#140RVW
Very good considering this is 1st live-action Pratchett. The 2-night tv model is one that should be used for all adaptations. New classic…
What’s more:
Was very excited when they made this. I have been a huge fan of author Terry Pratchett for decades. His stuff is so cinematic on the page, but has failed to be filmed for a number of reasons.
The idea of filming this for tv as a two night mini-series was brilliant. I would love to see far more books adapted for the screen in this manner. It really removes the necessity to keep things brief, thus at a stroke nullifying the biggest challenge behind any adaptation: gut the thing for brevity, or cram in as much as you can and overstay your welcome.
For newcomers, this is a pretty accessible story, although there are others that would be much better. I highly recommend reading the book first, but then I’d always recommend reading Pratchett. (Note: usually I would dissuade people from reading source material prior to seeing an adaptation; it nearly always leads to disappointment. Faithful adaptations such as this one, where you are being thrust into a new universe, are the exception.)
The acting is quite good, with Michelle Dockery in her first major role being particularly excellent in a role that they HAD to get right. Sadly, no actor really gets to extend themselves too much with such a tight leash – the downside of faithful adaptations.
The visuals are the best they can be on a tv budget. Actually a bit better than that. The set design is masterful and they do such a good job dressing the sets and in costuming that the effects are kept to a minimum. Take notes, kids; if you are prepared to be clever with practical in-camera effects, you can save your budget for a few really nice CG shots.
This can be purchased for a few bucks for download or dvd, and is very worth your time…
Poster:
