COMMENT Spoliers
ahead
Note: the DVD was viewed with the commentary and Information
Text features running.
The rubberised jacket.
Whose
idea was that?
Will
be have a limited edition faux leather jacket for the first Eccleston series?
Nearly
20 years since RESURRECTION OF THE DALEKS experimented with
the 45 minute format and daleks infiltrating present day Earth, we are heading
for more of the same in 2005. Nothing is more exciting (and sells) than Skaro's
finest scuttling down London's streets, add to that a military presence and you'll
the most jaded DOCTOR WHO fan happy. Very happy.
After
the stunning appearance of the Cybermen in the previous season, it was inevitable
that Terry Nation's pension would reappear within months.
This one of the
most perfect, most informative and most entertaining DVD packages within the DOCTOR
WHO brand.
Leading the way
is the addition of a cast and crew commentary. Unlike his predecessor on the
commentary of THE ARK IN SPACE, Davison is sublimely coherent
and deft with a turn of phrase, and along with Fielding and Robinson deliver
an all consuming 'triple-act'.
Some
of their classic discussions? Janet Fielding's legs being described by a fan
as "sturdy
but beautiful"; Mark Strickland's 'backwards-look acting ability' which
never fails to raise a smile; Davison spotting spaceship crew member smoking
in shot "Is she smoking a cigarette?"
Production Director,
Robinson muses on the framing of shots he directed, the atmospheric lighting
within Dalek Control, the much-missed Maurice Colbourne (who died in 1989) to
look menacing with a single glance, single camera shots during complicated battle
scenes, the excellent poison-gas disfigurement make-up and actors exquisite ability
to act the most ridiculous scenes.
Robinson
is featured, along with Writer/Script Editor, Eric Saward on location in Shad
Thames (once a derelict warehouse area but now a swanky restaurant and residential
area). Unfortunately, they are not joined by Producer, John Nathan-Turner due
to the bitter rivalry between Saward and Nathan-Turner. It would have been a
perfect time to let bygones by bygones, as just six weeks later Nathan-Turner
died. Three talented people who crafted the series for a modern audience (resulting
in double-figure ratings).
BBC
BREAKFAST TIME has always been DOCTOR WHO-friendly
since 1983. Featured here are two occasions. The first, on the 'comfy-sofa' are
Fielding and Nathan-Turner discussing the formers departure during RESURRECTION.
Secondly, BBC RADIOPHONIC WORKSHOP operatives, Brian Hodgson
and Malcolm Clarke demonstrate the techniques behind creating music for the production.
And
that's about it. The remaining Extras are basic - and singularly annoying (TARDIS-Cam).
Trailer, Music-only option, 5.1 Sound Mix and Photographic Gallery.
However, RESURRECTION
OF THE DALEKS DVD presentation is like finding that at the toe-end of
the Christmas stocking a shiny sixpence (ask your Grandparents!) is nestled.
After all its fillers have been hurriedly removed - the tangerine, chocolate
bar and the lump of good-luck coal - you still have something precious to keep
and its value will accumulate over the years to come.
But
the rubberised jacket?