6.8 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
The boys are back, and while they may be older, they’re still none the wiser. The crew discover a dimensionhopping leviathan, but Rimmer is threatened with replacement by the new, improved holograph Katerina. She is determined to guide Lister to his home planet, but no one is prepared for Earth 2009, where the hapless crew face death unless they can track down their creators.
Starring: Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Robert Llewellyn, Sophie WinklemanSci-Fi | 100% |
Comedy | 52% |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080i
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: DTS-HD HR 5.1
English
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 2.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Before cable television wormed its way into every bedroom and basement, TV junkies like my teenage self survived on a slim diet of NBC, ABC, and PBS. And it was through snow-hazed public television that we discovered low-budget British gems like Doctor Who and Red Dwarf, series that relied on sharp storytelling and memorable characters to overcome their meager production values. It didn't matter what these shows were missing -- believable sets, convincing costumes, the latest special effects wizardry -- it only mattered what they had to offer. Unfortunately, while the Whovian mythos has persevered, having even inspired a still-strong revival and a fantastic, unexpectedly successful spin-off series (Torchwood, a show I can't recommend enough), Red Dwarf has died a cold and lonely death in the icy vacuum of fandom. The promise of a television film briefly lent hope to Dwarfers the world over but, try as it may, Back to Earth fails to reinvigorate the franchise.
"I don't know guys... it looks like a risky rental."
Red Dwarf: Back to Earth features a decent 1080i/VC-1 transfer that, relatively minor shortcomings aside, looks pretty good. Colors are vivid, contrast is strong, and detail sharper is than I expected. Fine textures aren't nearly as crisp as they are on other BBC television releases, but it isn't a distraction. Likewise, black levels occasionally fall short but, for the most part, remain fairly deep throughout. And while skintones bobble between pasty and chalky, rarely warming to the film's various locales, they're stable and consistent from scene to scene. If I have any serious complaint, it's that artifacting and banding sometimes interfere with the image. Neither one becomes a debilitating issue, but they frequently draw attention away from the transfer's merits. Thankfully, other digital anomalies, source noise, and edge enhancement are nowhere to be found. It amounts to an above average presentation sure to surprise viewers like myself who approach the film expecting much worse.
Red Dwarf: Back to Earth includes a DTS-HD High Resolution 5.1 surround track (not to be confused with a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio mix) that isn't strong enough to match the vigor of the cast's performances. Dialogue is spotty -- sometimes clean and clear, sometimes thin and pinched -- but prioritization is passable and the track's dynamics are eager to please. Similarly, LFE support is a tad clumsy and oafish at times, but generally injects enough weight into the proceedings to showcase its high definition audio wares. Sadly, rear speaker activity is largely non-existent (save a few action-oriented sequences that take advantage of the full soundfield), pans are slightly stocky, and directionality leaves too much to the imagination. Though I suspect most of the track's inadequacies trace back to the film's limited sound design, it doesn't change the fact that Back to Earth's DTS-HD HR mix provides a somewhat underwhelming experience; one that, after volume matching, sounds too much like its DVD counterpart to earn a higher score.
The 2-disc Blu-ray edition of Red Dwarf: Back to Earth comes loaded with special features. Two audio commentaries, a hefty production documentary, and a series of featurettes, deleted scenes, and other goodies should leave any fan frothing at the mouth. As an added bonus, all of the video content is presented in high definition.
Red Dwarf: Back to Earth is a misfire. Newcomers will be lost, diehards will be disappointed, and apologists will be left with little ammunition. The 2-disc Blu-ray release is better, offering fans a commendable 1080i video transfer, a capable but underwhelming DTS-HD HR audio track, and a wealth of supplemental content (all of which is presented in high definition). If you aren't familiar with Red Dwarf, skip this entire release. However, if you have fond memories of the classic series, pray the merits of this 2-disc set are enough to overshadow the shortcomings of the film itself.
2012
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1966
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1981
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2014
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2011
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