NIGHT IS DAY: SERIES 1 DVD REVIEW

Owning the Night Is Day Series 1 DVD is like owning a slice of grass-roots Scottish creative culture; a fascinating insight into the inner-workings of low-budget Scottish filmmaking, set within the unlikely city streets of modern-day Glasgow. The overall package is great value for money: two discs comprising of all six episodes from series one, as well as a host of extra content including cast interviews, outtakes, and a production gallery. A director's commentary accompanying each episode would have been nice, and is something we'll hopefully see bundled with the series two DVD.

Night Is Day offers something positive for almost everyone. Superhero fans, supporters of low-budget and innovative filmmaking, and folk who would simply be curious to see Glasgow used as a backdrop playing host to the supernatural and superheroic. There's plenty of fine acting, too, with a strong cast including the instantly likeable Chris Somerville as Jason Mackenzie, the hero, and Tam Toye as the devious and wholly enjoyable villain of the piece, Mr. Phillips.

The supporting cast also comes sprinkled with gems. Highlights include the police team of DI Mullan and DCI Sloan (Steven McEwan and Colin Ferguson respectively), who make for the most memorable side plot in the series. An honourable mention must also go to Mark Harvey's portrayal of sneaky, ratty little coward Stevie Stone, to whom - by all intents and purposes - this reviewer would certainly enjoy delivering a swift 'Glesgae Kiss.' Also, is it wrong to develop a slight crush for electric-rod wielding Miss Jones (Alexandra Mackenzie)?

The production values and overall quality of the show rise steadily with each episode, more and more characters gradually coming into play, and the narrative unfolding at a natural and satisfying pace. For the most part, each fifteen minute episode is filled with memorable moments and tight dialogue, as well as an intriguing cliff-hanger or simple question leading you logically into the next instalment.

Night Is Day is produced with outstanding passion, but crucially does not seem to take itself too seriously as a product. The episodes are fun and packed with entertaining material - it will be interesting to see how cast and crew develop the story come series two.

[IN SUMMARY]
Highlights: Attention of detail to supporting characters. Use of Glasgow as a setting.
Favourite Characters: DI Mullan, DCI Sloan, Stevie Stone and Mr. Phillips.
Best Episode: Episode 2.
Production Values: Evidently low budget, but high on ambition.
Acting: Solid across the board. Likeable endearing characters, and fun villains.
Overall: Definitely of interest to MM members. Good fun and worth the price of purchase.

Night Is Day (Series 1) is available to buy on DVD at www.nightisday.com.