Being Human - Series 1 & 2 Box Set [DVD]

The series one and two boxset of the superhuman and superbrilliant BBC Three drama "Being Human" is an absolutely great boxset to own!

The premise of the programme actually didn't appeal to me in the slightest- vampires, werewolves and ghosts? Oh My. I assumed this show was jumping straight on to the "Twilight" bandwagon- but oh how very wrong I was.

The show, as the title suggests, despite being a fantasy, is incredibly human. The characters are warming, familiar and loveable, wonderfully played by Aidan Turner, Leonora Crichlow and the ever fantastic Russell Tovey- and the show brings along all kinds of emotions; there is obviously a good dose of tension inducing horror moments; but its also got some great tear-jerking, high emotion scenes, some excellent soft comedy and generally wonderfully written, excellent played drama.

In some ways the show is everything you would expect from a supernatural drama- lots of blood, guts and gore; animorphis and slipping through doorways- and it many ways it's not what you'd expect at all- the character's ambition is to live life as normally and humanly as possible and deal with their afflictions healthily, hence "Being Human", and the show that comes out of this idea is endearing and powerful- Aidan - a vampire - in particular struggles with this, much like an addict in a drug-based storyline, which makes for excellent and often high-tension based drama. George - a werewolf - doesn't struggle as much, and his character, who is a little bit of a softy, which makes his affliction even more horrifying, is excellent- all the cast are excellent in this programme, but Russell Tovey who plays George is phenomenally good- emotionally beautifully played and excellent comedy moments.

Whilst the first series of the show has a bigger variety of intense drama and light-hearted comedy, series two progresses into a deeper and darker affair- the feel of the show's first series is still ever-present, but the story progresses brilliantly and intensely into a more gripping and thrilling drama- and the special effects greatly improve in series two - they're fine in the first series but I'm guessing the BBC injected more money into the show after the success of the debut series!

Additionally, this box set has some really awesome extra- I loves me some outtakes and deleted scene; and then in addition to these there are some excellent featurettes which are really interesting- particularly for geeks like me, and they are definitely worth a watch!

I guess I would say the show's demograph is particularly targeted at young adults; although just about everyone in my team in work adores this series, and they're ages range from 17 up to 62- so I guess this is a programme that just about anyone can enjoy! It really makes for great viewing, and I don't think the supernatural, fantasy and gory side of things put you off of "Being Human" too much if that's not normally your cup of tea, because the show really breaks the mould of this genre, and really I'd say this series could appeal to anyone who enjoys a well made drama with mixed emotions and exciting scenes. I highly recommend this excellently made BBC drama; it really is completely brilliant!

I thought this show was a bit slow to start but once it gets going its really good and enjoyable, its certainly not as glamorous as the american vampire tv shows but it has something they dont, british humour! If you like shows about the supernatural I'd definatley recommend it.

With all the vampire hype going on on the other side of the Atlantic it was a matter of time before such enthusiasm came to European television. And it was a welcome sight to see it appear at the best of television makers: the BBC.

The only weak part is that there are so few episodes: I would have loved to see more characterisation of all three main characters. As the story goes along, the world of vampires is shown, lycanthropy is perused and ghostlyhood is skimmed. In particular in the latter part of season 2 the ghostly part of this story gets more screentime.

The acting is of the high quality one expects of BBC productions: personally I prefer George the most: Tovey creates a man that is under enourmous tension while trying to keep hold of his sanity. Given the fact that lycanthropy is portrayed as a lonelifying curse, there isn't much exploration of fellow werecreatures. Unfortunately. As one would expect, the vampiric aspects are explored in greater depth. I still wonder what this world has more in store. As for the spiritworld: especially the latter part of season 2 keeps one wondering what this world has more in store....

I'm looking forward to season 3 of this series: I just hope the supernatural part (with all the special effects bits) won't overwhelm the series which will leave in lacking in psychological aspects and storytelling. I don't think the BBC will cave in to this temptation, but one still fears the ruination of a good series after seeing several US created series go to waste.