Red Dwarf: Series III and IV
by Ed Bye, Paul Jackson
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Hattie Hayridge, Robert LlewellynDirector: Ed Bye, Paul Jackson
Brand: Warner Brothers
Producer: Ed Bye
Producer: Candida Julian-Jones
Producer: Doug Naylor
Writer: Doug Naylor
Producer: Gilly Archer
Writer: Rob Grant
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0
Format: Box set, Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 330 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-02-03
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Warner
Movie Reviews of Red Dwarf: Series III and IV
Movie Review: A few things you should know about Series 3 & 4
Summary: 5 Stars
The Red Dwarf budget was really stepped up for series three, with sets and non-human characters all looking a lot more highbrow, but that in itself isn't important. What is important is that the writers had gained more confidence, perhaps because the show was more financially secure (against BBC budget cuts) and thus they were freer to come up with more adventurous storylines and tangents as a result.
There are some weird alterations since the end of the second series, such as the reappearance of Kryten (now played by a different actor) who adds to the dynamics of the show in many ways, as well as Holly's sudden change in gender. Apparently these changes are explained in the Star Wars-style text that speeds across the screen at the start of episode one, but I couldn't be bothered pausing the DVD to find out! The technicalities aren't important, anyway - unless you're a truly hardcore fan.
What IS important (to me, at any rate) is the humour, and also the philosophical/speculative elements, and the latter are seen at their most playful in episode one, where the crew go through a 'time hole' to a version of Earth where everything takes place backwards. Or episode five, where Lister attempts to change history by patenting a stress relief device made of bubble wrap...
Other episodes are less philosophical, but no less humorous, for instance 'Bodyswap', where Rimmer convinces Lister to give him the use of his body for a fortnight to tone it up, but instead sets out to eat, drink and smoke as much as he can. Rimmer, incidentally, is a bit less one-dimensional in this series, and already there are hints of the more complex Rimmer of later seasons.
Series four, on the other hand, represents a slight comedic lull. The writers tried to introduce new philosophical concepts and mind-bending scenarios, but with mixed results.
The best episode by far is 'Dimension Jump', where Rimmer meets a greater and more successful version of himself from another dimension. Ace Rimmer is a bit like a nicer version of Rick Mayall's Lord Flashheart character in 'Black Adder Remastered: The Ultimate Edition' (another great British comedy). Everyone loves him, and he is everything Rimmer is not. Needless to say, the two Rimmers utterly loathe each other.
Another good episode is 'Justice', where a mind probe forces the crew to stand trial for crimes they have committed in the past but kept secret. Kryten must act as lawyer for Rimmer, but can only get his client off the hook by proving to the authorities that Rimmer is a spineless, worthless, megalomaniac, with a guilt complex the size of a planet. Fortunately, in Rimmer's case, it happens to be true.
My third favourite is probably 'Camille', where the crew rescue a life form that appears to each of them exactly as they want it to be.
On the whole, series four isn't as good as series three (or the following ones), but still essential viewing for Red Dwarf fans (and worth the price for 'Dimension Jump' alone).
You may also enjoy Time Struggle 1: The Wolves of Odin (Volume 1).
Summary of Red Dwarf: Series III and IV
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