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04.10.02
First Time Release for Red Dwarf on DVD
One of the most consistently requested series for release on DVD will finally hit the markets in time for Christmas as BBC Worldwide confirm the launch of Red Dwarf Series 1 DVD on Monday 4th November, priced £19.99.
Comprising all six half-hour episodes from the first series, this two disc release includes over 90 minutes of extras. The original cast members, Craig Charles, Chris Barrie, Danny John-Jules and Norman Lovett (as Holly, the computer) were re-united a couple of months ago to record a special commentary for the DVD, under the watchful eye of writer and co-creator of the series, Doug Naylor. "We are really thrilled that this is finally available because it's the only means now of being able to buy the original series un-remastered", commented Doug, "There is also a whole heap of bonus material which I am sure the fans will really enjoy."
The close collaboration between Grant Naylor Productions and BBC Worldwide has produced a DVD of superlative quality, with extra material designed to appeal to established fans and newcomers alike. BBC Worldwide senior DVD producer Ross McGinley commented: "We have waited a long time for this particular release because we wanted to make sure we got the best product possible out on the market. A few years ago, when Worldwide first dipped its toe in the waters of DVD, we had no experience. It was actually the first DVD we thought of doing, but knew it had to be perfect. Now we've got the experience - and the awards to prove it - for things like Blue Planet and The League of Gentlemen - we know what we're doing. And I'm glad to say it was worth the wait!"
Although the series began production in 1987, the first episode of Series 1 (cryptically entitled The End) was first broadcast in February the following year. All six episodes from that series - Future Echoes, Balance of Power, Waiting For God, Confidence and Paranoia and Me2 are included on this DVD along with the following extra material:-
SERIES I MENU CONTENTS
- Cast Commentary
- The End Writers and Director Commentary
- Launching Red Dwarf Documentary
- Deleted Scenes
- Smeg Ups
- Trailer
- Drunk Featurette
- Photo Gallery
- Japanese The End Episode
- Raw Effects Footage
- Isolated Music Cues
- Talking Book Chapters
- Easter Eggs
- Weblink
- Episode Subtitles
The Red Dwarf Phenomenon
- Red Dwarf still holds the record for being BBC 2's longest running, highest rated sitcom.
- Created by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor it was based on one of their radio shows: Dave Hollins- Space Cadet.
- The programme was first shown in February 1988 and continued over the next decade with 8 series, building up a massive worldwide cult following and at its peak topping 8 million viewers.
- Sales of the video are in excess of 2.3 million and the series has been shown in 28 countries across the globe, picking up a clutch of awards, from Best Sitcom (British Comedy Awards) to an International Emmy
- The series begins when a radiation leak wipes out the crew of the mining ship Red Dwarf. The solitary survivor is Chicken Soup Machine Repair Man, Dave Lister. After three million years in suspended animation, Lister emerges to find he is the last human being in the universe
although he is not alone
Series 2 is due for release on DVD in February 2003 - which marks the 15th Anniversary of the first transmission of the show.
For the latest DVD news and behind-the-scenes reports check out DVD Associate Producer Andrew Ellard's updates on the official Red Dwarf website - www.reddwarf.co.uk
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.
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