The Show
The Doctor is back, but with a new face and personality as well as a new companion. For those who don't understand, that's because in this BBC import the time traveling Time Lord known only as "The Doctor" (don't call him Doctor Who) has the ability to regenerate rather than die. This has allowed the series to survive through three recent actors since the relaunch of the series, not to mention seven previous incarnations as well as one from the made-for-TV movie.
Matt Smith steps into the title character (yes, we said don't call him Doctor Who) where he manages to bring a bit more mystery to the role while still capturing the charms of the previous Doctor, played by David Tennent. A little too much time is spent, especially in the season's first episode, with the Doctor recovering from this transformation, and getting acquainted with new companion Amy Pond (Karen Gillan). The season flows smoothly enough with episodes that stand on their own, while still offering an overall arc that ties it all together. About the only complaint is that with each season of the new series the creators attempt to create bigger and bigger over reaching arcs, and as a result some of the stories fall a little short. But who is complaining?
The Picture
The Blu-ray is filled with absolute eye candy, and this will be appreciated by many viewers, especially as not every cable provider is yet showing BBC America in HD. That said, once again the series is delivered on Blu-ray in 1080i rather than the full 1080p treatment. Visually the picture, which is presented in 1.77:1 widescreen, is very good, and this season has much in the way of rich scenery and vibrant colors - as well as an episode with Vincent Van Gough that looks simply spectacular.
The Sound
With titles such as "The Big Bang" you pretty much know there is going to be something loud, and this season offers reasonably good audio, despite the fact that BBC has again opted for the DTS-HD High-Resolution audio over the DTS-HD Master Audio. This is likely because they're just reutilizing the multichannel sound from the TV version, but viewers will still be treated to alien soundscapes, ambient sounds that can be heard from behind the couch (where UK viewers always claim they hide) and of course the terrifying words "exterminate" whenever a Dalek sticks its eye stock on screen.
The Extras
With six discs of content this package didn't skimp on extras. The is seemingly enough goodies to fill the TARDIS (which again is bigger on the inside). These include newly filmed scenes that are exclusive to the Blu-ray and DVD versions, and offer a rare peak at what has happened between the stories, Monster Files segments of Doctor Who baddies including the Daleks, Weeping Angels, Silurians and The Alliance; as well as in-vision commentaries, outtakes and video diaries. There are also 12 minutes of promotional trailers, but the real bonus is a full three hours of Doctor Who Confidential on disc six. It is more than enough to keep fans satisfied until the series returns in the spring.
Final Thoughts
A new Doctor, a new companion and a few new villains, but the story is the same as ever. The season starts out slow - change is not a good thing after all - but picks up quickly with Smith as The Doctor. There are journeys to the future, the past and practically to the end of time itself - and now this can be viewed endlessly in all its HD glory.
Product Details
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