Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror - Series 1

HOw is life and what is it going to be like? the way we live it now is not so far from the distopian future depicted in this first trilogy (the second season will follow the same approach). This series is a mix of Twilight zone (although dealing with reality and not fantasy) and a sociological pamphlet updated to the times and places of the great digital revolution. Sometimes it even feels like what we see has already happened, that is maybe the reason why someone has pointed out that Black Mirror is not so original and unconventional. To me this is not the point: it is a wonderfully written and directed operation, and if we find some reflections that we agree with and already popped up in our mind, it simply means that Charlie Broker hit the point. This is a picture of ourselves, our solitude, our fears and the risks that current technology can lead us to: something new and different from the past, because, differently from tv, this is a real antropological revolution.

Was not sure what to expect with these three short films but I enjoy watching the Weekly Swipe as Charlie Brooker is not only humorous but very observant and astute so I thought I'd give it a go. The first, The National Anthem was I think the best. My shock was as real as if it had actually happened and I found watching it tense, gripping, bleakly amusing and also sad. Brilliant cast, especially Rory Kinnear and Lindsay Duncan. Spotted some rising stars in the rest of the cast - later to be in Downton. The second was less successful and actually dragged and was quite boring. However, the talent show premise was scary and the judges - especially Rupert Everett were disturbing. Future Downton cast members also featured and the ideas for this 'talent show' future were thought provoking. The last episode recovered the series and presented another thought provoking episode with another strong cast.

As a fan of Charlie Brooker - i bought this after hearing amazing things about it and how clever it was as a satire and so forth. It turns out that the episodes are good but not quite as clever and satirical as i personally would like- however another individual may be fully satisfied with Brookers commentary on the media and society - but i felt it was a little weak and obvious overall.My personal dissatisfaction aside, the episodes are well shot and the music is great and overall the writing is solid, the first episode is probably the best although slightly disgusting and vulgar in a darkly comical way - it keeps your attention very well with quick pacing and so forth. The second episode is slower paced but has a little more depth in terms of the social commentary that's on offer. I didn't watch the third episode as i was disgruntled by the realization that i had paid good money for this drivel. But in hindsight the episodes are decent and i hear the third is the smartest one so i will watch it eventually.I recommend getting one of Brookers books instead of this for a more pure slice of Brooker - he is a good social commentator but this DVD and its content just feel weak and not worth your money, or mine.

Knowing Charlie Brooker from his weekly / annual wipe programs & assuming he is the spiritual father of the likes of Phillomena Cunk and Barry Sh..peas, I had very high hopes when I bought this one. And lo and behold, all my expectations were met. What a great series! In the mean time I bought series 2 as well, and I can say it is as fantastic, brilliant and bizarre as the first series.To explain what Black Mirror is to those who have no clue and somehow make their way to this review: it is a series of 40-50 minute, unrelated episodes, featuring a very dystopian future - a very near future in fact (people still drive cars and wear glasses, it's just the IT-stuff and iphones and what not that have gone ballistic). I think it is brilliant, just give it a try!

I would argue this is a must have for any sci-fi fans, more so than it is for fans of comedy, although funny in its bizarre and very dark ways, the series is more focused on highlighting the irrelevance and stupidity that modern society lives by. There are also warnings about our future if we continue to let aspirational brainwashing, courtesy of the television (for more on this see 'How TV Ruined Your Life') control our lives and the common sci-fi reflections of a world obsessed with technology to the point of loosing our humanity.Each episode is extremely well written and beautifully shot, with some truly amazing performances from all actors. Fans of books like 1984 or A Brave New World should really love this. One of the most fresh and important things on British TV in a long time.

This arrived about 2 weeks after it was due so that was a little annoying! I had heard all about Black Mirror but did not realise it was only 3 stories for one series so was a bit disappointed in the price value but it was interesting entertainment and thought provoking as stated on the DVD's cover!

I have heard excellent things about Black Mirror. I now own it. I can't watch it though - It doesn't play on my Ubuntu machine or my Windows 7 machine.A brief search of the net has led to the conclusion that Channel 4 have chosen to make their DVDs defective to irritate people who legitimately purchase their media http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=491480. They have been 1000% successful, not only can I not rip the DVD, I can't play the DVD. I am thoroughly irritated - congratulations on your decision channel 4.Regardless of how good the content may eventually be when I get to watch it - Minimum score for the "product". The disc is simply not fit for purpose.If you have a DVD player and a TV you will no doubt be fine. Enjoy.