: BBC
Official Site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02mrqzv
Release Date: June 13, 2015
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: August 11, 2015
Synopsis: With magic long since lost to England, two men are destined to bring it back; the reclusive Mr. Norrell and daring novice Jonathan Strange. So begins a dangerous battle between two great minds.

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[tab title="Blu-ray Review"]

Blu-ray Details:

Available on Blu-ray - February 11, 2014
Screen Formats: 1.85:1
Subtitles:
Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1; English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
Discs: 50GB Blu-ray Disc; Single disc (1 BD)
Region Encoding: A/1

Released on blu-ray by the BBC, the 1080p transfer of this ambitious series is ripe with details and deep, deep shadows. The special effects also shine with strong contrasts. It was mainly filmed on location and it shows off a lot of the unseen side of Britain both in and outside of abbeys. Croatia and Canada are also rich with exterior details as those locations quite effectively recreate Venice and the Battle of Waterloo respectively. Black levels are strong and colors – while stylistically not bright – are solid and vibrant. The sound – found here in a quite vocal DTS-HD 5.1 track – is immersive and strong.

Supplements:

Commentary:

• None

Special Features:

Alas, there is but one; a 20-minute featurette full of talking heads in which everyone gushes about how much they enjoyed working on the mini-series. It’s pretty standard information.

• The Making of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell (20 min)

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