Welcome Doctor Who to DVD
With this release, fans everywhere can finally get what they want: Doctor Who on DVD. We've all been waiting for the show to arrive on disc, and although it's been a bit longer than we'd hoped, this disc (and the other two) are well worth it!
Spearhead from Space - Third Doctor Jon Pertwee's debut story, and the first shown in color - has been carefully restored and remastered for this DVD, and it shows. The DVD looks excellent, with sharp, vibrant colors and a vividness that US fans have never seen before. The disc far surpasses the murky compilation tape put out years ago, with a clear, bright picture, and many of the faults removed.
Besides finally being released episodically - as the story was both broadcast and meant to be seen - the extras are great too. They include a fun, funny commentary by Nicholas Courtney (The Brigadier) and Caroline John (Liz Shaw), some great Production Notes (listed as a subtitle track), a UNIT recruitment film, a "Who's Who" biography...
A glorious release!
"Spearhead From Space" is one of the first three "Doctor Who" DVDs released to North America. It's also the earliest of the stories, a 1970 adventure that introduced both the Third Doctor (Jon Pertwee) and color film to the "DW" universe. A handsomely designed and produced disc, this is instantly one of the best DVDs in my collection, and a real coup for "Doctor Who" merchandise, which has never before seen a release of such high quality.
The story itself is presented in a crisp clear transfer. Most "Doctor Who" fans in the US are familiar with episode quality through nth-generation videotape bootlegs, the occasional commercially-released VHS (of various quality), or through late-night PBS airings. To watch an episode presented so cleanly is a novelty in itself.
It also helps that "Spearhead" is long regarded as one of "Doctor Who"'s finest outings. As the first 1970s tale, it introduces new concepts to the...
A Chilling Classic
Jon Pertwee's debut story has always been considered to be a superior story, arguably the best written debut of any incarnation of the Doctor, and one which introduced many new aspects to his character. Robert Holmes' third script for Doctor Who and his first bonafide classic, 'Spearhead' is equal parts suspense, action and whimsy, presented in an adult and often chilling manner. That's not to say it is perfect. The puppets used for the Nestenes are no where nearly as frightening as the faceless Autons, and the climax is quite comical (possibly intentionally, as it is preceded by so many disturbing scenes of mayhem).
As is often mentioned, the look of this story is unique. Having been shot entirely on location with film, this story has a gritty, realistic look to it which would never be emulated again by the series after the seventh season. As a result, 'Spearhead From Space' is one of the stories most suited for presentation on DVD. The image transfer is crisp, vibrant and...
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