Primeval – Volume Two (2009/Season 3/BBC DVD)
Picture: B-
Sound: B- Extras: B
Episodes: B+
NOTE: Some cover art
misidentified this set as The Complete Series Two, but the first two seasons were on Volume One.
Primeval - Volume Two continues the high-action, sci-fi drama from volume one.
Intrepid scholar Nick Cutter (Douglass Henshall) still leads his team of misfit
adventurers as they try to study the strange "anomalies" which allow
creatures from past and future ages to enter into the modern 21st century
world. Developed by some
of the principles behind the Walking
With Dinosaurs show (reviewed elsewhere on this site), the CGI creature effects
in Volume Two are every bit the equal
of those seen in Volume One. The actors and crew seem
more adept at working in this environment, and sell them even better throughout
the new episodes as a result.
This three disc DVD set features ten pulse-pounding episodes that further
explore the mystery of the anomalies, and the sinister plans of Cutter's treacherous
wife, Helen (a woman who knows more about the nature of the anomalies than
anyone else). Among the new cast members is Sarah Paige (Laila Rouass), a
plucky Egyptologist who helps uncover unique new aspects of the anomalies and
how some ancient peoples interacted with them.
Volume Two cements Primeval as a solid second level BBC production--not the equal of Doctor Who or Torchwood, but nonetheless more than the equal of any show one
might find on the SyFy Channel or other U.S. network. It's good stuff, and it
is supported by a collection of extras and interviews. A documentary entitled
"Cutter's Odyssey", another
called "Genesis of a Creature",
and some audio commentaries comprise these extras.
Science fiction fans (especially those who enjoyed Volume One) will delight in the
continuing adventures of Cutter and his crew. Primeval
continues to match excellent human drama with fantastic creatures for maximum
effect.
For more on the series, try this link:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/7918/Primeval+%E2%80%93+Volume+One
- Scott Pyle
