Red Dwarf - Back To Earth - Director's Cut [DVD] [2009]

Why write a review for something that was originally broadcast during Easter of 2009? Because it's Red Dwarf, that's why. Legendary doesn't begin to cover it. For those who don't know what Red Dwarf is, don't bother. For you it would probably be just a cheesy, slightly obsolete Sci-Fi themed comedy show. For those who do know, well, it doesn't need an introduction.

For some reason, the return of Red Dwarf completely passed me by. Only somewhere in August 2009 (it might have been September, it doesn't matter) I read that new episodes had been broadcasted. Wait a moment, new episodes of what might very well be the funniest TV show ever?!? 10 years after the show was last broadcast? What the hell had happened? A few wikipedia pages and a quick download later I was ready to find out. I called an old friend, who many years ago introduced me to the world of Red Dwarf, and we watched. Then we watched it again. Then we discussed it, and looked up on-line reviews wat others thought.

One review called it `self-reverent and self-indulgent pap'. That as may be, but this is Red Dwarf. If any show has the right to be self indulgent, this must be it. I might even go so far as to say that we want it to be like that. And yes, our guys (and gals) are getting old. There is no way around that. Does it matter? Only if they would still try to be the ages they were when the series started. Which they don't. So it doesn't.

The first episode of the three came over as a bit wooden. Maybe this was caused by the fact that most of it was filmed on a virtual set (without an audience), with most of the interiors created with CGI. A feeling of slight disappointment was experienced. Also, a lot of explaining was crammed in to make clear why Hollly was not available, or what happened to Kochanski. For example a few non existing seasons were 'invented' where all these things supposedly happened in. Still, it is never explained what happenend to the crew in the mirror universe they fled to after the events of season VIII. This being Red Dwarf, a few continuity errors are almost expected.

But then, the magic returned. And Kochanski even. It became witty, funny and a bit silly again. They parodied Blade Runner, of which I have a hazy memory at best. But somehow it all worked. You don't expect one of your favourite shows to come back from the dead, and even if it happens, you don't expect it to be as brilliant when it was fresh and new. Because nothing ever is. Grateful is the best you can hope for. But despite all the critiscm, justified or not, I enjoyed it immensly. I genuinely and sincerely enjoyed it as much as the very first episodes I ever saw of Red Dwarf, which is indeed immensely. Back to Earth is flawed in more ways than one, but Red Dwarf always has been, in one charming way or another. Nevertheless, even after 10 years I got that very special tingle you get when you experience something that you know is going to positively influence your life from now on. And I can't possibly think of higher praise than that.

And a word on the blue-ray: I'm glad I bought it, with all the extras and the breathtaking picture quality.

'What is it?!'

'It's the equivalent of one of those overly self-referential Christmas specials that aren't actually as funny as the regular series (When 'Carbug' pulled up at the Rovers Return at the end of episode 1, I died a little inside)'

'What is it?!'

'It's a surprisingly heartfelt Lister and Kochanski story, with Craig Charles providing some highly touching moments'

'What is it?!'

'It's a comedy/drama hybrid that tries too hard to be both, ending up being an emotionally confusing experience'

'What is it?!'

'It's a self-deprecating look at the series and its legacy, which can be viewed as a humorous aside to the series itself'

'What is it?!'

'It's a story that uses a number of unfunny 'aliens/time-travellers in an unfamiliar place' cliches. I mean, Kryten talking to a post box because he thinks it's a robot?! Purlease...'

'What is it?!'

'It's a surprisingly un-padded, cleverly structured three episode story with some nice DVD freeze-frame gags that are picked up through repeated viewings'

'What is it?!'

'It's a science fiction story that is heavily weighed down with genre references and head-twisting digressions, making the light-hearted comedy elements seem out of place, and alienating the series from those who just want a good, well-scripted laugh'

'What is it?!'

'An extension of the cinematic aspects that made Series VII both so brave and controversial, and probably as close to 'Red Dwarf: the movie' as we are ever likely to get. As such, its an initially jarring departure from Series 8'

'What is it?!'

'It's an unbalanced feature length comedy that nonetheless features some very funny scenes (along with some that just don't hit the mark)'

'OH! An enjoyable but self-conscious T.V. movie! Well why didn't you say?!'

This mini series is a victim of its own publicity. Expectations were raised so high that it was bound to disappoint many fans. I had my first reservations when they announced they were making a three part special, as opposed to a full series. What is clear from series 8 is that 2 or 3 parters don't work as far as Red Dwarf is concerned. It slows the plot down and for me there is a sense of trying to pad out the episodes with weak gags. If viewed as a one off feature, which this DVD has an option for, it works so much better. By ending episode 1 just as the plot starts to get going kills the momentum and by the time its picked up again in the second episode its killed once more.

As a story i think its very imaginative and entertaining. Yes it harks back to earlier series and isn't totally original but i thought the twist was constructed very well and sets it up perfectly for a future series. I also thought the serious scenes between Lister and Kochanski were beautifully played. In order to get the most out of this though it must be watched in one go.