Being Human - Series 1 and 2 DVD Box Set

RRP: £34.99

Best Price: £9.49

A vampire (Aiden Turner), a werewolf (Russell Tovey) and a ghost (Lenora Crichlow) all share a house in Bristol - it sounds like the oddest, most surreal sitcom ever made and, at times, that's exactly what Being Human is. It's a show that has reached incredible popularity through never taking itself too seriously. People who are born opposites always make for great comedy - and these three beings don't even have humanity in common!

In truth, though, it's something they all crave - and it's their search for humanity that'll keep you watching long past the first slightly dodgy special effect. All three characters are subject to rules - vampires lust to feed, ghosts are tied to a specific place, and werewolves have no control over when they become gnarly beasts. None of these are ideal on a first date, or at a job interview!

As the show develops, the emphasis shifts slightly away from the comedic and into much darker territory, with our trio of paranormals under threat from a mysterious organisation, as well as other spooky beings who want them to forget their humanity and fully embrace who they are. This ensures some genuinely scary moments, which come when you least expect them and keep things unpredictable. It's truly in this blend of comedy and drama that Being Human excels, a rare series that's able to make you laugh one moment and cry the next.

Also of note are the performances - Russell Tovey in particular has a worrying affinity with the life of a werewolf and presents a character who, in essence, is just a guy with anger issues - albeit anger issues in the extreme! In part, that's why Being Human works so well - the far-fetched problems of these three characters are really just extremes of things we all feel. You'll no doubt think of Mitchell's addiction to human blood next time you insist on just one more piece of chocolate!

So yes, Being Human is an almost ridiculous premise - but, through intelligent writing and outstanding performances, it's sometimes easy to forget you're looking at a ghost, and just feel for the poor girl who can't leave the house. That's what keeps you watching.

This box set features series one and two in their entirety, making it the perfect way to get into this sinister houseshare!