This set is made up of the last four Doctor Who specials, The Next Doctor, Planet of the Dead, The Waters of Mars and The End of Time, Parts One and Two.

Having those complete and at your fingertips for multiple watchings is good enough but they’ve also packed on some excellent special features. You get the full Doctor Who Confidential episodes, Doctor Who at the Proms, Deleted scenes with introduction from Russell T. Davies, Doctor Who BBC Christmas idents, Audio commentaries and my two favorite pieces David Tennant Video Diaries: The Final Days and Doctor Who at Comic-Con.

The Final Days video diary is a bit tricky to sit through – kind of like watching an old friend shove off, never to be seen again. This behind the scenes footage really shows you how much the cast and crew enjoys working on the series and how much they’ll miss David.

Doctor Who at Comic-Con is a fun featurette that gives you some idea of the madness that is that convention. All the excitement without the crowds, the long lines and the expensive hot dogs.

Doctor Who: The Complete Specials comes packaged in a spiffy fold-out with adventurous graphics and a small booklet with a forward by David Tennant. The audio and video quality is top notch.

Since Doctor Who only airs on BBC America out here, I have to believe there are a lot of people who haven’t had a chance to see this specials. If you’re one of them, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy this set even though the price is a little hefty. Alternately, BBC Video is also offering individual DVDs of Waters of Mars and The End of Time, but the combined price is nearly that of this four special set.

I say, go for gold, fellow Who fans, buy Doctor Who: The Complete Specials available today on Amazon or anywhere DVDs are sold.

Photo: Amazon

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Hartnell represents the least watched era of Whodom for me, 1963-1966. I don’t think it’s the year of the original airing so much as the fact that I never really warmed up to Hartnell as The Doctor. He’s a bit too much like a stern schoolmaster in looks and that’s always put me off to watching his episodes.

In “The Keys of Marinus,” The Doctor and his companions must fight against the evil Vood. As luck would have it the keys to the only weapon that can defeat them are scattered all over the planet! Scavenger hunt, anyone?

The DVD is lighter on the extras than usual. There are commentaries by William Russell and Carole Ann Ford, director John Gorrie and designer Raymond Cusick who gives you a closer look at the sets built for the episode. There’s also a hidden Easter egg and if you go online with a DVD-Rom you can access a full set of Doctor Who Cadet Sweet cards.

Colin Baker, on the other hand, is probably my most watched classic Doctor. This DVD is episode 137 “The Twin Dilema” and it features Peri as The Doctor’s companion.

In the episode, The Doctor has just regenerated and it’s not going well. He’s so perplexed by the change, he decides to become a hermit but that plan is set aside when a gastropod kidnaps twin boys from Earth!

Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant (Peri) and Kevin McNally (Hugo) all participate in the commentary on this DVD. There’s also a short interview with the title sequence director Sid Sutton, a nice look at the comic strip, a “Breakfast Time” interview with Baker and Bryant and an interview from “Blue Peter.” There’s also a fun look back a The Doctor’s ever changing wardrobe.

The interviews are rare gems and the featurettes are all enjoyable, you’ll also find another hidden Easter egg if you work at it.

As with all of the new BBC DVD releases, all ten episodes on these two discs have been digitally remastered which means they’re supremely watchable. Doctor Who is such a part of TV history, it’s wonderful to see them cleaned up and preserved for us and future generations.

I wouldn’t hesitate to add both of these new releases to your collection. They’re both available for a very good price at Amazon.com.

Box art from Amazon.

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Yesterday, I got a look at the special features on the February 2nd Doctor Who DVD release that will cover David’s final episodes. There was a camera following him around on that last day of shooting and it was heart-wrenching to watch. I know it’s only a TV show, but it was clear that saying goodbye to the show wasn’t easy for David or anyone connected with the series. It was obviously a tough spot to be in, knowing that it was time to move on but not really wanting to.

As far as his farewell performance goes, I was both moved and underwhelmed – a conundrum worth of Doctor Who, don’t you think? On the one hand, I didn’t feel that the final plot line really did his character justice. I’m not sure why, but I wasn’t as drawn in as I usually am when I watch the big holiday specials. Maybe it was the change in tone. Seeing The Doctor losing his joy and wonder was hard to watch. On the upside, if you can call it that, I was blown away by the final scene where he had to rescue Wilfred from the chamber. When I heard that knocking on the chamber door, I literally whined out loud. Four Knocks! Unfortunately, the blow was slightly softened by my brain going to Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory. . . Penny (knock, knock, knock). . . Penny. . .  Still, what a scene that was. Of course, when he dropped to the floor and curled into a fetal position, I expected him to stand up as the new Doctor, so that was a nice surprise. It must have been hard for the writers to keep the suspense going when everyone knew the out coming going into the show.

And then there were the Doctor’s final visits to all of his close friends. Again, I had mixed feelings about this section. I loved the idea. I thought Martha’s and Rose’s sections were both lovely. I’ll admit that I was confused by the book author and I had to look that one up on line to get the significance. I was also confused by the letter at Donna’s wedding. I guess I’m not a die-hard enough fan to pick up on all the nuisances. As for Jack. . . another toughie. I’m always glad to see him but I thought that his setting was all wrong. It was so Star Wars Cantina, and even though there are plenty of silly monsters on Doctor Who, this felt too humorous for the tone of the episode. I’m also surprised that they went to the trouble to put that whole scene together for that short amount of air time.  The gag was funny, and wasn’t that the kid from Being Human who sat down next to him? The werewolf? I guess I just wanted more of a connection between Jack and the Doctor before we said goodbye.

After I watched the final episode, I watched a Graham Norton Doctor Who Special which had clips of David from two different visits. When Graham asked him about leaving the show, he said that he wanted to go while it was still enjoyable. He didn’t want to get to the point where he felt like filming the series was a chore. I applaud him for that. This way, it will always be a wonderful memory for him and us.

When will we see him again? Possibly here on American TV. David filmed a pilot called Rex is Not Your Lawyer about a great lawyer who has panic attacks so he teaches his clients to represent themselves. I’m sure he’d be wonderful in it, but the plot itself doesn’t sound very promising. After that, who knows. I’m sure David Tennant won’t have any trouble finding work and what ever work he finds, I’ll likely be watching. Will you?

Photo: BBC America

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Knowing is time is growing short, the Doctor is tasked with tracking down the Master (John Simm) who has risen from the grave in time for another Christmas. He’s even more wild-eyed and wicked than ever as he uses a piece of alien technology to turn everyone on Earth, except for Wilf and Donna (Bernard Cribbins, Catherine Tate) into copies of himself. But that’s not the only battle to be fought here. According to the Ood, there’s an even greater danger approaching — a dark shadow that could bring about the end of time. (Thus the name of the episode.)

Doctor Who: The End of Time is loaded down with bits of this and bits of that and I found the story a little hard to follow at times. I did enjoy seeing Wilf and his pals forming a Gray-Team in order to help save the world. It’s good to see Catherine Tate again, though so far her participation has been superfluous. But what bothered me about the episode was exactly what was supposed to bother me – the Doctor himself. Usually joyous and comedic even in the face of danger, this Doctor is carrying the weight of the universe on his shoulders and it shows. He knows he’ll be regenerating soon but that still means death to the Doctor. It means giving up the man he is now, his friends, his mannerisms, the details that make him the tenth Doctor.

I’ll be sad to see him go. David Tennant was the perfect Doctor Who. He found that sweet spot between humor and angst. He had a childlike curiosity combined with the wisdom of a centuries old man. His shoes will be hard to fill and I don’t envy the actor that has to follow that act.

But before we get there, the Doctor has work to do. In part two of The End of Time, he’ll need to find a way to stop an army of Master clones while fighting an even greater enemy that will likely be the end of him. Before that happens, more old friends are scheduled to appear and I’m both looking forward to, and dreading one appearance in particular. I think I better start stocking up on Kleenex.

Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part Two premieres Saturday, January 2, 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on BBC America.

Photos: BBC America

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Long, long ago, Sarah Jane Smith was one of Doctor Who’s companions. Now she’s semi-retired, living in a lovely suburban neighbor and she’s teaching the local children how to fight off aliens. A good deal of the screen time is devoted to the four young teens who star in the series. There’s Luke, Sarah’s adopted alien son, his friend Clyde, smart-as-a-whip Maria and new girl Rani. Rani has a nose for news and that could spell trouble for the lot of them!

This season, Sarah and the kids face off against a creepy clown, take a trip through time, investigate the heavens and defend the Earth, once again, from the devilish Bane! There’s lots of fun and action and there are just enough scares to be exciting without giving younger viewers nightmares.

The DVD also includes interview with cast and crew, a gadget glossary, a fun quiz (you get to see a fun Easter egg if you get the answers right) and more.

Though Sarah Jane Adventures is likely too silly for the die-hard Doctor Who fan, it is the perfect beginner’s scifi show for the nine to thirteen year-old in your house.

Both the first and second season are currently available at Amazon.com.

Photo: Amazon

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In honor of David Tennant’s retirement from Who-ville

Here’s what’s included:

The Eclectic Gypsy by Dave Thompson which takes you through the history of Doctor Who in a very unusual way.

Next we have two Primeval novels – Shadow of the Jaguar by Steven Saville (my personal favorite) and The Lost Island by Paul Kearney.

Plus three Torchwood novels – Slow Decay by Andy Lane, Border Princes by Dan Abnett and Another Life by Peter Anghelides.

It’s a fun collection of books for Brit scifi fans from three of my favorite shows. Want to win? Leave a comment on this post preferably with the title of your favorite TV Tie-in book.

US only please.

Deadline to enter is December 11, 2009 at midnight PST.

This is a hefty lot of books so it will be sent media mail, thus I can’t promise delivery in time for the holidays in case you were planning to share.

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Lead writer and executive producer Russell T Davies told Radio Times, “It’s personal for the Doctor. The Master (John Simm) is his enemy, his opposite, and yet so tantalizingly close to being his soul mate. There’s something epic about their sheer existence – the last two survivors of an ancient race. It’s a clash of the titans. Both of them, heading for death, and yet both determined to survive – at any cost!”

Here’s the run down on the final two-part episode:

DOCTOR WHO: THE END OF TIME, PART ONE

It’s the Tenth Doctor’s final journey – but his psychotic nemesis the Master has been reborn, on Christmas Eve. With both determined to cheat death, the battle ranges from the wastelands of London to the mysterious Immortality Gate. Meanwhile, the alien race Ood warn of an even greater danger approaching, as a terrible shadow falls across the entire Universe.

DOCTOR WHO: THE END OF TIME, PART TWO

The Doctor faces the end of his life as the Master’s plans hurtle out of control. With the sound of drums growing louder, and an ancient trap closing around the Earth, the Doctor and Wilf must fight alone. But sacrifices must be made, and the deadly prophecy warns: “He will knock four times.”

David Tennant stars as the Tenth Doctor and guest stars include John Simm, Bernard Cribbins, Catherine Tate, Timothy Dalton, David Harewood and June Whitfield. The End Of Time, Part Two is written by Russell T Davies and directed by Euros Lyn. The producer is Tracie Simpson.

First, we’ll have one more Doctor Who special, The Waters on Mars.

THE WATERS OF MARS

Lindsay Duncan (Alice and Wonderland (2010), Rome) joins the Doctor as his sharpest and most strong-minded companion yet for the second of four Doctor Who Specials. The Waters of Mars is a dark, scary thriller that sees the Doctor land on the planet Mars, at a base in peril. A creeping infection beneath the Martian surface threatens not only the human race, but also the Doctor’s most fundamental beliefs. Together with Adelaide Brooke (Lindsay Duncan), the base’s commander, the Doctor must defeat a seemingly unstoppable menace before it can reach Earth, and wipe out mankind. The Doctor must fight not only the water but destiny itself… Whilst also confronting his own existence, when the prophesy about his future begins to resonate. Is his song about to come to an end?

The Waters of Mars is written by Russell T Davies (Torchwood, Queer as Folk) and Phil Ford and directed by Graeme Harper. The executive producers are Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner (Torchwood, Life on Mars).

Mark your calendars. Here are the dates:

Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars airs Saturday, December 19, 9:00pm ET/PT

Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part One airs Saturday, December 26, 9:00pm ET/PT

Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part Two airs Saturday, January 2, 8:00pm ET/PT

Visit BBCAmerica.com/DoctorWho for exclusive Doctor Who video clips including Inside Look interviews with David Tennant, Russell T Davies and executive producer Julie Gardner as well as sneak peeks of The Waters of Mars and The End of Time, Part One.

The BBC will release The Waters of Mars and The End of Time, Part One and Part Two on DVD and Blu-ray, Tuesday, February 2, 2010. A 5-disc set, Doctor Who: Specials Collection, which includes The Next Doctor, Planet of the Dead, Waters of Mars, The End of Time, Part One and Part Two and a 16-page booklet with an introduction written by David Tennant, hits stores the same day.

Photo Credit: BBC

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John Barrowman

He says that the whens and hows are still being talked about but they’re looking at another 13 episode run, not 5 which is extra great news.

As for appearing with the new Doctor Who, John says it hasn’t been discussed but followed with, “I’m prepared that it won’t happen.”

If you’re a John Barrowman fan, you’ll want to listen to the full interview which does play here in the US. Visit the Steve Wright in the Afternoon webpage for the streaming link. John comes on at the 2.23.35 mark but if you have time, listen to the whole thing. They play some great music and there’s nothing like a UK traffic report. (Can someone explain “the anticlockwise” to me? Is that the UK version of a traffic circle?)

During the interview, John talks about filming the special, he speaks fondly of his parents and his first “public” appearance when he was 4-years old performing on the counter of a record store.

When asked about where he gets his inspiration, he had this to say, “People should be inspired by what they do themselves.”

I like that. It doesn’t appear that the DVD is available yet in the US, but you can buy John’s brand new autobiography I am What I am.

Photo: Newscom

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Peter Davison

Davison stars in the latest BBC Video Doctor Who release, The Black Gaurdian Trilogy. This box set is made up of  ‘Mawdryn Undead,” “Terminus,” and “Enlightenment.”

The Doctor comes into the trilogy with two lovely companions, Tegan and Nyssa but they’re soon joined by Turlough (Mark Strickson), an alien who has been living his life among the humans at a UK boarding school.

As with all of these early Doctor Who releases, the joy is in seeing where we came from. The broad acting, the flat sets, the low-tech special effects (some of which were actually very high-tech at the time) are all part of the charm of the series. So I was very surprised to see that this set offered an upgrade — an option to turn on new CGI effects to replace the outdated ones.

Except in the case of cleaning up video and audio quality, I’m not a fan of upgrades, so I’m glad they give you the option of turning off the CGI effects if you want. I do appreciate the effort that went in to delivering a clean product. You won’t realize how great the film looks until you watch the special features which include un-enhanced deleted scenes and outtakes. These bits are seriously flawed with pops, vertical lines and faded colors.

The special features on this DVD set are plentiful to the point of “I can’t believe they bothered.” I’ll give the BBC credit for trying to preserve the history of Who but many of the included clips, such as the film edits which show the few seconds before and after the scene clapper, are tedious to watch. Same goes for many of the outtakes.

On the other hand, the featurettes are all interesting to watch. They’re filled with behind-the-scenes tidbits from people who were there. It’s obvious that everyone interviewed has fond memories of their time on the show and one actress even goes so far as to say that she’s proud to have Doctor Who on her resume.

A really rare treat is a clip from Russell Harty Christmas Party
that has Peter Davison singing in what the Brits call pantomime. (Please forgive me if I’m not using that word correctly.)

Davison, Strickland and several other actors and writers get in on the commentary. There’s also a “notes” track that allows you to switch on a trivia component that appears like closed captioning. I found this very enjoyable and made it so I could watch and hear the episode while still getting my production trivia fill.

The DVD also sports the usual photo galleries, extended and deleted scenes, and a DVD-Rom library of documentation from back in the day.

The most unusual special feature is a feature length edit of “Enlightenment” with 5.1 surround sound and CGI effects. Sort of their tribute to how the episode would have been if it had been filmed today.

Doctor Who: The Black Guardian Trilogy is another piece of the Who History puzzle. BBC Video has done an excellent job capturing what it was like to be a part of the Doctor’s 20th season. It’s the perfect gift for the Doctor Who fan on your holiday shopping list.

The DVD streeted early in November and is now available anywhere you buy DVDs.

For a more in-depth review, check out Judge James Stewart’s take at DVD Verdict.

Photo: Amazon

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On November 14, Graham Norton welcomes the star of Doctor Who, David Tennant to the program along with comedian Johnny Vegas and singer Alison Moyet. David talks about his final days shooting as the tenth Doctor, if he has any scenes with the new Doctor, Matt Smith and reveals if he’ll be tuning in to the new season.

He also discusses the experience of auditioning for the first time in years and takes questions from the audience – revealing who he thinks is more talented, Shakespeare or Russell T Davies…

If you’ve never seen Graham Norton, you’re in for a treat. I’m sure he and David will have a rousing good time, so don’t miss it.

The Graham Norton Show airs Saturdays, 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on BBC America.

Photo: BBC America

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