Nine years later… Later than what, we don’t know… but Red Dwarf is back and it is as good as ever. I first watched the series in the early 90’s and I have loved it ever since. Red Dwarf is a rare case in which a synthesis of Sci-fi and sitcom actually worked, and actually survived for as long as it did. Many other shows that tried to do what Red Dwarf did came and went during the run of the show, including an American version of the show. They even tried to bring over Kryten. Seeing as this show had lasted for so long, and the fans are clamoring for new Dwarf this seemed like the perfect opportunity to put out a new set of episodes, since the Red Dwarf movie had fallen into development hell so long ago.

Red Dwarf: Back to Earth is a continuation of the series Red Dwarf, where the crew of the ship open a dimensional portal back to earth, and as the packaging says, “in best Blade Runner tradition attempt to track down their creator to plead for more life.” We follow the crew from the ship, through the dimensional portal, and all around London on their quest.

The set is a two-disc set. One with the episodes, the other disc all special features. The first disc has the episode as a feature length directors cut, and as the three-part episode as originally aired. The director’s cut has commentary by the director, and the episodes have a commentary by the cast, and one by the crew. The second disc is absolutely full of the special features that we viewers have come to expect with a Red Dwarf DVD release.

Special Features:
Exclusive Documentary
The Making of Back to Earth
Deleted Scenes
Smeg ups: Out takes
Featurettes
Trailers
Web videos
Photo Galleries
… and an easter egg

This movie is amazing looking and sounding due to the fact that it was filmed with a Red One HD camera. This allowed for post-production reframing of a shot with no loss of quality. The original broadcast looked great and the DVD looked amazing. This is actually the best possible picture and sound from the highest quality source in the industry.

I have watched Red Dwarf for quite a long time. I have seen every episode, and own every release. Red Dwarf: Back To Earth is everything that a Red Dwarf episode should be. It has everything that you expect on a Red Dwarf DVD. It has all the special features and commentaries that they pack into each release. The episode is as funny as a Dwarfer should expect, and any person new to the series will laugh right along. There are so many special features that every aspect of production is discussed in detail. Nothing is left out in the making of these releases. The production of the DVD even goes so far as to recreate the box used for the unreleased DVD in the episode itself. This is a DVD release specially tailored for the fans, yet can be thoroughly and fully enjoyed by non-fans as well. Red Dwarf: Back to Earth is a DVD that everyone will enjoy and should pick up.

ComicsOnline Gives Red Dwarf: Back to Earth 5 Carbugs out of 5.