The Sarah Jane Adventures Series Four: DVD Review

Rating: PG
Released by BBC and Roadshow

There's just something enduring about this spin off sci fi series starring one of Doctor Who's most popular companions, Sarah Jane Smith (the much missed Elisabeth Sladen).

Collecting together a fourth ten part series of outings for Sarah Jane as she battles on to save the Earth from invading forces. This time around the series takes in the latest outing from the Doctor in the form of Matt Smith, catches up with another companion from the past, Jo Grant and also sees one of the original stars of the series, Luke, head off to university.

Each of the 2 part serials zip along with such energy and poignancy that they are the best kids material around - none of it treats the viewers as children and as a result there's a rich storytelling vein to be mined each outing.

But none of it would work without the magic of Elisabeth Sladen who imbues the role of Sarah Jane with such compassion and humanity that it's watchable from beginning to end.

Extras: Included as a tribute to Sladen is the 4 part 1970s Dr Who serial, starring Tom Baker - The Pyramids of Mars which is a classic - although possibly a little frightening for the younger end.

Rating: