Doctor Who: The War Games (3 Discs) (Dr. Who)

At roughly four hours long this black and white ten part epic will probably test the resolve of even the most dedicated cult television fan, but trust me, its well worth it! Although it's rare that I find the time to watch "The War Games" in its entirety I always find it an immensely satisfying and enjoyable experience due to an intriguing dramatically engaging central premise, memorable acting performances, pleasing location filming and hauntingly effective incidental music score. Commendable as ever our three series leads all gain moments to shine during this story. I love Troughton's bluster with a prison governor, Padbury's spirited resolve to rescue the Doctor (end of episode one) and the swaggering resistance leader Hines temporarily adopts during the eighth episode. Credit is also due to Philip Madoc as the ruthless dispassionate War Lord, James Bree as the nasal inflected emotionless Security Chief and Edward Brayshaw as the impassioned unscrupulous War Chief. I'd also single… more »

At roughly four hours long this black and white ten part epic will probably test the resolve of even the most dedicated cult television fan, but trust me, its well worth it! Although it's rare that I find the time to watch "The War Games" in its entirety I always find it an immensely satisfying and enjoyable experience due to an intriguing dramatically engaging central premise, memorable acting performances, pleasing location filming and hauntingly effective incidental music score. Commendable as ever our three series leads all gain moments to shine during this story. I love Troughton's bluster with a prison governor, Padbury's spirited resolve to rescue the Doctor (end of episode one) and the swaggering resistance leader Hines temporarily adopts during the eighth episode. Credit is also due to Philip Madoc as the ruthless dispassionate War Lord, James Bree as the nasal inflected emotionless Security Chief and Edward Brayshaw as the impassioned unscrupulous War Chief. I'd also single out for praise Jane Sherwin (Lady Jennifer), David Saville (Lieutenant Carstairs) and Michael Napier-Brown (as the 'over-the-top' Mexican bandit Arturo Villar). There's also a nice little visual touch where the Doctor uses his sonic screwdriver to remove the screw from German Von Weich's service revolver. The sheer scope of a myriad of war zones being used during this epic tale is bewildering, especially if you don't have a grasp of military history. Thankfully there is a 15 min 'Time Zones - The Truth Behind The War Games' feature which may be able to help clarify things. Locations are an important element of this story and it's great to see a 9 ½ min 'Now And Then' feature just watch out for the Romans and 'dam Yankies'! A pivotal point in the series history is covered in the making of feature, approx 36 mins under the appropriate title of 'War Zone - End of An Era'. Good to hear amongst the other extras on offer that we are 'Talking about Regeneration' (24 mins) whilst the approx 12 min 'Devious', being an amateur fan appreciation film guest starring Jon Pertwee, filling in between this story and 'Spearhead From Space' should be interesting stuff. I'm sure this will be a marvellous DVD title and is well worth nabbing a copy!