The Cazalets (British Mini-Series)
Picture: C+
Sound: B- Extras: D Series: B
British TV has an obsession with the years before World
War II. There are just too many shows
and series dealing with the time period, as if the country just cannot get over
the fact that they lost their world empire.
The stories have now been told to death and productions almost seeming
too similar. The Cazalets (2001)
tries to go a different route, being provocative and more literate than
usual. One good sign was that Joanna
Lumley (The New Avengers, Sapphire & Steel, Absolutely
Fabulous) co-produced it and has done “quality television” before.
This was even broadcast on Masterpiece Theater and
deservedly so. However, no matter what
new angle chosen, the mini-series just cannot escape the obvious, including the
naïve side of everyone being “certain” these “smart” international powers would
not possibly waste their energy and wealth on another World War. That gets tired quickly, but the production
is exceptional. It is not quite a soap
opera, but comes dangerously close to doing so. Running 360 minutes, this 3 DVD set is worth a look, unless you
are sick of the archetypes.
The letterboxed 16 X 9/1.78 X 1 image has its limits by
not being anamorphically presented, but this again is a good-looking
production. The Dolby Digital 2.0
Stereo has Pro Logic surrounds and sounds good. The combination makes for pleasant viewing. A weblink is the only extra, which is a
shame, because a filmography of other such productions would have been
interesting. Interviews with the crew
and Lumley would have also been nice.
- Nicholas Sheffo
