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What a contrast to part one, a rip roaring yarn, good fun and more development of his temporary companion. The reintroduction of the guardians although inspected is done well, with a good balance of humour and the impact of lost power. Some great one liners makes this a great listen.
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 | The Rescue... of the DVD schedule! |
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| What: | The Rescue & The Romans (BBC classic series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
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| By: | Huw Davies, Taunton, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Tuesday 24 February 2009 |
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| Rating: |  10 |
This story marks the second in brilliant run of DVDs for 2009. Things are looking goos for later too, with The War Games being the one I'm most looking forward to.
But back to the DVD - The first story, "The Rescue" is possibly my favourite Hartnell, and definitely goes in my all-time Dr Who top 10. This is due to a great David Whitaker story plus fab Chris Barry direction. The extras are a good documentary and an interesting photo gallery, 10/10
"The Romans" is a 4-parter that brought comedy to Who. It is full of historical inaccuracies but is good drama and brill comedy. The extras are better - a fascinating documentary, a feature on Dennis Spooner and a also one on the Doctor's 60s female companions, 10/10
Finally, a second Morbius story! A further exploration of the character was a great idea, as all we had before (officially, anyway) was the single story, The Brain of Morbius, which itself dripped with delectable backstory. The Vengeance of Morbius dips into the dark legend a bit, and is a fantastic season-ender, but is ultimately a little too rushed. If good enough material could've been developed for this, a third episode could've been great here, to make this truly epic. Even so, what we've got, even with the rather limited "screen time" the resurrected Morbius actually gets, is quite an event. The Time Lords fear his return so much that they quarantine Gallifrey and are time-scooping any stragglers that could be used by his devotee, Zarodnix, very ably played by Kenneth Colley, for Morbius' resurrection. And the Sisterhood fears the return of Morbius so much that they're ready to vaporize any stragglers they come across. Either way, it's big trouble for the Doctor. In spite of all efforts, Morbius does indeed return, and wreaks vast havoc on the galaxy. As I've mentioned, The Vengeance of Morbius has an epic quality to it, which is ultimately cut short and rushed to its conclusion. As a result, the listener may feel a little cheated, but what we get is so enjoyable that it's still very satisfying. And the cliffhanger ending to the season leaves that tantalizing anticipation of the next story, next season...
| What: | Sisters of the Flame (Eighth Doctor Adventures audios) |
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| By: | Doug, Pocono Summit, PA, USA |
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| Date: | Saturday 21 February 2009 |
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| Rating: |  9 |
It's possible I'm somewhat biased in regard to the Eighth Doctor audios, because I'm a great fan of McGann's Doctor and Smith's Lucie. But I found Sisters of the Flame to be quite enjoyable. Thanks in large part to the two lead actors I believe, as well as the roughly 50-minute lengths and competent script-editing, the Eighth Doctor series episodes generally have a really good flow and are very engaging - able to hold my attention and really draw me into the story. Sisters of the Flame continues that trend. We also get a nice performance from Alexander Siddig (of Deep Space Nine, etc.) as Rosto, who makes the story more interesting than it would've been without him. This is a great story in which to see the Time Lords again and also finally see the Sisterhood once more. It works nicely and makes the listener quite interested in what will happen in the following story, which is part two of this two-parter...
| What: | The Doomwood Curse (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
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| By: | Doug, Pocono Summit, PA, USA |
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| Date: | Saturday 21 February 2009 |
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| Rating: | 5 |
Absolute piffle!
What redeems The Doomwood Curse and makes it somewhat listenable are: 1. A few cute jokes here and there, 2. The valiant effort of the cast, 3. The fun and interesting interplay between the Sixth Doctor and Charley, and 4. The enjoyable interviews in the CD extras.
What exists other than those redeeming traits is a totally nonsensical story featuring some annoying aliens and some kind of "fiction enabling virus" they've created (along with its equally absurd antidote), non-stop over-the-top lines of dialogue (which is admittedly a bit fun at times, particularly with "Gypsy Charlotte"), and an 18th Century setting. Mainly, The Doomwood Curse is a supremely ridiculous audio release...
This is by no means the worst missing adventure by a long shot, it's just unengaging. I found reading it to be an effort, not a pleasure.
| What: | The E-Space Trilogy (BBC classic series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
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| By: | Trevor Smith, Nottingham, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Thursday 19 February 2009 |
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| Rating: | 9 |
The three story's in this box set are excellent. Full Circle, State of Decay & Warriors Gate are some of the best Dr Who story's ever. They are bold, exciting & very imaginative. An excellent way to (almost) end Tom Baker's time as the Doctor. Lalla Ward's role as Romana also comes to a brave, logical ending.
However, much as I enjoyed the story's, once again brilliant brought back to full glory buy the wonderful people at the Restoration team, I was very disappointed by some of the extras. There are a couple of documentaries on State of Decay that while interesting in themselves have nothing whatsoever to do with Doctor Who. What is the point ?
Anyway with that small quibble apart I would highly reccomened this box set.
| What: | The E-Space Trilogy (BBC classic series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
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| By: | Huw Davies, Taunton, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Wednesday 18 February 2009 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
This is a good start to the brilliant schedule of DVDs in '09: The Rescue/The Romans, The Deadly Assassin, The War Games and this is brilliant.
Now, to the actual discs. "Full Circle" is a great example of fan writing, with effective monsters in the Marshmen and a good story that passes quickly and doesn't drag. The extras include a feature on the possibility of E-Space actually existing.
"State of Decay" is a Terrance Dicks masterpiece, coupling vampire mythology with Time Lord continuity. The story is more interesting the Full Circle, although the villain at the end of the piece doesnt look too good. the extras aren't as good as the others, as they are more to do with vampires than Who.
"Warriors' Gate" is the best of the three, addressing issues such as slavery. It is also a sad, but effective departure for Romana and K9. The extras are also brilliant, too; a "making-of" feature being the highlight of the disc
Overall 10/10 for everything!
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| Demontage unpaints a hidden picture |
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| What: | Demontage (BBC Eighth Doctor novels) |
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| By: | Chris Hodgson, Bradford, UK |
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| Date: | Wednesday 18 February 2009 |
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| Rating: | 8 |
Demontage was *the* book in the EDA series that gripped me. I'd read most of the previous stories released by borrowing from a local library when I lived in Essex in the late 1990's.
To review this in too much detail would spoil the plot... and that would be unfair if you've not read this "whodunnit" tale of mystery and intrigue. It's suffice to say that the character development ramps up here considerably and it's this that makes it such a turning point in the EDA series. The space station on which it is set, entices other nefarious characters into play, each trying to lure the Doctor's companions into their own world, for their own means. Even the invulnerable Doctor is almost drawn in... The ending is sparkling, but the intrigue remains right up to it.
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| A great taste of humour.... |
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Ive seen many a person quote that the William Hartnell era of Doctor Who was either boring or not half as visually grand as the later years to come. And i have to disagree on both accounts. William Hartnell brought the Doctor to life with his grumpy yet trustworthy Doctor, and in this part of the role he seems actually the best of all the doctors ever to grace the tv screen. Another rubbish thing ive heard is that The Chase was a utter load of codswallop, but again i must disagree. The Chase definitly has its share of laugh out loud moments, but this is not merely a total gag reel. I think this experiment with the daleks actually works, and there is a whole wealth of great moments in this story, up to the climatic battle between the daleks and the mechanoids in the final episode. This has so many elements all packed into one story, in many respects it is similar to that other great classic, the Keys Of Marinus, well it would be when its scripted by the same writer. And it also ends well on a touching goodbye to Ian and Barbara, always played brilliantly by William Russell and Jacqueline Hill. And the daleks are pretty nasty, and this story does feature my favourite dalek scene, when the dalek rises from the sand! Well done i think for the limited resources available at the time.
Rememberance of the daleks is also a fantastic and fast paced dalek romp. the two factions are nastier than ever and the explosions are some of the best ever to be seen on doctor who. Sylvester Mccoy is a great and underrated Doctor i feel.This story has it all, great scenes of action and yet some good refelective and emotional scenes too. Everything that Doctor Who should be is present in both these stories. Great dalek madness!
| What: | Wooden Heart (BBC New Series Adventures novels) |
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| By: | Kristin, New Zealand |
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| Date: | Saturday 7 February 2009 |
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| Rating: | 6 |
I liked it but i thought towards the end it dragged on little
| What: | The Eyeless (BBC New Series Adventures novels) |
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| By: | Tim, Australia |
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| Date: | Friday 6 February 2009 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
I can't believe how goog this book was. It's far better than any other New Series book I've read so far. The character of the Doctor is amazing, exctly like David Tennant portrays him, with just the right mixture of excitement, despair and conviction. The original characters are diverse, fascinating and play important and enjoyable roles in the story.
The alien race Parkin created, the Eyeless, are remarkable, unique and very interesting antagonists. The plot is very both absorbing and its scope is amazing. This story has all the similar elements and gripping power of a series finale from RTD himself.
I'd give an 11 if the review system let me.
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| a very good story indeed..... |
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| What: | The Raincloud Man (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Friday 6 February 2009 |
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| Rating: | 9 |
Well I think its good anyway. I like the new sort of style. This sounds all very realistic in tone and setting. Sort of pretty flipping good to say the least. Well again Anna Hope is back again with a great performance as Menzies, that great missed companion theme running along again, but its great to have a very good sequel to a very good original once in a while. Colin Baker as usual leads the cast with a solid and great performance in a story of twists and turns and many good elements. The Casino brings in a new theme that hasnt really ever been done before in Doctor Who, and for me it works. The only reason this is a nine is because the protracted Doctor Charley thing is getting a tad annoying now, a yarn is good while it has good life. But at least it doesnt dominate the overall good plotting of this story. Yes, overall very good writing indeed.
hey everyone! ok... so series 4 dvd. firstly the episodes r awsome, donna(catherine) is awsome and the aliens r awsome! the extras r ok but i dont buy a series because of the extras, I buy it because i like the series (I think thats a good way to determin if you wanna buy a series or not) one of the extras is the dr.who confidential episode called monsters and music (or music and monsters). all in all I think it would be unfare to give it below a 9! anyway ive got a snow day now so cya! ;)
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| Silly Voices and a weak middle |
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The one bad thing about ice warriors are their voice, so on audio, much of the time is struggling to understand what is being said. The Judgement of Isskar although a good plot lost its way in the middle but finished welled. However struggling with ice warriors hissing and insect screaching, I almost gave up. I was look forward to this but it didn't deliver
| What: | Battlefield (BBC classic series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
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| By: | Ruby Simkin, Australia |
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| Date: | Sunday 1 February 2009 |
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| Rating: | 8 |
Great actors
Great video cover
great for the doctors first dvd!
exellent that the brigadeer and unit back!
i rate i9t 8/10!
Great story
Great video cover
Selvester mcCoy is one of my fav doctors hes funny and a great actor
ace is too.
The clowns were good, but creepy, scary and spooky!
I love the 2nd doctor hes a great actor so is, the brigadeer, unit, jamie, zoe and isabel
The cyberman were great enemys but they will be back! i rate it 8.5/10!
| What: | Beautiful Chaos (BBC New Series Adventures novels) |
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| By: | Tim, Maroochydore, Queensland |
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| Date: | Friday 30 January 2009 |
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| Rating: | 7 |
Extremely difficult to follow if you are not well acquainted with the original encounter between the Doctor and the antagonist of the story - which occured in the Old Who serial 'The Masque of Mandragora'.
Normally I would have just googled the details and read the summary of the serial's plot and been able to more fully understand the book but I read the book while on holidays and with no internet I was left rereading bits to try and connect them with what had already been written.
The story's sense of flow was completely missing - with several minutes filling a chapter and sometimes the better part of a day taking up on a handful of paragraphs. Many times the dialogue became hard to follow amongst the action and sometimes the action was hard to follow amongst the dialogue.
The climax was a little smart but the filler between the introduction of the enemy and the confrontation was extremely dependant on unusual assumptions and prerequisite knowledge.
The only saving grace for the story was the presence of Wilf, his friend Netty and one particular scene in the book which delightfully completes a pattern that has come to exist with the various mother's of the Doctor's recent companions, heh - it's not much reason to read a whole book... but if you do you'll laugh too.
I'm afraid the story oly fetchs a seven from me.
| What: | The Story of Martha (BBC New Series Adventures novels) |
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| By: | Tim, Maroochydore, Queensland |
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| Date: | Friday 30 January 2009 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
I'm a very imaginative person and have previously considered with some intent what the journey of Martha during that year was like and I was greatly impressed by the 'official' events and the detailed accounting of her survival and bravery.
The details about the post-apocalyptic world, the slave camps, the human survivor groops, the Master's enforcers and the resistance are all well written and build a wonderfully detailed backdrop to the journey. Accompanied by Martha's hard learned lessons and realisations the story is furthur improved beyond even that by the short stories.
As Martha travels and tells the people of the world about the Doctor and gives them hope she tells of several adventures that are all truly remarkable and entirely captivating.
The characterisation of Martha was very good and the other characters both her allies and her enemies are also very enjoyable. Futhermore the true story behind the demise of Japan and the truth behind it also formed a wonderful climax to finish the story.
If there was any fault to the book it was that it finished too soon. Her trip across the Americas wasn't included, likely because of length. Also the Toclafane weren't nearly as prevelant as I imagined they could have been.
Overall the book was a masterpiece installment and considering the absence of the Doctor in all but spirit the result was a marvellous read.
