COMMENT Spoliers
ahead
Whilst it is clearly one of
the frequently cited examples of ‘classic’ DOCTOR
WHO, with an extraordinary set of five episode cliffhangers (that in
its self is staggering as a four episode television story), but is it worthy
(i.e. too young) for DVD release so soon. There are numerous pre-Davison (and
even pre-Tom Baker) stories that could be sought from the ‘archives’,
dusted-off and released to whet the appetite for fans.
But
that is it.
BBC
WORLDWIDE are obliged to balance the insatiable and whimsical fans and the need
to be ‘commercial‘ (you never know, passing trade could be tempted
to buy a copy), releasing a ‘popular’ Doctor (ratings in the 10 millions),
a colour format and a returning populist monster.
Am
I being cynical? Certainly, EARTHSHOCK is worthy of a ‘clean-up’ and
analysis.
Even
more so as we count down to the 2005 TV series. Why? It is ‘genetic’ DOCTOR
WHO whilst being within John Nathan Turner’s “bringing
the series into the 1980’s” window of opportunity. It is prime
example of his perspective of ‘new’ WHO. Strands
of craftsmanship (scripting, design, lighting, direction and acting) effortlessly
weaved theoughout resulting in a masterpiece of television drama of its time.
Collinson and T. Davies to take note.
Watching
the DVD with a non-WHO colleague, the immediate comment at the
end of the ‘session’ was, “that would have made
a great film!”. Was I to laugh or agree with the statement? Certainly,
with the inclusion of the additional CGI material, the production had a ‘cinematic
depth’.
The ‘shock’umentary, PUTTING
THE ‘SHOCK’ INTO EARTHSHOCK, charts the expectations and
reactions of ‘notable’ viewers (including a UK Conservative Member
of Parliament who must have had something better to do for his Constituents)
to the original broadcast. Interesting. As interesting as weighing earwax whilst
licking wet paint off a wall that you got bored watching.
Am
I being cynical? Did the documentary build upon my knowledge of the drama? No,
it was purely hedonistic for those taking part. Like those definitive points
in history (‘The JFK moment’ or ‘The Diana moment’),
you were either there or you weren’t. I was there, leaping back into the
armchair and uttering a whispered expletive (my parents were in the next room)
as the Cyber Leader boomed his order.
EPISODE
5 of EARTHSHOCK was a parody, wasn’t it? A masterstroke.
That’s all you are going to get here, watch it and enjoy.
DID
YOU SEE? was one of the first TV documentaries (in addition to those
presented on the perennial BLUE PETER) that seriously discussed DOCTOR
WHO that I watched (and captured on the newly rented, state-of-the-art,
top-loading video recorder). Like THE FIVE FACES OF DOCTOR WHO repeat
season, this documentary offered my first glimpses of Hartnell and Troughton
Doctors. “Wonderful stuff”.
Viewing
the ‘naked’ (with no music and sound effects) film scenes
of LOCATION FILM SEQUENCES is fascinating, and proves how precious
the work of a composer is (often we ignore incidental music) in creating atmosphere
and direction.
The
studio commentary by the TARDIS regulars is, again, the highlight of the DVD
Extras. Davison is dry. Fielding salaciously teeters on the edge of a BBFC 12
rating. Sutton is K9-esque. Waterhouse has his hand in a pocket.
In
coming years, the halcyon days of Season 19 will be visited and revived as part
of BBC WORLDWIDE’s exploitation of DOCTOR WHO fans.
What?
Exploitation? Unlike major ‘television series’, DOCTOR
WHO is released singularly at £19.99, so the final cost of Season
19 DVDs would be £139.93 (for example a complete Season of BUFFY
THE VAMPIRE SLAYER would cost £44.99).
What
would you prefer?
