Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 30
 What's occurring? January 15, 2009
Debra from Hull (England)
41 out of 41 found this review helpful
This Gavin & Stacey special was shown on BBC1 on Christmas Eve 2008. The first two series were on BBC3 and then repeated on BBC1 as it had become so popular. I just the wish BBC had had the courage to screen this on Christmas Day instead of the dismal special of The Royle Family.
This special is based around the Shipmans and the Wests all having Christmas Day in Essex. It's an hour long instead of 30 minutes but doesn't flag at all. All the regulars are here - this is a real ensemble comedy. We get to see Nessa's bath routine, Uncle Bryn enthusing about Mint Baileys, Mick loving his turkey and Pete and Dawn having another row! Oh, and Gavin & Stacey drop a bombshell about their future plans!
For me however the highlight was Smithy and the relationship with his son Neil (and Dave's part in his life). There is a scene that will really tug at your heart strings and is wonderfully underplayed and directed.
The DVD 'extra' is the documentary about the making of the episode, "12 Days of Christmas".
This would make a wonderful Christmas present for yourself and anyone else that appreciates great comedy. Lush!
More, please November 1, 2009
Wizteria (UK)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
The only negative thought I had while watching this was "This may be the last ever" and that is too sad to contemplate.
If you are wondering whether or not to buy this, I advise you to watch a substantial number of previous episodes first so that you become familiar with the characters and get to know the running jokes, otherwise omelettes and fishing trips (for example) will leave you cold.
Beautiful piece of writing, top class acting. Oh please make another!
Worth the wait- it shone like a Christmassy star! January 15, 2009
sam155 (Wales)
36 out of 38 found this review helpful
Christmas specials must be hard to live up to after the runaway success of two brilliant series. However, James Corden and Ruth Jones have pulled it off. Every character gets great lines, with the writers showing a complete lack of vanity and letting everyone shine.
Highlights include Nessa as Santa ("Oh Oh Oh!"), Dave Coaches stopping at an arcade to play a driving game to "have a break from all the driving", Uncle Bryn's astonishment and delight at Mint Baileys, Gavin's Dad asking when Eastenders was on (Larry Lamb is of course, Archie Mitchell in Eastenders at the moment), the whole room breaking into Frank Butcher impressions, Nessa giving everybody a single Cadburys celebration for Christmas, Stacey and Ness asking if Russell Brand gives them a mention in "Booky Wook" (Gavin's face is a picture), Mick's comedy ears whilst in bed with Pamela...the list is endless.
With a total lack of sentimental music or canned laughter, the comedy is actually stronger for its subtlety and we have already watched it four times and found new stuff to laugh at.
However, with all good comedies, there is a heart at the centre of it, and with just a few awkward silences and uncharacteristic speechlessness from Smithy, the pain of watching another man raise his child is all too poignant. Ruth Jones plays Nessa with integrity too, despite her hard edges, and can do more with those expressive black rimmed eyes than pages of a script could in lesser hands. You get the feeling Nessa can see right into Smithy.
All in, every Christmas ingredient is here: the drunkenness, the rows, the turkey recipe, the banter, the silly hats, the family announcements, and damn it, they even end with a song, in a way that makes it heartwarming rather than forced.
A lot of loose ends are thrown up and there's plenty here for a new series. I believe Ruth and James have finally been persuaded and as a fan, I am happy it's in such reliable hands.
GAVIN & STACEY A BIG HIT WITH THE BRITS IN CANADA June 9, 2009
Rachelccullough (CANADA)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I saw the show while I was in Britain for a visit and just loved it I starting telling people over here about the show but I thought it was better to show them so I purchased a copy, you would not beleive the response it has been getting, it has been passed around all my family & friends and their family & friends and it is a big hit the Brits over here, some Canadians really dont get the humor but when we explain it then they watch again and are now fans. So keep making this show because we all need a little ,romance and humor in our lives., and this show has it ALL
GREAT WORK GUYS
A Comedy Classic. September 10, 2009
Mr. P. T. Smith
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
This is a Christmas Special that you can watch over and over again throughout the year.At every viewing there is always something new. The extra features are excellent and give a real insight into Ruth Jones and James Corden.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 30
|
![Gavin And Stacey - 2008 Christmas Special [DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-UkqW5xEL._SL160_.jpg)
![Gavin And Stacey : Complete Series 3 [DVD] [2009]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B002I61NFU.01._AA75_PU_PU-5_.jpg)
![Gavin & Stacey : Complete BBC Series 2 [DVD] [2007]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00170O3PA.01._AA75_PU_PU-5_.jpg)
![Gavin And Stacey : Complete BBC Series 1 [2007] [DVD]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000VA3J52.01._AA75_PU_PU-5_.jpg)
![Gavin And Stacey - Series 1-2 [DVD] [2006]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B001EVP85Q.01._AA75_PU_PU-5_.jpg)
![The Royle Family - Christmas Special - The New Sofa [DVD] [2008]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B001MK9ZL2.01._AA75_PU_PU-5_.jpg)