The Tenth Planet

"What did you say, my boy? It's all over? That's what you said... but it isn't at all. It's far from being all over..."

The interesting thing on this DVD release is not The Tenth Planet itself. It's the three minutes of footage from an interview with William Hartnell for a BBC regional news programme; the only filmed interview with Hartnell known to exist. It's a fascinating portrait.

But what of The Tenth Planet itself? It's one of the most historical stories from this era being the first appearance of the Cybermen and the first regeneration. It starts out strongly enough but then goes all wonky due to Hartnell coming down ill prior to the recording of episode 3. But I still wish episode 4 could be rediscovered just so this story can finally be complete. Until then we have the animated version of that episode to complete the story. And compared to what footage does exist it's a pretty good reconstruction.

It doesn't see the First Doctor bow out in a blaze of glory or is the strongest story of the era. But it's still worth a look for historical value.

Keeping Up with the Joneses

This one started promisingly. But by the end it was a muddled mess.

Into the Nowhere

Sorry but I didn't enjoy this. I think it's another example of someone who may be a good writer in other genres, but that doesn't make them a Doctor Who writer.

The 50th Anniversary Collection

Bugger! They didn't include the music from City of Death in this collection. That stuffed up my plans to recreate the classic series medley in iTunes.

Aside from that oversight, this is a good collection of the many composers and style that have featured in Doctor Who's long history with some surprises (Paddy Kingsland's score for Mawdryn Undead win the award for the most bonkers score in the shows history). Plus I now have every variation of the theme music in existence.