Slated for a December 2 release, this
7-disc monster of a box set consists of a seemingly arbitrary
triumvirate of episodes – the highly-regarded The Caves of
Androzani (1984), the one-off 1996 telemovie starring Paul
McGann (of Withnail & I fame), and underrated oddity The
Talons of Weng-Chiang (1977).
Separated by several decades, the
episodes don’t really display any overarching thematic or stylistic
consistencies. Weng-Chiang, set in Victorian England,
revolves around the nefarious misdeeds of a secret Chinese cult;
Androzani , named in a 2009 Doctor Who Magazine poll as
the greatest Doctor Who story ever, is mainly about the
politics of spectrox mining and the telemovie finds the Doctor
forced to regenerate after being wounded in a gangland battle in San
Francisco.
Despite the variable quality and
standalone nature of each episode, however, each has much to
recommend it. Weng- Chiang is a firm fan favourite due to
its polished witty script, martial arts villains, giant rats and
enjoyable air of authentic Victoriana. Though the storyline is
perhaps not up to par McGann nonetheless gives a nimble performance
in his sole turn as the Doctor, and Androzani is, as
mentioned, one of the most popular episodes of all time.
Offering further incentive are some
handsome packaging, first-rate transfers and a number of excellent
bonus features. With a RRP of $79.95 it’ll set you back a pretty
penny, but Revisitation is a stellar offering from Auntie
that more than does credit to its excellent source material.
Audio & Video
Each episode features multiple audio
commentaries, isolated audio options and a strong, clear two-channel
soundtrack. The 16:9 anamorphically enhanced transfers are
excellent, and each of the three episodes are the best they’ve ever
looked.
Special Features
In addition to audio commentaries for
each episode there are numerous other bonus features on offer,
including audition and rehearsal footage, behind the scenes
featurettes, alternate takes, visual effects test footage and
much more. You won’t be wearing this one out any time soon...
