DVD Review

Red Dwarf: Back To Earth - The Director's Cut

Official Synopsis:

Back To Earth takes place after "Series X." Kochanski's dead and the crew are hurled through a portal and discover they're just characters from a TV series. Knowing they will die in the final episode the Dwarfers, in best Blade Runner tradition, track down their creators to plead for more life. First the crew attempt to track down the actors who play them in the series and their metaphysical odyssey begins....

Our Take:

Somehow, I've never seen a single episode of Red Dwarf.

Even though I'm a huge sci-fi/genre television fan, and even though I love almost everything I see come out of The BBC's television unit, Red Dwarf was just sort of before my time, I guess. I didn't really get into BBC TV until after the show ended its long run. However, I know it has a devoted fan base, and I've always been interested in watching it, so this was a perfect chance to experience the fan favorite. I don't know if Red Dwarf: Back to Earth is the best place to start, but I sure did enjoy it.

This three-episode miniseries is a wrap-up of sorts to the long-running show. After 10 seasons and then a nine-year break, the cast and crew have reunited for one last (or is it?) go around. I don't know if the series always had such a goofy sense of self, but in this adventure, the characters get transported to an alternate reality; namely, 21st century Earth, where Red Dwarf is a popular TV show. The characters then try to track down their creator and the actors who play them, and the results are quite humorous.

The show isn't flawless; I can't say I'm a big fan of the Kat character, at least based on what I get here. But overall it's a lot of fun, and the fact that I was able to jump in after missing 10 seasons of continuity and still enjoy the show from start to finish says something about its overall quality.

Special Features:

As with most BBC releases, this two-disc set is packed with bonus features, including:

Cast Commentary
Director Commentary
All-New Exclusive Documentary
The Making Of
Deleted Scenes
Smeg Ups
Featurettes
Trailers
Web Videos
Photo Gallery
Easter Egg

Conclusion:

For new or curious viewers, Red Dwarf: Back To Earth is an entertaining series, but I'd probably suggest going back and starting at the beginning to more fully appreciate what's going on. For existing fans of the show, this is a great return to the series and a terrific DVD set, making its purchase a no-brainer.

RECOMMENDED!

Overall Picture:

Movie: B+
Extra Features: A

- Mike Spring
Editor