User reviews

As a period piece, drama, and budget TV series this is time well spent. All the characters are excellent, the story is intriguing (if you just go along without analyzing some parts of the plot line.)

Ana and Roberto look like a genuine couple. Their past history makes them seem authentic even while they come from different social circles. As a female viewer I felt close to "Ana" much more than I usually relate to movie roles.

I'm waiting on edge to see what happens next season. How long will the wait be? I saw this on NetFlix in USA, and hope they add new episodes soon.

The visual content of this series is superb. The fashion, architecture, cars are evocative of the period the series takes place in. The formal mannerisms, impeccable clothing, beautifully curated dresses and accessories lend an elegant high end look to the production. The wonderful regional Spanish accent imbues the dialog with a true time and place.

Even though the arc of the storyline is well thought out and the intrigue well peppered throughout, the main love story falls flat for me. You want to reach in and slap Ana and Alberto and tell them to get some balls and act like adults. This is especially true of Alberto. He seems childish emotionally but the series makes you believe that he is an accomplished person without really giving the audience a way to reconcile the two.

Some of the minor love stories work better. They come and go, ebb and flow to keep the story moving. They can be funny and sweet even if frustrating at times.

Beautiful, yes. Outstanding, it could be; but it falls short because of the relationship of the main characters.

By accident on Netflix, I came across this series and was instantly hooked. I'm currently rewatching it with family members who as well are hooked and without a doubt like me are waiting anxiously for Season 3. One thing I would've wished for is for the music to be more culturally and scene associated. There are some beautiful Spanish boleros and Pop selections that in our opinion would've made the scenes more profound and connected. The English selections were a huge disconnect for me and my family who are all of Latin origin and bilingual. Nevertheless, this is a beautiful series filled with an engaging mixture of love, drama, and comedy. Season 3 hurry up and arrive to Netflix, Please!

This show is wonderful and I just love it. I finished watching the episodes of the first season on Netflix and I re-watched them again. Although I don't speak or understand Spanish and just rely on the subtitles, I still really enjoy this show tremendously. The story line about true love, social class differences, sacrifices and other hurdles make this series very interesting, (and educational to me). I am hooked on watching this series that I can hardly wait for more seasons to come. I even started looking bits and pieces of the second season online. I wish the episodes that I found had subtitles on them so I could understand what they were saying, regardless, I watched them and still loved it. (I just used my own imagination and the actors' gestures to kind of figure out what they were saying or what is going on). The actors on this show are just amazing and they are all perfect for their given characters. Another interesting thing about this show was that although there are lead characters, the writers and producers managed to give everyone their own story line which really keep the series worth watching. Now, I am motivated to learn Spanish (hopefully, I could) just so I can re-watch this show again and again in the future. Please continue doing more episodes and more seasons. I thank you and more power to all the actors, writers, producers and everyone involve in creating this show. I salute you!

If you like this era (late 50s/early 60s), you'll love Velvet. I love the look and feel of this show: the clothes, the cars, the music, the cocktails. I even love the sunglasses the lead character sports in a few episodes. But nostalgia aside, it's a terrific show. The crux of the series is a great once-in-a-lifetime love, a love that should be the destiny of the boy & girl. But of course, everything is against them: their parents, their class difference, and financial issues. The two actors who play the leads couldn't be better. Both are gorgeous to look at AND terrific actors - what more could you ask for? Besides the main story, a number of secondary plots, both comic and tragic, will engage you. I just finished watching the first season in less than 2 weeks. And I'm about to watch all 15 episodes again because I love this show so much. Whether Spanish or American, this is one of the best shows I've ever seen.

We hear so much about the brilliance of British actors, and theater people are well-versed in the magnificence of the Russians. Somehow we don't hear about the Spanish. It is on a different level, granted, but as a former actress, I can state as this is my third Spanish series, that Spanish acting is wonderful.

Velvet is the story of a department store family in 1950s Madrid; after the patriarch and owner of the store kills himself, his son Alberto (Miguel Ángel Silvestre) returns from London to take over the family business. He rekindles his childhood romance with Ana Ribero (Paula Echevarría) who lived at the store with her uncle after the death of her mother. The two plan to marry.

The store, however, is in bad financial shape, and an offer of cash comes with the strong suggestion that Alberto marry the financier's daughter Cristina (Manuela Velasco). Though it breaks her heart, Anna encourages him to do it, and he does. Ana and Alberto remain in love and still want to be together.

Later Alberto butts heads with Cristina's brother Enrique (Diego Martin) as the two fight for management of the store.

"Velvet" is soapy, but the reality the actors bring to the series make it seem less so. The characters are beautifully drawn. The women in the sewing room, of whom Ana is one, are outstanding, especially Manuela Vellés (Luisa) and Cecilia Freire (Rita).

For me, it is Miguel Ángel Silvestre as Alberto who makes the show, and he is what Spanish acting is all about - natural, relaxed, charming, and intense, he is perfect as a man who adored his father and takes his responsibilities to Velvet seriously. From smiling at customers in the elevator to laughing at his best friend's (Javier Rey) crazy love problems, to exploding at his wife, he is amazing.

His chemistry with Paula Echevarría is wonderful, and you can believe the two have a long history together. Echevarria brings warmth to her role as the self-sacrificing Ana, and we can see her development as a person during the series. These two are much stronger actors than the romantic stars of Gran Hotel, though their material is better.

And one of those Gran Hotel stars, the gorgeous Amaia Salamanca, has a large role as Barbara, Cristina's sister-in-law. I honestly didn't recognize her as she wears a brunette wig, and her acting is so different. She plays a jaded, somewhat bitter woman whose husband cheats on her. In Gran Hotel, she was this fragile, soft woman -- quite a change.

Another Gran Hotel star, Llorenç González, plays Jonas, an opposite role from Andres in Gran Hotel. Here he's a gum chewing smart aleck, kind of a snake oil salesman type, whereas as Andres, he was sad and victimized for much of the series.

The only thing in the show that drove me insane was the romance between Rita and Pedro (Adrian Lastra) which was too drawn out and frustrating. Both actors though demonstrated a wide range of comedy and drama. Also when one watches it as I did, binge watching, it seems like everybody is constantly being slapped in the face.

There are too many excellent actors to single out because everyone is so good, but kudos to Jose Sacristan as Ana's uncle; Asier Etxeandia as the designer Raul; Aitana Sánchez-Gijón as the manager of the sewing room, Dona Blanca; Angela Molina as the tragic Isabel; and Marta Hazas as Rita's sexy knockout sister, Clara.

The '50s music is great, a lot of sha-na-na songs, love songs, and Elvis-type music. Someone on this board stated that this series was probably made for American audiences, because some colloquialisms and fashion (mainly pajamas) don't seem right, and there is no mention of Franco, no sevillanas, no bullfights. It was perhaps watered down a bit to appeal to foreigners, though they have done an excellent job of recreating the '50s. And the fashions are exceptional.

Highly, highly recommended - great for Spanish students, great for entertainment, and a great example of a group of actors not often talked about - the Spanish.

Excellent! Well made and great for students at a university setting practicing Spanish listening skills. When will we be getting Season 2? My students and I can't wait to keep on seeing it. The visuals are crafted in such an artistic way.The historical aspects of the time lead to great discussions in Spanish. The characters are well developed and are so interesting. There are a lot of conflicts that are so real knowing the Spanish culture. The plot seems to develop in a way that makes both young men and women involved. There is also a lot of compassion within the characters. The students love the action, the romance, the fashion, the music, the naughtiness but also the dignity shown from some characters.

The best series on Netflix. The longstanding romance with its trials and tribulations between two of the most gorgeous people on TV, the handsome Alberto and the beautiful love of his life, Ana. The story is based on the romances of upper and lower class in a luxurious fashion store Galerias Velvet, in the '50's. The shenanigans of a few other characters offer comedy relief. Most viewers will have watched the first three seasons several times as nothing else on TV compares to this series. Love it! Have suggested this series to many friends and although learning of the subtitles has deterred a few, most have decided once watched that it doesn't pose a problem as the actors do a great job with body language and the soft Spanish lingo is a delight to the ears. I've also picked up a few Spanish phrases. For anyone learning the language it's a great tutorial. The stories are very realistic. The main characters I can identify with as I went through a similar experience.I give this show 10 out of 10. If more viewers would watch I'm sure it could graduate to a long standing series. Looking forward to Season 4. Best TV series ever.

Found this by accident and got hooked. Acting is very good and the story lines are very easy to follow. loved the way they played background music throughout. Have watched season 1 & 2 on netflix I don't speak Spanish so I can't say if the translation is all correct but it worked for me. Does anyone know where one could get a soundtrack of the music. Not all of the music was composed for the series there are a lot of 50's 60's and so on used. I would love to get a soundtrack or CD of the music. So much was new to me but really great I was brought up in a Spanish speaking home and surprising how much of the Spanish I could understand.

This is one of the best series I have watched for entertainment. The cinematography and the music are exquisite. The actors are visually appealing and also do a good job with their characters. There are a few that are really outstanding. My wife and I are of Spanish descent. Ironically, we have never been interested in Spanish movies or foreign films for that matter. This series has changed my mind. The dialogues are great. They speak very fast so you need to pay attention even if you speak Spanish or read the subtitles. If you understand Spanish, you can appreciate the awesome idioms. If you are looking for beautiful entertainment without getting technical with the plot or trying to analyze the film, this is a great watch!

Very light amusing distraction. Stuff for watching before bed with the wife. (Avoid the follow-on Velvet Collection - which is trash)

In the same genre - Spanish sloppy stuff - Grand Hotel is better.

Most of the actors did a good job in this TV series. However, there are 2 actors who really stood out.

Manuela Velasco played the role of Cristina Otegui and was outstanding!

Asier Etxeandia played the role of Raul de la Riva, the fashion designer, and was outstanding!

SHS(fnpshs@gmail.com)

WHY CAN'T WE BUY THE SOUNDTRACK ??? I know the titles are listed in the credits at the end of each episode, but some of the songs like "If you only knew how I adore you...." is impossible to buy anywhere. Bambu Productions are missing a huge trick - and money, in not releasing the soundtrack to buy.

BEST SERIES I'VE EVER WATCHED. How come it hasn't been publicised more ? I found it purely by accident on Netflix. Who knew the Spanish could do such brilliant humour with perfect timing from the characters ? These actors are all fantastic in their roles - the lovers, the flamboyant designer - who has the best hysterically funny lines, and those that play the villains.

Whats not to like ? The fifties, the music, the clothes, the love story ! Oh and did I mention how sensational Miguel (Alberto) looks in a suit ? Wow ! And when he gets to grips with Ana, who wouldn't want to be in her shoes ?? And his musicality with dancing ? He has it in spades.

I loved the natural inter-action between Alberto and Mateo - they didn't appear to be acting at all (which shows what good actors they are), and were truly believable as the best of friends with their humour and banter.

The Agent of Miguel Angel Silvestre should be pushing him for further romantic leads. His profile could really sky rocket if his role in Velvet is anything to go by. The Spanish version of Cary Grant, or Steve McQueen, and it certainly didn't do Antonio Banderos any harm. It might pay the bills, but he is certainly wasted playing bandits and 'heavies' in 3rd castings.

The storyline starts with the 2 young lovers, but then offshoot stories appear and you're hooked. So different, easy to watch, no bad language, no violence - back to the age of innocence.

One reviewer said that Ana and Alberto had NO CHEMISTRY !!!!! What ???? Well if what those two do on screen does not constitute 'chemistry', then I don't know what does ! I've seen many many films with passionate love scenes - eg Steve McQueen in Thomas Crown Affair, Burt Lancaster - From Here to Eternity etc etc, and the love scenes in Velvet are up there with the best.

Loved this series. I could not stop watching it. kudos to the writers and cast. Thanks for the entertainment.

I just finish watching all 4 series I absolutely love it, I couldn't stop watching .I'm not working now so I was able to put in 7-8 hours a day finishing in two weeks. After ending I was just lose for words. I love clothes , the hair styles and cars . This series was funny and warm. I especially love the way way Alberto would look at Ann it was if there was nothing else matter in this world . They were such great actors together I thought maybe they dating in real life. I was hurt they weren't. The music was everything I mean everything absolutely the best. Who ever choose music for this beautiful series need a bonus. I can't stop listening to "Since you been gone " . The wedding song in four season was the best " fly away with me". Last but not least all the actors were great and very entertaining. I don't speak Spanish at all so I had read the television the all four season I enjoyed the show so much it didn't matter. I only hope your show returns for 5 series Love ,Love,Love !!!

I loved Velvet, it was so good!! I could not stop watching it, I cried, I laughed. The cast is incredible, they are so funny and I loved the ending!!! Finally a awesome ending. Plus I am learning Spanish while watching it. Every character was so entertaining, and unique. I didn't think I would like it, because I am really not into fashion, but the show's drama and charisma really makes up for that. I love the differences in class too, so you can relate to the lower class like me, and some characters that illustrate the elite upper class cause you to dislike their character more. It is just wonderfully done, and deserves many awards!!

I can't count anymore how many times I have watched all 3 Seasons because I genuinely love it!! The third season just recently came on Netflix. There's been a lot of criticism over the treatment of Christina by Ana and Alberto, but if anyone is to blame it's her father. I question how any father could make that kind of a deal expecting all things to have a good outcome. I'm disappointed that not more was made of this. I'm not going to give away any season 3 secrets because you need to watch it yourself, but it's really good. "Christina" is a marvelous actor with an excellent part to play and in season 3 she comes "alive", that's all I'll say. I just love this show. Excellent casting, love the music which is hard to find, and love the look and feel of the entire show. Superb acting. I can't wait for season 4.

SPOILER: The show is visually stunning, characters are interesting (Raul De La Riva for instance) and almost everyone is really good looking. My main beef with the show is that it makes it really hard to empathize with the main characters. The premise is that you root for the lovers who almost never have things going their way (at least for too long). But their actions make it hard to root for them. Alberto marries Christina for her money to keep his store afloat. Christina loves Alberto earnestly, yet he continues his flirtations with Ana and one other woman. He cheats on her and treats her badly. And we're still expected to be on his side. Ana is too 'principled' to marry Alberto in a secret ceremony but has no qualms hanging around with a married man, while befriending his unsuspecting wife. It's all a bit hard to reconcile. The characters being 'flawed' is not the problem here, it's that the show carries on strongly making the assumption that you're on their side despite their actions. I personally struggled with forgiving them for their actions and wishing them to be united in spite of all the people they hurt along the way (in many cases unnecessarily and selfishly). Yet they are portrayed as being 'golden'.

My wife and myself were hooked watching the series Velvet and staying late every night until we finished the First season. We loved the series and highly recommend it. While watching the series we were pleasantly surprised when we discovered the true story behind the story that, probably, very few people know except, of course, the writers of the series.

All the founders of Velvet, as per the story, came from Cuba from working in a place call "El Encanto" which was, in reality, the queen of all the stores in Havana, Cuba and the Americas in the 50s. My wife and myself are both Cuban, I was born in 1940 and my wife in the 1950, so we knew this store "in person".

"El Encanto" was started by two Spanish immigrants that went to Cuba in the 1880s, last name Solis, as a modest fabrics store. The store grew with the managerial intelligence of the founders and, in spite of all the endemic political problems of Cuba, by the early 50s became what it was, an impressive building six stories high with different departments on each floor and with branches in every big city in the island. On the early 1950s two of the partners went back to Spain and were instrumental in the creation of two stores in Madrid, "Gallerias Preciado" and "El Corte Ingles". We should add "Velvet".

Unfortunately, "El Encanto" was nationalized in 1960 by the communist government of Cuba and in a few months later it was burned down by some ex-employees that prefer a burnt building than the government ownership. (The above data can be verified on numerous articles in the internet and the Wikipedia Encyclopedia, also pictures of the actual store are available.)

I don't understand why everyone calls this 'visually stunning' the outfits are so basic and cheap looking. The production value was poor and worst of all I was bored. It is so slow paced and the large amount of main characters are hard to invest in. If you want high drama, romance, soap opera stories and high production value, I prefer the producers later production Gran Hotel.