Ballykissangel - Series 3 DVD

Advantages: drama and comedy in one, excellent acting
Disadvantages: never got the praise it deserved

...Sadness and comedy. Bittersweet fun. 1992 in Grimley, but for this mining community life is stuck forty years before. The colliery is at the heart of local life, but with more and more being laid off, the juggling of paying the bills is becoming harder, life is becoming more and more depressing. The only thing to keep them all going is the Colliery Band led by Pete Postlethwaite. An all-star Brit cast, Stephen Tompkinson (Ballykissangel & Drop the Dead Donkey), Melanie Hill (Aveline in Bread), Pete Postlethwaite, Tara Fitzgerald, and Ewan McGreggor bring their natural talent to an already gritty comedy drama. This film is great from start to finish and I defy anyone to keep a dry eye throughout. I still can't understand how so few people know about this film and The Full Monty somehow stole the show from this film. BRassed Off... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Sharply observed current affairs humour
Disadvantages: Stereotyped characters

...background which the team is reporting on. Each episode's script was left open until the last minute to let breaking news be incorporated into the storyline. Art reflecting life. On the DVD there is a voiceover before each episode saying when it was first broadcast and what was happening in the world in that week. This first series started in August 1990 and events covered are Iraq, French farmers' blockades, sleaze, Margaret Thatcher. Nothing changes. So how was it second time round? Disappointing. I didn't laugh nearly as much as I remember doing when it was first broadcast. At times I struggled to raise a giggle. Have times changed, or was it never really very funny? Both, I think. There are two separate strands of comedy here, pasted together, but which don't often gel. The first is the current affairs commentary. The barbs... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: amazing speical effects and is for the whole family
Disadvantages: not for very young people as slight violence

...i purchased this dvd about three weeks ago and after seeing the series on the tv i was amazed that i was still hooked . this series is good for the whole family but you might want to check it as there is some swearing and sex involved. There is something in this series for everyone, for the children there are aliens and the fact that theres amazing affects and excitement. For the men theres a lot of violence and sexy scenes. There is also a womens aspect as this a action based, alien, crime detective thriller. This dvd is also packed with loads of speical features and deleted scenes. There is a large amount of viewing time to be had out of this dvd and so it is great value for money.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful