I'm not going to attempt an exhaustive episode guide or character profile, as that's already been very well covered! However, here are the main reasons why I would recommend this box set as against other Red Dwarf products:
1. Value. It works out very cheap at only around £4.50 per series.
2. Portability. The set takes up far less space than 8 video tapes, which is what you would have got in pre-DVD days. It has meant that I have been able to take the set to uni and introduce my housemates to the joys of Red Dwarf!
3. Simplicity. For those of us who aren't easily seduced by extras this set is ideal. It's good to not have to pay for what you're not going to use. Even though the set offers nothing new, I'm giving it a high rating largely due to its lack of pointless extras.
4. Novelty value. With the old 3-episode tapes, it was easy to get over-familiar with the episodes but with four series to choose from you'll never get bored!
5. Quality. Comparing both picture and sound quality with my old VCRs the quality is incredible. Efforts are made to make the dialogue clearer by controlling the noise of the audience.
6. It's an ideal introduction to the show for those who don't know it. I would recommend starting with series 2 or 3 as this is where I believe that the show was at its best. However, it's also good to have to early episodes which help to set up the story and introduce the characters.
Now I'll give a brief description of some highlights of the DVD package: Series one is unpolished, querky and sometimes awkward but it's all part of the dated charm that the show had at this point. My favourite episode has to be 'Balance of Power', in which Lister takes the chef's exam in an attempt to be promoted above Rimmer. See how many famous faces you can spot among the old crew!
Series two develops the characters even further, and the actions expands into new situations, including derelict spacecraft, virtual reality and a parallel universe. Best episode for me is 'Stasis Leak' in which the crew travel back in time and reak havoc for their past selves. Farsical comedy at its best!
Series three featured even more action with backwards universes and shape changing mutants but also contains some of the best comic moments of the show . Look out for brief cameos by Adolf Hitler and Marilyn Monroe! Coupled with brilliant interplay between the characters (especially in 'Marooned') and it's a recipe for success!
Series four follows a similar vibe to its predecessor, in which the crew do what they do best- stumble from one crisis to another. Highlight include 'Dimension Jump' in which Rimmer meets a more successful version of himself and 'DNA' in which Kryten becomes human. Casablanca fans will enjoy 'Camille' which features a parallel(ish) love story.
To summarise, the box set is worth buying both due to great value and content. Serious fans may not gain anything from this set, but it would make an ideal gift to someone new to the show.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Comedy - Director: Tony Dow - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: John Challis, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Tessa Peake-Jones, Gwyneth Strong
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Notoriously, and entirely appropriately, the original outline for Doug Naylor and Rob ... more
Grant's comedy sci-fi seriesRed Dwarfwas sketched on the back of a beer mat. When it finally appeared on our television screens in 1988 the show had clearly stayed tr...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Notoriously, and entirely appropriately, the original outline for Doug Naylor and Rob ... more
Grant's comedy sci-fi seriesRed Dwarfwas sketched on the back of a beer mat. When it finally appeared on our television screens in 1988 the show had clearly stayed tr...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Series One to four of the smash hit comedy series created and written by Rob Grant and ... more
Doug Naylor.Chicken soup machine repairman and intergalactic loser Dave Lister awakes from suspended animation to discover he is the lone survivor of a radiation lea...
![Red Dwarf: Just The Shows (Vol. 1) (Series 1-4) [DVD] [1988]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78490866.jpg "Red Dwarf: Just The Shows (Vol. 1) (Series 1-4) [DVD] [1988]")
Jan 17th, 2006
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