Dimension 404

I didn't know anything about this show, I was intrigued by the title and binge-watched it in 3 days. Obviously I enjoyed it a lot. I read in the reviews many people compare it to other similar shows. Well, I don't. I haven't seen the Black Mirror, but I remember enjoying the "Twilight zone" when I was a kid. Also, I happen to be a huge fan of sci-fi short stories. I really really like this genre, because it escapes from the trend to write endless sequels, prequels and whatnot. It's just a good story with a beginning and an end and that's it. So basically, that's what you'll get from the Dimension 404 - a good story. Each of the episodes is a separate story and it's a VERY GOOD story. My favorite episodes are 1, 5 and 6. "Chronos" also was very good, but I think it had some scientific flaws. But basically all of the episodes were fun and engaging on a deeper level. And they left me thinking and sharing my thoughts with other people. In short, I was surprised and amazed. Also, I like the length of the episodes and I liked that they are not too dark. I don't think good books or films should be dark and gruesome. A good story is a good story and those stories were good for me. I hope there is a second season.

This show isn't as dark as Black mirror which people compare it to but more comedic and light and i enjoyed it. It's intended for a younger audience and doesn't give you the feeling of dread at the end of an episode. It's like a thrill ride. It reminded me of goosebumps and are you afraid of the dark (2 shows i loved growing up) but modernized and primarily focusing on sci fi. There were some noticeable themes of inclusion to give people of certain sexual orientation more representation but they weren't intrusive. I kinda liked that they added that because it allows viewers a glimpse into what it's like living their lives meanwhile telling a compelling story the viewers can relate to. It's a pity it's only 6 episodes. I'd love to see more of this.

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.

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.