Publisher: BBC DVD
Release Date:15th November 2007
RRP:�49.99
The remastered versions of the first three series of Red Dwarf arrive
on DVD this month just in time to make a great addition to your
Christmas wish-lists.
The 4 discs are packed with a wealth of extra features including two
painfully honest documentaries ‘The Beginning’ and ‘It’s Cold Outside’
which take an episode by episode look at the first two series.
The 70 minutes running time of these gives plenty of time for a
detailed discussion and which cast and crew pull no punches discussing
the conception and realisation of the show as well as some of the
behind-the-cameras politics
There’s also a shorter third documentary, Re-Dwarf, which looks at the
remastering of the episodes, the reasons behind the project and fan
reaction to it. Despite the stated reservations of some of those
involved the remastered episodes look great and have a pretty
contemporary feel.
Each series is contained on a single disc alongside some smaller extra
features including out takes, model shots and a number of deleted
scenes including some footage recorded for – but ultimately unused –
the remastered editions.
There are also commentaries on six episodes and a ‘What’s Different?’
text tracks detailing changes between the original and remastered
editions.
Even if, like me, you’re pretty unfamiliar with the world of Red Dwarf
these are a genuinely interesting look at the origins and re-imagining
of a series.
However the real gems in the collection are to be found on the fourth
disc – the original version of the first episode ‘The End’ which has
been assembled from transmitted and archive footage to present the
episode as originally intended and ‘Bodysnatcher’, a lost episode which
was never recorded.
The script for ‘Bodysnatcher’ was finally finished in 2007 and has been
recorded especially for this DVD in the form of storyboards and vocal
performances by Chris Barrie. A second ‘uncut’ version includes all the
stage and camera directions.
In all a great package which should appeal to existing fans and newcomers alike.
Red Dwarf: The Bodysnatcher Collection is released on November 15th
