A Review by Richard Radcliffe 27/5/04
Seeds of Death DVD Number THIRTEEN
Patrick Troughton was a brilliant Doctor. Every single one of this stories is fascinating because he is in them. Terrance Dicks is a brilliant writer - he's one of the main writers on this, the first of many great scripts he gave the show. The Ice Warriors are pretty lumbering monsters, but their hissing voices still send a shiver up the spine - their leader is really creepy. Seeds of Death is just good, solid, dependable DW. 8/10
Due to the lack of Troughton DW available for release on DVD, it was inevitable that this story would see light of day sooner rather than later. What is a touch surprising is that no other episodes appear here, especially as this is a double DVD (no difference in price from the single releases). Surely it would be the obvious course of action, to include the odd available episodes of missing stories on the DVD of that Doctor. Never mind, maybe that will come later. For now we have the restored, cleaned up, as good as it possibly can be DVD. It's the first release of 2003 - the anniversary year - released in February.
The commentary is provided by a whole host of contributors. Frazer Hines and Wendy Padbury are there for the actors, Michael Ferguson (Director) tells us why he did what he did. And good old Uncle Terrance makes an appearance as the co-writer of the piece later on. Ferguson is rather muffled at times, but by Episode 2 is well into his stride. I notice too that the commentators are asking each other questions - a panel of commentators interviewed by someone in the know could be better sometimes (especially the older stories). Uncle Terrance is as lively as ever. They all enjoy themselves tremendously. Production text is very informative and highly interesting.
A specially recorded 25 minute documentary Sssowing the Ssseedss introduces us to the Ice Warrior actors and their make-up lady. Alan Bennion, Sonny Caldinez and Bernard Bresslaw feature (the latter on archive audio). Sylvia James tells us how they were made. The infectious enthusiasm they all show for the programme, despite the uncomfortable costumes is marvelous.
Building on the impressive piece featured on the Tomb of the Cybermen DVD, there's more footage of The Last Dalek. Special effects filming, narrated by Michaeljohn Harris and Peter Day. You really get a feel for the much sadly missed Evil of the Daleks from this.
Blink and you'll miss them New Zealand Censor Clips were a recent find at the time of DVD release. Featuring tiny clips removed from Web of Fear and Wheel in Space, nice to see missing footage anywhere. TARDIS Cam No. 5 has the TARDIS in a snowy waste - very nice Photo Gallery - nice little slide show of this story.
And finally an Easter Egg. Disc 2. TARDIS Cam 5. Press Left Arrow. Logo illuminates. Press Select - Video Clip of Commentary Team. Hardly revolutionary material here, but nice to see how people change over the years!
The first double DVD release - the first 6 parter too. Looks like 6 parters, and above, will have to extend to 2 discs - let's hope they fill out the extra space this gives well. Seeds of Death does so reasonably. I loved the commentary, and the missing stories excerpts were excellent. I was a little disappointed by the original documentary - let's make things more interesting please, like where these people are interviewed. BBC could very well learn a few tricks from the Myth Makers series from Reeltime. On these older releases too, I would like to see the odd episodes that exist of missing stories - maybe they are saving them for a super duper release later though. Not bad DVD set, this one 7/10
The Talons of Weng-Chiang DVD Number FOURTEEN
Adored by virtually all, I have to add my voice to the masses. Quite simply one of the best, whichever way you care to look at it. The sumptuous Victorian setting, with its Sherlock Holmes, Phantom of the Opera, Fu Manchu aura - magnificent. Tom Baker is brilliant, and has ever a companion been so contrasting and entrancing as Louise Jameson/Leela? I don't know what's my favourite DW story anymore - there's about 10 of them I adore - this is one. 10/10
Another double disc set continuing the 2003 celebrations (April 2003 release). Seeing as the doubles are the same price as the singles, then its rather good value too. A predictable and most welcome release, wonderfully combining the Whose Doctor Who documentary that appeared on TV about the time of this story. They really are pulling out the stops - and it's fantastic to have these brilliant shows on shiny DVD.
Carrying on the ensemble style commentary we saw on the previous release, we have again a mass of talent to enjoy. Louise Jameson, John Bennett (Chang), Christopher Benjamin (Jago) combine with Philip Hinchcliffe and David Maloney. It's the most extensive set of commentators, and just about makes up for the lack of Tom Baker. It's also, for my money, one of the best commentaries out there. Everyone is so enthusiastic about the whole production. I really think the director is the first one that should be asked on any release - David Maloney is fascinating in his comments. John Bennett is the weak link, but then he remembers very little at all. Christopher Benjamin is wonderful, chortling through the funniest scenes. They never seem to over-talk one another too - and the whole commentary comes off brilliantly. It's very illuminating watching the production text whilst listening to the commentary.
The big extra of this DVD is Whose Doctor Who. The 1977 Documentary, from the Lively Arts programme, looks back at the history of Who. Melvyn Bragg interviews a whole host of people, and gets fascinating reactions, particularly from the nation's children. I'd never seen it before, and it really is one of the best documentaries about the show.
After an absence of a few DVDs it's nice to see Blue Peter reappear. This time it's make your own Theatre - like Jago's. Moral of this is never throw out old cereal packets. It's a fabulous piece, with John Noakes at his funniest. Also on Blue Peter is a special sound effects workshop, where Peter Purves is having too good a time with a plunger! Extensive behind the scenes footage (25 minutes worth) show us the chaotic side of filming. There's a lot of this kind of thing in Whose Doctor Who - nice to see more here.
A Philip Hinchcliffe interview from Pebble Mill at One, shows his enthusiasm for the show. His responses to the predictable questions are insightful and interesting. The evocative isolated music can be sampled - this takes me back to my childhood more than anything thus released. Photo gallery - for a story not short of brilliant images, this could never satisfy my appetite, but it does pretty well. TARDIS Cam No 6 sees the TARDIS flying through space past some strange looking moons/creatures.
With trailers and continuity announcements to anticipate the drama, that's just about it for Talons on DVD. A short Easter Egg:- Disk 2. Trailers and Continuity Option. Presss Left Arrow, logo illuminates. Press Select and you get Clean Version of 4th Dr titles. And very nice they are too.
A very good DVD package can be attributed to the inclusion of Whose Doctor Who. It may not be an original documentary, like other DVDs, but it is even more fascinating than them, simply because it was was concurrent with the show on this DVD. If anyone asks which DW DVD to buy, then this has to be the choice - right up there with the best. 10/10
The Dalek Invasion of Earth DVD Number FIFTEEN
Definitely one of the best early Doctor stories, regardless of its B-Movie storyline. With the success of the Daleks launching Doctor Who to the mainstream, this is the perfect way to enhance their reputation. The Survivors type scenario, with some fascinating "quiet London" locations, brings a great deal to the production. It's also a bit of a travelogue, even though I would have liked to see more of the journeyings between London and Bedfordshire. I really like this story. 9/10
Carrying on the very impressive DVD collection of 2003, comes this classic from the early years. Released in June 2003, it's a great way to celebrate the anniversary of Who. Promising more original documentaries than any other DVD so far, this looked like a strong all round double disc set. It's crammed full of goodies!
Commentary here is provided by the same people who did The Aztecs, plus Richard Martin. Gary Russell interviews the participants, which I think works better in the case of the older stories. Gary Russell keeps things moving along swiftly, promoting memories with pertinent questions. There's rarely a pause, and I found the whole process very interesting. I really think, having achieved a great deal of success with this approach, they should now stick to this interview technique, especially for the older stories. This is a million times better than the Aztecs commentary. Production texts really are very good you know!
Pride of place must go to Future Memories. A 45 minutes long documentary, where many participants contribute, in the way of little interviews. It's really fascinating to hear them reminisce. Future Visions is a 20 minute slot, a similar featurette to previous DVDs, about the designs - specifically about Spencer Chapman. Talking Daleks is a featurette on the Dalek voices (lasts 10 minutes).
Original studio floor plans appear in Script to Screen outlining how the scenes were put together. A rehearsal film, double exposed but still fascinating, from Carole Ann Ford - is better. It may be brief (2 minutes), but I can recall seeing nothing like it before.
The Daleks themselves give an introduction to both discs, warning against piracy. Two trailers from the original showings have survived too. Our friends at TARDIS Cam have brought new CGI effects to the party - you can view them if you want. They feature a new saucer, and really look like they originate from the 60s. Rather impressive they are too.
Blue Peter Dalek cakes sees Valerie Singleton making stodgy sweets, and is highly amusing. My favourite of the disk is the Now and Then feature. Gary Russell takes us round London for the way those famous scenes are now. Whatever Happened to Susan Foreman is a radio drama. It stars Jane Asher as the Doctor's granddaughter. It was a lot more extensive than I expected, and I thought it was reasonably good. It's rather bleak though, with all its talk of psychological trauma. Old companions do not come off well out of it at all! Rather nice photo gallery is here too.
One Easter Egg to find, featuring SID the Dalek Monster:- Disk 2, Talking Dalkes option. Press Left Arrow, logo illuminates. Press Enter - Dalek creature wandering across the Screen! Another one on Disk 2 - Photo Gallery option. Press Left Arrow, logo illuminates, Press Enter - SID returns, with a friend! And that's it for Dalek Invasion of Earth DVD. What a totally impressive DVD! With feature after feature to complement the excellent main TV story, fans have never had it so good. With three double DVDs this year already, they are also excellent value. Rightly DW DVDs have been hailed as amongst the best of the market. This is the best of the lot. 10/10
Earthshock DVD Number SIXTEEN
Watching this again shows how this story is hailed as one of the highlights of this era of Doctor Who. My first flowerings of fandom were stirring around this time, and Davison's first season was very exciting to this 13 year old. The big surprise was wonderfully kept back too, even though then I didn't rate the Cybermen too much. That was a daft phase - the Cybermen are brilliant, and this is one of their best stories, before they got a bit too easy to kill. An average companion gets a fantastic end, I was genuinely sad at the time though. This remains a very fine story. 8/10
After the 1st, 2nd and 4th Doctor had impressed with double DVDs, we're back to single disc for the 5th Doctor. Released in August 2003, with the anniversary just round the corner. It's recognized as one of the Davison's best, and it is indeed so. A fine choice for the 20th anniversary.
Anarchic, jovial, irreverent, rude, bombastic - words that go to describe this commentary. Peter Davison, Janet Fielding, Matthew Waterhouse and Sarah Sutton have a great laugh - mostly at the story's expense. Personally I think it is Janet Fielding who sets the tone in Episode 1, and from there they plough into everything. Davison tries to keep order, but he's no chance with this fiery Australian. Sarah Sutton and Matthew Waterhouse barely get a look in. Beginning to notice now that the production text has included DWM quotes - very good.
Putting the Shock into Earthshock is the disc's main documentary. Featuring main cast members galore, writer, director and famous other Who luminaries. It's a very good study into how the story was received, and how it is regarded now. One of these kinds of documentaries per tape will be completely wonderful.
Did you See? is one of these old TV review shows. The presenter talks about the monsters mostly. Alternative CGI effects are surprisingly available. Laser beams and ship explosions are updated - if you like. If you want to listen to the distinctive isolated music, then you can.
Additional/extended scenes from Part One, all on film, show how much was cut out of the final episode. There's so much material from the archelogist's party we didn't see. The usual photo gallery is here, with silly sound effects.
Two comedy eketches offer a fair amount of giggles. The first is brief, but extremely funny. The Easter Egg is a bit of a laugh too:- Special Features. 40th Anniverary Celebration Option. Left Arrow. Logo illuminates. Hit Enter - Carribean overdub of Earthshock Cybermen.
Earthshock DVD centres around the big documentary, and the commentary and story. All are excellent, and well worthy of the price of the DVD alone. Other features are not as extensive as we are used to this year - but there is only one DVD, and they must be saving plenty for later. Very good DVD. 8/10
The Two Doctors DVD Number SEVENTEEN
Fan opinion is divided over this combination of 2nd and 6th Doctors. I love it. I loved it when it was first shown, I love it now after multiple viewings. The first 45 minute episode is one of the most entertaining pieces of DW I have ever seen. When other fans were having a go at Colin Baker's Doctor portrayal, I was enthralled by it - I still am in all media. The addition of the 2nd Doctor, despite him being tied up for a lot of the story, is wonderful - another example of Troughton's talents. Peri has never looked so gorgeous, Spain looks very inviting, and the music is tremendous! I always put The Two Doctors in my top ten TV stories ever - it's just so entertaining. 10/10
You can detect from the previous paragraph that I was mighty pleased when this one was released on DVD in September 2003. I figured the BBC would go for Revelation of the Daleks, or even a TOTL box set, before this one. But my favourite 6th Doctor story is a fine way to celebrate the 40th anniversary - it's also another bumper package double disc set.
Commentary is provided enthusiastically by Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, Frazer Hines, Jacqueline Pearce (Chessene) and Peter Moffatt (Director). The main commentator, at first, is Peter Moffatt, who I found very interesting, if a bit showy in his remarks. Colin and Nicola are as ever articulate and fascinating. Jacqueline Pearce provides the luvvy aspect of the whole thing (I lost count of how many times she says "Darling"). It's just brilliant to hear Colin Baker's love for the programme, and his knowledge shines through. Production text - great - I'm sure these are getting quicker too - they don't half pack in a lot of information. A fantastic score is given its due in an isolated music option.
The cream of the extras is undoubtedly the Robert Holmes retrospective Behind the Sofa. Robert Holmes is totally worthy of such a documentary, and at 45 minutes it's an extensive look at his DW career. It rather emphasizes the positive over the negative (there's little about Space Pirates for example), but then it is the better stories that stick with us after all.
We have two featurettes showing the filming process. There's an indoors and an outdoors. Beneath the Lights takes us behind the scenes, when recording the first Episode. Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant showing those mirrors were not redundant after all. Beneath the Sun is the same kind of thing, but in Spain. The more fun seems to be happening in Spain - with Gary Downie rather tetchy in the studio. Both are about 30 minutes long, and therefore a very extensive look at all the different takes on offer. They are tons better than the Varos takes, but it's still probably better to watch them a bit at a time. I love to read about DW production, but to watch the laborious process of take after take is a little tiresome.
Gareth Jenkins - not the one from Big Finish - stars in In a Fix With the Sontarans. It's the Jim'll Fix It segment, with Janet Fielding returning with the 6th Doctor. It's a good laugh. I find it wonderfully quaint and silly that many still try and place things like this in a DW continuity. But then I couldn't care a fig about continuity anyway.
Adventures in Time and Space is an interesting interview with Gary Downie about the locations used in The Two Doctors. Judging from the recent DWM interview there's plenty more to be told from this honest chap. I appreciated the effort made to make the interview look good too (it's filmed around Brighton front). It's the closest BBC DVD has come to mirroring the Myth Makers series. Wavelength is a Radio programme presented by Andy Peebles. It's a half hour look at the Behind the Scenes aspect of DW - and quite a few people are interviewed I had never heard of - always nice in this info age. Excellent Photo Gallery too here - like the production notes they just get more extensive and more interesting from one release to the next.
Here's the Easter Egg for this DVD:- On Disc 1 select the Episode option. Press left arrow key - DW logo illuminates. Press Enter - clean version of 6th Doctors opening titles.
A brilliant story is enhanced with the extras on offer here. Rather a lot of behind the scenes stuff here too - of a far more extensive nature than ever before. I watched all the extras in one go one Saturday morning. I wasn't planning to, but it was just so wonderful learning more about one of my favourite stories. Pride of place goes to the Robert Holmes documentary. Us Doctor Who fans really are being spoilt this anniversary year. 9/10
The Curse of Fenric DVD Number EIGHTEEN
This is a wonderful tale, from an era of the show which just gets better and better the more I watch it. There is so much depth here, with all kinds of interesting things going on. Sylvester McCoy manages to be wonderfully mysterious - an excellent Doctor. Ace gets more background than any companion thus far - and it's mostly fascinating. Fenric is an example of why this duo were one of the best of the entire run. Brilliant story, very well by all concerned. 10/10
This is a natural for DVD, and it's something of a surprise it has taken this long for its release. With lots of extra scenes to show, and with it coming at the end of the TV show's run - there must have been twice as much as we saw here. Released just before the official anniversary (October 2003) as a two disc set it brings the 7th Dr to the celebrations. There's two versions here too (hence the double disc) - the original episodes as shown on TV, the special film verson (complete with extra scenes, extra music etc).
The first disc contains the original story. Sylvester McCoy, Sophie Aldred and Nicholas Parsons provide the commentary. I have previously said that I favour the interview approach for commentaries (which only The Dalek Invasion of Earth has supplied). I have to now quantify that statement, because some Doctors just don't need anybody to interview them - they provide a great show all by themselves. The McCoy/Aldred interplay is always a joy. Nicholas Parsons is quite a novel participant, and provides another angle to proceedings. It's all rather excellent. Production text fires facts and figures thick and fast to supplement the action. There's also an option to listen to Mark Ayres music isolated - a particularly memorable score this one.
Onto the extras - Modelling the Dead is straight from the BSB weekend of 1990. With a very pretty presenter it's a basic look at mask making (Haemovores). Take Two is a childrens programme from 1989, presented by Philip Schofield. It goes behind the scenes of the show. Claws and Effect is a long drawn out piece about the location scouting, and visual effects. Everybody wandering around quietly in the rain. A young Mike Tucker shows his face, but it does all look very dull work.
Nebula 90 sees a mass of actors, writer, musician, mask makers from Fenric - all lined for a convention's amusement. There's plenty of nerves on show, but you get a pretty good idea of the tight ship that Fenric engendered amongst its staff. A couple of alternative McCoy title sequences are as gaudy and dated as the proper one. A very fine behind the scenes photo gallery features more images from this great story.
That's just Disc 1! So moving on swiftly to Disc 2 - the home of the Special Film edition of Fenric.
The Special Edition forms a superior version of this excellent story. With lots of little additions (plus some whoppers) the story flows better, showing why it really is one of the classics.
Shattering the Chains sees writer Ian Briggs outlining his inspirations behind this story. As one of the most rich and dense scripts ever seen, this interview is very welcome. A great writer outlines his reasons, and we admire his imaginative skill.
Ken Trew is an articulate fellow too, and his costume design feature tells us why the story looked so good. Monster design is also covered. A man at one with his craft. Mark Ayres gets a look in, as he should, with Recutting the Runes. He explains the background to The Special Edition, and the differences between the two versions. A labour of love for this talented bloke, and it's great to see his enthusiasm shared.
Easter Eggs can be found in the following way:- Disk 1. Special Features - first menu. Hit left arrow Key on Claws and Effect Feature. DW Logo illuminates. BBC1 Continuity Announcements from the original broadcast. Disk 2. Hit left Arrow Key on Recutting the Runes. DW Logo illuminates. Behind this is Mark Ayres talking about Scoring the Special Edition.
With two versions of the story, plus a whole bevy of extra material, this is one of the most extensive DVDs Doctor Who has produced. The BBC are making these things just about as brilliant as they can - and us purchasers are the real winners. Another splendid DVD. 9/10
The Three Doctors DVD Number NINETEEN
It must have been wonderful for fans of the show in 1973 to see Patrick Troughton again. Nowadays we tend to take it for granted, but no Doctor returned as much to the TV show - a credit to his superb portrayal. It's a shame to see Hartnell so old and frail, but at least he is there. The story is ironically not one of the best of its era - there are plenty of better UNIT tales. Omega has a great voice, and looks good, but his lair is very tacky. I've always enjoyed it though. The DW fan basically gets 3 for the price of 1, and that's good value. 7/10
The celebration story of the 10th year resurfaces for the 40th year. Released in November 2003, it is arguably the obvious release for such a momentous occasion (only Five Doctors would have better, and we've had that). It's only the second single disc release of the year.
A scrumpled box accompanied my copy of The Three Doctors DVD (it came through the British postal system). There's a free Corgi model Bessie - a nice gift at this anniversary time. It now sits proudly next to Edward Scissorhands on my bookcase.
The commentary is provided by Barry Letts, Nick Courtney and Katy Manning. Good choices based on the available people. You really know what you are going to get from these people in a commentary now. Each commentator has their own style on these commentaries, as individual as the role which made them famous in Dr Who. Barry Letts is good on the background, why they hired whoever. You know he will apologize over how bad the visual effects are. Nick Courtney offers a measured commentary, recognizing certain actors, and giving anecdotes. Katy Manning loves it all, and is always lively. Things have to be explained to her, as she loses the thread of the story. Contrasting styles make for the best commentaries, just so long as one is not dominant - and these three have far too much respect for one another to do that. Excellent production text as usual.
The extras show off Doctor Who in many guises. There's the Pebble Mill at One piece, from 1973. Shows up how far interview techniques have improved over the years. You feel sorry for Patrick Troughton, being given so many bland questions. Troughton seems rather mischevious too, and little prickly. A parade of lumbering monsters through the grounds is rather silly. I used to pass this part of Birmingham regularly (I lived in Birmingham for 10 years in my 20s) - always nice to see a recognized patch of grass! The special effects man (Bernard Wilkie) is great. As he shows off his gruesome trade to the wooden hosts, you want to invite him round to show you more of these gadgets and gore.
Blue Peter turns up again, this time it's Jon Pertwee with Peter Purves, and the Whomobile. Broadcast in November 1973, it's another ideal companion to the 10th Anniversary. Imagine only 10 years old - I think I am getting old, because I vaguely remember this Blue Peter. Pertwee is lovely here, as he shows Purves this car he likes so much.
From the 10th Anniversary celebrations we move to the special weekend on BSB. BSB Highlights have been on these DVDs before. As BSB showed The Three Doctors on that weekend they brought together Nick Courtney, Terrance Dicks, Dave Martin and Bob Baker for a brief interview. Jon Pertwee appears too as a sort of hologram. JNT is not a good presenter, quite fancy the blonde though.
A 'Five Faces of Doctor Who' trailer from the repeat 1981 season is here, as is a poor quality off air recording of the original trailer, complete with new visuals. My favourite part of the DVD is of PanoptiCon '93 . I always enjoy these convention panels. I have been to a handful of conventions myself, but I was very late to this part of fandom (attended my first in 1999). The odd recording has popped up on Doctor Who DVDs, and I hope this trend continues. This has Jon Pertwee, Katy Manning and Nick Courtney, at a 1993 Convention. Pertwee just has the audience in the palm of his hand - wonderful. A pretty good photo gallery rounds things off as usual.
I had heard that this DVD was not chock full of extra features, it being a single disc and all that. However I beg to disagree - there's stacks of good stuff here!. Nice combination of interviews, Blue Peter, BSB highlights, trailers and convention footage. Another brilliant Doctor Who DVD release 9/10