Spaced - Definitive Collectors' Edition [DVD]

SPACED is a show you hear word of mouth. Therefore when you discover it, its like nothing on earth before. The show is amazingly shot (Edgar Wright living out his fantasy of trying every camera shot and angle, plus the added bonus of recreating some of cinema's finest moments) and the script from Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson is delightful. Pegg is brilliant as Tim, an out of work comic book illustrator and Stevenson as upbeat writer Daisy brings something so real and sweet to the show. Add in upstairs alcoholic Marsha (wonderful!), Mark Heaps' amazing turn as tortured artist Brian and tim's best mate (in real life and on screen) Nick Frost as Mike, and you have everything that makes a funny comedy great. Shame about a 3rd series, but can you perfect perfection?

And that is just the show! The DVD is amazing. Commentary for every episode (14), deleted scenes, hilarious outtakes, bios and of course the piece de resistance, a wonder 2 hour documnatary on all aspects of Spaced, from the cameo's (a brillaint turn by The League of Gentlemen's Reece Shearmsith as a rival to Mike) to the location scouting, the extras and much much more. Worth every single penny and more!

If every programme broadcast on television was half as good as 'Spaced', we would all permanately be glued to our screens. Yhere is no doubt about it: 'Spaced' is a fine example of what all contempary sitcom's should be. It has all the ingredients, razor sharp, witty dialogue, a bunch of actors whoes portrayl of their character is sublime and to perfection in every way possible. The character's themselves are a mixed variety, cleverely crafted and brought to life with such eccentric conviction that you believe them to be real, and after a number of episodes begin to feel for them. That is the brilliance of Spaced. Anyway let me introduce to the characters, (I wouldn't like to run into them on a dark night mind!' First there's Daisy Steiner, an ambitious journalist, who believes herself to be a hard worker who regulary produces solid gold work, but however, she will do anything to sway and prevent doing any work, (for instance throwing a house warming party and buying a dog). Then there's skate boarding, science fiction comic book obsessed Tim Bisely, a camudgeonally and emotionally crippled wreck of a man whoes way to deal with life is to play Tomb Raider III. Lurking in the basesment downstairs in insane, sinister artist Brian Topp, who's multi-coloured approach to life mimics the distressing hue of his artwork. Marsha Klein, the land lady is a swear box, a smoke machine who has a somewhat unhealthy addiction to the well being (love life really) of Brian. Then there's Tim's best friend, Mike Watt, a weapons expert who was fired from the army after he stole a tank and tried to invade Paris. Finally the fashion queen, Daisy's comrade Twist Morgan, whoes philosphy of life may be something along the lines of 'looks are everything'.

SERIES ONE - The first series of Spaced was hidden away in the Channel 4 autumn season of 1999. Even though it's rating weren't great, it recieved enormous critcial acclaimed and many subsequent awards. Series One is where it all began (obvisiously), Tim and Daisy are flat hunting and soon become firm friends. So they lie their way to the keys of flat and pretend that they are a professional couple. From then on we encounter, as their tradgic life unfolds, their ups, their downs, their world may be warped, it maybe be 'Spaced', but hell, it's funny! Highlights from the first series include Brian's art reunion with transexual Vulva (played by David Walliams from Little Britain) and Daisy purchasing a dog. Also watch out for the paintball match of the millenium. Great stuff.

SEROES TWO - Spaced returend in early 2001 with a second batch of seven episodes continuing the mangled life's of Tim, Daisy and their hapless friends. Emotions run high as Daisy finds herself on the run from the law, Brian finds death a great painting influence, Tim spices up the gang when he gets a fiery young girlfriend, Mike enters Robot Wars, Twiat has got her eyes on, and then off Brian and Marsha smashes the empty wine glass on the existance of 'Spaced'. A great second series, although I don't believe it to be quite as surreal, witty and original as the unbeatable first.

THE EXTRA'S - A feast of delicious extra's include a commentary by Jessica Stevenson (Daisy), Simon Pegg (Tim) and Edgar Wright (director) on every episode. There are deleted scenes from both series (also with commentary), side splitting fluffs and out-takes, hom-o-meter, trailers, characters and biographies and now, in this special edition collectors set, a third disc, which includes rare interviews from the cast especially recorded for this DVD as well as an insightful and delightfully surreal documentary. Enjoy (but try and stay sane).

If you're a fan of spectacular comedy writing, this dvd is for you.
If you're a follower of film, television or computer games, this dvd is for you.
If you're a lover of cleverly directed, brilliantly shot material, if you're into watching loveable, complex but completely believable characters, this dvd is for you.
If, however, you're idea of a good night in is sitting down to canned laughter, obvious plotlines and poorly thought out gags, dont go near it.

Spaced is, without a doubt, one of the all time greats when it comes to entertaining a vast range of audiences. Yes, it's surely been enjoyed by "skateboarders" the world over, but not because of too many head traumas (how many IS too many, by the way?).
Pegg and Hynes (nee Stevenson) created an instantly relateable double-series that has become a must-have for fans of comedy. Wright's direction brings a sparkle to the already glittering script, with his quick witted and dynamic style working in perfect harmony with the tone of the show.
The cast could not be bettered - Pegg and Hynes fulfil the lead roles of Tim Bisley and Daisy Steiner with unfaltering dedication and skill, and no matter what storyline they tackle they never fail to be utterly 3-dimensional; I defy anyone to dislike these characters. Katy Carmichael's 'Twist Morgan' is endearingly bitchy, Julia Deakin's 'Marsha Klein' brings a gloriously bitter edge to the group and 'Brian Topp', played by Mark Heap, somehow manages to win the audience's heart with an often childlike vulnerability that shines through his tortured-artist persona. Nick Frost, now renowned as a great comic actor, proves his mettle in an early triumph as Mike Watt, Tim's weapon-obsessed childhood friend.
In fact, one of the most addictive things about Spaced is the relationships explored through the show. The group begins as a number of individuals, but quickly evolves into a tightly knit gang that could thrive for three times as long as they do. But Pegg, Hynes, Wright and the rest of the cast do what so many shows have failed to in the past - quit while they're ahead. Two series will never be enough, but at least we are safe in the knowledge that we will never be disappointed.

The Definitive Collector's Edition is just that - it is a set of perfectly preserved episodes that stand firm either alone or as a collective. The Skip To The End documentary is a joy for those who want a glimpse of the creative process behind the programme, and an abundance of outtakes will keep the deadest of souls laughing for hours.

Really the greatest thing about the series is, in the words of the illustrious Tim Bisley and Daisy Steiner -

Daisy: We live in a fantasy world, Tim. We've just constructed this fake utopia where y'know we never get old and never have to face the responsibilities of adulthood. We're just stretching our childhoods out as far as they can go.
Tim: Yeah, I know. We're lucky aren't we?

You know what? We are.