Doctor Who Season 18 Blu-ray Review

Tom's farewell season

by Simon Crust
Movies & TV Shows Review

3

Doctor Who Season 18 Blu-ray Review
MSRP: £39.99

Doctor Who Season 18 Review

It’s the end, but the moment has been prepared for

Season 18 of the long running science fiction series Doctor Who was a time of change. Under the guise of incoming producer John Nathen Turner the series would go through radical alterations, many for the worse (oh how I hate the question marks …), with the seeds being sown at the end of Tom Baker’s seven year tenure in the part. Often termed his ‘new broom approach’ JNT had a set of ideas he wanted to imprint on the show: new music, new look, more scientific stories, new companions and ultimately new Doctor; he got his wish. Tom did need to move on; he’d seen out four producers, knew pretty much all the directing staff, was becoming irascible, irritable and irrepressible in the part, not helped by the previous season’s reliance on humour.

Behind the scenes the show was in turmoil, this is nothing particularly new, but for the new decade the show was in need of a revamp, and JNT proceeded to do just that. Bringing in a new script editor, Christopher H. Bidmead, whose job it was to bring the season together, he found there was only one holdover script, so a whole host of new stories and writers had to be found. Bidmead’s background in science help ground the series in a bit more fact, eschewing the ‘silly humour’ in favour of drama, he would, due to the calibre of the new writers, many of whom had never worked in the genre and none for the show before, end up re-writing many of the scripts himself to fit the show's new remit.

This meant, in practice, that the shows had a bit of a rushed feel to them, save the element of the building melancholic nature of the Doctor himself; the show was building towards the regeneration, especially towards the latter episodes in which new companions were being brought in for the sole reason of changing the lead actor – which would go to a much younger man. The season was not to be one of the greats, indeed it suffered tremendously in the ratings set against a new and expensive sci-fi series on ITV: Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. But the stories, such as they are, do have some value with many holding up far better today than the ITV import!

Story 1 – The Leisure Hive: Auspicious start to the season with much to prove, filmed far more cinematically than anything before or since, nothing like it would be seen again; tells the story of a criminal organisation of alien Foamasi trying to buy the planet Argolis from the Argolin people while a radical young Argolin attempts to start a war with an army of clones.

Story 2 – Meglos: Made famous by a homicidal shapeshifting cactus that steals a huge source of power on the planet Tigella known as the Dodecahedron.

Story 3 – Full Circle: First of the ‘E-Space’ trilogy and introduction of new companion Adric; the Doctor discovers the life cycle of three closely related species on the planet Alzarius.

Story 4 – State of Decay: Returning stalwart Terrance Dicks writes the story of Giant Vampires and their war against the Timelords.

Story 5 – Warriors Gate: The Doctor frees the time-sensitive Tharils from a group of slavers, also noted for the last appearance of Romana and K9.

Story 6 – The Keeper of Traken: Return of the Master as he seeks the Source, a power that will restore his regenerations – debut of Anthony Ainley as the Master and new companion Nyssa.

Story 7 – Logopolis: The Doctor teams up with the Master to save the Universe from unravelling, introduction of new companion Tegan and the last Tom Baker story, regeneration scene into Peter Davidson.

K9 and Company: Also included in this set is the first ever Doctor Who spin off, starring fan favourite companion Sarah Jane Smith and the robot dog K9, the story is rather humdrum and ordinary, with Sarah investigating the disappearance of her aunt against the backdrop of witchcraft and devilment. It failed to ignite an audience at the time (the opening credits and music enough to turn anyone off!) but was eventually revamped as The Sarah Jane Adventures on the back of the success of the New Doctor Who.

Doctor Who Season 18 Blu-ray Picture

Doctor Who Classic Series 18
All the discs in this set are presented in the original broadcast ratio of Fullscreen 1.33:1, encoded with the MPEG 4 compression and are up-scaled to 1080/50i resolution.

The original clean-up of the DVDs was undertaken by The Doctor Who Restoration Team, a small group of Doctor Who fans who work within the television industry, and who originally conceived of an experimental procedure to restore The Daemons (Jon Pertwee story from series 10) from monochrome back to colour. Its success allowed the team to win the contract to restore and encode every DVD release to date.

The Leisure Hive
The earliest DVD released in this set (in 2004) has benefited greatly by transferring to Blu-ray; the image is, by comparison, amazing. The greater resolution has given far better definition to everything, from characters to backgrounds, all but eliminating aliasing. Colours are far richer, skin tones more natural and the black level has given rise to better frame depth and shadow detail. Indeed the DVD looks positively coarse when compared.

Meglos

Released on DVD in 2011, the compression and clean up was superior to earlier releases and it shows as this Blu-ray image has a far closer resemblance to its DVD counterpart. The increase in resolution has afforded far sharper edges, no more shimmering to backgrounds and make-up is far better seen. Colours too have a hitherto unseen vividness, while the black level increases frame depth and enhances the edges.

Full Circle
This episode has a fair amount of film, compared to the studio bound video material, and this has cleaned up very well, with far greater detail on show in terms of characters, clothing and backgrounds. Studio bound material is far sharper with much less haze or noise and the whole colour palette is richer. Black levels once again give a punch to the picture.

State of Decay
Another decent upscale and clean up, with far keener edges, both close-up skin texture and middle distance backgrounds. Film and model shots are also improved. The far earthier colour palette is well represented with the sombre reds of the vampire’s robes being of a particular delight. Black levesl again continue to impress.

Warriors Gate
Plenty of CSO in this episode, always looked poor and the increase in resolution can do nothing to improve upon it, so there is still ghosting on most scenes; however there are sharper edges throughout for characters and sets, indeed it is even possible to read some of the writing now. Colours are held firm while the black and white levels, important in this story, are hard and defiant.

The Keeper of Traken
Clean up and greater resolution means that the aliasing seen in the DVD is mostly removed, while smaller set lights (the red eyes, shiny buttons etc) have much keener and well defined edges. Sets are pretty sharp while characters stand out well against them. The cleaner black levels, by holding a better contrast, means that initially the picture looks lighter, this is not the case, it is a more refined black holding better shadow detail and adding so much required depth to the image.

Logopolis
Much the same can be said for this story, the image is far sharper, with far less noise and aliasing. Colours are richer with more depth. The filmed sequences are much cleaner and sharper, while the studio bound material has a cleaner look. Colours and black levels are both improved.

K9 and Company
And finally, the clean-up and greater resolution of this clunker fair just as well, with keener edges of characters and sets, reduction of softness and aliasing while bringing out the better colour depth and increased black level.

All the pictures are vastly improved over their DVD counterparts, there is far less noise, edges are keener and the improvement in blacks helps to add depth to the frame. Nothing can improve upon the flares or inherent softness of the image due to the video recording process, but as an upgrade I am very impressed.

Doctor Who Season 18 Blu-ray Sound

Doctor Who Classic Series 18
The Leisure Hive
Two tracks to choose from, the standard dual mono track and a remastered DTS MA 5.1. The surround track is pretty good, with decent separation throughout the channels. Special effects and ambience are handled well by the surrounds while the frontal array houses decent stereo, as well as the dialogue duties. The score is well represented with all the speakers and there is a decent amount of bass as well.

Meglos
The standard dual mono track that adorns most of these releases is decent enough, it is clear of hiss and distortion and at a good level, while the mix keeps everything well organised; dialogue, effects and music are imparted without fuss or issue.

Full Circle
The standard dual mono track is clear of hiss and distortion and at a good level, while the mix keeps everything well organised; dialogue, effects and music are imparted without fuss or issue.

State of Decay
The standard dual mono track keeps everything well layered into the mix, imparting its information without fuss or issue.

Warrior’s Gate
As well as the dual mono track there is also a new Dolby Digital 5.1 mix which really opens up the surround field; effects are handled well and given decent separation; dialogue is clean and clear, and held to the front while the music makes good use of the surround environment. Bass is limited but well maintained throughout.

The Keeper of Traken
The dual mono track is free from distortion, hiss and crackle, while keeping a decent mix of the effects, dialogue and music; imparts its information without issue or fuss.

Logopolis

The dual mono track is a good mix of effects, music and dialogue, with nothing being missed or lost, it is free from issues and manages of impart its information without a problem.

K9 and Company
Lastly, as per all the dual mono tracks, this one is clean and clear, free from distortion and hiss, maintains a decent enough mix of dialogue effects and music and delivers its information without fuss or issue.

Doctor Who Season 18 Blu-ray Extras

Doctor Who Classic Series 18
A huge array of extras, both old and new adorn each of the discs.

The Leisure Hive
Audio Commentary – With Tom Baker and Matthew Sweet, the great man regales us with his memories of the story with a little help from his ‘friend’. New for this release.
Audio Commentary – With Lalla Ward, Lovett Bickford and Chris H Bidmead, from the DVD.
Making of Documentary – Looks at the changes made and the directing style of this unique story.
From Avalon to Argolis – Writers discuss the story for their point of view.
Behind the Sofa – Tom Baker, John Leeson, June Hudson, Janet Fielding, Sarah Sutton and Wendy Padbury, watch and discuss the story, as per last release and new for this set.
Studio Footage – Raw footage from the studio recording.
Synthesizing Starfields – Sid Sutton and Peter Howell discuss the revamping of the title sequence.
Clean Opening and Closing Titles
Costume Featurette – June Hudson discusses her inspiration for the costume design.
Blue Peter – From 03/04/1980, a visit to the longstanding Dr Who exhibition at Longleat.
BBC1 Continuity Announcements
Photogallery – Now in HD
Info Text – Huge amount of production information running through the episodes.
Isolated Music Track – Just the music.
Coming Soon – Ad for Meglos.
PDF Written Archive

Meglos

Audio Commentary – With Lalla Ward, Christopher Owen, John Flanagan, Paddy Kingsland and Peter Howell.
Meglos Men – Writers go back to their London haunts and discuss the development of the story.
Behind the Sofa – The usual gang discuss the stories as they watch them.
The Scene-Sync Story – Examines the pioneering special effects used in this story.
Jaqueline Hill Tribute – Touching tribute to this wonderful actress who was, amongst other things, one of the first ever companions.
BBC News Report – Announces Tom’s departure from the series.
BBC1 Continuity Announcements
Photo Gallery – In HD
Isolated Music Track – Just the music.
Info Text – Huge amount of production information running through the episodes.
Coming Soon – E-Space Trilogy
PDF Written Archive

Full Circle
Audio Commentary - With actor Matthew Waterhouse, writer Andrew Smith and script editor Christopher H. Bidmead
Making of Documentary – Cast and crew look back at the making of the story.
Behind the Sofa – More of the same. New.
Studio Footage – Silent behind the scenes footage. New.
K9 in E-Space – Look at the role of the robot in E-Space, cast and crew discuss.
A Weekend with Waterhouse – Life with Adric when Toby Hadoke moves in for the weekend. New.
Swap Shop – Waterhouse on the Saturday morning show in 01/11/1980.
BBC News Report – Announcing the new Doctor.
Nationwide – Interview with Peter Davidson on 05/11/1980.
BBC1 Continuity Announcements
Photo Gallery – In HD
Info Text – Huge amount of production information running through the episodes.
Science Featurette - A look at the science behind the concept of Exo-Space, could it exist? Discussions with writers and astronomers.
PDF Written Archive

State of Decay
Audio Commentary – With Lalla Ward and Rachel Davies, who discuss the story and their recollections while being moderated by Matthew Sweet. New.
Audio Commentary – With Matthew Waterhouse, Peter Moffatt and Terrance Dicks.
Making of Documentary – Cast and crew look back at the making of the story.
Behind the Sofa – More of the same. New.
Film Trims – Unused model shots.
BBC News Report - Tom and Lalla’s wedding announcement.
BBC Continuity Announcements
Pickwick Audio Book – Tom reads an abridged audiobook of this story.
Featurettes - Leaves of Blood, The Blood Show and The Frayling Reading: three shorts on the history of vampires and blood in popular culture.
Photo Gallery – In HD
Info Text – Huge amount of production information running through the episodes.
PDF Written Archive

Warriors’ Gate
Audio Commentary – With Lalla Ward, John Leeson, Paul Joyce, Christopher H. Bidmead and Mat Irvine.
Making of Documentary – Cast and crew reminisce about the making of the story.
Behind the Sofa – More of the same. New.
Deleted and Extended Scenes – Cut from episode 2.
Lalla’s Wardrobe – A look at the various costumes as worn by the actress.
The Axe Man – Deleted clip from the documentary with Mat Irvine discussing a Gundan axe. New.
Swap Shop – Mat Irvine discussing the story effects in 31/01/1981. New.
BBC Continuity Announcements
Prime Computer Adverts - 4 commercials starring Tom and Lalla.
Photo Gallery – In HD
Isolated Music Track – Just the music.
Info Text – Huge amount of production information running through the episodes.
PDF Written Archive

The Keeper of Traken
Audio Commentary – With Anthony Ainley, Matthew Waterhouse, Sarah Sutton, Johnny Byrne.
Making of Documentary – Cast and crew reunite to discuss the making of this story.
Behind the Sofa – More of the same. New.
The Return of the Master - Geoffrey Beevers, Christopher H. Bidmead and John Black discuss bringing back the arch enemy.
Commentary Extra – Snippet excised from the audio commentary. New.
Swap Shop – Sarah Sutton on 31/01/1981.
BBC Continuity Announcements
Photo Gallery – In HD
Isolated Music Track – Just the music.
Info Text – Huge amount of production information running through the episodes.
PDF Written Archive

Logopolis

Audio Commentary - With Tom Baker, Janet Fielding and Christopher H. Bidmead
Optional Updated CGI Effects – New effects for several scenes. New.
Making of Documentary – Cast and crew reunite to discuss Tom’s last story, plenty of interviews including achieve footage of those no longer with us. New for this release.
A New Body at Last – Making of documentary from the 2006 DVD.
Behind the Sofa – More of the same. New.
Studio Footage – Behind the scenes of the regeneration.
Audio Restoration – Brief look at some of the challenges.
Tomorrow’s times – Press coverage while Tom was in the role.
Stripped for Action – A look at the comic book versions of Doctor Who as well as the emergence of Dr Who Weekly.
Doctor Who Stories – 2003 interview with Tom.
The Five Faces of Doctor Who – trailer for the repeat season in 1981.
BBC Continuity Announcements
Photo Gallery – In HD
Isolated Music Track – Just the music.
Info Text – Huge amount of production information running through the episodes.
PDF Written Archive

K9 and Company

Audio Commentary – With Elisabeth Sladen, John Leeson, Linda Polan and Eric Saward.
The K9 Files – Cast and crew look back at the making of this story and K9 subsequent adventures in comics etc.
Behind the Sofa – More of the same. New.
Brendan and Company – Interview with Ian Sears. New
Pebble Mill and One – K9’s appearance on 23/12/81.
Trailers and Continuity
Happy Christmas Trailer

A Dogs Tale – K9 answers questions.
Info Text – Huge amount of production information running through the episodes.
Photo Gallery – In HD
PDF Written Archive

Additional Extras – All new.
The Writer’s Room - Christopher H. Bidmead, Andrew Smith, Stephen Gallagher and John Flanagan meet in a pub, have lunch with a few drinks and discuss season 18 as they saw it.
The Forth Doctor Revisited – 50th Anniversary feature with interviews of the then current series looking back at Tom’s years.
50th Anniversary Archive – Brief interview with Matthew Waterhouse recorded for the celebrations.
The Panopticon Archive – Wonderful recording of Tom Baker on stage at the then largest convention in the country, from 1993, where he regales the audience in his own fashion, Q&A from the audience as well.
Commercial Break - Ads from New Zealand in 1997 featuring Tom.
Studio Clocks – Countdown for all the stories.

Booklet - Background and transmition information on all the episodes.

So What’s Missing?
Actually, not a lot, The Boy with the Golden Star, is an interview with Matthew Waterhouse and K9 Stories is a series of 4 books meant for a younger audience.

Conclusion

Doctor Who Season 18 Blu-ray Review

Doctor Who Classic Series 18
Tom Baker’s seven year tenure as the world’s favourite Timelord came to an end in Season 18 of the show. Incoming producer John Nathen Turner made the decision bring the show into the ‘80’s’ with sweeping changes, including new music, new direction, new emphasis on stories, new companions and ultimately a new Doctor himself. The new script editor, Christopher H. Bidmead eschewed the ‘silly humour’ of the previous season in favour of more scientifically based stories and a far more melancholic Doctor who was scheduled to leave at the end of the season. Opening with a bang, the rest of the stories failed to live up to the hype of the first, indeed the season whole was something of a let-down; JNT put his stamp on the show and it would never be the same, sadly declining in appreciation and ratings from now on.

As a set, this Blu-ray package is another triumph. The up-grade in picture quality is plain to see in every regard; every story benefits from the improved resolution; keener edges, a more robust colour palette and deeper blacks leave the old DVDs far behind. Most of the shows play with the same dual mono sound track that adorned the DVDs, these are fine and well mixed, with two stories getting a 5.1 upgrade (one new for this release) that really opens up the surround stage. The extras package is immense, not only does it contain just about every feature that were on the DVDs, but there is a whole new set of extras just for this set. The investment is well worth it.

Scores

Movie

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.
.
7

Picture Quality

.
.
.
7

Sound Quality

.
.
.
7

Extras

.
9

Overall

.
.
8
8
AVForumsSCORE
OUT OF
10

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