Dr Who: The Reign of Terror: DVD Review

Dr Who: The Reign of Terror: DVD Review

Rating: G
Released by BBC and Roadshow Home Entertainment

Back to the 1960s for this six part historical Dr Who serial, two episodes of which are missing, but which have been animated for this release.

Set during the French Revolution, it sees the TARDIS crew of The Doctor, Susan, Ian and Barbara thrust into the Reign of Terror. And that's really it for plot to be honest.

For a 60s historical story, it is somewhat slow and is a little stretched out over 6 episodes - with very little real tension being on show throughout. Thankfully, the animation for the missing episodes 4 and 5 add a welcome twist to the story as it's beginning to flag - but while the animation's impressive, unfortunately the sound quality of the off air recordings make it difficult to be a win. But then, that's not the fault of those crafting the DVD together - they're simply working with what they have.

Quite talky and motionless, the story itself takes some time to get in to. Thankfully, a few of the extras add a bit more to the overall feel of the release, from docos and galleries of the animations (Why no doco on them though?) but it's not a spectacular release by the range's standards.

Extras: Commentary, docos, information text - the usual extras

Rating: