Based on the global bestselling novel by J.K. Rowling, the HBO and BBC coproduction THE CASUAL VACANCY is a three-part mini-series produced by Brontë Film and Television, written by Sarah Phelps (Eastenders, Great Expectations) and directed by Jonny Campbell (Doctor Who, Shameless). The mini-series centers on Pagford, a seemingly idyllic English village with a cobbled market square and ancient abbey. Behind the pretty façade, however, is a town at war. The rich at war with the poor, children at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils.
THE CASUAL VACANCY is directed by Jonny Campbell (“In the Flesh,” “Eric and Ernie”) and written by Sarah Phelps (“Great Expectations,” “The Crimson Field”). The talented ensemble of actors is led by Michael Gambon (“The King’s Speech,” the “Harry Potter” series), Julia McKenzie (“Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple,” “Notes on a Scandal”), Keeley Hawes (“Upstairs, Downstairs,” “Ashes to Ashes”), Rory Kinnear (“The Imitation Game,” “Penny Dreadful”), Rufus Jones (“Paddington,” “W1A”), Emily Bevan (“In the Flesh”), Simon McBurney (“Magic in the Moonlight,” “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”) and Monica Dolan (“Wolf Hall,” “W1A”), and introduces Abigail Lawrie in her acting debut. Paul Trijbits (“Dancing on the Edge,” “Small Island”), Rick Senat (“Birthday”), Neil Blair and J.K. Rowling executive produce; Ruth Kenley-Letts (Academy Award® winner for “Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life”) produces.
J.K. Rowling created a world of magic and wonder with the Harry Potter series of novels. She followed that up with The Casual Vacancy and while I have never gotten around to reading the book I did sit down to watch the HBO mini-series adaptation. While the cast does feature some powerful performances the overall pace is just too slow and drawn out. Another issue is the large amount of characters that one has to be introduced to and most of them aren't particularly memorable or interesting.
If you have yet to read the book I would caution dipping your toes with a rental first and then decide if you want to add this to your collection. 6.5/10
The Casual Vacancy arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1 - Colors have a pleasing, natural appearance with a couple bold primaries showing more vivid pop. Black levels were good. Overall clarity was excellent save for a few instances of blurring. Thankfully no sings of artifacts or edge enhancement. 8/10
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - Dialogue was reproduced faithfully with clarity and precision. Surrounds are used for crowd din and environmental effects but for the most part this is a front heavy track. LFE performance is barely existent and only kicks in for a bit of added depth to the music. No anomalies to speak of. 8/10
* An Introduction to The Casual Vacancy (HD, 8:33) - Cast and crew discuss the show and the author.
* Adapting The Casual Vacancy (HD, 9:49) - A look at how the film production adapted J.K. Rowling's novel for HBO.
* Casting The Casual Vacancy (HD, 13:31) - A look at the large and varied cast of actors and actresses.