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?

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I am a lover of truth, a worshipper of freedom, a celebrant at the altar of language and purity and tolerance. That is my religion, and every day I am sorely, grossly, heinously and deeply offended, wounded, mortified and injured by a thousand different blasphemies against it. When the fundamental canons of truth, honesty, compassion and decency are hourly assaulted by fatuous bishops, pompous, illiberal and ignorant priests, politicians and prelates, sanctimonious censors, self-appointed moralists and busy-bodies, what recourse of ancient laws have I? None whatever. Nor would I ask for any. For unlike these blistering imbeciles my belief in my religion is strong and I know that lies will always fail and indecency and intolerance will always perish.

-Stephen Fry

Today's word of the day is Skimmington:

Skimmington

A word employed in the phrase, "To ride Skimmington"; that is to ride on a horse with a woman, but behind her, facing backward, carrying a distaff, and accompanied by a procession of jeering neighbors making mock music; a cavalcade in ridicule of a henpecked man. The custom was in vogue in parts of England.