Fan Reviews
Below are reviews from people who have purchased the series 1 DVD of "Night is Day" and have reviewed it. If you would like to write your own review for our sci-fi TV show please email us.
If you submit a fan review to us you will be entered into a prize draw to win a signed copy of series 2 of "Night is Day" which is set to be released early 2010. To purchase a copy of series 1 on DVD please click here. Closing date for the entry for the prize draw will be announced once a definitive release date has been finalised. By submitting your fan review for entry into the prize draw you give us permission to use your review or part of for publicity purposes. Please note we may not use all reviews recieved.
Night Is Day – Series 1 Review. Scott Forrest.
Night Is Day is a series that has so much ambition and such an epic drive behind it that you can’t help but get caught up in the lives of its characters.
In Jason Mackenzie, a Glaswegian with the power of electricity and visions of the future is a wonderfully conflicted hero. Chris Summers does a fantastic job of portraying a man burdened with power against his will, but who still fights the good fight without question. A series like this is in danger of focussing too much on effects and fights, but thankfully this isn’t the case. NID is about characters, each gradually reveals more depth until you realise how well thought out each arc is. Amy, the gorgeous love interest of Jason is a person, whole and actual, with an ongoing life beyond her encounters with Jason. (Her friend Sarah is brilliant too). I particularly enjoyed Mr Phillips, the villain of the piece. Tam Toye brings a great mix of charm and evil. The coppers are awesome. Sloan and Mullen (Colin Ferguson and Steven McEwan) are well acted and well written. Their dark back stories are revealed slowly, creating sympathy for both of them.
Being a film-maker myself (with similarly epic ambitions) I know the sort of obstacles Silly Wee Films must have faced. The first five episodes flow very well; there is a noticeable improvement between each episode, culminating with my favourite, episode 6. It’s brilliant! It pays off the build up of the previous episodes. It makes you realise how much you care for the characters and contains the best Ribena joke ever. While the inspirations aren’t always subtle (Angel in particular), NID rises beyond comparisons with a unique stamp on the fight between good and evil, bringing a Scottish sensibility and attitude that makes the story feel real.
The series has so much potential and I can’t wait for volume 2! (Also the music is excellent!).
Series 1 Review by Kirstin Pauk,
There are a ton of web-series cropping up all over the internet. Some
have become hugely popular and Night is day has the potential to do
the same.
The show is a cross between the best qualities of Marvel mixed in with
a bit of Doctor Who (minus the Daleks and Cybermen). The series is set
in Glasgow and follows Jason McKenzie who gains super-human powers
after an accident and a chance meeting with the mysterious Ames.
The series follow Jason coming to terms with his powers of foresight
and electricity and his emerging attraction to Amy who he rescued at
the start of the show. There's also the obligatory bad guys and rookie
cops thrown into the mix (and some rather cool special effects).
Night is day differs from many other series in the same genre mainly
due to the excellent writing and characterisation. The stories feel
less like a soap and more like a movie, making viewers eager to get
the next installment - kudos especially to Fraser Coull for the
excellent writing and direction.
Night and day may not have the budget of some of the other online
series, but it definitely ranks with the best. All I can say is
looking forward to season 2!
Overall score: 8/10
Series 1 Review by Vharri Lavery,
Where in the middle of Glasgow can you find a hero?
One in particular that doesn't have to wield a Buckie bottle?
then look no further than the excellent web series Night is Day.
Set up as the only Sci fi based in Glasgow we follow the exploits of the newly
powered Jason McKenzie, who is still coming to terms with Just how much
it's turned his world upside down.
He is presented with love in Amy MacDonald, danger with the demons rampaging the streets and electricity from both Jason and the casts performances. Who knows what may present its self next!....well that is of course with the exception of the writer and director Fraser Coull.
Despite the lack of funding you can see a great amount of love and attention has went into the making of this web series, especially with the score and effects, which really shines through thus making it a great watch.
Season one may be out to buy on DVD as of right now but I am waiting in great anticipation for series two which is due out early next year.
Overall score: 8/10
Series 1 Review by Billy Dowling-Reid
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 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.
