Customer Ratings & Reviews

This review is written by someone who has not read the novel. This series was thoroughly enjoyable despite this fact. Each episode serves as a distinct chapter in the story, as one would expect, with the mini series format giving the sense that you are reading the book through easily digestible chunks. This helps to keep the plot comprehensible, introduce and thoroughly develop the characters, and allow viewers to consume the story at their own pace. What sets this series apart is that it blends commentary on British society with a fantastic story involving magic. It's like watching Downton Abbey or reading a piece of classic British literature, but having it all wrapped up in a package that is far from stuffy or pompous. The magic of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell creates a sense of wonder and fantasy that rivals any Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings tale. In fact, even with a smaller vfx budget than either of those two franchises, JS&MN manages to depict magic in a much more amazing fashion. As odd as this may sound, the magic of JS&MN feels much more real and grounded than what has been shown before. Instead of flashes of light, the magic performed appears to be physical manifestations of the magician's will, which is what one would imagine magic to be like if it were real. All in all, this is one of the best fantasy properties to come out in a long time. While the production values of JS&MN are not as high as those seen in modern films, everything achieved in this series is exceptional. The acting is great despite the shortage of recognizable faces for American audiences. The characters are unique and well developed. The setting and costume work create an incredibly immersive world. While the pacing may feel slow through the first episode, the intrigue that begins with the second episode keeps things interesting long enough for all the significant characters to be fully fleshed out and worth caring for. All in all, the six plus hours is incredibly entertaining, and worth every minute devoted to its consumption.

I watched this on BBCAmerica and LOVED the story and the amazing production... HATED the annoying commercials. So I pre-ordered this dvd from another vendor (not Best Buy)... Dvd came out... I waited a week and it never arrived. Went to my local Best Buy. A very nice associate helped me find it in the store. I got home and happily binge-watched the dvd... Without annoying commercials... And I will return the other dvd when it finally arrives. No more pre-ordering at the other place. Will go right to Best Buy next time!

Based on an award winning fantasy novel, this series was a wonderful surprise. Set in the era of the Napoleonic war, England's two greatest sorcerers volunteer their services to the crown in its' war against the french. I knew nothing about the story until viewing and was carried along with it. Truly entertaining. Heck! I want to watch it again already! Sort of a Harry Potter for grown-ups. Give it a try and you may love it as much as I did!

A generally good period drama with some great effects, and some interesting recreated historical scenes (e.g., Waterloo, Napoleonic campaigns in Spain, early 19th century London) and historical characters (e.g., Wellington).

Disc use was fine. No starting in mid episode if you stop, though. Nice adaptation of the book. Well done costumes and sets. Buy if you like British series and magic done not flashy

I watched part of this mini-series at a friend's house & bought this to watch the rest. It's complex & occasionally a bit confusing. The rebirth of magic in Britain in the Victorian era...or is it? You decide.. Sort of 'Harry Potter' meets 'Jane Austin'. Beautiful costuming. Good value.

Don't get me wrong it's good but, the old saying fits this one "The book is better"...I would like to know what people who have never read the book thought about this noble effort.

This is a pretty descent BBC show. The special effects are pretty cool. The show is like Harry Potter in the Napoleonic Era. A good by for fantasy fans.

If you enjoy BBC programming like Dr. Who, this is something to look into. A sprawling story that does justice to the source material.

Beautiful photography. Greatly acted. Good interpretation of a fun novel. Hard to understand British accents at times.

loved the book and was thrilled when I heard it was being made into a series on the BBC. Haven't had time to watch it yet.

Entertaining and out of the ordinary....if you want something different than the usual magic show this is it!

This series stays close to the novel it's based on. Sometimes hard to follow but it is enjoyable

I thoroughly enjoyed this BBC series. I nice mix of humor and drama the way the British do well.

Interesting dichotomy between the leads and great ensemble cast. Makes you want more.

Great new BBC show following in their tradition of excellent original series.

It was good. Just didn't like how there is no more after this. Worth watching,

I loved the book, and happened to be in Best Buy shopping when I saw the DVD while browsing the movie section. True to the book, and well done.

There are differences in how the story is told here versus the book, but if you just watch it as a work of it in its own right, it's quite enjoyable.

Brilliant acting, writing, and direction. Great adaptation of Susanna Clarke's novel of the same name. Stunning picture & sound in this Blu-Ray package.