The Doctor (Matt Smith) and companion Clara (Jenna Coleman) spend the holidays in the town of Christmas, on the planet of Trenzalore, where "Silence will fall when the question is asked." We have previously learned this is the location of Doctor Who's final battle and grave in "The Name of the Doctor," which concluded the Seventh Series last winter. There are plenty of "spoilers" as the writers reinvent Gallifreyan mythology and we finally learn the true meaning behind the crack in the universe, first introduced in "The Eleventh Hour" (2009) on Amelia Pond's bedroom wall, and subsequent episodes during Season 5. Since that plot strand was supposedly resolved when Doctor Who rebooted the universe in "The Big Bang" finale of Series Five it was a nifty idea to reintroduce it here from a different perspective. And, it works brilliantly. The story continues with elements introduced throughout the most recent series and in the amazing 50th Anniversary Special, "The Day of the Doctor," which was a great experience theatrically in 3D last November and is recommended on Blu-Ray 3D for optimum effect. "Time's" production values are on par with any expensive Hollywood movie and there is plenty of action in the final battle sequence. Cybermen, Daleks, Sontarans, Weeping Angels and The Silence all figure prominently and there is plenty of the wonderful dry British wit: The Silence as "Confessional Priests" is an amazing touch: "Very popular," The Doctor tells Clara, "genetically engineered so you forget everything you told them." Acting is top-notch with kudos to Orla Brady as Tasha Lem, Mother Superious ("There will now be an unscheduled faith change") aboard the massive flying church, The Papal Mainframe. Smith and Coleman, "The Impossible Girl," continue their perfect chemistry. Smith's tenure as The Doctor continued the BBC program's smart casting after David Tennant (2005-10) and Christopher Eccleston (2005) reinvented the Time Lord for 21st Century audiences. Introduction of the new Doctor (Peter Capaldi) is properly brief and intense. There are three nice cameos, from past Who characters, Shelia Reid and Elizabeth Rider, as Clara's gran and mother, respectively, and Karen Gillan, as Amy Pond, whose presence brings the 11th Doctor's story full circle. Three bonus features add immensely to the enjoyment with behind the scenes footage, a farewell to Matt Smith and "Tales from the TARDIS," that is especially provocative when previous Doctors (Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy) and companions share their experiences. And, bring out the tissues for Smith's pre-sunrise scene with "Handles" and Clara, one of the countless reasons the series has lasted for fifty years; it touches our souls with much needed reminders of the fragility of life and our place in the universe.
This review is from Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor [Blu-ray]
Posted by HenryBR60
The Time of the Doctor doesn't have as many special effects shots or epic scenes that the 50th anniversary had. However, it makes up for that by having the best regeneration of any Doctor (I've seen them all) and is a must see just for that alone. I was giggling gleefully while it was going on. Also, Peter Capaldi's brief bit was as madly funny as I expected. I saw some people complaining about the plot feeling somewhat contrived. I enjoyed the small town setting, it was beautiful in the sunlight and I loved the villager's costumes. I also enjoyed the unique situation that happens between Clara and the Doctor - that's a first (not saying any more). I felt the emotional impact on the characters due to their situations in this story more than made up for any aspects of the plot that might be a bit holey. I was also very impressed by the writing which gave really good heartfelt moments to several actors, not just Matt, and were evenly spread throughout the episode rather than saved for the end. Matt did get beautiful dialog to say pre-regeneration and he delivered it so amazingly well that I think that speech tops the one he just did at the end of the 50th special which I thought couldn't be topped. Finally, I feel The Time of the Doctor was a beautiful, loving, brilliant send off for Matt's Doctor and I'm glad he got such a wonderful exit.
This review is from Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor [Blu-ray]
Posted by mememe
Finally, Transelore. Many plotlines concluded. Some secrets and forgotten lore revealed. A Doctor Who dream that finishes the Matt Smith era with Proper Panache'. My most cynical Doctor Who friend who has something to say about every Doctor Who episode had nothing to say about this except that she was happy and really enjoyed it! The story stands alone and would be good to view if a person just wanted to watch a movie. You don't have to be a Doctor Who fan to enjoy it. Although the last scene will have you running to BBC America in September 2014 to find out what happens. Ta, LEMIII
This review is from Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor [Blu-ray]
Posted by machiste
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