Doctor Who: The Complete Specials (The Next Doctor / Planet of the Dead / The Waters of Mars / The End of Time Parts 1 and 2) [Blu-ray]
This stunning collection of Doctor Who specials – The Next Doctor, Planet of the Dead, The Waters of Mars and The End of Time, Part One & Two – is a must own for all Doctor Who fans. The four imaginative, action-packed specials are the farewell to star David Tennant, and Russell T Davies, the mastermind behind the rebirth of the modern DoctorWho. The specials culminate in the dramatic regeneration of the Doctor, giving fans their first glimpse of the eleveDoctor, played by Matt Smith. The specials are packed with a terrific lineup of guest stars includingMichelle Ryan (Bionic Woman), David Morrissey (State of Play, Sense and Sensibility), Lindsay Duncan (Alice in Wonderland (2010), Rome, Under the Tuscan Sun) and many more that we can’t reveal just yet!
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars As the Doctor might say, “Fantastic!”
If you’re a fan of Doctor Who, or just good science fiction, who’s been putting off the upgrade to Blu-ray…here’s a most compelling reason to make the switch now. These 4 special episodes shine brightly in the hi-def format. BBC gave us a taste of this with last year’s release of Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead [Blu-ray] (which was the first episode to be filmed in HD) as well as the 3 series of Torchwood. I’m not sure what the British are doing different from the U.S. or other countries, but their hi-definition programs are simply the best I have seen in the format.
On the chance that you’re not familiar with these special episodes themselves, here’s a quick run-down. Please note, this review does contain minor SPOILERS:
THE NEXT DOCTOR: The 2008 Christmas special. The Doctor visits Victorian England, where he encounters another man claiming to be the Doctor. I won’t spoil the surprise, but there are some nice twists and a standout performance from David Morrisey in the title role. This was the first of the modern Doctor’s episodes without a regular companion. It was also the last episode before the switch to hi-definition, but the upconvert used here looks fantastic, so it’s really a non-issue as far as I’m concerned.
PLANET OF THE DEAD: Aired on Easter, 2009. The Doctor and a woman on the run (The Bionic Woman’s Michelle Ryan) are among a busload of passengers who find themselves stranded on a desert planet overrun with terrifying flying creatures. Most folks agree this one’s just an average adventure. But, it looks stunning.
THE WATERS OF MARS: A great, creepy tale set on mid-21st century Mars. The Doctor has some hard choices to make when he realizes a group of Martian colonists are destined to die on the day he arrives. It’s also one of David Tennant’s finest hours, as he begins to confront the prophecy regarding his own death that he was told at the end of Planet of the Dead.
THE END OF TIME: This two-parter was the end of David Tennant’s tenure as the famous Time Lord. While confronting his own mortality, the Doctor also must face the enemy who knows him best. . .and the power of a forgotten race that is using the power of time itself to reshape its own destiny. It’s a bit of a mixed bag (particularly part 1), but it’s still highly engaging and a fitting resolution to the 10th Doctor’s journey.
As with the individual season episodes, each special includes an hour-long documentary, Doctor Who Confidential. These are typically well-made and informative shows that die-hard fans will appreciate. Most everyone else will probably watch them once (if at all) and not again.
More interesting (to me, anyway) is “Doctor Who at the Proms,” an hour-long special. It features the music of the show performed live at the Royal Albert Hall. But this is no mere concert; it features actors in costume as Cybermen, Judoon, etc. that interact with the audience. And it’s hosted by Freema Aygemen, with an appearance by Catherine Tate.
As I said at the outset, these shows look fantastic on Blu-ray. If you’re a fan, this is really a no-brainer. As Doctor Who moves into a new era with a new actor in the role, it’s very gratifying to know that BBC is providing fans with the best possible versions of these final adventures with the 10th Doctor.
5 Stars The Final Chapter for David Tennant’s Version of The Doctor
If you are a Die Hard Fan of the New Updated Doctor Who Series
Or been through The Classic Dr. Line-up This seems to be a Must have BR Box Set
This Story Arc Once again is Gonna Change everything in the Universe and Mythology of the World’s Favorite & Only Time Lord
David Tennant is in the Same League as Previous Doctor’s Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Sylvester McCoy & Christopher Eccleston
This being Tennant’s Final 5 Episodes/Specials Leading to his Death/Re-Birth
The Story and Set-up is Much, like Torchwood Children of Men where it’s a Emotional roller coaster
Which goes Beyond SCI-FI and becomes a Form of Art
I had to Pre-Order the BR Box Set
BBC Video Does Stunning BR Transfers
Hopefully it will have Plenty of Extras to make all of us beaten and battered Fans tearfully happy
Can’t wait for the New Year!!!!
Thank You David for keeping the Good Doctor alive
5 Stars Legs! I’ve got legs!
Having just watched “End of Time” broadcast in both lo-def and hi-def, can say that blu-ray will make the most of some of the beautiful matte painting backdrops and sets. Not sure it matters as much for the extensive chase and action sequences - it’s the slower parts that shine. You can really see the emotion on the faces of Dr and Master in some of the close conversations. e.g. “Can you hear it?” in End of Time part 1.
No spoilers other than those almost everywhere on the net, but Tennant goes out on a poignant note that’s different and appropriate. Roaring action, wrenching choices, and a lot of interactions at the end that should please the fans, even if a little downbeat. The first Doctor in a long time (since Pertwee?) to really appreciate the ‘mortality’ of a regeneration.
Set seems a worthy addition to the collection. In order, would rate the episodes best first as
End Of Time,
Waters of Mars,
Next Doctor,
Planet of the Dead,
for any that want them individually.
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