DVD: Beastmaster: Season One (ADV films)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

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There are strong connections between Beastmaster and Xena: Warrior Princess, one of the most successful fantasy television programs in recent television. Many of the elements that worked for Xena are at play here, from a churning cauldron of demons and heroes to the sexy muscle bound cast. Whether the staying power of Beastmaster will be as strong as Xena, which reached cult status across the board, remains to be seen, but the producers are working with an impressive set of tools.

In standout episodes such as "The Last Unicorns" and "The Golden Phoenix," the storytelling team at work is at the peak of its powers. The communication between Dar (Daniel Goddard) and his animal allies are drawn of myth, and his powers to intercede in epic undertakings, truly fantastic. Beastmaster is full of many standard fantasy tropes with a naturalistic undercurrent. It would be an overstatement to declare it groundbreaking television, but there is more than enough adventure here for two programs.

Based on the legendary science fiction of author Andre Norton, the presentation over these 22 episodes is as striking as it is expansive. The six DVD's cover 1100 minutes and the production values are astounding, from lush colors and movements to sound delivered in resounding depth. For fans of rich, quality sci/fi and fantasy television, the season one of Beastmaster is a far reaching delight.

© 2003 - Erick Mertz