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This is a tv adaptation of the Dresden Files, so you know that while they use a lot from the books, they aren't completely faithful. The can't be. That said, they did some interesting things with the characters and kept the flavor of the series. Bob the skull isn't exactly Bob that we know, and that's okay. And while little things like the Blue Beetle are changed out, they keep the soul of it. Blackthorne does a good job as Harry, and the woman playing Murphy does a fantastic job in her role, surpassing the limitations that a tv show places on the series. All in all, a good alternate version of the Harry we all know and love. Solid B+
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I loved the books and although I understand that the show is only based on them, I can't help but feel like this is missing something. Harry's character doesn't really have any biting wit and the show feels too serious. I am 3 episodes in and there is not spell slinging so far either!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I bought the DVD set because I am a big fan of Jim Butcher's Dresden books. (And though I have met Jim, it was after I started reading the books.) My Likes: 1) Primarily, the series gives a good feel for the "Dresden Universe". 2) The casting was excellent: the leads being Paul Blackthorne as Harry Dresden, Terrance Manne as "Bob" the ghost, and Valerie Cruz as Chicago Police Detective Lt. Murphy. 3) Some changes from the original books were inevitable for adaptation to a visual medium, but still worked well for the story - prime example being having "Bob" the ghost actually have a visual form, portrayed by Terrance Manne. (His wonderful diction of an English accent totally belies the fact he was born in Kentucky!) 4) The DVD set provides a behind the scenes featurette with the producers and main cast - although it would have been an added bonus to have had Jim Butcher in there somewhere as well. It also includes two episodes with running commentary with production staff and cast. Dislikes: 1) The series, as produced for Sci-Fi Channel (before it went to the SyFy logo), was far too short. At only 12 episodes - a mere half-season - it only began to scratch the surface of the "Dresden Universe". The High Council is mostly only referred to until the middle to later episodes, although Warden Morgan is introduced earlier on. 3) Character rewrites included making Dresden's mentor Justin (whom he killed in self-defense by outlawed Black Magic) his Uncle. In this case, it led up to a particular confrontation, but could still have worked with Justin being his mentor as originally written. The writers were evidently trying to frame a larger family connection for Dresden. Even the vampire femme-fatale is toned-down greatly and even given a past relationship with Harry. 3) Other changes included having Dresden driving a covered Jeep instead of his trusty Blue Beetle Volkswagen around "Chicago" - which was actually 'portrayed' by Montreal (or Toronto - sorry) which carried off some of the impersonation - but not enough for anyone familiar with the Windy City itself. All in all, the series comes off well as long as it is not held to Butcher's original writings. It did begin to explore the worlds of vampires, werewolves, ghosts, sorcerers and other things that go bump in the night. Had it lasted longer, it would have had to involve Harry more heavily into the High Council political scene, and would have had to bring Murphy to learn about true "Magic" - of which she is still unaware during the show; also, strong supporting characters from the books such as the Holy Knight Michael, Dresden's "Fairy Godmother" and others would have had to be brought in to continue the storyline's growing complexity.Read full review
I usually read the book of anything before I see it. In this case, I stumbled on the Dresden Files on SCIFI channel and was hooked from the beginning. The stories were fun, the actor compelling but I knew nothing about the books. I had also heard about the books because Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer read them in the audio version but I just didn't put it together until I liked the series enough to want to read the books. I now am hooked on the books and glad they are there since the series was canceled, even though it had a rabid fan base. I was glad to get the series on DVD because I just really liked it so much and missed it now that it's gone. I still have the books but at least now I can watch the series and enjoy it again. It is the grown up's Harry Potter. Jim Butcher lives in my area, he is a fun author so I'm glad he's having this success. The actor here was perfectly cast and I think of him when I read the books. I think you'll enjoy it, too bad there won't be more.Read full review
I watched this series and really enjoyed it when it fist aired on TV. I was excited to find it and purchase it. I loved it in the past and love it today. It was a great deal and I like having it to enjoy again. I had hopes that it would have a longer run than just one season. Alas, it did not. I enjoy the magic and lore in the series and hope you will too.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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