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Doctor Who - Series 4, Volume 1 [2008]
from 2 Entertain Video
starring David Tennant, Catherine Tate, Billie Piper, Bernard Cribbins, Sarah Lancashire

Features:

• Colour
• PAL

Editorial Review:

There’s been a lot of pressure on the fourth series of Doctor Who. Could Russell T Davies and his team keep the momentum going? Would Catherine Tate overcome the initial criticisms and prove to be a strong companion for the Doctor? And, well, how do you top the three series of the revived show that we’ve enjoyed so far?

We needn’t have worried. The three episodes on this disc, while not vintage Doctor Who (they always save the better episodes for the latter part of each season, after all), have plenty to offer. Partners In Crime is a fun way to start the series, primarily concerned with setting up the Catherine Tate-David Tennant mechanic, and allowing the former to dispel many of the concerns aimed in her direction. It’s forgettable stuff, about a miracle diet, but is still entertaining, and Sarah Lancashire is a welcome guest star.

Next up is The Fires Of Pompeii, and this is where the action kicks in. There’s a little bit of continuing to set up the main character dynamics, but this is the episode that the effects budget was clearly thrown at. With a massive volcano eruption, impressive monsters and a fast-moving plot, it’s good stuff.

Finally, a welcome return for a foe from series past, in Planet Of The Ood. This is a well-written story, with some solid monsters in it, and throws in plenty of moral conundrums along the way. Good stuff.

With three good stories, there’s plenty to enjoy here, and it sees the fourth series of Doctor Who getting off to a strong start. Count us among those who can’t wait for the rest of it... --Jon Foster

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

• Doctor Who's return to form!
  This is a definite comeback for Doctor Who after the lamentable time of Martha Jones who to me was a very one dimensional character. Catherine Tate, who isn't constantly in awe of the Doctor, adds a lot of humour to proceedings.
  The first episode, "Partners in Crime" was not scary as such but made you think and featured great turns by Sarah Lancashire as Miss Foster and Verona Joseph (Jess from Holby City) as nosy a journalist. The Adipose were also the cutest monster in existance.
  Episode number... more info

• Bravo Ood-Kind!
  Gotta say, the Oods are the star of the show here! They may not be beautiful, but they are appealing to non-wimpy kids and adults alike. Planet of the Ood is the best episode set in the 4000s where to Oods are enslaved by cruel humans on a distant planet. Adipose is the second best which has funny moments and 'Eew gross' moments. Then The Fires of Pompeii. Well, oh dear. The kids don't like it, the sensitive find it too sad and the normal people are bored stiff. For that it loses out on five stars. Shame.... more info

• Contains two of the best stories of the series. A delight.
  After the disappointment of the mainly dismal third series, this one has turned out to be the best yet. This is mostly thanks to Catherine Tate joining the Doctor as his companion. After the emotional turmoil of Rose, and having to suffer the vacant, goggle-eyed staring of Martha, the poor old Doc was badly in need of some light relief, and he certainly gets it with Donna, especially in the first story in the series. Though as the season progresses, we see far more to Donna's personality than just... more info

• The Noble One.
  Not since Bonnie Langford have people feared the return of another red-headed companion... I know a lot of people were less than pleased to hear that Catherine Tate was to be brought back for this series, but I personally enjoyed her portrayal of Donna (even if I didn't love everything about her Christmas special episode).
  The character needed depth, and she got it. Left feeling disillusioned since The Runaway Bride she manages to find The Doctor and pretty much invite herself into the TARDIS - and I'm... more info

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