Double Dip Demands is a column in which I propose films that deserve a re-release on DVD/Blu-Ray with more special features, better transfers and other nerdy bits. Some of the films have no DVDs out there for Region 1 viewers, and some of them have a really crappy version that's bare bones or poorly put together. Who speaks for these films? I do.
The Film: Garth Marenghi's Darkplace (2004 UK TV series)
Cast & Crew: Matthew Holness (Creator/Writer/Actor), Richard Ayoade (Creator/Writer/Actor); Matt Berry, Alice Lowe
Plot Synopsis (via IMDB): This spoof TV series is an unearthed 80's horror TV show, complete with poor production values, awful dialogue and hilarious violence. The series is set in a Hospital in Romford, which is situated over the gates of Hell.
Is it Currently Out? Yes/No. It is available in UK with an extras-packed disc, but is not available for Region 1 players (i.e., Amurrica)
Why Does it Deserve Special Features? Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is a brilliant satire series that mocks 80s cheesy action TV series, pompous pulp writers, bad genre television and the self-importance inherent in revisiting old works. Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade - who created and wrote the series in addition to appearing as Garth Marenghi/Dr. Rick Dagless and Dean Learner/Thornton Reed, respectively - have a perfect understanding of the multiple genres in their sights and do a good job of adhering to the rules and limitations of them. Then, in addition to mocking the shows and their cheesy budgets/poorly realized scripts, Holness and Ayoade throw in several metatextual elements with the multiple layers of characters playing characters (badly). It's a hilarious and utterly singular show that is occasionally seen on [adult swim] (in fact, I think it'll be on the [adult swim] schedule this July). As the series is over with these 6 episodes, and since all involved have proven their abilities in creating this many layered universe - and their success in other ventures like The IT Crowd, The Mighty Boosh, Submarine, etc. - it would be worthwhile to get these brilliant comedians back together for one more go at this cult show.
What Should Be on the Disc?
- Firstly, everything that was on the Region 2/UK disc should be included:
- Commentaries on all episodes (in which the cast stay in character)
- A deleted scene (Staged deliberately for DVD purposes)
- Test footage (Staged deliberately for DVD purposes)
- Original ‘One Track Lover’ Single (Extended Version), along with the Darkplace Theme and three 'Darkplace Moodscapes' by composer Stig Baasvik (In reality the composer is BAFTA award winning Andrew Hewitt)
- Over an hour of extra talking heads
- Photograph galleries (Staged deliberately for DVD purposes)
- Original radio ads
- Original story-boards and story-board to scene comparisons
- An 'easter egg' (containing bonus footage)
- The entire Darkplace television soundtrack;
- Commentaries by Fans: Similar to what was done on the Spaced DVD, bring in various filmmakers and comedians to speak with the creative heads about the series. Bill Hader, Patton Oswalt, Edgar Wright, Paul F. Tompkins, etc.
- Plays: Garth Marenghi originally appeared in the short plays Garth Marenghi's Fright Knight (2000) and Garth Marenghi's Netherhead (2001). A dramatic reading and/or performance of the short plays, filmed live or recorded as podcast, would be a great boon for fans. Also inclusion of the plays' texts be pretty sweet.
- Book Cover Gallery: Marenghi has many books that he shows in the course of this short series - it would be great to show all of the covers as well as brief synopses and/or excerpts from each of his terrible terrible books.
- Fake Trailers: Getting fans and/or fan filmmakers to make short trailers for fake movies based on these fake books may be TOO metatextual...but it also might be incredibly brilliant, fun and a great way to raise attention for this release.
- "One Track Lover" Karoake Video: Have I mentioned how much I love this song?
- Audio CD: This MUST must must come with an audio CD of all the music used in the series, including the ridiculously amazing "One Track Lover" presented again below: