May 2003 News Archive
Ian's Newsround - Movie Release Date Set
No, that's not it. "Series III DVD Extras Confirmed". No, not that either. "Doug Naylor Talks Exclusively to G&T"? Pah. Whoever came up with the phrase "no news is good news" clearly didn't write a Red Dwarf fansite.
Enough of my moaning - the official site has been updated, with some very nice menu shots from The Brittas Empire DVD. We've seen some of them before, on the 15th May to be precise, but they have another couple that we didn't report. I must say, the episode menus look smashing - I like the use of the pen as a selection tool. And, in case you're interested, the answer to the quiz question is C.
Since there's nothing else on the official site, other than a note that there'll be no new Talkie Toaster interviews for a while, I might as well bang on about me and John for a bit. John has now finished uni, which means he'll have plenty of time to work on G&T, although unfortunately this is at the cost of reliable internet access, so, as he said yesterday, you'll have to do without his, ahem, unique news updates for a while. Meanwhile, I've got nine hours worth of AS Levels this week, so unfortunately the site will be quiet until Friday at the earliest. I'm determined to keep up the daily update thing - it's just that the updates will be smaller. Fear not - this is only a temporary thing. My exams will have finished soon, and John hopes to be back on the net full time within a couple of weeks. We're still kicking bottom.
And finally, happy birthday to my sister, who is 24 today. Old cow.
We're rubbish
A very, very minor update today. The Cast List has had yet another revision; detailing Graham Chapman's planned appearance in the show, and yet more uncredited actors from Series I. A companion Crew List is in preparation. Expect changes to more existing material in the next few weeks. In fact, a lot of changes are due over Summer, including some improvements to page layout and accessibility, and even some - gasp - more pictures. We do spoil you.
With all this self-indulgent look at our site, you might be forgiven for thinking that bugger all is happening in the outside world. Well, you're right. www.reddwarf.co.uk has had it's usual Friday update, so head on over there if you haven't already - but there's really not much happening at the moment. Ian will have his usual newsround tomorrow. It's possible I may have to take a break from the news roundups for a while, as I may have sporadic net access over the next couple of weeks - although I'll still be contributing articles. In which case, I'm leaving you in Ian's safe hands. God help you.
Goooooooooooogle
It's not news (which seems to be rather thin on the ground at the moment), but I've been doing some investigating. Take a look at this - the first mention of Red Dwarf I can find on Google's Usenet archive. Pity the quoted line:
"In fact, we're going so fast that controlling the ship is a real brown-trouser job."
is actually correctly:
"Look, we're travelling faster than the speed of light. That means, by the time we see something, we've already passed through it. Even with an IQ of 6000, it's still brown trousers time."
I cuss you bad, Kev Holmes. Still, well done. For the record, it was posted on 20th October, 1988 - and the episode in question (Future Echoes) was broadcast 22nd February 1988. Have a look at some more early Red Dwarf posts - go backwards through them to get them in order. I've searched all the way to the end of 1989, so if you want to go further than that, you'll need to change it.
In site updates, I've uploaded my reviews of Future Echoes and Balance Of Power. If you disagree with them, why not write a review yourself and send it in? The Edit News article has also been updated, to include a cut to Demons and Angels (see section 9). I only saw the episode recently on UK Gold, and realised I'd been watching the cut episode for years, and never heard the line before. Odd.
The BBC smell of poo
A new article for G&T today - a review of the Red Dwarf section of The Sitcom Story, BBC ONE's version of the history of the sitcom. Bearing in mind the title of this news update, and the title of the article, you may be able to guess that we weren't entirely convinced by the show.
In smaller updates to the site, the Cast List has undergone a major revision, with the uncredited cast being vastly expanded. The ATVRD Birthday List has also had an update. Finally, although Groovetown has been fairly slow with the updates recently, it has an interesting story on Ruby Wax's new Radio 2 show on Saturday afternoons. Let's hope the comic clips contained therein are better selected than The Sitcom Story...
'Back In The Red' Relaunches
Well, I'm back from my dirty weekend, and ready to kick bottom. Sort of. First up, Matt's Red Dwarf site Back In The Red has relaunched after a short absence. Gone are the episode guides and character profiles, which you can find elsewhere anyway, and in place is some new, unique content. Hooray!
Friend of the website Karl Eisenhauer has also e-mailed us this interesting report on Danny John-Jules's new sitcom, The Crouches. It's set to premiere on BBC ONE this Autumn. Let's hope it's good - BBC ONE could really do with a decent sitcom...
Not much in the way of site updates today, although I've slightly updated the Links page. Expect something good tomorrow. In the meantime, take a look at the Red Dwarf section of Fingertip Fabrications - modelmaker Steve Howarth's site. It gives you some real insights into the production of Series VIII, including some great stuff on the time wand. And it has a wonderful picture of the Loading Bay that just begs to be used as a wallpaper. Made to 1:25 scale, and it looks beautiful - and the Starbug crash was the best special effect Series VIII had by a long way. I'll tell you what - the Wormholes section on www.reddwarf.co.uk is severely underrated...
Oh, and I saw an old Smith & Jones video over the weekend. Not only was it hilarious (I'd forgotten how good they were), but Robert Llewellyn turned up in a song about an Italian restaurant. Which, sadly enough, made my day.
I like it when they say 'smeg'.
A snivelly little update today, but a much needed boost to our DVD section. As part of our quest to cover every single extra in some way, we've written a guide to the Series I Smeg Ups. Just to reiterate past news, Crime Traveller was released today (I still don't have my copy. Curse you, Play.com), and be sure to watch The Sitcom Story tonight, BBC ONE, 10:50pm. I think I've coped pretty well while John's been away having constant sex with that Jones woman...
BoP - what a marvellous acronym.
Today, we've been hard at work in the Episodes section, and the Balance of Power stuff is now finished. We've now got Supporting Characters details, and a couple of Reviews. Thanks again to the excellently-named Curtis Threadgold for his contribution. Also, apologies to the difficult to spell Matt Drzymala, for spelling his name wrong yesterday. Well, at least that proves the epithet was correct. Don't forget to watch The Sitcom Story tomorow - the BBC are going to acknowledge its finest comedy series ever. We're not going to make the same mistake we made with Top Gear again...
Ian's Newsround - G&T in foot-shooting incident
In yesterday's official site update, they reported that the Red Dwarf Shop (UK) was open for business. We apologise for reporting this on Thursday, thus knackering up this newsround. This happened last week with the Brittas DVDs, and this sort of thing really can put a crimp in your update. Also on the official site is the news that Little Shop of Horrors, which featured a young Danny John-Jules, is out on DVD. Interestingly, it is stated that Mr. Flibble is on holiday in Australia. I'm sure you don't need me to point out the relevance here, but I will anyway, as it makes me feel superior: that's where the Movie is going to be filmed. Ooooh. Perhaps young Ellard is busying himself with that and the DVDs, and an interview every other week is a small price to pay, I'm sure you'll agree.
In other news, as this is supposed to be a newsround, Crime Traveller II is out on DVD on Monday. It's an utterly misleading title - there was only ever one series of Crime Traveller. This is merely the second set of episodes to be released. I've ordered my copy, and will be reviewing it when it arrives. Well, not straight away, obviously. I'm going to watch it first. It would be a pretty shit review otherwise. In the meantime, here's the first review to whet your appetite.
In website news, Tanya Jones has sent me a list of spelling corrections for our recent updates. Tanya has the patience of a saint - not only does she read all the shite we upload, she's shagging John as well! Although presumably, she doesn't do these things at the same time. Also, I can exclusively reveal that the difficult to spell Matt Dryzmala is planning on relaunching Back in the Red at some point soon. Hopefully, it'll last longer than three months this time. Good luck, Matt.
Bad References
Before the update, I just have to bring your attention to this on the Red Dwarf Shop (UK). It's absolutely beautiful. I tend to moan when I think the merchandise is crap; it's only fair to enthuse when something lovely is produced. It's wonderful, and I'll definitely be buying one. Or seven. Oh, and for any of you watching State Of Play on BBC ONE, did you notice the Producer was Hilary Bevan-Jones, who also produced Red Dwarf V? And Sunbury Pumphouse, the location which doubled for Justice World, was used on a sex education show shown on the Learning Zone on BBC TWO a couple of nights ago. I'm not sure which aspect of that anecdote is more worrying, though. Perhaps it's the fact that I'd call it an "anecdote".
Anyway, two quick updates for you today - both Red Dwarf References Lists (Book and TV) are online. Written by the prolific Annette McIntosh, they were last updated in 1996 - we plan to produce addendum documents (especially for the TV list, as it only covers up to Series VI), but that can wait until we have the PIP Addendum up and running. Incidentally, the lists aren't fully HTMLized - it's a bloody nightmare of a job, but I'll try and sort it next week. I'm just left reeling at how comprehensive they are.
I expect the official site will be updated later today - Ian will report on this tomorrow. I'm off to have some employment of time in a profitless and non-practical way. Yay!
The Real and Actual Series III Cover
Odd. The Red Dwarf Shop UK was launched last Friday, but went unreported on the official site. Goodness knows why. The most exciting product there is, of course, the Series III DVD. They have a tiny, tiny picture of the cover, which features a picture of Lister and Rimmer from Marooned on the front, and Hattie as Holly on the side. Interestingly, the writing on the logo on the site will be black; for some reason I'd imagined a white one. They also give the date of release - the 3rd November, precisely twelve months since Series I came out. I've already booked the day off college.
In site news, we've launched yet another section - all about The Brittas Empire. At the moment, the section consists of a rather nice Episode Guide, featuring the original Radio Times synopsi. Obviously, we don't know as much about Brittas as we do about Red Dwarf, so we are appealing for Brittas fans everywhere to contact us, with additions, corrections, and anything else you might like to add.
As reported yesterday, Red Dwarf is featured on a BBC compilation called More Great Comedy Moments. This is clearly a technique specifically designed to make ME buy the DVD, and I have done. The clip is of Kryten learning to lie and swear in Camille, and it's a good choice. I love that scene. Chris Barrie features in three clips, which explains his prescence on the cover. Aside from the Dwarf one, there's a scene from The Brittas Empire (of Carole smashing up Brittas's car in Back from the Dead) and a Blankety Blank spoof from Filthy, Rich and Catflap, where Chris plays an exasperated director. There are some good clips on the DVD, but why are they releasing compilations like this instead of bringing out the series in full? There's a great Fry & Laurie sketch on there, but I'd rather see The Complete A Bit Of Fry & Laurie on the shelves.
And finally, everybody wish John a happy birthday for tomorow. Bless him.
Auntie's Woofers
Bah. The BBC are FORCING us to purchase their latest 'Greatest Comedy Moments' collection, which was released on Monday (see how up to date we are?). They've teasingly placed a picture of Rimmer, c. Series I, on the front. According to Blackstar, the DVD features "Red Dwarf's Kryten as he painfully tries to learn to lie". A scene that doesn't involve Rimmer, particularly not in his Series I uniform, there. Still, it's not like the BBC to feature the wrong publicity photos on a DVD. (SATIRE) Unless, of course, there's another RD clip. I'll find out when I buy it, which will be when I get paid.
Meanwhile, Robert Llewellyn's WomanWizard DVD arrived this morning, so I've written a review of that. Also included in the package was a little note from Rob, in which he reveals he is "presently planning a new DVD, to promote an even better software package called iSpin. The idea behind this product is that in an ever increasing world of confusion, we need help in developing rapid political opinions on any subject. iSpin will give you a one click opinion solution." Sounds promising; Robert is officially a workaholic.
Oh, and I've finally done the Norman Lovett review. What a bastard I am.
Crime Traveller II
Here's a few quick links to details of the Crime Traveller II DVD (which contains the second half of the first and only series), which is to be released on the 26th May:
BBFC Entry - Sins of the Father
BBFC Entry - Death Minister
BBFC Entry - The Lottery Experiment
BBFC Entry - The Broken Crystal
Blackstar listing
Play listing
The extras just aren't worth bothering with - biographies of Michael French, Chloe Annett, Sue Johnston, Paul Trussell, and creator Anthony Horowitz, episode synopsis, and the ultimate in pointlessness - a trailer for the Crime Traveller One DVD. Are you seriously telling me the BBC didn't trail this series, and they couldn't have dug up a couple of original broadcast ones? Anyway, we'll have a review of this at some point - meanwhile, you can read our review of the first Crime Traveller DVD. Both releases are also avaliable on VHS.
In actual Dwarf news, Jonathan Capps has got in contact with us to mention that Red Dwarf will feature in The Sitcom Story (Dawn French's series detailing the history of the sitcom), also on Monday 26th May, at 10:55pm on BBC ONE. Apparently, it will feature a new interview with Craig Charles, so it'll be well worth watching. Many thanks to Jonathan for this, and we'll bring you all a report on it when it's broadcast.
Not a major update today - just a Scene Summary for Balance of Power. Ian will have his review of the Norman Lovett gig tomorrow, the bastard.
G&T messes up
Guess what was on yesterday? Something that we announced ages ago? Chris Barrie, driving the car of his dreams, on Top Gear? Something that not only did we forget to remind you lot that it was on, but completely forgot to watch ourselves? Gah. Anyway, the episode is repeated on UK Horizons in a few weeks - we'll catch it then, and make sure we warn you lot about it as well. Thanks to Peter Naulls, aka Chocky, for the info. Expect a new section to be added to G&T next month, similar to the official site's Dwarf Tracker, but also containing details of guest appearances on various shows by the cast. And whatever you do, don't go back and see how we took the piss out of that website for mentioning Chris Berry, after our latest mistake. It's too painful.
Onto today's updates. The capsule for Balance of Power is now online. And an article has been added to the Movie section - Model Behaviour, possibly the dodgiest name for an article we've come up with, which is an opinion piece detailing our reaction to the revelation that the movie will use a varient of the Re-mastered version of Red Dwarf. Get in contact if you disagree - we'd like to know what you think, as that's part of the point of being ridiculously opinionated and offensive.
More stuff tomorrow. Oh, and according to Ian, Norman Lovett is "a genius". Expect his report in the next couple of days. He's still a bastard.
"The best future echo is in fact the episode itself"
A very short update today, but a good one. Friend of the website Karl Eisenhauer has written two reviews for us - one on The End, and one for Future Echoes. They are excellent, and well worth a read.
Tomorrow's update should be well worth a look; following the revelation that Movie will use a variation of the Re-mastered version of Red Dwarf, we take a look at how effective the model shots in Red Dwarf have been over the years. Plus, hopefully, the Balance of Power capsule, and (finally) another book review. We really do spoil you.
Ian's Newsround - Fucking Horrid Models
I'm sorry, but I'm absolutely livid about this. Comet Miniatures have listed two Corgi models, of Red Dwarf and Starbug. Both are due in September 2003, and both are the 'Movie Version'. The minis themselves aren't bad - I've always wanted a little Starbug, and they're only a fiver each. The problem here is that it seems that the Movie will use a new version of the ship - similar to the Re-Mastered version, but even flatter. It looks shite, frankly. They've even made the front scoop much shorter, so it resembles a giant pencil more than ever before. John and I were both thrilled when we read that physical model shots would be used in the movie, but we wrongly assumed this would mean a return to the ship of Series I-V, which was really good. But no - like Series VIII, Red Dwarf is going to look fucking ugly. FUME!
Meanwhile, over on the official site, (which, incidentally, is yet to acknowledge these models, or the planned Java game), Andrew Ellard has written an excellent article about the use of Time as a plot device in the series. It's full of Andrew's pet theories, and makes a cracking read. Deck 5 is clearly the best part of the official site - holding Time Hole and Down Time, as well as links to the Mr. Flibble and news archives. Marvellous. The main news on the official site is about the cast DVDs, The Brittas Empire and WomanWizard, the progress of which have been reported here this week. This proves that Ganymede & Titan is better that the official site. Actually, come to think of it, it proves fuck all. Oh well.
As John mentioned yesterday, I'm off to see Norman Lovett later. Yippee! Expect a full report in the coming week.
Downloads Section Launched
Well, you try and think up amusing headlines every bloody day. Yes, the Downloads section is now online. It's rather sparse at the moment - just one desktop background, but we'll keep adding to it. For those of you awaiting our Balance of Power Episodes section, we'll upload it this Sunday.
As it's Friday, as usual the official site has been updated. Expect Ian's Newsround tomorrow as usual. He is also going to the Norman Lovett gig in Birmingham as well. What a bastard.
Hatt's Amazing!
Continuing our controversial theme of actually adding content when we update, we bring you this: an article all about Hattie Hayridge. Hattie is a lovely woman, and an extremely talented comedian. It seems a shame that she is so often overlooked by fans, so we aim to rectify this.
Fear not - we've also got some Brittas news! We spotted some menu shots on The R2 Project. The main menus on both discs contain a 'Play All' function. This suggests rather strongly that the series itself will be split onto two discs, rather than having the episodes on one disc and the extras on another. This is a baffling move. As my esteemed colleague said yesterday, Brittas's master tapes should be in pretty good condition (like Red Dwarf, and unlike most Dr. Who releases). I can't see a reason why it is necessary to limit each disc to one and a half hours. Also, the Extras menu suggests that no more extras will be added, although this is probably to do with the lack of footage availiable from the BBC. It's the same with Red Dwarf - hardly anything exists from the early days. We can't blame Eureka Video for this - they're good guys, with a good track record. We're grateful to them for releasing one of our favourite series onto shiny discs, and for their co-operation in our correspondance with them.
Go on, Orson!
Oh dear. It's been a while since we had any new articles. Luckily, we can rectify this today, with an in-depth look at the Series I Deleted Scenes - including transcripts, and our opinions on them. Expect one on Series II's to show up in the next few days.
In Brittas news, Play have got the Brittas DVD listed, and it includes one feature not mentioned elsewhere - a Trailer for Series 2. Presumably, (and I must stress that this is merely an educated guess), this means the DVD of Series 2, which is great news, as it means there are definite plans for further releases. On the negative side, trailers for DVDs are this: shit. There's no point to them. However, the fact that this extra has been added recently, plus the fact that the series is on two discs, brings up the possibility that there might be more extras forthcoming on this release. After all, we're talking about good quality 1991 videotape here, not manky footage that needs a ridiculously high bitrate to keep the quality up. Anyway, we can but hope. (It's always possible that this trailer is one broadcast by the BBC for the second series; it's a pity things aren't labelled a bit more clearly.)
In Howard Goodall related news, NOTBBC's forums have got a report from Brig Bother on last night's recording of episode 2 of QI - a panel game hosted by Stephen Fry. Howard Goodall was one of the guests, and the show sounds marvellous.
Finally, some actual Dwarf related news - friend of the webside Karl Eisenhauer has spotted a little nugget of interest in this jumble of information. So you don't have to go through the garbage, it states:
Blue Beck is a leading developer, exhibiting on the UK State of Play Pavilion. A superb series of Java games, covering several different genres, comprise a catalogue now being eagerly investigated by a range of clients. In addition the company is now developing a number of original J2ME games all related to prime licences. Baywatch, Red Dwarf plus others which cannot be mentioned yet for legal reasons.
It's extremely vague, but a Red Dwarf game is what many fans have been wanting for ages - could this be the start of something good? And more to the point, where does Karl find all this? He is magic.
Tomorrow's update will include yet another new section added to G&T, despite the fact that we've hardly got anywhere with the existing sections yet. Hooray!
Craig Charles Fisticuffs News
Bleh. Articles, you say? Up today? Fuck off, I've been sleeping. Ahem. Luckily, Ian caught the following in the Daily Mirror, so here's some "excellent" news. As it's from the Mirror, I'd take it with a pinch of salt, though; even the article itself says that it isn't confirmed.
BOUT TURN
ITV to show Beeb's big hit
ITV is set to take over the celebrity boxing series The Fight after the BBC pulled out - and the first bout will pitch Darren Day in against Craig Charles.
Beeb bosses axed plans for more fights after the British Boxing Board of Control branded them dangerous and irresponsible. But ITV chiefs will work within the International White Collar Boxing Association to ensure the fights are more evenly matched.
I'm a Celebrity loser Day and Robot Wars host Charles are set to clash on July 16.
Last night an ITV insider said: "We'll make sure that the people are about the same size - the BBC kept shoving big people in against far smaller people.
"There's nothing illegal about it."
BBC2 (sic) was forced to cancel its third celebrity bout after the Boxing Board threatened to revoke the licenses of managers and trainers, including Frank Maloney.
Singer Tony Hadley was due to clash with the BBC's political correspondent John Pienaar. And Day was set to face undercover reporter Donal MacIntyre. The row erupted after the bout between Anthea Turner's husband Grant Bovey and the heavyweight star of The Office, Ricky Gervais.
Yesterday, the Boxing Board's general secretary Simon Block said: "If they are planning to produce a series of unlicensed boxing contests, then it is a matter of concern to us."
An ITV spokeswoman said talks were taking place, but: "Nothing has yet been confirmed."
Source: Daily Mirror, Tuesday 13th May 2003.
By Nicola Methven and Stephen Moyes.
My reaction? Fuck off ITV fuck.
Meanwhile, on the official page for The Brittas Empire DVD on the distributor Eureka Video's site, it mentions that the release will have "extras on two discs". This seems rather a lot for the current set of extras - perhaps more extras will be announced soon? We'll let you know as soon as we find out.
Some articles for tomorrow? You may be lucky this time round, as Ian'll bloody lynch me if I don't sort it.
WomanWizard Released
Good news, everyone! "I am very excited", Robert tells us (and specifically us, definitely not his mailing list which is open to anyone, honest.) "One of my biggest ambitions has finally been achieved. Bypassing the multi national companies, the TV stations, the media machine that governs what we see, I have struck out alone with a new project. Over at www.llew.co.uk the DVD of my recent one man show is finally released."
For those of you who haven't heard of the show, "WomanWizard is the software, a new product to help a man understand the woman in his life with greater ease. There is also a much smaller package being presented, ManWizard, to help a women understand her man. The show toured all over the UK to great acclaim, and is now presented in all it's glory as an all region DVD." However, we're easily impressed here at G&T, and this is the bit we love: "This is the first solo produced DVD of a solo show in the history of solo events. Written, performed, recorded and edited and now distributed by Robert Llewellyn."
This is just brilliant, and we urge you all to go and order a copy right now - it's only £12. Ian pre-ordered his at Dimension Jump, so we'll have a review for you as soon as it arrives. It should be well worth it, though; neither of us have seen the show, but my girlfriend saw it and said it was absolutely marvellous. And Robert made reporting this a cinch, as it was a quick cut and paste job, so he deserves your support for making my life easier.
In other www.llew.co.uk site updates, the 5th series of Scrapheap Challenge started shooting at the end of last month, and will be shown in the UK this September (and in the US, as Junkyard Wars on TLC early 2004. The Red Dwarf section has a wonderful (if extremely scary) piccy of the recording of the Series III and IV DVD commentaries - click on it to get the full version. And kudos to Robert for giving the site some decent, high-quality images, rather than crappy, almost-thumbnail ones like a lot of sites.
In other news, thanks to Danny Pendleton who told us about this entry on Blackstar for The Brittas Empire - The Complete Series 1 DVD. I had expressed worries that there wouldn't be any extras - in fact, the release contains a Chris Barrie biog, stills gallery, Brittas fitness quiz, the ever-important web links, and a Royal Variety performance. This all sounds pretty crap, in all - where are the deleted scenes, or raw footage, or making-of documentaries? The only decent extra would appear to be the Royal Variety performance, which I wasn't aware of. Anyway, it'll be worth buying for the episodes themselves. And did you know that there were 52 episodes of Brittas - the same amount as of Red Dwarf? I'm full of interesting factoids, me.
Finally, there's an interesting teaser on the JMC News section of The Red Dwarf Zone - a wibblified picture of what appears to be a new design of the site, with a huge question mark over it. It looks rather nice, from what I can tell, and hopefully it'll see a good relaunch of the site. Despite the myth that the web is full of decent Dwarf stuff, there's actually very little - we need more decent Dwarf fansites. Although I hate them for getting up the WomanWizard news just before this news article goes up. Bah.
And really finally, some news just in - friend of the website Karl Eisenhauer has just send us this - a report about the original prototype of the E-type Jaguar being featured on Top Gear. Apparently, the show will feature "Chris Berry, producer of cult TV comedy Red Dwarf". I don't think that's even worth taking the piss out of, frankly. Still, for all that, it sounds very interesting, and perhaps the first reason ever to watch Top Gear - the article details that it was his childhood dream to drive the car. If they've got the name of the car right. Or the show. For all we know, it might show up on SM:TV.
G&T NEWS 24
You will have already noticed today's new addition to G&T - the quick news summary above. One of the problems with G&T updating every day and using the front page as a combined news/updates/rants section is that important news stories tend to get pushed aside by minor site updates - hopefully the news summary will help rectify this. Your comments are welcome, including ideas for further improvements to the site.
Meanwhile, thanks to Barrabus on NOTBBC's forums for pointing us towards the BBFC's report on the upcoming Brittas Empire DVD. I hope we do get some extras, although I've got an awful feeling it's unlikely. Either way, let's hope this much maligned and underrated sitcom gets a reassessment by certain people - for what it's worth, after Dwarf, it's probably my favourite ever sitcom. We hope eventually to cover The Brittas Empire in our Parallel Universe section; and not just a quick review of the DVD either.
On the site updates front expect a good update tomorrow, with an article on the deleted scenes on the Series I DVD that has been in preperation for quite a while. (Or, more accurately, Ian wrote it ages ago, and it's been sitting on my hard drive mournfully ever since, whining.) And on a final note, it's interesting that Blackstar got back to us regarding our investigation of the fake Series III DVD cover in about 20 minutes, wheras DVD.CO.UK still hasn't got back to us after several days, and never even acknowledged our e-mail. Guess which company I'd recommend to you all for good customer service?
Ian's Newsround II - This Time It's Personal
Welcome to the second of my weekly news columns. The fantastic news from the official site this week is about new interviews that have been recorded for the Series III and IV DVDs. Not only have the complete regular cast been interviewed (or will be soon), but they've also secured an interview with Peter Wragg - the king of model shots. This is utterly brilliant, and I can't wait to hear what he has to say. Ed Bye is also taking part, and, excellent though the interview will be, if he's available for interviews, why hasn't he recorded a commentary? Another piece of good news on the interview front - Ruby Wax wasn't available! Hooray!
Next Saturday, Chris Barrie will be hosting the SFX Reader Awards, at the ExCel Centre, London, and Robert Llewellyn and Norman Lovett will be appearing at the London Expo, next door. SFX, there; the magazine that says that Red Dwarf's time has passed. If so, why are they featuring three of its stars at the SFX Event? Also on the official site this week is an interview with Pauline Bailey, who played Marilyn Monroe in Meltdown, in which Mr. Flibble's right hand, Andrew Ellard, refers to something he has seen in the rushes of the episode. This implies that he has already searched through the footage for deleted scenes. Hooray!
Site update time: we've added an About section, giving you details about our principles, our aims, the site history and biogs of John and I. More updates tomorow, and every day until the destruction of the planet.
Back to the Future (Echoes)
We've added the episode content for the second episode - Future Echoes, and what a marvellous episode it is. A Capsule, Reviews, a Scene Summary and Supporting Characters info has been made availiable. Our gratitude goes out to Curtis Threadgold for his reviews, and for his excellent name. We've updated the The End reviews with his contribution.
A bit of cast news for you - friend-of-the-website Karl Eisenhauer has pointed us towards this news story about Danny John-Jules's new sit-com, although the article fails to mention Danny himself. Don't miss my newsround tomorow, which will bring you our reaction to the latest news from the official site. I would react now, but I'm too excited about Peter Wragg...
ATVRD Section Launched
Yes, yet another section added to G&T; ATVRD, which contains documents pertaining to the alt.tv.red-dwarf newsgroup. I've taken over the Birthday List from Steve B, which as you can guess is a list of birthdays of readers and posters to the newsgroup. If you want to be added, get in contact with me at john@ofla.info. If you've never read the newsgroup before, have a look; me and Ian hang around on there, and it's good fun.
Tomorrow's update will include more stuff added to the Episodes section, about Future Echoes. Marvellous.
Mystery Solved, to an extent.
This bloody cover has been a thorn in our side since we first saw it at the beginning of April. If you've been following the story, you'll know that we initially dismissed the cover as a fake, but then saw it crop up on various retailers over the last few days, with the explanation that it had been supplied by a distributor. 'How could this be?', we asked ourselves, and our investigations lead us to the top - Grant Naylor Productions. We contacted Andrew Ellard, the associate producer of the DVDs, and he told us this:
No, the DVD cover seen on the net is not real. It's a fake, though I have no idea where from. I'm amazed anyone's buying it - but, hey, if it helps the pre-sale, why not?
So, now we know that the cover is a total fake, and not a mock-up by GNP. We still don't know how it got into the hands of distributors, or who is responsible for it. If the person who made it is reading this, get in touch. As much as your prank has confused us, we have to admire the way you've fooled so many people.
We at G&T are so fed up with the negative atmosphere surrounding the movie, that we've been forced to write an article about how the movie will be good. We're using this article to launch yet another new section of the site - the aptly-named Movie section. We've also written an update to the Edit News feature that we uploaded on Monday, which contains a lot of info that we rather stupidly forgot to include then. Not only that, but we have revised the Links page. Expect another great update tomorow, obviously.
Series III Cover Mystery explained?
Well, no. Not exactly. Following the news that Blackstar.co.uk were using the fake Series III cover in their listing, we thought that it would be a good idea to get in touch with them and find out what the hell is going on. We got several very helpful replies back from Johnathan Hamill in their customer care department, and here's what he had to say:
The cover scan that we have is that supplied by the distributor. This is the image that we do have to use and it will remain in place on the site until it is updated. However, we do have to rely on the distribution company to forward any updated material to us.
Rest assured that when we are supplied with the finalised cover scan this will be placed on site ASAP. This will probably be about the same time that the release date is officially relayed to us.
Of course, all of this is not the official stand on this - just Blackstar's take on the situation. What makes this even more interesting is that DVD.CO.UK also now has an entry for the Series III DVD - again, using that same, fake cover. It is of course concievable that Grant Naylor Productions sent it out, but the dodgy editing on the black bar at the bottom of the cover seems to preclude this - along with the many other problems explained in previous news items. It would appear that a dodgy cover image is being passed around by at least one distribution company. We're continuing our (admittedly, rather sad and pathetic) investigation, and we'll keep you posted.
In more Series III DVD news - well you've got to hand it to them - although we spend ages putting together this site, The Red Dwarf Zone is often first with the scoop. Not only did they find out the DVD.co.uk entry above (which, incidentally, gives a release date of the 3rd November 2003 for the Region 2 release - the first time an exact date has been mentioned, though this is as yet unconfirmed by GNP), but they've also been rooting around on the BBFC site and found information on the first extra submitted for classification - Backwards Reversed. Running at 27 minutes 26 seconds, this would appear to be the entire episode backwards, rather than simply a few backwards scenes reversed. At first I thought this was just a ridiculous idea, but I'm quite warming to it now, because it's a ridiculous idea. And we'll get to see all backwards scenes reversed, rather than just the bits with funny dialogue. In other words: excellent.
Meanwhile, we have more G&T updates for you. Firstly, the Book Plot Inconsistencies Project is now online here. Written by Annette McIntosh, the last version of this was in the middle of 1996. It covers all four novels very well, and as we're currently busy producing the PIP Addendum, and, indeed, haven't got anything to add to the BPIP, we aren't going to produce an addendum document for it at the moment. We may well do at some point though, when we've reread the novels.
Also online is the Directives document, which details all Space Corps Directives, Rimmer Directives, All Nations Agreements, and Articles mentioned in Red Dwarf. It's also possibly the most anal thing I've ever done. Also, the contact page has been updated with a handy form, to make it easier to contact us. Also added is a new e-mail address: news@ganymede-titan.info. I think you can guess what we want you to send to that address. As well as pointing out news that perhaps we've missed, you can also send us information about anything Red Dwarf related you've been up to, and we'll cover it. As long as it's newsworthy. Taking a piss whilst wearing your Red Dwarf baseball cap doesn't count, for instance.
More updates tomorrow, naturally. Until the end of time itself.
Dreaded Edits
For today's update, feast your eyes on this: an article detailing all of the edits, censorships and scheduling anomalies pertaining to Red Dwarf. We were hoping to bring you more updates today, but John couldn't get online (fuck off Bank Holiday fuck). Tomorrow will be a big update, it will.
The Name Game
Today, we are able to bring you two very good guides about the programme. What's In A Name? details the alternate titles for episodes, and we've added a guide to the Supporting Characters for The End. Naturally, we'll be doing the same for all the other characters in due course. Also, we've handily archived the older news articles, as this front page was becoming gargantuan. Have a nice bank holiday. We won't. We'll be working on this site. I hope you're satisfied.
Ian's Newsround
Hello, and welcome to the first edition of my regular Saturday news column. I'm John Craven. Updating on Saturday has been chosen for two reasons - firstly, it means I can react to the news posted on the official site on the Friday, and secondly it gives me something to do now the football season is drawing to an end. The most exciting news this week is about new additions to the RPG - an AI screen and the Extra Bits Book. As the RPG head-honcho Todd Downing says, this supplement to the original game contains "an overwhelmingly disproportionate amount of content for its short page count". Also in production at the moment is the Red Dwarf RPG Series Sourcebook, which aims to turn every single episode into playable elements of the game.
The RPG is turning into something amazing. These new plans, along with what I saw of other people's books at Dimension Jump and my new job, have finally persuaded me to splash out on a copy of the book. I probably won't play the game itself, but the book is lovingly prepared, well researched and brilliantly written. It simply serves as an excellent reference point for the various paraphinalia in the series, such as guns, ships and gadgets, etc.
Also on the official site this week is a new range of clothing in Australia. The long sleeve top, despite using the elongated Re-Mastered ship, looks fantastic, and I could well stride into next year's Dimension Jump wearing it. The other news on the site is not so interesting - info about a band launch and Talkie Toaster talking to The Inquisitor Evidently, Mr. Flibble is on holiday.
No updates to this site today, but John and I are both hard at work. Coming this week, an article on the Movie, detailing how good it will be, guides to the alternate titles to the episodes and anomalies in the running order, and hopefully, more additions to our ever-expanding Books, Episodes and Documents sections. Don't touch that dial...
A bloody Lego Starbug
We've been hard at work here at Ganymede & Titan, and the Episodes section is now starting to be brought back online. A Capsule, Reviews, and a Scene Summary for The End is now avaliable, and there are plenty of plans for other sections to follow. We hope to cover an episode a week. We really want to gather together a good selection of reviews for each episode, so if you have any to contribute (even if it's only one), then get in contact. Thanks to Nik Horne for his great review.
None of which really matters at all, though, if you've glanced at the piccy on your right. Jon Palmer has announced on alt.tv.red-dwarf that he has created a foot-long version of Starbug in lego. This is possibly the coolest thing I've ever seen, and made even more so by the fact that he plans to do a similar model of Red Dwarf. There's plenty of other great lego models on his site, so go have a look.
Meanwhile, the official site has updated, and Ian will bring you our view on the various bits of news tomorrow. There should also be some updates on the Books section. I'd also like to thank Annette, one of the original authors of the PIP, for giving her blessing to the PIP Addendum Project (or, as she suggests, PAP).
Finally, The Red Dwarf Zone has picked up on something rather interesting in their JMC News section, as they usually do - Blackstar.co.uk have got the Series III DVD listed - and it uses the same image as The R2 Project previewed. "Could it be the real deal?", The Red Dwarf Zone ponders. Well, no. It's an obvious fake (as our previous news item proves), and Blackstar have been taken in - hook, line, sinker, rod and copy of Angling Times. Tsk.
I've never read... a book
A new month, a new section on G&T, and this one is all about books. At the moment, we've got a review of the Radio Times Guide to Science Fiction, and in the coming weeks we'll be updating with reviews of various Red Dwarf books, as well as more capsule reviews. Not only that, but there's an article on the promotional discs that were given away to flog the DVDs, hot on the trail of the Series II Promo (pictured) that was released yesterday. Don't miss tomorow's update, in which the Episodes section will be relaunched. This site just gets better and better, eh?