You either dig the BBC aesthetic- especially the old one- or you don't. It's never bothered me, especially when the material is first rate. In fact there's something right about seeing Neil Gaiman's text writ small on the small screen. The point is that even with truncated effects and an overly theatrical delivery Gaiman's story and dialogue shines bright. Neverwhere is every bit as entertaining as it was 15 years ago and this new edition features a new intro from Gaiman as well as a new commentary featuring Gaiman, Lenny Henry and producer Clive Brill, another commentary that was part of the older set with just Gaiman and the original Gaiman interview as well. You also get a photo gallery, a character guide and a...
- 12/6/2011
- Screen Anarchy
15 years later, Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere has become a cult classic TV series to rival all comers. With a budget and production values that are hard to describe without using the word "laughable," the wild adventure and creative genius shine through to create a wonderful video experience that would otherwise be unwatchable. Even by the standards of the time, the obvious limitations here are mind-boggling.
For the uninitiated, the BBC production follows Richard Mayhew and the adventures that ensue when he happens upon a bleeding girl in the street. The girl, Door, turns out to be from the quasi-magical world of London Below, and Richard finds himself sucked into quite a fine mess that he didn't actually sign up for. Worse, he has no way out of it, because his normal life apparently disappears right from under him, being that his exposure to Door has somehow "London Belowed" him, and...
For the uninitiated, the BBC production follows Richard Mayhew and the adventures that ensue when he happens upon a bleeding girl in the street. The girl, Door, turns out to be from the quasi-magical world of London Below, and Richard finds himself sucked into quite a fine mess that he didn't actually sign up for. Worse, he has no way out of it, because his normal life apparently disappears right from under him, being that his exposure to Door has somehow "London Belowed" him, and...
- 11/28/2011
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
Chicago – Though British author Neil Gaiman’s six-part, three-hour miniseries “Neverwhere” first aired in 1996, it feels like a relic from a much earlier period in television’s past. Before digital technology enabled small-screen dramas to appear visually indiscernible from major film productions, in-camera effects and handcrafted sets were the norm. It’s inspiring to observe just how much can be achieved on a shoestring budget.
In light of the film’s subsequent books and stage versions, including Lifeline Theatre’s successful 2010 adaptation, it’s clear that Gaiman’s witty adventure series has struck a chord with audiences around the world. Seen fifteen years after its initial release, the show holds up remarkably well. It utilizes the London Underground’s transit system as the jumping off point for its parallel fantasy world (known as “London Below”), with various creatures and lands inspired by actual locations. For example, the angel Islington (played...
In light of the film’s subsequent books and stage versions, including Lifeline Theatre’s successful 2010 adaptation, it’s clear that Gaiman’s witty adventure series has struck a chord with audiences around the world. Seen fifteen years after its initial release, the show holds up remarkably well. It utilizes the London Underground’s transit system as the jumping off point for its parallel fantasy world (known as “London Below”), with various creatures and lands inspired by actual locations. For example, the angel Islington (played...
- 11/16/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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