There are 4,149 reviews so far. To add a review of your own, click on the item in question, then click the Vote link.
| What: | Paradise Towers (BBC classic series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
|
| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
|
| Date: | Monday 11 July 2011 |
|
| Rating: |  10 |
Paradise Towers always seems to be one of those very badly recieved Doctor Who stories. But I for one am not going to lambaste a story that is genuinely execellent in every respect.
The First major success factor of this story is Sylvester McCoy, his Doctor is such a different one from all the previous Doctors. He's at once more mysterious, more deep and more unpredictable. He actually may just be the perfect mix as the Doctor. He gives a truly alien feel to the character.
The second factor is Bonnie Langford as Mel. She's given her most meaty script segment here, and she's not just the out and out screamer many seem to think she is. She has guts here, and her handling of Pex is brilliantly done. Mel Bush is a brilliant character!
Those old ladies are suitably disarming, in the fact that they truly do seem genuinely sweet until that dark as hell twist at the climax of episode two. Miss Spriggs especially is execellent as Tabby.
The Kangs too are brilliantly realised. They are such wonderfully OTT girl gangs, all the actresses though bring such heart and feeling to the roles that really electrifies the story no end. The fact that all the people in the towers come together at the end of the story for me is a lovely touch.
And some might lambaste Richard Briers for his totally OTT take on the Chief Caretaker, but I love his approach. Its a serious source of comic relief amoungst the darker elements of the script. And his rendition of Kroagnon once in the Caretakers body is very plausible, As I do believe a voice would be rather distorted if its from a mind thats just inhabited a new body!
So, I really cant see anything at all wrong with this story. Theres so much imagination rampant through the tale, its engaging and different. Its packed with first class acting talent and its one of the very best Doctor Who stories ever.
It boasts it all: comedy, action, thrills, scares. Brilliant stuff.
| What: | Series 6: Part 1 (BBC new series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
|
| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
|
| Date: | Monday 11 July 2011 |
|
| Rating: |  8 |
I must admit I approached watching this sixth season of the new Who with much trepedation. Im getting fastly tired of the series up until here. Gratefully, overall, I was hugely surprised by how good this season is overall. There are still a few weaknesses, but far less than in the last series.
The weaknesses come in the opening two parter, and in the finale. Id like to know what exactly the Silence had invaded earth for in the first place, as this is not touched on in the script at all. And the Doctor's lack of mercy with these creatures again highlights the point that this Doctor now isnt all that much of a hero. Id have thought he'd have given his token one chance for the creatures to leave, before having them all murdered. But aside from this quibble, the silence themselves are very creepy indeed, in may book more creepy even than the Weeping Angels.
The Finale story is just another convuluted load of garbage one has to state here. Theres just too much packed into 50 minutes, that the episode sags seriously and becomes in many areas incomprehensible. About the only decent factor of this story is Matt Smith's performance, and that guy whose the wonderfully characterised Sontaran. But Im trying to get my head around everything else along the way. And how exactly was this the Doc's darkest hour? He's faced far worse in his time than what he does here. And the partial resolution to the mystery of River Song has rather fallen short of my expectations. Just to be the daughter of Amy, whats so earth shattering about that? And dont even get me started on why he just walks away from Amy and Rory in the end...
But the four in between stories are quite brilliant through and through. The Curse of The Black Spot may be just about the most stupid title of a Who story ever, but the story itself is exellently written. The siren looks very good indeed, and Arthur Darvill reaches his heights here as Rory. I love this guy, hes so funny and yet so brilliant. The ship itself and all the crew are exellent too, especially Hugh Bonneville who takes to the lead brilliantly as the Pirate Captain. Theres a real good neat twist at the end too, which is warming and good, in the vein of the SARAH JANE ADVENTURE The Mad Woman in The Attic. A nice and calm and good ending.
The Doctor's wife is a real piece of action with a decent plot that is meaty and with acting prowess to match, its an original story too. And the TARDIS in female form is rather brilliantly thought out. Another highly recommended episode for once I have to admit here. That the TARDIS actually picked the Doctor for travels together is believable, and the story also keeps pace very well. And we have the Time Lord distress box back at last, last seen in The War Games!!! WOW! And here its utilised well again as in the brilliant Patrick Troughton finale.
The Rebel Flesh and The Almost People is one of the finest episodes of the series since Chris Eccleston came to the role in 2005. It is freaky as hell, and the Gangers are suitably unsettling and menacing, yet at the same time you really truly feel for them, as they have been misused and maltreated for so long. This makes for an electrically charged story that doesnt seem like 80 minutes at all, its so well paced and the drama is tense and riveting. The finale is suitably shocking too, and should have led into a brilliant finale, but it sadly didnt. But this still is far far better a season so far than series five in almost every respect. The writing is of a far higher standard, and the acting is too. This isnt on the spot, but its the closest to the mark since Catherine Tate left the role of Donna after her full season...
| What: | The Doctor Who Audio Guide (Miscellaneous factual books) |
|
| By: | Colin John Francis, Somerton, United Kingdom |
|
| Date: | Monday 11 July 2011 |
|
| Rating: | 10 |
Still available :-)
 |  |  |
 | A nice collection of clips. |
|
| | |
An interesting 'documentary' concerning the Rise and Rise of the new series. It's 'scary' to think that Christopher Eccleston seems so long ago now.
"A small number of the "original" CDs were distributed prior to the recall, which should turn out to be a very rare collector's item for the lucky recipients." = Yay! That'll be me then :-)
| | |
| Back to the standard format |
|
| | |
After the cliff hanger of the last story, I was looking for something that continued the hard hitting story and twists. It didn't happen and we have gone straight back to the standard Benny story.
Dispite this big moan, Tartarus gate is still a good story, with Benny and her boy friend vs the Bad guys.
So the range continues with a good story but hoping the plot develops with future stories.
| | |
| At last hard core drama and action |
|
| | |
This starts as the typical Benny story, light hearted fun, stumbling into another adventure. Horror you are in for a surprise, as this quickly turns into a fast paced hard hitting (at times disturbing) story.
For some I'm sure it will feel too much of a change but I thought it was great.
| What: | The Perpetual Bond (The Companion Chronicles audiobooks) |
|
| By: | Clive T Wright, St Lawrence, United Kingdom |
|
| Date: | Sunday 10 July 2011 |
|
| Rating: | 8 |
This story could have been written for the credit crunch. A mirror of our world today, with a good question "what depths would do we go to make money during hard times".
In many ways this is a tongue in check romp, a light hearted poke at the 60s and old school boy net work.
A fun and enjoyable story.
| What: | Find and Replace (The Companion Chronicles audiobooks) |
|
| By: | Clive T Wright, St Lawrence, United Kingdom |
|
| Date: | Sunday 10 July 2011 |
|
| Rating: | 10 |
Jo & Iris are delivered with great style and energy by Katy Maning in a fun, sad story that takes us down memory lane with great style.
I've never followed Iris' stories but after listening to this, I think I will pick up some of her stories.
| What: | The Doll of Death (The Companion Chronicles audiobooks) |
|
| By: | Clive T Wright, St Lawrence, United Kingdom |
|
| Date: | Sunday 10 July 2011 |
|
| Rating: | 10 |
At times a little creepy, lots of twists, lots of time (although backwards), bucket loads of atmosphere and a great reading.
The Doll of death is so far one of my favourates.
| | |
| A great start to the line |
|
| | |
| What: | Frostfire (The Companion Chronicles audiobooks) |
|
| By: | Clive T Wright, St Lawrence, United Kingdom |
|
| Date: | Sunday 10 July 2011 |
|
| Rating: | 9 |
I like many have picked up listening to the Companion range in the wrong order but was very interested to see how it started.
Frostfire dosen't disappoint, quickly you are taking back into the world and feel of the first doctor. It's great to see what happened to Vikki and hear as he past becomes linked with her future with a clever plot.
Sadly Disappointing
| | |
| Limited music but what the hey |
|
| | |
| What: | Travels in Time and Space (Target novelisation readings) |
|
| By: | Huw Davies, Taunton, United Kingdom |
|
| Date: | Friday 8 July 2011 |
|
| Rating: | 10 |
This is a superb set. The three stories are all very well written and read expertly by 'Ian' actor William Russell, especially 'The Crusaders'. My one gripe is there is not the same scope of music one has come to expect from these CDs but to be honest it doesn't detract from the story and what music and sound effects are there are effective.
Thoroughly recommended (if you can get hold of a copy!) 10/10
| What: | Rat Trap (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
|
| By: | Clive T Wright, St Lawrence, United Kingdom |
|
| Date: | Thursday 7 July 2011 |
|
| Rating: | 9 |
In many ways Rat Trap is a clever and original story, turning the tables on man's treatment of animals. Companions are show the best (or worst) of their character, which as times is fun in a cruel way.
There is a hint of the future for Tegan, perhaps something nasty will come back. At times a little confusing with lots of cast members running about smelly tunnels, which is the only reason its not a 10.
| What: | Earth Story (BBC classic series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
|
| By: | Trevor Smith, Nottingham, United Kingdom |
|
| Date: | Wednesday 6 July 2011 |
|
| Rating: | 8 |
Hard to rate two different story's but here goes.
The Gunfighters has always got a lot of flack from fans, usually over the actors American accents, but to me they are (mostly) pretty good.
The sets are excellent and the story is enjoyable. William Hartnell is excellent and reveals his comic acting & this certainly Jackie Lane's finest hour. It's only spoilt by that bloody song !
The Awakening is an enjoyable romp. Lots of good location work & good costumes with a story that doesn't outstay it's welcome. The monster is the only let down. It never quite works. and why at the end is no one amazed, surprised shocked by being in the TARDIS ?
The best extra on either disc is The End Of The Line an excellent, in-depth look at the troubled third year of Doctor Who.
| What: | Frontios (BBC classic series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
|
| By: | Trevor Smith, Nottingham, United Kingdom |
|
| Date: | Wednesday 6 July 2011 |
|
| Rating: | 7 |
Once again a story that has lots of interesting ideas that never quite works.
The TARDIS is destroyed !.... but no one seems really bothered.
Huge burrowing monsters that drag people underground...that just don't work, and are very camp, and so on.
That's not to say it's all bad. The sets are very good and there are some excellent acting performances especially from Jeff Rawle as Plantagent.
The extras are nothing to write home about apart from, as usual, interesting "making of" documentary.
| What: | Mannequin Mania (BBC classic series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
|
| By: | Trevor Smith, Nottingham, United Kingdom |
|
| Date: | Wednesday 6 July 2011 |
|
| Rating: | 10 |
As I've said before, Jon Pertwee was my Doctor and this has both his beginnings.
His actual debut & the start of his battles with the Master.
Spearhead starts the 3rd Doctor in great style. The Autons are great monsters and its lovely to see the Brigadier back, even in a horrible uniform.
The Special edition DVD is light years ahead of the original release in terms of its restoration and features Down To Earth, a look at the making of this story and how it saved the programme.
The restoration work on Terror of the Autons is staggering compared to the VHS copy. It is a joy to see it presented so well.
Life on Earth is a really good making of Documentary.
All in all very highly recommended.
| What: | Planet of the Spiders (BBC classic series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
|
| By: | Trevor Smith, Nottingham, United Kingdom |
|
| Date: | Wednesday 6 July 2011 |
|
| Rating: | 8 |
It light of recent events, the death of Elisabeth Sladen, this is now an even more poignant story.
Jon Pertwee was my doctor growing up the 70's & I can still remember how upset I was when he left, but still this is a hell of goodbye.
Action packed (even if if the chase scene is far to long), heroic, thought provoking, interesting character's & a very moving end.
The story does drag a bit towards the end but what a final episode.
The extras are a bit thin but do consist of The Final Curtain, an in depth look at the end of the 3rd Doctors era & the making of Planet of the Spiders & an interesting interview with John Kane who stared as Tommy.
The end of an era.
The commentary with Barry Letts, Elisabeth Sladen & Nick Courtney is both wonderful but very sad.
| What: | Mara Tales (BBC classic series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
|
| By: | Trevor Smith, Nottingham, United Kingdom |
|
| Date: | Wednesday 6 July 2011 |
|
| Rating: | 9 |
These two tales have long been held in high regard by Dr Who fans and rightly so.
They are full of imagination, wonder & surprise. And they are at times genuinely creepy, particularly Tegan's dream/nightmare sequences.
The acting is spot on with top marks to Simon Rouse as Hindle, surely one of the best ever guest acting spots in Dr Who history. Richard Todd as a man who has lost the plot is also excellent.
With the added CGI extra of a new snake this is near perfection.
The only let down is the poor sets on both story's. The jungle is just never convincing. Just think how good the jungle in Planet of Evil was & that was 10 years ago.
Both DVDs have excellent "making of" documentaries as well as lots of other goodies.
Highly recommended
| | |
| Its the end of the world as we know it.. |
|
| | |
| What: | The Ark (BBC classic series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
|
| By: | Trevor Smith, Nottingham, United Kingdom |
|
| Date: | Wednesday 6 July 2011 |
|
| Rating: | 6 |
The Ark is full of good ideas that should be brilliant but ultimately fails.
The last surviving humans, a one eyed intelligent race, the race to cure a killer disease, a live elephant. All these should have made for a cracking story and yet..
The Moniods are poor. Poorly designed and thought out. The trial seems to go on forever and is so dull. The acting from the humans, Peter Purves & William Hartnell aside, is dull & what the hell is a "security kitchen" ? & as for Jackie Lane, her accent wonders up & down the UK
Still it has two great cliff hangers, the earth disintegrating and the reveal of the statue are fantastic, as is the elephant.
The DVD extras for this story are very thin. All's Wells That End Wells is a very tenuous attempt to link the works of HG Wells & Dr Who. One Hit Wonders is a look at why monsters like The Moniods didn't have the popularity of the Daleks (they where crap ?) Riverside Story takes Peter Purves back to the Riverside story's where the early story's where filmed as the best of a poor bunch of extras.
| What: | The Mutants (BBC classic series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
|
| By: | Trevor Smith, Nottingham, United Kingdom |
|
| Date: | Wednesday 6 July 2011 |
|
| Rating: | 7 |
The Mutants is a good example of a good four pointer stretched over six episodes.
The reflection of the social and political points of the time (racism, colonialism etc) get a bit lost in the (to obvious) padding out of the story.
Still Jon Pertwee , as ever, is excellent & Garrick Hagon who plays Ky is excellent.
While the story never gets as dull or silly as The Time Monster, I did find my mind wondering at times
The DVD extras are excellent. Mad Mutt is a comprehensive look at the making of the story & Race Against Time is one of the best, and most interesting DVD documentaries ever produced. It looks at the representation of non-white actors in classic Dr Who. As someone who grew up, and of course watched a lot of TV in the 60's & 70's it is thoroughly thought provoking and, for me, put TV of those eras in a whole new light. The end of the this feature, which features alternative black Doctors is superb
