DVD Reviews

Neverwhere (15th Anniversary Edition) – DVD Review

By Jeff Swindoll Dec 1, 2011, 14:38 GMT

Neil Gaiman’s (The Sandman, Coraline) first TV miniseries, co-created with Lenny Henry (The Lenny Henry Show, Chef!), brings viewers to an ambitious exploration of a London with two worlds. When office drone Richard Mayhew (Gary Bakewell) rescues a mysterious girl named Door (Laura Fraser, He Knew He Was Right), he unwittingly finds himself part of her quest to learn why her parents have been killed. The next thing he knows, ...more

Neverwhere is the brainchild of Neil Gaiman, who recently wrote a grand episode for the Doctor, that shows that excellent writing and acting can overcome an old school Doctor Who budget. 

Richard Mayhew (Gary Bakewell) finds an injured girl named Door (Laura Fraser) and decides to help her despite his fiancé’s protests.  He takes her back to his apartment but she disappears.  Richard is also menaced by the sinister Mr. Croup (Hywel Bennett) and Mr. Vandemar (Clive Russell), but what is more shocking is that Richard discovers that he’s been “forgotten” by everyone in his life. 

It has to do with his helping Door and his discover of a mystical, parallel forgotten society called London Below.  Now he has to help Door along with the cunning, catlike Marquis De Carabas (Paterson Joseph).

Neverwhere springs from the minds of Neil Gaiman and Lenny Henry who created the series for BBC Two in 1996.  It has since developed a cult following thanks to the great performances and fantastic concept.  Don’t let the low budget look fool you, as old school Doctor Who fans can attest – good writing and performances can overcome a low budget and the English accents help. 

We’re slowly introduced to the odd London Below like our avatar Richard and are sucked into his journey thanks to fine acting.  Paterson Joseph absolutely shines as the mysterious Marquis.  It’s too bad that the BBC didn’t have the foresight to lay more money on the table (a sitcom budget to create this expansive fantasy world) but as with Doctor Who we know that they don’t easily lay out such shekels.

Happily, the production fires on all cylinders and overcomes whatever lot it’s given and comes out head and shoulders above.

Neverwhere is presented in fullscreen and boasts a remastered video, yet it still looks pretty low budget.  Special features include a commentary by Gaiman, a 25 minute interview with him, a photo gallery, and character descriptions. 

New to this anniversary edition are a 10 minute introduction by Gaiman, co-creator Lenny Henry, and producer Clive Brill and they also provide a commentary.  You also get a map of London Below in the case. 

Neverwhere is a fantastic trip and if you’ve take it before you’ll want to snap up this edition for the new special features.  If not, you’re in for a treat.  Don’t let the low budget look fool you, Neverwhere is a journey worth taking. 

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