DVD Reviews: Red Dwarf IV

Red Dwarf IV has finally arrived on DVD (March 10th) and it once again reunites us with the wonderful crew of the red mining giant called Red Dwarf. Our favourite crew of "smeg heads" include the cowardly and pedantic Arnold Rimmer (Chris Barrie), the curry loving and sexually frustrated Lister (Craig Charles), the suave and stupid feline called Cat (Danny John-Jules) who evolved from the ships cat over a million years ago, the maniac depressant android called Kryten (Robert Llewellyn) and of course the ships computer who happens to be a little senile, Holly (Hattie Hayride).

This current series also introduces viewers to one of the funniest additions since Kryten, that of Ace Rimmer who is basically the heroic version of Arnold Rimmer from an alternate universe. As with the previous seasons, the crew accidentally gets involved in a variety of anecdotes that range from Lister being turned into a chicken (DNA) to Kryten falling in love with a genetically engineered shape shifter (Camille) and of course the arrival of the most clichéd super hero to ever grace the small screen (Dimension Jump). The DVD features all original six episodes from season 4 with of course a variety of special features that Red Dwarf fans will adore.

One of the main thing viewers will notice are the improved sets and special effects of series 4 that thankfully after almost being cancelled in the UK, the BBC decided to invest a larger budget into the production of this series because of fandom this series generated. Other highlights of the season include viewers being treated to actually seeing Kryten without his makeup to Kryten finally building up the courage to call Rimmer a smeg head!

As the budget of Red Dwarf was increased by the BBC, so did the picture quality of the series but it is still far from perfect. As with the previous seasons, the colours appeared to be washed out and faded but fortunately everything looks much sharper and vibrant in this current incarnation.

Red Dwarf IV features Dolby Digital 2.0 that is exceptionally clear and audible and although it doesn't use the speaker system to its advantage, certain scenes will amaze from the sound quality, especially the large and powerful explosions.

Red Dwarf IV features a plethora of extras that would make any Red Dwarf fan go giddy at the thought of it all. Once again the cast and crew provide a very in-depth and amusing commentary on all six episodes that mention the highs and lows of this season. The documentary entitled "Built to Last" is one of the most comprehensive documentaries regarding the making and history of Red Dwarf and of course not to mention some hilarious deleted scenes, smeg ups and my favourite compendium of Ace Rimmer.

The creative team of Rob Grant and Doug Naylor manage to pull off another fantastic season of Red Dwarf that not only ensures that the show doesn't take itself too seriously but also gives viewers a damn good time. Recommended to all smeg heads!

Andrew B