DVD Reviews

Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack
BBC
On DVD: 12.10.13

Sure, you’re a superfan of Doctor Who and need no convincing to physically own the Blu-ray combo pack of the 50th anniversary special, a television event that celebrates 50 years worth of a British television show. But what about those who scoff at the idea of physical media? How about the fact you would be owning a small part of history? The Doctor Who 50th anniversary special (which aired November 23, 2013) is the largest ever simulcast of a TV show, having been broadcast in 94 countries across six continents, theatrically simulcast in 660 movie theaters, and set a world record on Tumblr for the highest level of activity of a televised event, ever. Not only that, but the combo pack features everything you need to go along with the 50th anniversary special. A behind-the-scenes featurette includes the cast and writer Steven Moffat that is fun to watch (Smith and Tennant! Together!) and a 45-minute documentary called Doctor Who Explained. A bit redundant for the existing Who-fan, but wonderfully informative for the newcomer who maybe happened upon the special on one of the millions of televisions that day. Also included are the two minisodes that premiered online that preludes to the special and a pack of trading cards! I can’t forget to mention that the glory of Doctor Who is more gloryriffic in HD. The Day of the Doctor is a special piece of fandom that any Whovian would be happy to own. –Rebecca Frost

Doctor Who – The Doctors Revisited: Ninth – Eleventh
BBC
On DVD: 12.03.13

In preparation for the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special, the BBC released specials that reflect on each of the actors who have played the iconic Doctor. This set in particular showcases the three actors who brought Doctor Who back into the spotlight in 2005: Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, and Matt Smith. Each actor gets his own short documentary and an introduction to select two-part episodes by writer and showrunner Steven Moffat. The documentaries are not only about the Doctor and the actors who play him, but they also focus on the supporting actors and key characters to each series, as well as particular story arcs that highlight each actor’s portrayal of the Doctor. Each actor gets his own DVD, convenient if you are more fond of a certain actor and less keen on another (cough—Eccleston—cough). To the Doctor Who series collector, The Doctors Revisited is not essential to the personal stockpile. For a Doctor Who history fan and someone who appreciates the work and behind-the-scenes aspects of the show, this DVD set is a great addition to go back to and remember what it is you enjoyed about each particular actor. Also, it includes four fridge magnets, so you can remember just how big a nerd you are every time you need a snack. –Rebecca Frost