I'm of course too young to remember the impact that the Magic Roundabout had when it was first created but by the time I was of the age to watch it, I was already informed that the Magic Roundabout was "cool". Later I learned for myself that it is quite amusing in a very British way and, as a student I was reliably informed that it was "trippy", often by people who had never seen it more than once or twice! I'm not quite smitten by it in the way that some claim to be, but I do always enjoy it when I occasionally happen across it (normally at the end of something else I have taped) and thought this documentary worth a look.
The film spends a short amount of time early on looking at the French creation and where the ideas and concept came from, but it gets into the important issue after about 15 minutes, the important issue being the adaptation of the noisy children's show to suit English sensibilities. Thus we have the creative influence of Eric Thompson and the film does note that despite the images being entirely French, you would never really notice it due to the success of the conversion in tone, character, style. The film allows us time to relive the calm narration that brings bedtime stories to mind but is also amusing in a very English way.
The film then goes on to show the popularity of the show, including the adult audience of the time, the merchandising and the influence it had on other children's television productions. It touches on the modern film version as well but (as it wasn't yet released at the time this doc was made) it has little to say on the subject other than people wishing it the best or doubting it (as it turned out, there is really very little to say on the subject of the new film anyway).
Overall then, an effective documentary that is tinged with nostalgia and will be best served to the casual fan of the series. Perhaps not enough detail and passion to appeal to fans who know it all, but as it is I found it enjoyable and interesting.
