Doctor Who-Series 7-Part 2 (Blu-ray) (2007)

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General		Extras
Category	Science Fiction	Main Menu Audio & Animation Featurette-Making Of Deleted Scenes Bonus Episode Featurette-The Companions
Rating
Year Of Production	2007
Running Time	477
RSDL / Flipper	Dual Layered	Cast & Crew
Start Up	Menu
Region Coding	4	Directed By	Graeme Harper Euros Lyn James Strong James Hawes
Studio Distributor	Roadshow Home Entertainment	Starring	None Given
Case	Amaray-Transparent
RPI	?	Music	Murray Gold

Video		Audio
Pan & Scan/Full Frame	None	English DTS HD Master Audio 5.1
Widescreen Aspect Ratio	1.78:1
16x9 Enhancement
Video Format	1080i
Original Aspect Ratio	1.78:1	Miscellaneous
Jacket Pictures	No
Subtitles	English for the Hearing Impaired	Smoking	No
		Annoying Product Placement	No
		Action In or After Credits	No

     The new Doctor Who series, of which this is Season 7, has been going from strength to strength with excellent storylines, three interesting actors as The Doctor (Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant & now Matt Smith) plus some excellent companions such as Amy Pond (Karen Gillan), Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill) & River Song (Alex Kingston). This latest release includes the second part of the seventh season which features a new companion, Clara Oswald (Jenna-Louise Coleman) although the character or variations on the character have appeared in previous episodes.

     This set is somewhat of a departure from previous seasons as this time the season has been split in two with 5 episodes in 2012, a Christmas Special in the middle of the season and then 8 more episodes in 2013. In previous seasons, 13 episodes have been done together bookended by Christmas Specials. This particular 3 disc Blu-ray set includes the 2012 Christmas special and the 8 episodes released in 2013.

     Unfortunately, this set of episodes is a bit of a mixed bag with some excellent ones (6, 8, 9 & 13 being the standouts) but also some subpar ones which are somewhat confused and a little lifeless at times. The new companion is great but the writing lets both her and the Doctor down at times. The Cybermen appear and also in a few of the episodes new recurring characters Miss Vastra and her offsiders Strax and Jenny. The final episode introduces a surprise to the mix. The overarching storyline for this season is the Doctor trying to work out why Clara is 'impossible'. This subplot is explained in the excellent series ending episode.

    Certainly worthwhile for fans of the series but perhaps not as good as some of the previous seasons.

Video

     The video quality is very good but not without issue.

     The series is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio which is the original aspect ratio. It is 1080i rather than full 1080p.

     The picture was very sharp and clear generally although there was some cloudiness in backgrounds and mild grain at times. Shadow detail was very good.

     The colour is also very good.

     There was some motion blur during fast movement.

     There are subtitles available in English for the Hearing Impaired which are clear and easy to read.

    There are no obvious layer changes.

Video Ratings Summary

Sharpness
Shadow Detail
Colour
Grain/Pixelization
Film-To-Video Artefacts
Film Artefacts
Overall

Audio

     The audio quality is good but certainly not up to the best of Blu-ray.

     These discs contain an English soundtrack in DTS HD-MA 5.1.

     Dialogue was quite clear however sometimes it got lost in the mix of effects and music, meaning the subtitles were useful at times.

     The music by Murray Gold is excellent as usual adding significantly to the show.

     The surround speakers were well used for lots of directional effects, atmosphere plus the music and the subwoofer supported the music and action scenes.

Audio Ratings Summary

Dialogue
Audio Sync
Clicks/Pops/Dropouts
Surround Channel Use
Subwoofer
Overall

     A good collection of extras. Many of them have HD-MA 5.1 sound.

Menu

     The menu is similar to other seasons of Doctor Who featuring the Tardis in a wormhole and the theme music.

Disc 1

Clara's White Christmas (3:28)

     A short featurette on the Christmas Special.

Vastra Investigates (2:29)

     A cool prequel to the Christmas Special.

The Great Detective (3:17)

     A short story involving Vastra, Strax and Jenny plus the return of the Doctor.

Prequel - The Bells of St John (2:37)

     An early meeting with Clara in prequel to one of the episodes.

Disc 3

Clarence & The Whispermen (2:11)

     Extra Scene for the last episode.

The Companions (43:37)

     A worthwhile documentary on the companions focused on the recent seasons. It includes interviews with the actors and discussions with the writers about the companions, their natures and why the doctor needs them to continue. Includes lots of scenes from recent series. Certainly of interest to fans.

    This part season is available globally however our local version includes a better range of extras than overseas versions as far as I can tell. Buy local.

    The video quality is very good.

    The audio quality is good.

Video
Audio
Extras
Plot
Overall