The Roman Invasion Of Britain (2009/Documentary TV Mini-Series/Athena DVD Set)

 

Picture: C     Sound: C     Extras: C+     Episodes: C+

 

 

Bettany Hughes is back with another solid history lesson and the fact that she can explain things so compellingly is a plus.  The Roman Invasion of Britain (2009) is the latest documentary mini-series to employ her talents as she explains how the Roman Empire temporarily took over what would become the soon to be more powerful British Empire in a three-episode program.

 

So scholarly and well-researched is the piece and Miss Hughes that the show attempts to offer new information on the events and is also very good at explaining the background to all.  On par with her When The Moors Rules In Europe series, the program becomes immediately involving.  However, in this edition, the sound is a real problem that holds back one’s enjoyment of what is meant to be a great series.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image is a little weak throughout with more motion blur than expected, which extends to the editing being more noticeable.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is a real problem with the voiceovers being constantly drowned out by the louder music and sound effects, which happened no matter what sound reset I used.  That is a real problem and should be corrected down the line if the final mix is not permanently that way.  Extras include text bios of the major figures in the story, 14 minutes of extended interviews with the experts and a 12 page viewer’s guide inside the DVD case that includes a timeline and more.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo