The Film
Since making its comeback, the new Doctor Who has taken on a tradition: treating BBC viewers with a Christmas TV movie special (alas American viewers only get these by spring) that usually offers bigger stories to tease the next season. But alas, this time there is no season, and actually title actor David Tennant's era is coming to a close, so instead of a full season, viewers will have to opt to hop in and out of the space time continuum with a series of these larger TV-movies. The first of these, "Planet of the Dead," barely manages to outdo many of the past season's weaker episodes, and it still falls way short of the "classic" Doctor Who days.
Part of the problem is that too much emphasis was placed by filming much of the story in the desert outside Dubai. And the effort involved in getting the cast and crew to the over-the-top Arabian city, it seems like a waste. Instead of filling in for some alien metropolis, or just being Dubai, the viewers just see sand dunes. So long time viewers may ask, what was wrong with the old quarries that worked so well in the original series? But as with the Christmas movies, the "companion" is one in credits only, and barely does any galactic hitchhiking with the Doctor. But the biggest letdown is that villains aren't really villainous, and instead we get a big build-up, but little resolution. Let's hope the rest of Tennant's journeys are a little more memorable.
The Picture
Suffice it to say that the old Doctor Who had effects that weren't all that special, and for many American eyes the show was seen on VHS copies of copies, thanks to the show's lack of widespread release in the United States. And even the recent seasons, which have aired on the Sci-Fi Channel and BBC America were often presented in mere "standard definition." So finally the Doctor has arrived in HD thanks to this first Blu-ray release. The picture also brings to mind the TARDIS (the Doctor's time travel ship, which is bigger on the inside)… as in it is better looking than the TV movie deserves. Even with a rather stark location, and fairly generic aliens, the 1080i visuals are outstanding.
The Sound
This isn't the most bombastic outing for the Doctor, but the looming threat of an all-devouring alien species is heightened thanks to the excellent DTS HD surround sound. Along with the solid musical cues, which have really been very good in the series, the ambient sound effects are subtle but help lift the tone of the story as the situation becomes dire.
The Extras
Alas, the extra features on this set are reminiscent of those old-time effects, as in not that special. The only bonus material is a nearly hour long - which is just about as long as the feature - special on the making of the series: Doctor Who Confidential. In fact, it just serves to remind the viewer that the Dubai setting was really wasted. For a show that has seldom filmed abroad, this should have been something special, and the bonus feature reminds us that it was a wasted attempt that even a master villain wouldn't have made.
Final Thoughts
Given that this is the first year without a Doctor Who season the TV-movies will have to suffice. Unfortunately, these start off with a whimper instead of a bang. As with any sci-fi shows there are filler episodes, but it is a shame that in a year without room to fill, "Planet of the Dead" just fills the space.
Where to Buy
Product Details
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