Red Dwarf: Complete Series 5 (2 Discs)

Onto Series 5 and, in my opinion, one of the best episodes yet with the series finale 'Back To Reality' Here accompanied by an interesting, but slightly pointless, fan commentary the episode astounded in not only its humour but a twist that, certainly back then, I hadn't expected. In the days when future plotlines weren't revealed in all the press the episode really took me by suprise and took the show to even greater heights. And accompanied by five more superb episodes - from the time-twisting, alternate reality shenanigans of 'Inquisitor' to the hilarious sight of some less-than-welcoming doppelgangers in the brilliant 'Demons and Angels' episode - even 5 series in Red Dwarf still maintained a quality unknown of in modern television. How many other sitcoms/comedies have felt this fresh and exciting after 5 series? The DVD, as expected, come chock-full of wonders and delights with all the usual (in depth documantary/deleted scenes, outtakes/commentaries/easter eggs) plus a chance… more »

Onto Series 5 and, in my opinion, one of the best episodes yet with the series finale 'Back To Reality' Here accompanied by an interesting, but slightly pointless, fan commentary the episode astounded in not only its humour but a twist that, certainly back then, I hadn't expected. In the days when future plotlines weren't revealed in all the press the episode really took me by suprise and took the show to even greater heights. And accompanied by five more superb episodes - from the time-twisting, alternate reality shenanigans of 'Inquisitor' to the hilarious sight of some less-than-welcoming doppelgangers in the brilliant 'Demons and Angels' episode - even 5 series in Red Dwarf still maintained a quality unknown of in modern television. How many other sitcoms/comedies have felt this fresh and exciting after 5 series? The DVD, as expected, come chock-full of wonders and delights with all the usual (in depth documantary/deleted scenes, outtakes/commentaries/easter eggs) plus a chance to catch a glimpse of the American version of the show (really, really terrible - those Americans seem to ruin everything!) If good for one thing only this pointless travesty of a pilot will make you appreciate the original show all the more, a work of comic genius that shines as brightly today as it did back then. Roll on Series Six...

Personally I've always found this fifth season of Red Dwarf to be my favourite with more effective special effects matched by classic humour. Who could forget Chris Barrie's post mind patch intellectual, all half rimmed glasses, nasal inflection and snooty voice in season opener "Holoship", Kryten's severed hand conversing via keyboard with Lister and Cat during "Terrorform" or the high and low versions of our series regulars during "Demons & Angels"??? Rounded off by the impressive fan favourite "Back To Reality" (also benefiting from an additional fan commentary) this is one mighty strong collection. Alongside these mighty fine episodes disc one also offers a couple of hidden extras. If you go to the Select Episode option and then select the glove on the floor you will be taken to a code panel. Here if you enter the code 145 you'll then be presented with this title's 'talking heads' (approx 5 ¾ min) feature on season finale "Back To Reality". Also on disc one if you choose… more »

Personally I've always found this fifth season of Red Dwarf to be my favourite with more effective special effects matched by classic humour. Who could forget Chris Barrie's post mind patch intellectual, all half rimmed glasses, nasal inflection and snooty voice in season opener "Holoship", Kryten's severed hand conversing via keyboard with Lister and Cat during "Terrorform" or the high and low versions of our series regulars during "Demons & Angels"??? Rounded off by the impressive fan favourite "Back To Reality" (also benefiting from an additional fan commentary) this is one mighty strong collection. Alongside these mighty fine episodes disc one also offers a couple of hidden extras. If you go to the Select Episode option and then select the glove on the floor you will be taken to a code panel. Here if you enter the code 145 you'll then be presented with this title's 'talking heads' (approx 5 ¾ min) feature on season finale "Back To Reality". Also on disc one if you choose "Quarantine" from the Select Episode option and then select next you'll see a little Mr Flibble character in between chapters. By clicking on him there's an approx 1 min extra showing our commentary team in the studio. It's another marvellously 'fully loaded' range of extras to be found on the second disc leading off with the now familiar feature length original documentary, this one going by the title of "Heavy Science" weighs in at roughly 77 mins. A quite incredible 48 ¾ minutes of Deleted scenes, lines up with 2 ½ min themed featurette ("Bad Guys"), 7 mins of 'Smeg Ups' and 108 images in the self selection Photo Gallery whilst other delights uniquely include approx 30 mins on 'The SFX of Red Dwarf V' and 28 mins of 'Dwarfing USA' regarding the failed attempt by the Americans to replicate the success of the series for their own viewers, plus six enjoyable product/series related trailers. Toss in the usual informative 12 page 'Collector's Booklet' it's another fantastic fully comprehensive Red Dwarf season title which is certainly worth critical acclaim to all involved in bringing it to the retail market place. An essential nostalgically successful purchase from the BBC!