Dimension 404

Dimension 404 drinks better from the source (Twilight Zone) compared to other attempts like Black Mirror and others. Who compares with BM and other series has no idea what TZ was. In fact BM and similar are poor copies of the style and depth allowed in TW episodes. The Twilight Zone was an American television anthology series created by Rod Serling. The episodes are in various genres, including psychological horror, fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and psychological thriller; and often conclude with a macabre or unexpected twist, and usually with a moral. A popular and critical success, it introduced many Americans to common science fiction and fantasy tropes. The original series, shot entirely in black and white, ran for five seasons from 1959 to 1964.

What a lot of people don't seem to realise is that this show is made by a Youtube channel which usually makes weird/funny short videos, and originally started out making vfx/action videos with their friends with little to no budget. Since then they have grown to make their first series, Video Game High School, and now Dimension 404. While of course it's not near the high quality of big budget shows like The Twilight Zone and Black Mirror, given the circumstances, what they've done is still quite impressive. The stories are original and have some big twists. The acting between the professionals and amateurs in the show is somewhat noticeable, but not enough to be a bother. My favourite types of shows are those like The Twilight Zone, Outer Limits, and Black Mirror, and Dimension 404 fits in well with those, but mostly as a homage rather than the next big edition to the genre. Overall it's well done and entertaining, so if you're like me and really like these types of shows, then it's definitely worth taking a look, but while keeping in mind who created it.

OK first I want to try keep this short as possible because you've already seen other reviews and the description I'm sure. So, in a nutshell is it any good? Yes, if you take it on its own. I've seen the comparisons to Twilight Zone, Outer Limits and Black Mirror and like those this is also another sci-fi/ horror anthology show. But can we just hold there for a second.

I read one review saying something along the lines of this is a terrible copy of Black Mirror, I don't agree. I really enjoy the former and I do agree, it's a better show. However, it is also much darker. An episode of Black Mirror can leave you feeling as if you just watched someone eat a puppy. Whereas Dimension 404 is a bit lighter in mood and subject and surely does not take itself as seriously. Same goes for the "Zone" and "Limits" we should probably compare 404 to one of the more comedic episodes of the Zone or better yet, the 80s anthology by Steven Spielberg "Amazing Stories". In broad strokes if you enjoyed Stories, I think you'll enjoy this. If you're looking for something a bit shocking and more thought provoking you can't go wrong with Mirror or some of those fantastic old Zones. Bottom line 404 uses differing methods to tell similar tales and after four episodes it's not my preferred method but, it sure is a very fun change of pace. If you're not 100% twisted 100% of the time you might enjoy it too.

I have recently started this show, and I have to say that I can't recommend it enough. Do you remember watching The Twilight Zone as a kid? It was kind of weird, kind of goofy, and totally enrapturing? Like a book you couldn't put down, but you didn't know what to think of it?

Black Mirror may have taken the mantle of social commentary TZ reaches for, but 404 takes everything else - a haunting reality that, instead of being this one in 5 years, is something a little different, a little off, and rapidly expands that out into something totally different. It's spooky, it's fun, and it leaves you with a question - but not a sinking dread. Comparing it to Black Mirror is obvious, but not helpful. This isn't a drama set in the future - it's speculative sci-fi with a totally different goal. Watch episode 3 and try and not wonder - couldn't this have happened? Really?

You need to watch 404 because you deserve something fun, whimsical, spectacular, but also engaging and awesome. Fall in love with the zany, and catch onto the ultimate hope in every episode.

I haven't watched the entire series yet, but I feel as though they were aiming for a campy and not too serious sci-fi series. It is remarkably similar to Black Mirror in the layout of the episodes and the theme of the show. In the episodes I watched at the time of this review, I got the feeling that it was a bit tongue in cheek. This sci-fi is definitely not the kind to give you genuine creeps.

I don't think I would recommend this show to everyone. Because the episodes are all separate from each other, just pick whichever one looks the most interesting and if you want to see more? Go ahead.