Red Dwarf 25721 225488669 2008-07-13T23:27:55Z Tkgd2007 2934677 /* Setting and plot */ rmv spaces around mdsh {{otheruses4|the British sitcom|the type of star|Red dwarf}} {{Infobox_Television | show_name = Red Dwarf | image = [[Image:Red Dwarf logo.png|250px]] | caption = ''Red Dwarf'' logo | format = [[Science fiction]] [[situation comedy|Sitcom]] | runtime = 30 mins | creator = [[Grant Naylor]]<br/>([[Rob Grant]] and [[Doug Naylor]]) | starring = [[Chris Barrie]]<br/>[[Craig Charles]]<br/>[[Danny John-Jules]]<br/>[[Norman Lovett]]<br/>[[Hattie Hayridge]]<br/>[[Robert Llewellyn]]<br/>[[Chloë Annett]]<br/> | country = [[United Kingdom]] | network = [[BBC Two|BBC2]] | first_aired = [[15 February]] [[1988]] | last_aired = [[5 April]] [[1999]] | num_series = 8 | num_episodes = 52 | list_episodes = List of Red Dwarf episodes | website = http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/index.cfm | imdb_id = 0094535 | tv_com_id = 132 }} '''''Red Dwarf''''' is a [[United Kingdom|British]] [[science fiction on television|science fiction]] [[comedy]] [[Media franchise|franchise]], primarily comprising eight series of a television [[sitcom]] that ran on [[BBC Two|BBC2]] between [[1988 in television|1988]] and [[1999 in television|1999]] and subsequently achieved a global [[cult following]]. It was created and written by [[Rob Grant]] and [[Doug Naylor]]. The show originated from a recurring sketch, ''[[Dave Hollins: Space Cadet]]'', in the mid-1980s [[BBC Radio 4]] comedy show ''[[Son of Cliché]]'', also scripted by Grant and Naylor. In addition to the television series, there have also been four bestselling [[novels]], two [[Pilot (television)|pilot episodes]] for an American version of the show, and tie-in books, magazines and other merchandise. Despite the [[pastiche]] of science fiction used as a backdrop, ''Red Dwarf'' is primarily a character-driven comedy, with off-the-wall science fiction elements used as complementary [[plot device]]s. In the early series episodes, a recurring source of comedy was The "Odd Couple" relationship between [[Dave Lister]] and [[Arnold Rimmer]], the two central characters of the show, who have an intense dislike for each other but are trapped together deep in space. The show's highest accolade came in [[1994 in television|1994]], when an episode from the sixth series, "[[Gunmen of the Apocalypse]]", won an [[International Emmy|International Emmy Award]] in the Popular Arts category. In the same year the show was also awarded 'Best BBC Comedy series' at the [[British Comedy Awards]], and attracted its highest ratings — of over eight million viewers — by the eighth series in 1999. The current state of the franchise remains uncertain. The series is unlikely to return to the BBC after it turned down proposals for a ninth series, and a big screen version of the show has often been promised, but has struggled to secure sufficient funding. ==Setting and plot== :''See also: [[List of Red Dwarf episodes]] and [[Red Dwarf ships]]'' [[Image:RedDwarfShipOriginal.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The original ''Red Dwarf'' ship model as used for the first five series.]]The main setting of the series is the mining spaceship ''[[Red Dwarf ships#Red Dwarf|Red Dwarf]]''<ref name="Series I at Sci Fi Dimensions">{{cite web | url =http://www.scifidimensions.com/Feb03/reddwarf1.htm | title =Series I at Sci Fi Dimensions | publisher =www.scifidimensions.com |accessdate =2008-02-06}}</ref> which is {{mi to km | 6 | abbr | Commonwealth | precision | yes}} long, {{mi to km | 5 | abbr | Commonwealth | precision | Yes}} tall, and {{mi to km | 4 | abbr | Commonwealth | precision | yes}} wide.<ref name="ship dimensions">{{cite book | last=Grant | first=Naylor | coauthors= | year=1989 | title=Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers | id=ISBN 0-14-012437-3 }}</ref> In the first episode, an on-board radiation leak of [[Cadmium|cadmium II]] kills everyone except for low-ranking technician [[Dave Lister]], who is in suspended animation at the time, and his pregnant cat, Frankenstein, who is safely sealed in the cargo hold.<ref name="Prog Guide p45">Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 45.</ref> Following the accident, the ship's computer [[Holly (Red Dwarf)|Holly]] has to keep Lister in stasis until the background radiation dies down—a process that takes three million years.<ref name="Prog Guide p45"/> Lister therefore emerges as the last human being in the universe—but not the only life form on-board the ship.<ref name="Prog Guide p46">Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 46.</ref> His former bunkmate and immediate superior [[Arnold Rimmer]] is resurrected by Holly as a [[Volumetric display|hologram]] to keep Lister sane, while a creature known only as [[Cat (Red Dwarf)|Cat]] is the last known surviving member of ''[[Felis sapiens]]'', a race of humanoids that evolved in the ship's hold from Lister's cat, Frankenstein, and her kittens during the millions of years that Lister was in stasis.<ref name="Prog Guide p46"/> The main dramatic thrust of the early series is Lister's desire to return home to Earth.<ref name="Series I at SciFi.com">{{cite web | url =http://www.scifi.com/sfw/screen/sfw9510.html | title =Series I at SciFi.com | publisher =www.scifi.com |accessdate =2008-02-06}}</ref> As their journey begins, the not-so-intrepid crew encounters such phenomena as time distortions, faster than light travel, mutant diseases and strange lifeforms that developed in the intervening millions of years.<ref name="Series I at SciFi.com"/> During the second series, the group encounter the sanitation [[mechanoid]] [[Kryten]], rescuing him from a long-since crashed vessel.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p52.</ref> Initially, Kryten only appeared in [[Kryten (Red Dwarf episode)|one episode]] of series two, but by the beginning of series three he had become a regular character.<ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf"/> At the end of series five, ''Red Dwarf'' itself is stolen from the crew, forcing them to travel in the smaller ''[[Red Dwarf ships#Starbug|Starbug]]'' craft for the subsequent two series, with the added side-effect that they lose contact with Holly.<ref name="Series VI review at Sci-Fi Weekly">{{cite web | url = http://www.scifi.com/sfw/screen/sfw1823.html | title =Series VI review at Sci-Fi Weekly | publisher =www.scifi.com |accessdate =2008-02-20}}</ref> In series seven, Rimmer departs the crew to take up the role of his alter-ego from a parallel universe, [[Red Dwarf characters#Ace Rimmer|Ace Rimmer]], whose name has become a long-standing legend and a legacy passed down from dimension to dimension. Shortly afterwards, the crew find a parallel version of themselves from a universe in which [[Kristine Kochanski]], Lister's former girlfriend, was the person put into stasis and so became the last remaining human.<ref name="Series VII review at DVD Active">{{cite web | url =http://www.dvdactive.com/reviews/dvd/red-dwarf-vii.html | title =Series VII review at DVD Active | publisher =www.dvdactive.com |accessdate =2008-02-20}}</ref> A complicated series of events leaves Kochanski stranded in "our" universe, and she is forced to join the crew.<ref name="Series VII review at DVD Active"/> In the eighth series, ''Red Dwarf'' is reconstructed by the [[nanobots]] who had originally stolen it and had it broken down into its constituent atoms.<ref name="Series VIII review at Sci-Fi Weekly">{{cite web | url =http://www.scifi.com/sfw/screen/sfw13179.html | title =Series VIII review at Sci-Fi Weekly | publisher =www.scifi.com |accessdate =2008-02-20}}</ref> In the process, the entire crew of the ship — including a pre-accident Rimmer — are resurrected, but the ''Starbug'' crew find themselves sentenced to two years in the ship's [[brig]] on a set of convoluted charges.<ref name="Series VIII review at Sci-Fi Weekly"/> The series ends with ''Red Dwarf'' being eaten away by a virus with the crew evacuated, save for Rimmer who is, in the cliffhanger ending, left stranded alone to face [[Grim Reaper|Death]] (and promptly knees him in the groin and flees).<ref name="Episode Guide at Britannia.org - Series 8">{{cite web | url =http://www.britannia.org/tvarchives/dwarf/episodes/series8.php | title =Episode Guide - Series 8 | publisher =www.britannia.org |accessdate =2008-02-06}}</ref> ==Characters and actors== {{main|Red Dwarf characters}} [[Image:red dwarf series ii group.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The original cast, Danny John-Jules, Craig Charles, Chris Barrie and Norman Lovett, in a scene from Series II.]][[Dave Lister]], played by [[Craig Charles]],<ref name="Cast credits">{{cite web | url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094535/ | title =Cast credits | publisher =www.imdb.com |accessdate =2008-02-06}}</ref> is a genial [[Liverpudlian]] and self-described bum. He was the lowest-ranking crew member on the ship before the accident and has a long-standing desire to return to Earth and start a farm on [[Fiji]], but is left impossibly far away by the accident that renders him the last surviving member of the human race.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 19-24.</ref> His bunk mate [[Arnold Judas Rimmer|Arnold Rimmer]], played by [[Chris Barrie]],<ref name="Cast credits"/> is the second-lowest ranking member of the crew: a fussy, [[bureaucratic]], [[neurotic]] coward, who is nevertheless judged by Holly to have the highest chance of keeping Lister sane when chosen to be the ship's one available hologram.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 24-30.</ref> [[Cat (Red Dwarf)|Cat]], played by [[Danny John-Jules]],<ref name="Cast credits"/> is a humanoid creature who evolved from the offspring of Lister's smuggled pet cat Frankenstein. Cat is concerned with little other than sleeping, eating and fawning over his appearance, and tends not to socialise with other members of the crew. As time goes by, however, he becomes more influenced by his human companions, and so begins to resemble a stylish, self-centred human.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 30-34.</ref> The ship's computer, [[Holly (Red Dwarf)|Holly]] (played by [[Norman Lovett]] during Series I, II, VII and VIII<ref name="Cast credits"/> and [[Hattie Hayridge]] in Series III to V),<ref name="Full cast credits">{{cite web | url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094535/fullcredits#cast | title =Full cast credits| publisher =www.imdb.com |accessdate =2008-02-06}}</ref> has an [[IQ]] of 6,000, although this is severely depleted by the three million years he/she is left alone after the accident, having developed "computer senility". The change in appearance for Series III is explained by Holly having changed his face to resemble that of a computer from a parallel universe with whom he'd fallen in love.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 35-38.</ref> [[Kryten]], full name Kryten 2X4B-523P (played by [[Robert Llewellyn]] from Series III onwards,<ref name="Cast credits"/> and as a one-off appearance in Series II by [[David Ross (actor)|David Ross]]),<ref name="Full cast credits"/> was rescued by the crew from a crashed spaceship ''Nova 5'', upon which he had continued to serve the ship's crew despite them having been dead for thousands or even millions of years. Kryten is a sanitation mechanoid and when first encountered by the crew, he was bound by his "behavioural protocols", but Lister gradually encouraged him to break his programming and think for himself. After an accident involving Lister's spacebike, Kryten was rebuilt by Lister, with a slightly different appearance and voice.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 38-42.</ref> [[Kristine Kochanski]] (originally portrayed by [[Clare Grogan]] before [[Chloë Annett]] took on the role from Series VII)<ref name="Full cast credits">{{cite web | url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094535/fullcredits#cast | title =Full cast credits| publisher =www.imdb.com |accessdate =2008-02-06}}</ref> was initially a long-gone girlfriend of Lister's whose memory he had cherished ever since.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 19-24.</ref> However, a rift between two alternative dimensions revealed that, in the alternative dimension, Kochanski had survived the ''Red Dwarf'' cadmium II accident. She joined Lister and the crew after the link to her own dimension collapsed.<ref name="Series VII review at DVD Active"/> [[Image:red dwarf series viii group.jpg|thumb|250px|right|The cast of Series VIII. From left to right: Chris Barrie, Robert Llewellyn, Chloë Annett, Craig Charles and Danny John-Jules. Norman Lovett, not visible, returned as part of the cast.]]In addition to the main characters, other characters have come and gone, and even come back again. [[Red Dwarf characters#Captain Frank Hollister|Captain Frank Hollister]] (played by [[Mac McDonald]])<ref name="Full cast credits"/> died in the original cadmium II accident and was revived later on when the nanobots re-built the ''Red Dwarf'' ship.<ref name="Series VIII review at Sci-Fi Weekly"/> [[Red Dwarf characters#Olaf Petersen|Olaf Petersen]] (played by [[Mark Williams (actor)|Mark Williams]])<ref name="Full cast credits"/> was one of Lister's drinking buddies on the ship. Lister's other drinking buddies were [[Red Dwarf characters#Selby and Chen|Selby and Chen]] (played by David Gillespie and Paul Bradley, respectively).<ref name="Full cast credits"/> When Lister and Rimmer were imprisoned, and then enrolled in the conscript/suicide mission unit known as the Canaries, they socialised with the likes of [[Red Dwarf characters#Kill Crazy|Kill Crazy]] (played by [[Jake Wood]])<ref name="Full cast credits"/> and Baxter (played by [[Ricky Grover]])<ref name="Full cast credits"/> and both were on hand to help out with problems. [[Red Dwarf characters#Warden Ackerman|Warden Ackerman]] (played by [[Graham McTavish]]) would also turn up to torment the imprisoned pair.<ref name="Full cast credits"/> ==Production== The first series aired on [[BBC Two|BBC2]] in 1988. Seven further series have so far been produced,<ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf"/> and a [[film]] has been in [[development hell]] almost continually since before the last series in 1999.<ref name="Red Dwarf: The Movie">{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Red Dwarf: The Movie | work = | publisher =www.thereddwarfzone.co.uk | date = | url =http://www.thereddwarfzone.co.uk/movie.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate =2007-12-06}}</ref> ===Concept and commission=== The concept for the show was originally developed from the sketch-series ''[[Dave Hollins: Space Cadet]]'' on the [[BBC Radio 4]] show ''[[Son of Cliché]]'' in the mid-1980s, written by [[Rob Grant]] and [[Doug Naylor]].<ref name="The Official Red Dwarf Companion, Red Dwarf Genesis">{{cite book |last=Dessau |first=Bruce |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=The Official Red Dwarf Companion |year=1992 |publisher=Titan |location=Red Dwarf Genesis |isbn=1-85286-456-7}}</ref> Their influences came from movies and television programmes such as ''[[Alien (movie)|Alien]]'' (1979), ''[[Dark Star (film)|Dark Star]]'' (1974) and ''[[The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy]]'' (1981),<ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf"/> but also had a large element of British-style comedy and satire thrown into the mix, ultimately moulded into the form of a [[sitcom]]. Having first written the pilot script in 1983, the former ''[[Spitting Image]]'' writers had hawked their unusual and original script around but it was rejected by everyone at the BBC, as it was believed a sitcom based around science fiction would not be popular.<ref name="The Official Red Dwarf Companion, Red Dwarf Genesis"/> It was finally accepted by [[BBC North]] in 1986, a result of a spare budget being assigned for a second series of ''[[Happy Families (TV series)|Happy Families]]'' that would never arise, and producer [[Paul Jackson (producer)|Paul Jackson]]'s insistence that ''Red Dwarf'' should be filmed instead.<ref name="Red Dwarf Series I Genesis">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=1&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=genesis | title =Red Dwarf Series I Genesis | publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-17}}</ref> The show was lucky to be remounted after an [[electrician]]'s [[Strike action|strike]] partway through rehearsals shut the entire production down.<ref name="Prog Guide p6">Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 6.</ref> The [[The End (Red Dwarf episode)|pilot episode]] finally made it onto television screens on [[15 February]] [[1988]].<ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf">{{cite web | url =http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tv/id/560214/index.html | title =screenonline: Red Dwarf | publisher =www.screenonline.org.uk |accessdate =2008-02-11}}</ref> ===Casting=== [[Alan Rickman]] and [[Alfred Molina]] had auditioned for roles in the series, with Molina actually being cast as Rimmer.<ref name="Interview: Norman Lovett">Interview: Norman Lovett, Red Dwarf Smegazine, issue 9, November 1992, Fleetway Editions Ltd, ISSN 0965-5603</ref><ref name="Red Dwarf Series 1 Episode One: The End">Red Dwarf Series 1 Episode One: The End, Red Dwarf Smegazine, volume 2 issue 1, May 1993, Fleetway Editions Ltd, ISSN 0965-5603</ref> However, after Molina had difficulties with the concept of the series, and of his role in particular, the role was recast and filled by [[Chris Barrie]]. Barrie was a professional voice-actor and impressionist who had previously worked with both the writers on ''[[Spitting Image]]'', and with the producers on ''Happy Families'' and [[Jasper Carrott]] productions.<ref name="Red Dwarf Series 1 Episode One: The End"/> [[Craig Charles]], a Liverpudlian "punk poet", was given the role of Dave Lister. He was approached by the production team for his opinion about the 'Cat' character, as they were concerned it may be considered by people as racist.<ref name="Prog Guide p5">Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 5.</ref> Charles described the character as 'pretty cool' and after reading the script he decided he wanted to audition for the part of Dave Lister.<ref name="Prog Guide p6">Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 6.</ref> Laconic [[stand up comedian]] [[Norman Lovett]], who had originally tried out for the role of Rimmer, was kept in the show as [[Holly (Red Dwarf)|Holly]], the senile computer of the titular ship.<ref name="Prog Guide p5"/> A professional dancer and singer, [[Danny John-Jules]], arriving half an hour late for his appointment, stood out as the [[Cat (Red Dwarf)|Cat]] immediately. This was partly due to his "cool" exterior, dedicated research (reading [[Desmond Morris]]'s book ''Catwatching''), and he showed up in character, wearing his father's 1950s-style suit.<ref name="Prog Guide p5"/> ===Writing, producing, and directing=== Grant and Naylor wrote the first six series together (using the pseudonym Grant Naylor on the first two novels and later as the name of their production company, although never on the episodes themselves).<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 205.</ref> Grant left in 1995,<ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf">{{cite web | url =http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tv/id/560214/index.html | title =screenonline: Red Dwarf | publisher =www.screenonline.org.uk |accessdate =2008-02-11}}</ref> to pursue other projects,<ref name="Series VI Aftermath">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=6&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=aftermath | title =Series VI Aftermath | publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2008-02-11}}</ref> leaving Naylor to write the final two series with a group of new writers, including Paul Alexander and actor Robert Llewellyn who portrayed the character Kryten.<ref name="Series VII Writing">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=7&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=writing | title =Series VII Writing | publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2008-02-11}}</ref> For the most part, [[Ed Bye]] produced and directed the series. He left before Series V due to a scheduling clash (he ending up directing a series starring his wife, [[Ruby Wax]]) so Juliet May took over as director.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 16.</ref> May parted ways with the show halfway through the series for personal and professional reasons and Grant and Naylor took over direction of the series, in addition to writing and producing.<ref name="Series V production">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=5&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=production | title =Red Dwarf Series V production | publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-17}}</ref> Series VI was directed by Andy de Emmony, and Ed Bye returned to direct Series VII and VIII. Series I, II and III were made by Paul Jackson Productions, with subsequent series produced by the writers' own company Grant Naylor Productions for [[BBC North]]. All eight series were broadcast on BBC2. At the beginning of Series IV, production moved from the BBC's [[Manchester]] studios to [[Shepperton Studios|Shepperton]].<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 13, 14.</ref> The theme tune and incidental music were written and performed by [[Howard Goodall]], with the distinctive vocals on the closing theme tune courtesy of [[Jenna Russell]]. Goodall also wrote music for the show's various songs, including "Tongue Tied", with lyrics written by Grant and Naylor,<ref name="Interview: Howard Goodall">Interview: Howard Goodall, Red Dwarf Smegazine, issue 10, December 1992, Fleetway Editions Ltd, ISSN 0965-5603</ref> which Danny John-Jules re-orchestrated and released as a Top 20 UK single.<ref name="everyHit.com - UK Top 40 Chart Archive, British Singles & Album Charts">{{cite web | url =http://www.everyhit.co.uk/notauth.html | title =everyHit.com - UK Top 40 Chart Archive, British Singles & Album Charts | publisher =www.everyhit.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-19}}</ref> ===Hiatus, changes, and future prospects=== A period of three years elapsed between Series VI and VII, partly due to the parting of the Grant and Naylor partnership, but also due to cast and crew working on other projects.<ref name="Series VI Aftermath"/> When the series eventually returned, it was [[filmizing|filmised]] and no longer shot in front of a live audience, allowing for greater use of four-walled sets, [[location shooting]] and [[Single camera setup|single camera]] techniques.<ref name="Red Dwarf Series VII Production">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=7&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=production | title =Red Dwarf Series VII Production | publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-17}}</ref> When the show returned for its eighth series two years later, it had dropped use of the filmising process and restored the live audience.<ref name="Red Dwarf Series VIII Production">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=8&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=production | title =Red Dwarf Series VIII Production | publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-18}}</ref> The possibility of a new series received a setback when the BBC had rejected proposals for a Series IX. Doug Naylor confirmed that the BBC decided not to renew the series as they preferred to work on other things.<ref name="BBC rejects new 'Red Dwarf' series">{{cite web | url =http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a76992/report-bbc-rejects-new-red-dwarf-series.html | title =BBC rejects new 'Red Dwarf' series | publisher =www.digitalspy.co.uk |accessdate =2008-01-18}}</ref> However, new animated [[mobisode]]s have been made available to [[mobile phone]] subscribers.<ref name="'Red Dwarf' returns for new 'mobisodes'">{{cite web | url =http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a82173/red-dwarf-returns-for-new-mobisodes.html | title ='Red Dwarf' returns for new 'mobisodes' | publisher =www.digitalspy.co.uk |accessdate =2008-01-18}}</ref> ===Remastered=== {{Main|Red Dwarf Remastered}} In 1998, on the tenth anniversary of the show's first airing (and between the broadcast of Series VII and VIII), the first three series of ''Red Dwarf'' were [[remastered]] and released on [[VHS]]. The remastering included replacing model shots with computer graphics, cutting certain dialogue and scenes,<ref name="Sci-Fi-London Film Festival - The Bodysnatcher Collection">{{cite web | url =http://www.sci-fi-london.com/news/article/1195080035/3/red-dwarf-the-bodysnatcher-collection | title =Sci-Fi-London Film Festival - The Bodysnatcher Collection | publisher =www.sci-fi-london.com |accessdate =2008-01-28}}</ref> re-filming Norman Lovett's Holly footage, creating a consistent set of opening titles, replacing music and creating ambient sound effects with a digital master.<ref name="Red Dwarf series I Remastering">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=1&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=remastering | title =Red Dwarf series I Remastering | publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-18}}</ref> The remastered series were released in a 4 disc DVD boxset "The Bodysnatcher Collection" in 2007.<ref name="The Bodysnatcher Collection">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2007/11/09/the-bodysnatcher-collection/ | title =The Bodysnatcher Collection | publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-19}}</ref> ==Themes== [[Image:Red dwarf polymorph.jpg|thumb|right|The episode "Polymorph" parodied the 1979 ''[[Alien (film)|Alien]]'' film]]''Red Dwarf'' was founded on a standard sitcom [[Trope (literature)|trope]]: namely, a disparate and frequently dysfunctional group of individuals living together in a restricted setting. With the main characters routinely displaying their cowardice, incompetence and laziness, while exchanging insulting and sarcastic dialogue, the series provided a humorous antidote to the fearless and morally-upright space explorers typically found in science fiction shows, such as ''[[Star Trek]]''.<ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf">{{cite web | url =http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tv/id/560214/index.html | title =screenonline: Red Dwarf | publisher =www.screenonline.org.uk |accessdate =2008-02-11}}</ref> The increasing science fiction elements of the series were treated seriously by Grant and Naylor. Satire, parody and drama were alternately woven into the episodes, referencing other - not always science fiction - television shows, films and books.<ref name="Red Dwarf paraody">{{cite web | url =http://www.reviewsbygavrielle.com/dwarf.shtml | title =Red Dwarf paraody | publisher =www.reviewsbygavrielle.com |accessdate =2008-02-08}}</ref> These have included references to the likes of ''[[2001: A Space Odyssey (film)|2001: A Space Odyssey]]'' (1968),<ref name="2001: A Space Oddyssey paraody">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=2&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=writing | title =2001: A Space Oddyssey paraody | publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2008-01-17}}</ref> ''[[Top Gun (film)|Top Gun]]'' (1986),<ref name="Top Gun influences">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=4&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=music | title =Top Gun influences | publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2008-01-17}}</ref> ''[[RoboCop (film)|RoboCop]]'' (1987), ''[[Star Wars]]'' (1977),<ref name="movie connections at dvd verdict">{{cite web | url =http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/reddwarf.php | title =Alien, Robocop, Star Wars movie reference | publisher =www.dvdverdict.com |accessdate =2008-02-08}}</ref> ''[[Citizen Kane]]'' (1942),<ref name="Me2 movie connections">{{cite web | url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103521/ | title =Me2 movie connections | publisher =www.imdb.com |accessdate =2008-01-17}}</ref> ''[[The Wild One]]'' (1953), ''[[Rebel Without a Cause]]'' (1955), ''[[Easy Rider]]'' (1969),<ref name="Kryten movie connections">{{cite web | url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0684161/ | title =Kryten movie connections | publisher =www.imdb.com |accessdate =2008-01-17}}</ref> ''[[The Terminator]]'' (1984)<ref>Nazzaro, Joe. p. 39. Red Dwarf Smegazine, volume 2 issue 3, July 1993</ref> and ''[[Pride and Prejudice]]'' (1813).<ref name="Beyond a Joke movie connections">{{cite web | url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0684147/ | title =Beyond a Joke movie connections | publisher =www.imdb.com |accessdate =2008-01-17}}</ref> The writers even based the whole theme of an episode on a film's plot. The Series III episode "[[Polymorph (Red Dwarf episode)|Polymorph]]" references and parodies key moments from ''[[Alien (film)|Alien]]'' (1979),<ref name="movie connections at dvd verdict"/> Series IV's "[[Camille (Red Dwarf episode)|Camille]]" echoes key scenes from ''[[Casablanca (film)|Casablanca]]'' (1942),<ref>Nazzaro, Joe. p. 39. Red Dwarf Smegazine, volume 2 issue 3, July 1993</ref> and "[[Meltdown (Red Dwarf episode)|Meltdown]]" borrows the main plot from ''[[Westworld]]'' (1973).<ref name="Red Dwarf 'Meltdown' movie connections">{{cite web | url =http://www.imdb.com/rg/title-tease/movieconnections/title/tt0684164/movieconnections | title =Red Dwarf 'Meltdown' movie connections | publisher =www.imdb.com |accessdate =2008-01-08}}</ref> But the series does not limit its themes to movies or television; historical events and figures have also been referenced and even integrated as part of an episode.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 67, 68.</ref> Religion also plays a part in the series, as a significant factor in the ultimate fate of the Cat race, and the perception of Lister as their "God".<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 48, 49.</ref> Religion is turned on its head as mundane things are shown to acquire deep religious significance. The dispute over the colour of cardboard hats in Lister's fantasy doughnut diner (which has become the Cat version of Paradise) sparks the holy war that almost annihilates the species. The series also makes a literary reference to the [[Samuel Beckett]] play ''[[Waiting for Godot]]'' in the ''[[Waiting for God (Red Dwarf episode)|Waiting for God]]'' episode. The episode titled ''[[Ouroboros (Red Dwarf episode)|Ouroboros]]'' derives its name and theme from the ancient mythological snake by the same name. The series also explores many sci-fi staples such as time-travel paradoxes ([[grandfather paradox]]), the question of [[determinism]] and [[free will]] (on several episodes), the pursuit of happiness in virtual reality and crucially to the show's premise of Lister being the last human, the near certainty of the human species' extinction some time in the far future. ==Hallmarks== The series developed its own distinct vocabulary. Words and phrases such as [[hologrammatic]], Dollarpound, ''[[Felis sapiens]]'', [[Red Dwarf characters#Simulants|rogue simulants]], [[GELF]], space weevil and Zero G football (and kickboxing) appear throughout the series, highlighting a development in language, political climate, technology, evolution and culture in the future.<ref name="Red Dwarf Programme Guide">{{cite book |last=Howarth |first= Chris |authorlink= |coauthors=Steve Lyons |title=Red Dwarf Programme Guide: A-Z |year=1993 |publisher=Virgin Books |location=A-z |isbn=0-86369-682-1}}</ref> The creators also employed a vocabulary of fictional expletives in order to avoid using potentially-offensive [[expletive]]s in the show, and to give nuance to futuristic colloquial language. '[[smeg (vulgarism)|Smeg]]', gimp, gimboid, goit, and variants of smeg like smegging, smegger and smeg-head were used.<ref name="Red Dwarf Series I Writing">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=1&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=writing | title =Red Dwarf Series I Writing | publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-18}}</ref> ==Reception and achievements== ===Mixed reactions=== The changes that were made to the series' cast, setting, creative teams and even production values from series to series have meant that opinions differ greatly between fans, and critics alike, as to the quality of certain series.<ref>Lyons, Steve & Nazzaro, Joe. p. 38, 39. The Great Red Dwarf Debate, Red Dwarf Smegazine, volume 2 issue 3, July 1993</ref><ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf">{{cite web | url =http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tv/id/560214/index.html | title =screenonline: Red Dwarf | publisher =www.screenonline.org.uk |accessdate =2008-02-11}}</ref> In the 'Great Red Dwarf Debate', published in volume 2 issue 3 of the ''Red Dwarf Smegazine'', science fiction writers Steve Lyons and Joe Nazzaro both argued on the pros and cons of the early series' against the later series'. Lyons stated that what the show "once had was a unique balance of sci-fi comedy, which worked magnificently."<ref>Lyons, Steve. p. 38. The Great Red Dwarf Debate, Red Dwarf Smegazine, volume 2 issue 3, July 1993</ref> Nazarro agreed that "the first two series are very original and very funny", but went on to say that "it wasn't until Series III that the show hit its stride."<ref>Nazzaro, Joe. p. 39. The Great Red Dwarf Debate, Red Dwarf Smegazine, volume 2 issue 3, July 1993</ref> Series VI is regarded as a continuation of the '[[Monster of the week]]' philosophy of Series V, which was nevertheless visually impressive.<ref name="Series VI review at Sci Fi Weekly">{{cite web | url =http://www.scifi.com/sfw/screen/sfw1823.html | title =Series VI review at Sci Fi Weekly | publisher =www.scifi.com |accessdate =2008-02-11}}</ref> Discussions revolve around the quality of Series VI, seen by viewers as just as good as the earlier series',<ref name="Red Dwarf VI review at Sci-Fi.com">{{cite web | url =http://www.scifi.com/sfw/screen/sfw1823.html | title =Red Dwarf VI review at Sci-Fi.com | publisher =www.scifi.com |accessdate =2008-02-01}}</ref> but has been criticised as a descent into formulaic comedy with an unwelcome change of setting.<ref name="Red Dwarf VI review by Gavrielle">{{cite web | url =http://www.reviewsbygavrielle.com/dwarf3.shtml | title =Red Dwarf VI review by Gavrielle | publisher =www.reviewsbygavrielle.com |accessdate =2008-02-01}}</ref> The changes seen in Series VII were seen as a disappointment; while much slicker and higher-budget in appearance, the shift away from outright [[sitcom]] and into something approaching [[comedy drama]] was seen as a move in the wrong direction.<ref name="Series VII review at DVD Active">{{cite web | url =http://www.dvdactive.com/reviews/dvd/red-dwarf-vii.html | title =Series VII review at DVD Active | publisher =www.dvdactive.com |accessdate =2008-02-11}}</ref> Furthermore, the attempt to shift back into traditional sitcom format for Series VIII was greeted with a response that was similarly lukewarm.<ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf">{{cite web | url =http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tv/id/560214/index.html | title =screenonline: Red Dwarf | publisher =www.screenonline.org.uk |accessdate =2008-02-11}}</ref> There was criticism aimed at the decision to resurrect the entire crew of ''Red Dwarf'', as it was felt this detracted from the series' central premise of Lister being the last human being alive.<ref name="Series VIII review at Sci Fi Weekly">{{cite web | url =http://www.scifi.com/sfw/screen/sfw13179.html | title =Series VIII review at Sci Fi Weekly | publisher =www.scifi.com |accessdate =2008-02-11}}</ref> There are critics who feel that Series VII and VIII are no weaker than the earlier series,<ref name="TV Reviews at SciFi.com">{{cite web | url =http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue457/screen2.html | title =TV Reviews at SciFi.com | publisher =www.scifi.com |accessdate =2008-02-11}}</ref><ref name="Series Reviews at DVD Direct">{{cite web | url =http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/reddwarfseries58.php | title =Series Reviews at DVD Direct | publisher =www.dvdverdict.com |accessdate =2008-02-11}}</ref> and the topic is the subject of constant fervent debate among the show's fanbase.<ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf">{{cite web | url =http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tv/id/560214/index.html | title =screenonline: Red Dwarf | publisher =www.screenonline.org.uk |accessdate =2008-02-11}}</ref> ===Achievements=== The series began with rather poor ratings, although gathering over five million viewers for the pilot episode, this soon trailed off.<ref name="Red Dwarf Series I Aftermath">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=1&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=aftermath | title =Red Dwarf Series I Aftermath| publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2007-02-25}}</ref> Through to Series VI the ratings had steadily increased and peaked at over six million viewers,<ref name="Series VI Aftermath"/> achieved with the episode "Gunmen of the Apocalypse".<ref name="Gunmen ratings">News From the Dwarf, Red Dwarf Smegazine, Volume 2 Issue 9, January 1994</ref> When the series returned in 1999 it gained the highest audience figures yet - over eight million viewers tuned in for Series VIII's opening episode "[[Back in the Red: Part I]]".<ref name="Back in the Red part I ratings">{{cite web | url =http://www.barb.co.uk/viewingsummary/weekreports.cfm?Requesttimeout=500&report=weeklyterrestrial | title =Back in the Red part I ratings | publisher =www.barb.co.uk |accessdate =2008-02-08}}</ref> In its eight-series history, the series has won numerous awards including the [[Royal Television Society|Royal Television Society Award]] for special effects, the [[British Science Fiction Association|British Science Fiction award]] for Best Dramatic Presentation, as well as an International Emmy.<ref name="BBC - Worldwide Press Office - Red Dwarf series IV on DVD">{{cite web | url =http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2004/01_january/red_dwarf_dvd.shtml | title =BBC - Worldwide Press Office - Red Dwarf series IV on DVD | publisher =www.bbc.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-18}}</ref> The International Emmy Award achieved for Series VI episode "Gunmen of the Apocalypse", which tied with ''[[Absolutely Fabulous]]''' episode "Hospital" in the Popular Arts category.<ref name="Red Dwarf - Awards">{{cite web | url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094535/awards | title =Red Dwarf awards | publisher =www.imdb.com |accessdate =2007-12-18}}</ref> The show had also been nominated for the International Emmy Award in 1987, 1989, and 1992.<ref name="Red Dwarf - Awards"/> Series VI won a British Academy of Film and Television Arts ([[BAFTA]]) award for "Best British Comedy Series".<ref name="Red Dwarf - Awards"/> The video sales have won eight Gold Awards from the British Video Association,<ref name="The Red Dwarf Phenomenon">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/deck04/rdp.html | archiveurl =http://web.archive.org/web/20070710131932/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/deck04/rdp.html | archivedate=2007-07-10 | title =The Red Dwarf Phenomenon | publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-18}}</ref> and the series still holds the record for being BBC2's longest running, highest rated sitcom.<ref name="BBC - Press Office - Red Dwarf VI on DVD">{{cite web | url =http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2005/01_january/red_dwarf.shtml | title =BBC - Press Office - Red Dwarf VI on DVD | publisher =www.bbc.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-18}}</ref> In 2007 the series was voted 'Best Sci-Fi show of all time' by the readers of ''[[Radio Times]]'' magazine. Editor Gill Hudson stated that this result had surprised them as "the show hadn't broadcast any new episodes this century".<ref name="Red Dwarf voted 'best sci-fi show'">{{cite web | url =http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a66354/red-dwarf-voted-best-sci-fi-show.html | title =Red Dwarf voted 'best sci-fi show' | publisher =www.digitalspy.co.uk |accessdate =2008-01-23}}</ref> ==Spin-offs and merchandise== The show's logo and characters have appeared on things ranging from t-shirts<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 219.</ref> to novels.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 205.</ref> In October 2006 an [[DVD TV Games|Interactive Quiz DVD]] entitled ''Red Dwarf: Beat The Geek'' was released and hosted by Norman Lovett and Hattie Hayridge, both reprising their roles as Holly.<ref name="Beat The Geek">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/merchandise/index.cfm?itemID=162 | title =News report on ''Beat The Geek' | publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-19}}</ref> The song "Tongue Tied", which featured in the episode "[[Parallel Universe (Red Dwarf episode)|Parallel Universe]]", was released in 1993 as a single and became a top 20 UK hit for Danny John Jules (under the name 'The Cat').<ref name="everyHit.com - UK Top 40 Chart Archive, British Singles & Album Charts">{{cite web | url =http://www.everyhit.co.uk/notauth.html | title =everyHit.com - UK Top 40 Chart Archive, British Singles & Album Charts | publisher =www.everyhit.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-19}}</ref> Stage plays of the show have been produced through Blak Yak, a theatre group in [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]], [[Western Australia]], who were given permission by Grant Naylor Productions to mount stage versions of certain episodes in 2002, 2004 and 2006.<ref name="Feline funky with the help of James Brown">{{Citation | last =Mason | first =Fleur | author-link = | last2 = | first2 = | author2-link = | title =Feline funky with the help of James Brown | newspaper =Fremantle Gazette (Pert, W.A.) | pages = | year =2006 | date =5 September | url = }}</ref><ref name="Media man as the Cat">{{Citation | last = | first = | author-link = | last2 = | first2 = | author2-link = | title =Media man as the Cat | newspaper =Western Suburbs Weekly (Perth, W.A.) | pages = | year =2006 | date =12 September | url = }}</ref><ref name="TV hits come alive on stage">{{Citation | last =Mason | first =Fleur | author-link = | last2 = | first2 = | author2-link = | title =TV hits come alive on stage | newspaper =Southern Gazette (Perth, W.A.) | pages = | year =2006 | date =12 September | url = }}</ref><ref name="Recall for one cool cat">{{Citation | last =Cahill | first =Denise | author-link = | last2 = | first2 = | author2-link = | title =Recall for one cool cat | newspaper =Fremantle Gazette (Perth, W.A.) | pages = | year =2004 | date =16 March | url = }}</ref> ===Novels=== [[Image:GrantNaylor RedDwarf.jpg|thumb|125px|left|The first novel - ''Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers'']]The franchise has expanded to include four novels - ''[[Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers]]'' (1989), ''[[Better Than Life]]'' (1990), ''[[Last Human]]'' (1995) and ''[[Backwards]]'' (1996) - becoming best sellers.<ref name="Best Seller novels">{{cite web | url =http://www.galactic-guide.com/articles/9R15.html | title =Best Seller novels | publisher =www.galactic-guide.com |accessdate =2008-02-11}}</ref> Rather than adapting the show outright, the books provided yet another, idealised version of the series' backstory. They reinterpreted and repositioned elements from past episodes, and even introduced ideas that would later be used in the television show.<ref name="Prog Guide p206">Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 206.</ref> Both authors were working together on a sequel to ''Better than Life'', called ''The Last Human'', but Grant had decided to go it alone and do other things besides ''Red Dwarf''. Still owing [[Penguin Books|Penguin Publishing]] two more ''Red Dwarf'' novels, Grant and Naylor decided to each work alone on a novel. Two completely different, contradicting sequels were made as a result. ''Last Human'', Naylor, added Kochanski to the crew and places more emphasis on the science-fiction and plot elements, while ''Backwards'', by Grant, was more in keeping with the previous two novels, borrowing more extensively from established television stories.<ref name="Series VI Aftermath"/> An ''Omnibus'' edition of the first two novels, including edits to the original text and extra material such as the original pilot script of the TV series, was released in 1992.<ref name="Prog Guide p206"/> The novels have been published in [[audiobook]] format; the first two were read by Chris Barrie,<ref name="Amazon.co.uk: Red Dwarf - Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers">{{cite web | url =http://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Dwarf-Infinity-Welcomes-Abridged/dp/1897774109 | title =Amazon.co.uk: Red Dwarf - Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers | publisher =www.amazon.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-19}}</ref><ref name="Amazon.co.uk: Red Dwarf - Better Than Life">{{cite web | url =http://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Dwarf-Better-Than-Abridged/dp/1897774818 | title =Amazon.co.uk: Red Dwarf - Better Than Life | publisher =www.amazon.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-19}}</ref> ''Last Human'' was read by Craig Charles,<ref name="Amazon.co.uk: Last Human">{{cite web | url =http://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Human-Doug-Naylor/dp/0007105657 | title =Amazon.co.uk: Last Human | publisher =www.amazon.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-19}}</ref> and ''Backwards'' was read by its author Rob Grant.<ref name="Amazon.co.uk: Backwards (Red Dwarf)">{{cite web | url =http://www.amazon.co.uk/Backwards-Red-Dwarf-Rob-Grant/dp/0140171509 | title =Amazon.co.uk: Backwards (Red Dwarf) | publisher =www.amazon.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-19}}</ref> ===DVD and VHS releases=== <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Red dwarf DVD set.JPG|thumb|right|150px|Full set of ''Red Dwarf'' series DVDs]] -->For the initial release of the VHS editions, Red Dwarf episodes were separated and two tapes were released for each series, labelled "byte one" and "byte two". These videos were named after the first episode of the three presented on the tape, as was typical with other BBC video releases at the time. However, on occasions the BBC decided to ignore the original running order and use the most popular episodes from the series to maximise sales of the videos. For Series V "[[Quarantine (Red Dwarf episode)|Quarantine]]" and "[[Back to Reality]]" were given top billing on their respective video release, while episodes "[[Waiting for God (Red Dwarf episode)|Waiting for God]]" and "[[Confidence and Paranoia]]" from the Series I release were swapped around from their original broadcast order.<ref name="Red Dwarf Series V Aftermath">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=5&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=aftermath | title =Red Dwarf Series V Aftermath| publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2008-01-07}}</ref> Future releases would increasingly observe authenticity with the "original broadcast" context. All eight series were made available on VHS, and three episodes of Series VII were also released as special "Xtended" (sic) versions with extra scenes and no [[laugh track]];<ref name="Red Dwarf Series VII Aftermath">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=7&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=aftermath | title =Red Dwarf Series VII Aftermath| publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2008-02-04}}</ref> the [[Red Dwarf Remastered|remastered]] versions of Series I–III were also released individually and in a complete box-set.<ref name="Series I Remastered VHS at Amazon.co.uk">{{cite web | url =http://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Dwarf-Episodes-Chris-Barrie/dp/B00004CVR6/ref=pd_sim_v_h__img_4 | title =Series I Remastered VHS at Amazon.co.uk | publisher =www.amazon.co.uk |accessdate =2008-02-04}}</ref><ref name="Series III Remastered VHS at Amazon.co.uk">{{cite web | url =http://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Dwarf-Episodes-Chris-Barrie/dp/B00004CW2Z/ref=pd_sim_v_h__img_5 | title =Series III Remastered VHS at Amazon.co.uk | publisher =www.amazon.co.uk |accessdate =2008-02-04}}</ref><ref name="Series I-III Remastered VHS Boxset at sendit.com">{{cite web | url =http://www.sendit.com/video/item/7000000047047| title =Series I-III Remastered VHS Boxset at sendit.com | publisher =www.sendit.com |accessdate =2008-02-04}}</ref> Finally, two [[blooper|outtake]] videos were released, ''Smeg Ups'' in 1994, and its sequel ''Smeg Outs'' in 1995.<ref name="Smeg Ups">{{cite web | url =http://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Dwarf-Smeg-Craig-Charles/dp/B00004CPHB | title =Smeg Ups| publisher =www.amazon.co.uk |accessdate =2008-02-04}}</ref><ref name="Smeg Outs">{{cite web | url =http://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Dwarf-Smeg-Chris-Barrie/dp/B00004CRCE | title =Smeg Outs | publisher =www.amazon.co.uk |accessdate =2008-02-04}}</ref> The eight series have since been released on DVD in [[Region 1]], [[Region 2|2]] and [[Region 4|4]], with each release from Series III onwards being accompanied by an original documentary about the making of each respective series, and a bonus disc of extra material.<ref name="Series III DVD review at Sci-Fi.com">{{cite web | url =http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue358/screen2.html | title =Series III DVD review at Sci-Fi.com | publisher =www.scifi.com |accessdate =2008-02-04}}</ref> Regions 2 and 4 have also seen the release of two ''Just The Shows'', digipack boxsets containing the episodes from Series I–IV (Volume 1) and V-VIII (Volume 2) with static menus and no extras.<ref name="Just the shows Series I-IV at BBC shop">{{cite web | url =http://www.bbcshop.com/invt/bbcdvd1992 | title =Just the shows Series I-IV at BBC shop | publisher =www.bbcshop.com |accessdate =2008-02-04}}</ref><ref name="Just the shows Series V-VIII at BBC shop">{{cite web | url =http://www.bbcshop.com/invt/bbcdvd1550 | title =Just the shows Series V-VIII at BBC shop | publisher =www.bbcshop.com |accessdate =2008-02-04}}</ref> ''Red Dwarf: The Bodysnatcher Collection'', containing the 1997 remastered episodes, as well as new documentaries for Series I and II, was released in 2007. This release showcased a storyboard construction of "Bodysnatcher", an unfinished script from 1987, which was finally completed in 2007 by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor who were working together for the first time since 1993.<ref name="The Bodysnatcher Collection"/> ===Magazine=== [[Image:red dwarf comic strip image.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Rimmer with a greyscale appearance]]The ''Red Dwarf Magazine'' - the magazine part of the title changed to 'Smegazine' from issue 3 - was launched in 1992 by [[Fleetway|Fleetway Editions]]. It comprised of a mix of news, reviews, interviews, comic strips and competitions. The comic strips featured episode adaptations and original material, including further stories of popular characters like the Polymorph and Ace Rimmer. The comic strip stories were notable for the fact that hologramatics, predominately Rimmer, were drawn in [[greyscale]]. This was at the request of Grant and Naylor, who had wanted to use the technique for the television series, but the process was deemed too expensive to produce.<ref name="Prog Guide p217">Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 217.</ref> Despite achieving circulation figures of over 40,000 per month,<ref name="Prog Guide p217"/> the magazine's publisher decided to close the title down to concentrate on their other publications.<ref name="Series VI Aftermath"/> A farewell issue was published, cover dated January 1994, and featured the remaining interviews, features and comic strips that were to feature in the following issues.<ref name"last Smeg">Smeg-Editorial, p. 2, Red Dwarf Smegazine, Volume 2 Issue 9, January 1994</ref> ===U.S. version=== A [[television pilot|pilot episode]] for an [[United States|American]] version (known as ''Red Dwarf USA'') was produced through [[Universal Studios]] with the intention of broadcasting on [[NBC]] in 1992.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 228.</ref> The show essentially followed the same story as the [[The End (Red Dwarf episode)|first episode]] of the original series, using American actors for three of the roles,<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 225.</ref> [[Craig Bierko]] as Lister, [[Chris Eigeman]] as Rimmer, and [[Hinton Battle]] as Cat.<ref name="US pilot">{{cite web | url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103521/ | title =US pilot | publisher =www.imdb.com |accessdate =2008-02-06}}</ref> Exceptions to this being Llewellyn, who reprised his role as Kryten, and the British actress [[Jane Leeves]] who played Holly.<ref name="US pilot"/> It was written by [[Linwood Boomer]] and directed by [[Jeffrey Melman]],<ref name="US pilot"/> with Grant and Naylor onboard as creators and executive producers.<ref name="Red Dwarf USA">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/features/history/red-dwarf-usa/ | title =Red Dwarf USA | publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2008-02-06}}</ref> During filming of the pilot the audience reaction was good and it was felt that the story had been well received.<ref name="Red Dwarf USA"/> The studio executives were not entirely happy with the pilot, especially the casting, but decided to give the project another chance with Grant and Naylor in charge.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 227.</ref> The intention was to shoot a 'promo video' for the show in a small studio described by the writers as 'a garage'.<ref name="Red Dwarf USA"/> New cast members were hired for the roles of Cat and Rimmer;<ref name="Red Dwarf USA"/> [[Terry Farrell (actress)|Terry Farrell]] and Anthony Fuscle respectively.<ref name="US pilot"/> With a small budget and deadline, new scenes were quickly shot and mixed in with existing footage of the pilot and UK Series V episodes.<ref name="Red Dwarf USA"/> Despite the re-shoots and re-casting, the option on the pilot was not picked up.<ref name="Red Dwarf USA"/> ===The Movie=== Since the end of the eighth series in 1999, Doug Naylor has been attempting to make a feature length version of the show. A final draft of the script was written, by Naylor, and [[flyer (pamphlet)|flyers]] began circulating around certain websites. The flyer was genuine and had been distributed by Winchester Films to market the movie overseas.<ref name="Making The Movie">{{cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/archive/making_the_movie.html | archiveurl =http://web.archive.org/web/20070710221153/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/archive/making_the_movie.html | archivedate=2007-07-10 | title =Making The Movie | publisher =www.reddwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2008-02-07}}</ref> Plot details were included as part of the teaser. It was set in the distant future where ''Homo sapienoids'' - a fearsome flesh machine hybrid race - had taken over the solar system and were wiping out the human race. Spaceships that tried to escape Earth were hunted down until only one remained... ''Red Dwarf''.<ref name="The movie">{{cite web | url =http://www.thereddwarfzone.co.uk/movie.htm | title =Red Dwarf The movie | publisher =www.thereddwarfzone.co.uk |accessdate =2008-02-07}}</ref> Naylor had scouted Australia to get an idea of locations and finance costs, with pre-production beginning in 2004 and filming planned for 2005.<ref name="The movie"/> However, finding sufficient funding has been difficult. Naylor explained at a ''Red Dwarf'' [[Dimension Jump (UK Convention)|Dimension Jump]] convention that the film had been rejected by the BBC and the [[UK Film Council|British Film Council]]. Reasons given for the rejections were that while the script was considered to be funny, it was not what they were looking for at the moment and that the script was deemed "too commercial".<ref name="Red Dwarf - The Movie That Never Was">{{cite web | url =http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a44838/cult-spy-red-dwarf-the-movie-that-never-was.html | title =Red Dwarf - The Movie That Never Was | publisher =www.digitalspy.co.uk |accessdate =2008-02-07}}</ref> ===Specials=== On [[14 February]] [[1998]], the night before the tenth anniversary of the show's pilot episode broadcast, [[BBC Two|BBC2]] devoted an evening of special programming to the series, under the banner of ''Red Dwarf Night''. The evening consisted of a mixture of new, specially-recorded content and existing material, and was introduced and linked by famed actor and fan [[Patrick Stewart]]. In addition, a series of special take-offs on BBC2's famous [[Station identification|idents]], featuring the "2" logo falling in love with a [[skutter]], were used.<ref name="Red Dwarf Series VII Aftermath"/> The night began with ''Can't Smeg, Won't Smeg'', a spoof of the popular cookery programme ''[[Can't Cook, Won't Cook]]'', presented by that show's host [[Ainsley Harriott]] who had himself earlier appeared in ''Red Dwarf''. Taking place outside the continuity of the series, two teams (Kryten and Lister versus Rimmer and Cat, although Cat quickly departs to be replaced by alter ego [[Duane Dibbley]]) were challenged to make the best chicken [[vindaloo]].<ref name="Red Dwarf Series VII Aftermath"/> After a compilation [[bloopers]] show, featuring out-takes, the next programme was ''Universe Challenge'', a spoof of [[University Challenge]]. Hosted by original ''University Challenge'' presenter [[Bamber Gascoigne]]. The show had a team of knowledgeable ''Dwarf'' fans square up against a team consisting of Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Robert Llewellyn, Chloe Annett and Danny John Jules.<ref name="Red Dwarf Series VII Aftermath"/> This was followed by ''The Red Dwarf A-Z'', a half-hour documentary that chose a different aspect of the show to focus on for each letter of the alphabet. Talking heads on the episode included [[Stephen Hawking]], [[Terry Pratchett]], original producer [[K. Paul Jackson|Paul Jackson]], and Patrick Stewart. Finally, the night ended with a showing of the [[Emmy]] award-winning episode from 1993, "Gunmen of the Apocalypse".<ref name="Red Dwarf Series VII Aftermath"/> ==See also== *[[British sitcom]] *[[Britain's Best Sitcom]] *[[List of television series that include time travel]] *[[Hyperdrive (TV series)|Hyperdrive]] *[[Starhyke]] ==Notes== {{Reflist|2}} ==References== *{{cite book | last=Dessau | first=Bruce | coauthors= | year= 1992 | title=The Official Red Dwarf Companion | publisher=Titan | id=ISBN 1-85286-456-7}} *{{cite book | last=Howarth | first=Chris | coauthors=Steve Lyons | year= 1993 | title=Red Dwarf Programme Guide | publisher=Virgin | id=ISBN 0-86369-682-1}} *Red Dwarf Smegazine, (March 1992 - January 1994), Fleetway Editions Ltd, ISSN 0965-5603 ==Further reading== *{{cite book | last=Alexander | first=Paul | coauthors= | year= 1995 | title=Red Dwarf Log No. 1996 | publisher=William Heineman Ltd | id=ISBN 0-434-00370-0}} *{{cite book | last=Burnett | first=Sharon | coauthors=Nicky Hooks | year= 1997 | title=A Question of Smeg | publisher=Penguin | id=ISBN 0-140-27070-1}} *{{cite book | last=Charles | first=Craig | coauthors=Russell Bell | year= 1997 | title=The Log: A Dwarfer's Guide to Everything | publisher=Penguin | id=ISBN 0-14-026862-6}} *{{cite book | last=Grant | first= | coauthors=Naylor | year= 1993 | title=Primordial Soup: The Least Worst Scripts | publisher=Penguin | id=ISBN 0-14-017886-4}} *{{cite book | last=Grant | first= | coauthors=Naylor | year= 1996 | title=Son Of Soup | publisher= Penguin | id=ISBN 0-14-025363-7}} *{{cite book | last=Grant | first= | coauthors=Naylor | year= 1996 | title=Scenes from the Dwarf | publisher=Penguin | id=ISBN 0-14-600243-1}} *{{cite book | last=Hooks | first=Nicky | coauthors=Sharon Burnett | year= 1994 | title=The Red Dwarf Quiz Book | publisher=Penguin | id=ISBN 0-14-023662-7}} *{{cite book | last=Llewellyn | first=Robert | coauthors= | year= 1994 | title=The Man in the Rubber Mask | publisher=Penguin | id=ISBN 0-14-023575-2}} *{{cite book | last=Naylor | first=Doug | coauthors=Paul Alexander | year= 1996 | title=The Space Corps Survival Manual | publisher=Mandarin | id=ISBN 0-7493-2374-4}} *{{cite book | last=Naylor | first=Doug | coauthors=Paul Alexander | year= 2000 | title=Red Dwarf VIII Scriptbook | publisher=Virgin | id=ISBN 1-85227-872-2}} *{{cite book | last=Nazzaro | first=Joe | coauthors= | year= 1994 | title=The Making of Red Dwarf | publisher=Penguin | id=ISBN 0-14-023206-0}} ==External links== {{wikiquote}} *{{imdb title|id=0094535|title=Red Dwarf}} *[http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/index.cfm The Official ''Red Dwarf'' Website] *[http://www.reddwarffanclub.com/ The Official ''Red Dwarf'' Fan Club] *[http://reddwarf.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page "Tongue Tied" Wiki] *[http://uk.youtube.com/results?search_type=search_videos&search_query=red%20dwarf%20bbcworldwide&search_sort=relevance&search_category=0&search=Search&v=&page=1 Red Dwarf classic clips on Youtube uploaded by the BBC] '''Cast links''' *[http://www.chrisbarrie.co.uk/ Website of Chris Barrie (Rimmer)] *[http://www.llew.co.uk/ Website of Robert Llewellyn (Kryten)] *[http://www.normanlovett.co.uk/ Website of Norman Lovett (Holly)] *[http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=bobbyllew Robert Llewellyn's frequently updated YouTube channel] '''Fan sites''' *[http://www.bluedwarf.co.uk/ Blue Dwarf RPG] - Continuing fanfiction *[http://www.ganymede.tv/ Ganymede & Titan] - News, features, analysis and community *[http://www.smegoo.co.uk/ Smegoo!] - The Original Un-Official Red Dwarf Search Engine {{Red Dwarf}} {{Grant Naylor}} [[Category:BBC television sitcoms]] [[Category:YTV shows]] [[Category:Red Dwarf|*]] [[Category:British science fiction television programmes]] [[Category:1980s British television series]] [[Category:1990s British television series]] [[Category:1988 television series debuts]] [[Category:1999 television series endings]] [[Category:Comic science fiction]] [[ar:ريد دوارف]] [[cs:Červený trpaslík (seriál)]] [[da:Red Dwarf]] [[de:Red Dwarf]] [[es:Enano Rojo]] [[eo:Red Dwarf]] [[fr:Red Dwarf]] [[it:Red Dwarf]] [[he:ננס אדום (סדרת טלוויזיה)]] [[lv:Sarkanais punduris (filma)]] [[nl:Red Dwarf]] [[ja:宇宙船レッド・ドワーフ号]] [[pl:Czerwony karzeł (serial telewizyjny)]] [[sk:Červený trpaslík (seriál)]] [[fi:Red Dwarf]] [[sv:Red Dwarf]]