Packed to the Rafters Season 1 DVD & Interview

Packed to the Rafters Season 1 DVD

Cast: Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thomson, Jessica Marais, Hugh Sheridan, Angus McLaren, Michael Caton and Jessica McNamee
Executive Producer: John Holmes
Series Producer: Jo Porter
Series Creator: Bevan Lee
Genre: Family, Drama, Comedy.
Rated: M
Running Time: 22 episodes on 6 discs
The wait is finally over... Season 1 of Channel 7's hit Australian drama Packed to the Rafters is releasing on DVD December 2nd.

The massive rating success for Seven, Packed to the Rafters Season 1 on DVD is sure to be a hit this Christmas as Australians rush to reconnect with their favourite TV family.

Viewers will relieve the ups and downs of would-be-empty nesters Julie and Dave Rafter (Rebecca Gibeny and Erik Thomson) who have their plans upended when the kids return home to nest and their house once again becomes Packed to the Rafters.

Special Features:
Includes a behind the scenes look at the show and cast interviews.

Packed to the Rafters Season 1 DVD
RRP: $79.95

Interview with Jessica Marais

Jessica Marais plays Rachel Rafter on Packed to the Rafters.

Tell us about your character on Packed to the Rafters?

Jessica Marais: Rachel is a character with enormous strength in the face of adversity. She's had a life which has thrown quite a few challengers at her. But ultimately what defines Rachel is her spirit and courage. She's able to deal with everything that comes her way and get on with her life.


When you began filming did you think Packed to the Rafters would be this successful?

Jessica Marais: We had a great feeling about the show but you never want to second guess the Australian public. You don't want to get your hopes up, but the ratings have been almost too good to be true.


Who are you closest to on the set of Packed to the Rafters?

Jessica Marais: Hugh Sheridan and I have known each other the longest. We were both in the same year at NIDA. We just connected and have been great friends ever since. Throughout NIDA we were inseparable. We were always in trouble for laughing in class and mucking about. To be working as brother and sister is hysterical. It's a job that can become all consuming so to be able to share it with a friend is great. He is a brother in my life.

And Rebecca's just so lovely. She really is the mother hen for all of us.


How did your role on the show come about?

Jessica Marais: Getting a job on TV wasn't something I was really thinking about. My primary objective was just to graduate NIDA and get a job. I was in third year and still in this wonderful mothership fishbowl that is NIDA.

We got told about the audition and I treated it like a learning experience. They said it was for a pilot that might not go to air. I read the scenes, and I identified with the writing. I thought even if I don't get the role, I've really enjoyed doing that.

When I got the call back, I thought, 'Wow they're seriously considering me.' I got to read the full episode, the pilot, and I really enjoyed the dynamics within the family, I was drawn to Rachel - her courage, strength and humour. Work is work, regardless of whether it's film, television or theatre. It's the stories, what I'm doing with the work that is most important. The creative team was so fantastic so I decided to get on board.


Are you similar to your character in any ways?
Jessica Marais: Rachel's very funny. Very dry. I have a dry sense of humour but I don't know whether it's at the forefront of my personality.


Is your family similar to your on screen family?

Jessica Marais: Like the Rafters, we're very close and there have been trials and tribulations in all our relationships with each other.


Why will Australians love Packed to the Rafters Season 1?

Jessica Marais: For people who've already seen it, it'll be a great chance to look back and reminisce on all the highs and lows of the Rafters' journey so far. And for those who've yet to see the show, they can catch up on the series and find out why Australia has fallen in love with this family.


Are you filming the next season of Packed to the Rafters now?

Jessica Marais: We're currently on production break. Filming on series three will commence in the new year.


What's next for you?

Jessica Marais: I'm currently in Perth filming an American horror film with Luke Wilson called Needle. It's about two brothers and a group of friends being hunted by a killer. The character I'll be playing is very different from Rachel Rafter, not your typical girl next door.


Packed to the Rafters Season 1 DVD
RRP: $79.95