Killer Net was written by crime writer Lynda La Plante best known for Prime Suspect. The series revolves around a student called Scott who gets addicted to a violent video game (Killer Net). The player must plot and perform the perfect murder without leaving evidence or getting caught. As Scott plays the game his house-mates become interested and start playing it as well. Unfortunately for them a real-life murder takes place which they get accused of.
Killer Net is clearly inspired by adult "interactive video" games (such as Harvester, Phantasmagoria and interactive sex games) which were popular around the time of the broadcast. The graphics used on the Killer Net game footage now look dated. This sort of makes it slightly nostalgic as it reminded me of old video games I've played. The series also references Chat Rooms and the fears surrounding them. I do not think the series makes any major social comments but is interesting how it tapped into media scare stories involving video game violence and chat rooms which are still relevant today.
The series is also noticeable for containing a young Paul Bettany. His acting is decent and he clearly had screen presence then. Tam Williams plays the naive Scott well but overacts in places. Emily Woof is excellent throughout. It is notable for featuring Jason "Take That" Orange as a thuggish DJ. Unfortunately his delivery of dialogue is a bit wooden and almost camp making the character's "hardman" image unconvincing.
The series was panned on its initial release but it has gained a cult following. It has a good plot. Some decent acting and makes good use of the Brighton location. Despite its 18 certificate and reputation, if your expecting a gorefest you'll be disappointed; it is however disturbing but the violence is very brief.
DVD Review: Sharp picture quality. There's a few sound dips but nothing serious. The limited extras include: Actor biographies and a trailer for Lynda La Plante's series: The Commander. It would have been good if the original Channel 4 trailers were included. This version is Re-Edited and runs around 5 minutes shorter than the VHS release. Worth owning especially as it can be picked up reasonably cheap. Recommended.
Killer Net is clearly inspired by adult "interactive video" games (such as Harvester, Phantasmagoria and interactive sex games) which were popular around the time of the broadcast. The graphics used on the Killer Net game footage now look dated. This sort of makes it slightly nostalgic as it reminded me of old video games I've played. The series also references Chat Rooms and the fears surrounding them. I do not think the series makes any major social comments but is interesting how it tapped into media scare stories involving video game violence and chat rooms which are still relevant today.
The series is also noticeable for containing a young Paul Bettany. His acting is decent and he clearly had screen presence then. Tam Williams plays the naive Scott well but overacts in places. Emily Woof is excellent throughout. It is notable for featuring Jason "Take That" Orange as a thuggish DJ. Unfortunately his delivery of dialogue is a bit wooden and almost camp making the character's "hardman" image unconvincing.
The series was panned on its initial release but it has gained a cult following. It has a good plot. Some decent acting and makes good use of the Brighton location. Despite its 18 certificate and reputation, if your expecting a gorefest you'll be disappointed; it is however disturbing but the violence is very brief.
DVD Review: Sharp picture quality. There's a few sound dips but nothing serious. The limited extras include: Actor biographies and a trailer for Lynda La Plante's series: The Commander. It would have been good if the original Channel 4 trailers were included. This version is Re-Edited and runs around 5 minutes shorter than the VHS release. Worth owning especially as it can be picked up reasonably cheap. Recommended.