Doctor Who - Pyramids Of Mars [1975] [DVD]

The dvd was in a very good condition and I like doctor who dvds

Stalking mummies, pyramid powered war missiles, a space-time tunnel, an ancient god rising from his tomb, a cryptic message beamed from Mars ...In 1975 `Doctor Who' blended science fiction and Egyptology to create a pyramid-shaped high point in the series' legendary `Gothic' period which has stayed popular with fans ever since. An essential, 5* DVD for your `Doctor Who' collection.The premise is terrifyingly simple: if Sutekh the Destroyer frees himself from his 7000 year old tomb, that's it. No second chances, no plan B, no sequel. He will destroy all life, everywhere and nobody will be able to stop him - "not even our lot" says the Time Lord. This lends an edge to Robert Holmes' terrific script; the Doctor is faced by an undefeatable enemy and he knows it. Tom Baker is at his very best, making the Doctor seem more alien, more brooding, even with flashes of anger, almost as if - it's so unusual that it takes a while to sink in - almost as if the Doctor is afraid.Of course, he's still going to do whatever it takes to stop the servants of Sutekh before they can free their master. Three episodes of tense conflict with brilliant cliff-hangers then unfold against the verdant setting of a country estate in spring 1911, supported by very impressive interior sets, special effects, music and excellent character acting. The relationship between Marcus Scarman (Bernard Archard) and his brother Laurence (Michael Sheard) is both tragic and memorable. Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah has a good story and is right in the heart of the action, which for a U certificate feature has many surprisingly scary moments.When all else fails, the Doctor is forced into the inevitable confrontation with Sutekh. The opening of episode four is as powerful as anything ever seen in `Doctor Who' with a famously chilling performance from Gabriel Woolf as the still trapped, masked, near-motionless Sutekh. It's after this that a few stones seem missing from the fourth side of the story's structure. Part of this fourth episode follows a pattern familiar from a previous `Doctor Who' (and in later years, elsewhere). It's a good enough segment in itself, but has the feel of a slight anti-climax after the high drama before it.Fortunately, we're then back to full speed for the final minutes when the story takes the worst possible turn. Only the Doctor could save the day as he does; defeating the undefeatable enemy and without breaking the logic of the narrative. This is definitely a 5* tale even with the slight dip in episode four. Almost 40 years after first being broadcast, `Pyramids of Mars' is still found near the top of most favourites lists, including mine.The DVD picture quality shows this was a very early release; it's good but not quite as crisp as later releases. Similarly, the commentary is interesting but lacks the technical quality of the sound on later commentaries, as here the feature audio does not fade in and out as the participants share their memories.DVD Extras include the usual interesting `making of' documentary, a look at the locations 30 years later, a good Photo Gallery and `Serial Thrillers', a fascinating 40+ minute documentary about the era of producer Philip Hinchcliffe - to many, the golden age of the programme. Finally, if you know your classic `Doctor Who' and don't laugh at `Oh Mummy' - you're probably in a sarcophagus!NOTE: The DVD menu shows clips from the programme as background, so if you don't know the story already, press `Play' ASAP.

Sadly I AM old enough to remember the first broadcast of this story - I loved it then and I still love it. This is Doctor Who at it's Gothic Horror best. Phillip Hinchcliffe is, Russell T Davies excepted, probably the best influence Doctor Who had as a producer. He knew just how to pitch the show to the audience at the time. The Gothic feel of some of the stories from his era are wonderful and for me this is the apex - the best of the best.Watching Tom Baker's effortless performance as the Doctor you could be forgiven in forgetting that he had been in the role for less than a year when this story was filmed. The juxtapostion of ancient Egyptian/alien menace to leafy Edwardian England works perfectly and Paddy Russell's direction is on the whole near flawless. Lis Sladen puts in a stirling performance as Sarah Jane Smith as usual and there is wonderful support from such English stalwart character actors as Bernard Archard, Peter Copley and the late, lamented Michael Sheard.A final word of praise must go to Gabriel Woolf for his malevolent portrayal of the mighty Sutekh the Destroyer. His icey voice was perfect for the part. It was nice to see him back voicing the Beast in "The Satan Pit" with David Tennant.The extras are fun with a good "Making of..." and a wonderful parody about Sutekh's career after Doctor Who, including his great Milkman service - The Pyramids of Moos - "bringing Sutekh's gift of milk to all mankind..." Priceless.

Vintage Dr Who Adventure with The one and only Tom Baker starring as everyone's favorite Time lord. This one comes from 1975 often cited as The Golden era of The series comes Pyramids Of Mars. with it's roots clearly based on all Those Universal & Hammer Mummy movies you ever saw The Dr and Sarah Jane Smith played superbly by The late Great Elizabeth Sladen encounter robot controlled Mummy's as with Dr Who hell bent on Taking over The universe. This classic four part serial as been well covered and reviewed here better Than I can give you all I need add as with all The Dr Who DVD releases The Disc features all The Extras fans have come To expect. an in Depth behind The scenes making of The episode actual locations visited with The popular Then & Now segments an extensive photo Gallery so popular with These releases and The ever popular audio commentary To all four episodes featuring Elizabeth Sladen and famed character actor Michael Sheard who features in This story. What more can I say it's Tom Baker The floppy hat and The long scarf along with Liz Sladen as his Girl Friday need I say more.