Being Human: Season 1 [Blu-ray]
V**S
A new guilty pleasure...
Except I don't feel guilty at all...I absolutely loved season one of Being Human! Here is a quick list that sums up how I feel about the series.Pro's:-The production value is superb for a show that is on Syfy, and the effects and makeup look fantastic for television.-The three main characters (Aiden, Sally and Josh) are each fascinating in their own way. I ended up liking each one for different reasons.-The chemistry between the main characters really pulled me in.-The casting was perfect for all the main characters and supporting cast.-The show stays true to the lore of the "creatures" while making changes that worked. Vampires can walk in sunlight, but I promise you that they won't sparkle.-Having three protagonists to follow makes it very unique when compared to most series. (yes I am aware a just called a remake of a BBC series "unique")(I could rave about other aspects of this show, but I only have one con and if I stack the pros too high I will simply look like a fanboy)Con:-I feel certain "lore" for the creatures wasn't explained well for people who have no prior knowledge of them in fiction. I'll point out my case by bringing up a couple scenes.1) There is a scene where Sally (the main ghost character) appears and complains that some vampires tried to dissipate her with a fire iron. Now I personally know that iron is weaknesses to ghosts in fiction, but how the hell would the average viewer know what she is talking about?2) The show clues the audience in very early that vampires must be invited in to a persons house or else they cannot set foot in the door. The only problem is that a reason isn't given. It isn't until the last episode that a vampire does this and he ends up getting burned pretty bad before running out of the house. Why would a vampire get hurt running into a house, but not when he walks into a hospital? How can this supernatural rule tell the difference between buildings?(This isn't a common problem obviously since these are the only two scenes that come to mind)I'll just finish by saying I really dug the hell out of this show and can't wait to pick up season two when it's out.
J**N
An entertaining remake.....
I liked watching the original UK 'Being Human' but I wouldn't call myself a fan. I loved the show's concept and the over-arching plot kept me hooked all through the first season. Unfortunately it also had a lot of sketchy characterizations and unconvincing moments that can plague a high-concept show (especially one just starting out). While I wouldn't call this U.S. remake "better" than the original (and I'm not sure how necessary it is with the original still airing and available in the U.S.) it does manage to avoid some of it's pitfalls and is a pretty entertaining show in it's own right.The story of 'Being Human' revolves around Vampire Aidan, Werewolf Josh and Ghost Sally who share an apartment while trying to lead normal "human" lives. All three have their weaknesses and much like original show their "conditions" are treated like curses instead of gifts (Aidan's still addicted to living blood, Josh can't control his transformations, Sally can't interact with anyone outside these two). The plot of this first season more-or-less follows the original's story with Aidan's conflicts with his mentor/tormentor Bishop (the vampire who turned him) fueling the best episodes. We do get a lot more exposition with this U.S. remake (being 13 episodes instead of the original six) and everything is played out a bit more reserved than the original show but it does lack some of the biting-humor and freshness the UK series had.Much like the writing and directing, the characterizations in the U.S. 'Being Human' are dialed-down but I found them a bit more palatable (and likable). I was caring about Aidan, Josh and Sally right off the bat thanks to the performances by Sam Witwer, Sam Huntington and Meaghan Rath. The best performance comes from Mark Pellegrino as Bishop and the scenes between him and Witwer really crank up the suspense (especially in the season finale).All in all I found the U.S. 'Being Human' a very entertaining show. If you're a fan of the original I can't say there's a lot to be impressed with here (and some of the changes will probably seem unnecessary) but if you're interested in the premise or just looking for a good supernatural series that isn't ripping off 'True Blood' or 'Supernatural' I'd recommend giving this first-season of 'Being Human' a chance.
M**M
Being Human the cover version
The original Being Human was one of the best British shows in years. Inventive, original despite sounding like the opening line of a bad joke with a great cast and good fun. The inevitable American remake while not as good is still very enjoyable with a lot to reccommend it to genre fans with a very good cast but oh so very fammilliar. We have vampire Aidan, (the american version of vampire Mitchell no doubt named after actor Aidan Turner who played him) a tortured vampire which has become a cliche in vampire shows now and his friend Josh a werewolf, (the american version of George) who move into a house in Boston in an effort to rediscover their lost humanity and they discover the house is hounted by ghost Sally (the american version of Annie). Head vampire Bishop (the american Herrick) is the best character for me and a lot of episodes seem to be direct remakes and copies of the original British show though very well done remakes you can't help thinking you have seen it al before and can't help comparing the 2 shows though the show does bring up its own original episodes and twists on the original British versions. Show has finally just started showing on British tv presumably they didn't want both versions on tv at the same time and while not the best genre show out there it is enjoyable enough to make you want more.
M**S
SAME PROBLEMS STATESIDE
In Boston, three unique housemates: Aidan, a vampire these two hundred and sixty years; Josh, two years a werewolf; Sally, for almost six months a ghost. Against the odds they strive to come to terms and, as far as possible in the circumstances, lead normal lives.All have formidable problems. Josh needs complete isolation every full moon. Aidan tries to reform but a recent blood-drenched lapse will cause him much grief. Sally has a score to settle with her boyfriend, he the one who killed her.This first season treads much the same ground as its acclaimed British predecessor, but plans to go its own way in the next. The British version arguably contained more charismatic stars, better special effects and of course the element of surprise - so much in it startlingly innovative. This does not mean the American version should be ignored. It still packs a punch, though naturally more so with viewers unfamiliar with the outcome of various storylines.Despite all the weird and wonderful goings-on, this is primarily a series about friendship - difficulties overcome when working together, certain aspects more moving than one might expect. Steadily the series becomes addictive, culminating in a worthy climax.Not everything works, those wolves included. By the way, has there been severe editing of Episode 10? All seems set up for a dramatic cage fight. It barely begins before a perplexing moving on.13 episodes. A bonus of 45+ minutes. In it tribute is paid to the original (which the stars were advised not to watch). The three frankly discuss their roles (those wolf attachments making life difficult). With impact here and in the show itself is Mark Pellegrino as Aidan's "maker" Bishop, ruthlessly determined his creation not stray from the fold.Worth a watch. What next for the series when branching off on its own?
C**F
check it out
I didnt have high hopes for this as of some reviews i had seen online but it was at a great price both season one and two on here so thought why not make up my own mind as i am a avid tv series collector and i wasent dissapointed ,was addicted from the starti would say give this show a go
T**S
Not region free
Watched this US version of being human a little while back, so when i saw the US Blu-ray on amazon advertised as region free i purchased it, to discover its region A only, hence the one star. Next time i will do more research on US releases before i buy.
K**R
Being Human USA
Really good
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