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Click here to return to the main site. DVD Review
Poldark began its life as a series of twelve historical novels by Winston Graham. The bulk of the novels are set in the eighteenth century, telling the story of Ross Poldark’s return from the American War of Independence, to his ancestral home in Cornwall. On his return he discovers that Elizabeth, the love of his life, having presumed him dead in the wars, is going ahead and marrying his cousin, Francis. Distraught at this news, Ross turns his attention to reopening one of his family’s tin mines, in an effort to reverse his fortunes. Along the way he acquires Demelza, initially ill-bred and scruffy, she grows into a beautiful woman and a fitting partner for Ross, but he never is able to forget his first love, Elizabeth. The books were originally turned in to a television program in the late nineteen seventies, becoming very popular, so it was with little surprise that story would be retold. The BBC returned to the books to create an eight part adaptation of the first two of the books. They were adapted for the screen by multi BAFTA winner Debbie Horsfield and the show was directed by Edward Bazalgette and Will McGregor, each directing four episodes. The character of Captain Ross Poldark was always that of an affable, passionate rogue, so it was going to be a no brainer to get Aidan Turner to play the main role, as he had portrayed a similar character in Being Human (2009), especially as his acting status was further enhanced by playing the slightly odd love interest in the three Hobbit films. I know my wife is taller than me but that relationship was a bit of a stretch in more than one way. Eleanor Tomlinson as Demelza Poldark was a real find; given that she had to transform herself from a filthy waif. When Ross rescues her from a beating she is so filthy that he mistakes her for a boy. Bringing her home she clashes with Jud (Phil Davis) and his wife Prudie (Beatie Edney), a clash which leads to their eventual dismissal. As she grows more beautiful, Ross eventually falls in love and marries her, but her impetuous streak and her meddling in other people’s lives, on the one hand creates problems for Ross, but she is partially able to mend relationships with Elizabeth (Heida Reed). Across the series the show deals with loss, obviously Ross has lost his first love and his fortune, but his cousin Francis (Kyle Soller), also loses as his wife obviously finds it difficult to disengage her feeling for Ross, which in turn is partially responsible for him gambling his own fortune away. The only character who seems to make any gain is Verity (Ruby Bentall), who after much trial and tribulation is united with her sea captain. The story is universally well acted with good set design and, importantly, a very good script. Of course it didn’t hurt that Aidan got his top off for some steamy scything, which made him an instant hit with the ladies. The show is presented across three DVDs. Disc one, as well as having the first two episodes contains a full length commentary for episode one. There are thee extras on the disc. Poldark – The Man, The Icon (7 min, 35 sec) which takes a look at the character as a man. Behind the Scenes (6 min, 26 sec) I a very interesting piece, I was expecting something about the making of the show, but it’s more a piece about taking a deeper look at the story and characters. The Women Behind Poldark (9 min, 37 sec) looking at Poldark's relationship with the two women in his life, Elizabeth and Demelza. All the pieces have contributions from the main actors, producers and directors. Disc two contains only episode three to five, the last disc holding episodes six to eight. The show was a fine update of a classic, popular enough for the next two seasons to have already been commissioned. Ladies get ready to swoon all over again. 8 Charles Packer Buy this item online
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