Doctor Who and the Silurians (Episode 52)
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Jon PertweeDVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Subtitled); English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 175 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-06-03
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Warner
Movie Reviews of Doctor Who and the Silurians (Episode 52)
Movie Review: "Everything leads back to those caves, Liz..."
Summary: 3 Stars
As is mentioned multiple times on the DVD extras, DOCTOR WHO AND THE SILURIANS began life as a discussion between author Malcolm Hulke and script editor Terrance Dicks. With the show now centered on the Doctor's exile to Earth, Hulke reckoned that there were only two basic story types in this format: alien invasion or Earth-based mad scientists.
THE SILURIANS was an attempt to escape from this way of thinking by presenting a story in which intelligent reptiles have been in hibernation for millions of years while the Earth and humanity evolved and changed around them. Awakening in the present day they claim ownership of the planet not because of their advanced weaponry (although this they posses) but because of their ancient claim of original ownership. It's a nice spin on the alien invasion story, although I wonder if holding it back a season or two would have made it a little more effective. It's difficult to notice or absorb the subverting of a format during only its second story.
This serial is one which I have always attempted to like, but one which I appreciate more on paper than I do in actuality. The story is strong at times, the set pieces are impressive and the acting is good. But it's a serial made up of seven 25-minute episodes, and really only has enough material for four or five. While the padding is generally good and effective, it doesn't quite distract from the fact that the clock is moving and the plot isn't really going anywhere.
Also, several items about the production unfortunately tend to drag down the story. Whenever one notices the incidental music, it's because the sound is annoying and/or bizarre. While the DVD extras tell us that Carey Blyton was attempting to use historical musical instruments, the end result is something that sounds like an electronic kazoo (someone one would expect from a Joel Robinson invention exchange). It starts silly and gets sillier.
As with many Doctor Who monsters (and as Terrance Dicks points out on the commentary track), the Silurians are much more frightening when they are shadowy figures lurking behind the scenes causally killing people and causing general mayhem. They not as effective when they're standing under bright studio lights where every costuming join is visible. Adding to the reduction in terror are some of the choices made by the actors in the rubber suits. One actor is so unbelievably over the top that when the Young Silurian kills his rival, one almost expects the victor to rip off his mask to reveal Sean Hayes of "Will & Grace" fame. ("I am the leader now! Me! Just Jack!")
Of course, credit is due where the serial succeeds. The sequences where the Silurian-released plague is sweeping through central London are very effective and well-staged. The search for the cure is slow-moving but the pacing is tight. Of course, if the story were written today, David Tennant would simply wave his sonic screwdriver over Geoffrey Palmer and an episode and a half worth of tension would vanish in three seconds.
The serial has quite a strong cast and the guest stars are particularly strong. Geoffrey Palmer and Peter Miles always receive well-deserved praise. But I particularly enjoyed the performance of Fulton Mackay as Dr. Quinn. His style is very natural. Dr. Quinn's personality and mannerisms (if not his motivations and actions) reminded me of a few scientists and professors that I've met.
This is a DVD heavy with features. The commentary track features a revolving door of characters, with the following members of the cast/crew appearing for various lengths of time: Caroline John, Nicholas Courtney, Peter Miles, Geoffrey Palmer, Timothy Combe, Barry Letts and Terrance Dicks. This is a very pleasant commentary; the brave crew even get cups of tea delivered to them in the middle of episode three. It's notable that when producer Barry Letts (who is becoming one of my favorite commentary participants in these DVDs for his combination of information and dry humor) is out of the recording studio the train of the conversation veers wildly. I imagine it's tough work trying to stay focused and think of things to say for seven full episodes.
The additional DVD documentaries are also worth watching. WHAT LIES BENEATH is an informative look at the world and political context in which THE SILURIANS was initially broadcast. Many of the arguments are obvious, but some are intriguing. COLOR SILURIAN OVERLAY is also a must see. The original color print of this story was lost years ago and all that remained was a high-quality black and white film print and a low-quality color VHS print (recorded on a home video recorder by a fan in the 1970s). The CSO short goes through the fascinating process of joining the two together.
Despite my lukewarm reaction to the story, this was still worth the DVD purchase for me, just to see this serial in color. It's nice to watch the relationship between the Doctor and the Brigadier this early in "exile" storyline. And while the script at times has the subtlety of a sledgehammer, it has interesting things to say and its foundation is still a good, fun, exciting story.
Summary of Doctor Who and the Silurians (Episode 52)
It's a rude awakening for the Silurians, an intelligent dinosaur race only now emerging from a hibernation begun at the dawn of the Ice Age.DVD Features:
Audio Commentary
Documentaries
Music Only Track
Photo gallery
Production Notes
Science Fiction & Fantasy DVD Video
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