

Meanwhile, a significant power struggle is occurring within Unseen University, which does not feature in the literary version of The Colour of Magic (but is described in The Light Fantastic). Fortunately for Rincewind, the Octavo spell in his head precludes him from actually dying, resulting in several comic encounters with Death. They proceed across the disk, encountering a variety of mythical creatures, most of which lead to near-death experiences.

Rincewind is forced to act as a local guide for Twoflower, a property insurance salesman and the Discworld's first tourist, who is visiting Ankh-Morpork, and Twoflower's luggage, which is made from sapient pearwood and can run on its own legs.Īfter a misunderstanding over an insurance policy causes the owner of the inn where Twoflower and Rincewind are staying to commit arson, the pair flee the city. In fact, Rincewind's head holds one of the eight spells from the Octavo, the most powerful spellbook in the Discworld, and he has been unable to learn others because "they were afraid to be in the same head" as the Octavo spell. The story primarily follows the exploits of Rincewind, a wizard who is expelled from Unseen University after spending 40 years failing to learn even the most basic magic. The plot of the adaptation largely follows the plot of the first two Discworld novels, The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic. Further adaptations by The Mob are planned, starting with Going Postal for release in 2009. The production is the second adaptation of Pratchett's novels as a live-action film, following the successful release of Hogfather on Sky One over Christmas 2006. The film was well received by fans, but drew mixed reviews from critics, who generally praised the acting talent of the all-star cast, but criticised the film's script and direction. The first part drew audiences of 1.5 million, with the second part attracting up to 1.1 million viewers. The Colour of Magic was broadcast on Sky One, and in High Definition on Sky One HD, on Easter Sunday (March 23) and March 24 2008. Vadim Jean both adapted the screenplay from Pratchett's original novels, and served as director. The fantasy film was produced for Sky One by The Mob, a small British studio, starring David Jason, Sean Astin, Tim Curry and Christopher Lee as the voice of Death. The Colour of Magic is a two-part television adaptation of the bestselling novels The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett.
