Doctor Who-The Day of the Doctor-50th Anniversary Special (Blu-ray 3D) (2013)

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General		Extras
Category	Science Fiction	Main Menu Audio & Animation Featurette-Making Of Deleted Scenes Bonus Episode-The Night of the Doctor Featurette-Doctor Who Explained Trailer
Rating
Year Of Production	2013
Running Time	79:53 (Case: 147)
RSDL / Flipper	Dual Layered	Cast & Crew
Start Up	Menu
Region Coding	4	Directed By	Graeme Harper
Studio Distributor	Roadshow Home Entertainment	Starring	David Tennant Matt Smith
Case	Amaray-Transparent
RPI	?	Music	Murray Gold

Video		Audio
Pan & Scan/Full Frame	None	English DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 English Descriptive Audio Dolby Digital 2.0
Widescreen Aspect Ratio	1.78:1
16x9 Enhancement
Video Format	1080p
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

     It is hard to believe that any television show could run for 50 years, let alone one what started as a little sci-fi series designed for kids on the BBC. This series has enthralled, excited and inspired generations of children and adults alike. There have been spin-off series, movies and more over the years. The new incarnation of the series has now completed its seventh season, and 2013's dose of The Doctor is closed out by two specials, this one a 50th anniversary special and a 2013 Christmas special which is being released separately (as part of a set of all the Matt Smith Christmas specials).

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

     This movie-length 50th Anniversary special is a wonderful instalment in the canon of Doctor Who. This show reveals details of the Doctor's history not previously revealed including an extra incarnation of The Doctor, known as The War Doctor (played by John Hurt). Most of the living actors who have played The Doctor also appear.

     David Tennant is featured. The show focuses on The Doctor's role in the Time War between the Time Lords and the Daleks and how he stopped the war. This show also resolves some other story issues which were potential future problems for the show. The story is exciting, intriguing and amusing as the best Doctor Who episodes are. Other previous companions and other baddies also appear to round out the special.

     This show was shot in 3D and is included on this Blu-ray in both 3D and 2D versions.

     A wonderful special which absolutely represents all the things we love about Doctor Who.

Video

     The video quality is very good.

     The feature is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio which is the original aspect ratio. It is 1080p unlike most of the Doctor Who Blu-rays.

     The picture was very sharp and clear throughout. Shadow detail was very good.

     The colour is also very good, looking great on Blu-ray.

     There was some mild aliasing occasionally.

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

     There is no obvious layer change.

Video Ratings Summary

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

Audio

    The audio quality is excellent for a television special.

     This disc contains an English soundtrack in DTS HD-MA 5.1 plus a Dolby Digital 2.0 Audio Descriptive track.

     Dialogue was very clear throughout.

     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 but are 1080i unlike the main feature.

Menu

     The menu is wonderful showing the various doctors and featuring a version of the theme tune. The menu is preceded by 3D/2D version selection and the ability to enable audio navigation for the vision impaired.

The Last Day (3:40)

     A mini episode about some soldiers on Gallifrey preparing for an attack.

The Night of the Doctor (6:49)

     A mini episode featuring Paul McGann as The Doctor. He gets onto a crashing spaceship during the Time War trying to help. This episode links to the War Doctor.

Behind the Lens (13:06)

     A making of for the Anniversary special which features the usual interview snippets, scenes and discussion of sets and the story. Not Bad.

Doctor Who Explained (44:50)

     The absolute highlight of the extras. This is a comprehensive guide to the world of Doctor Who featuring most of the living actors who have played the Doctor plus many companions and other actors who have appeared discussing the various incarnations of The Doctor, the TARDIS, The Doctor's origins, the regeneration, companions and enemies. Great viewing for fans and those new to the show.

Early Trailer (1:27)

     Teaser for the 50th anniversary special.

50 Year Trailer (1:00)

     Features all the doctors.

    This special seems to be the same format globally.

    The video quality is very good.

    The audio quality is excellent.

Video
Audio
Extras
Plot
Overall