this be certainly the best version of the arthur legend there be . the bad thing about new version of old british legend be the fact they be often make by and star american and and they often do not even make an attempt at a english accent ( first knight and prince of thief etc ) and these make them seem really stupid . merlin be a decent enough series and but a little too kiddy and stray from the work of mallory . the acting be rock solid and the effect although poor ( it 1981 and let be fair ) do not really matter since they aren not integral to the story . this be about a quest and magic and sword and knight and not about special effect . i own it on video and watch it now and again and and i hope that if boorman ever make knight castle that he bring back nicol williamson a merlin and because he just too good in that role ( despite the fact he must be really get on by now ) . watch the movie and enjoy the legend .