Doctor Who: Kamelion Box Set (3 Discs)

For me this is probably the most eagerly awaited title this year as both stories in this set are ones that I enjoy returning to watch on a fairly regular basis. THE KINGS DEMONS is a charming double episode historic tale further enriched with a hint of science fiction that does not unduly outstay its welcome like other stories I could mention. It is worthy for the well staged sword fighting cliffhanger episode ending and actor Gerald Flood in the duel role of the slightly lethargic King John and the infamous android Kamelion. Also worthy of praise is the pleasing incidental music that on occasion enriches the period specific nature of the story. A slim story correspondingly relates to minimal Special Feature items with the DVD disc primarily fielding two items of note which are the 14 mins for KAMELION METAL MAN and about 22 mins for a worthy history lesson in MAGNA CARTA THE DAWN OF DEMOCRACY.
Although rather overlooked mainly because of the following fifth Doctor final story the favourably pleasing PLANET OF FIRE has I believe a lot of positive aspects to it. Nicola Bryant gives an excellent gutsy performance as incoming companion Peri Brown particularly against the Master and we learn the fascinating truth behind the reason for Turlough being exiled to Earth. There is impressive use of the exotic location of Lanzarote doing double duty in the story narrative as being both a holiday retreat for vacating botany student Peri and the alien arid desert world of Sarn where the locals worship a mythical volcano god. Personally I think it is a brilliant measured performance throughout the story by Peter Wyngarde as high priest Timanov and particularly memorable is the introductory scene where his character talks with young chosen one Malkon as they look out from the Mirador del Rio observation point to suitably evocative incidental stock music. There is a nice heroic scene where Turlough strips down to his swimming trunks and dives into save the drowning Peri. I also like the nonchalant way in which the Doctor drops some alien coins down in payment for his drink when he rushes away from the bar alerted to a new reading on his tracking device. There is no doubt that this is a sumptuous well assembled title with a more than generous amount of Special Features on offer which pleases me greatly. There is about 25 mins given over to a THE FLAMES OF SARN making of the story item plus a recent visit to Lanzarote in an approx 12 min RETURN TO THE PLANET OF FIRE piece. In addition to the standard photo gallery (this one is an approx 7 min item) we spend an additional 5 mins looking at the DESIGNS ON SARN. To further embellish the actual story you will also find about 15 mins of ALTERNATIVE EDITS DELETED AND EXTENDED SCENES. Well if that is not enough PLANET OF FIRE is the latest story to benefit from being a two-disc title where in addition to the original four episode transmitted story you also have a second disc fielding a Special Edition version boasting new CGI effects plus a new 5.1 surround mix. As this is the last story to be released in which he appears credit is also due for this title offering up an approx 12 min REMEMBERING ANTHONY AINLEY item which I am sure is a fitting tribute to the actor whom portrayed so successfully the second incarnation of the Master during the 1980s. For me not only are these highly appealing stories but backed by a wealth of special features and the usual enjoyable commentary contributors this has got to rank as probably the finest classic series title released during 2010. I highly recommend this as an entirely essential extremely enjoyable DVD title purchase!

The Kings Demons was another "Keep bumping into the Master" episodes of the 1980s which seemed to be every other week in Doctor Who of that period.

Planet of Fire is a better offerring as for the second time the TARDIS and the film crew actually leave the UK for a story - Lanzarote this time, previously the crew had got to Paris for the classic "City of Death" - which is a much better story if you have not seen it!

These BBC boxsets recently have become only two adventures each - not particularily good value....