Doctor Who-Series 4-Volume 2 (2007) |
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General | Extras | ||
Category | Science Fiction | Main Menu Audio & Animation | |
Rating | |||
Year Of Production | 2007 | ||
Running Time | 179:09 | ||
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 Dolby Digital 2.0 (192Kb/s) | |
Widescreen Aspect Ratio | 1.78:1 | ||
16x9 Enhancement |
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Video Format | 576i (PAL) | ||
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 |
This is the third disc of the fourth series of the new Doctor Who to be released, despite being entitled Volume 2. Unlike previous years the Christmas special disc this time around was not given a volume number, so this disc actually contains episodes 4-7 of the new series. Once again Roadshow are releasing each disc of the new series separately, one per month from July until November. This season will be spread over 5 discs. A box set will be released later in the year. The presentation is very similar to last year, right down to menu design. One presumes a box set will be released later in the year.
This disc contains four episodes including a double episode featuring the Sontarans, an alien race bred for war. These episodes feature comedienne Catherine Tate as The Doctor's companion which is really starting to work, to my mind. It is good to see a change in style for the companions from young 'love interest' types to a more feisty and mature character. At first I was surprised by the choice of Tate as the new companion but I believe that it is really working. She is believable, funny and resourceful. All four episodes included here are of high quality and this season is shaping to be one of the best yet of the new series.
The four episodes on this disc are:
Recommended.
The feature is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, 16x9 enhanced, which is probably the original aspect ratio.
The picture was surprisingly clear and sharp throughout. There is still some light colour bleeding to be seen but not as bad as previous discs. Shadow detail is also very good. There was no evidence of low level noise. There was just a little light grain in some scenes.
The colour was fine from a vividness and richness perspective, however the aforementioned colour bleeding from light colours was a little annoying.
There were no noticeable artefacts other than a little mild Aliasing" style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.michaeldvd.com.au/Articles/VideoArtefacts/VideoArtefactsAliasing.html"> aliasing here and there.
There are subtitles in English for the hearing impaired. The English subtitles were clear and easy to read, however were a little small in size.
There are no layer changes in the episodes.
Sharpness | |
Shadow Detail | |
Colour | |
Grain/Pixelization | |
Film-To-Video Artefacts | |
Film Artefacts | |
Overall |
This DVD contains an English Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo encoded at 192 Kb/s.
Dialogue was mostly clear and easy to understand, although some lines were a bit drowned by the music and effects. Audio sync was also fine.
The original theme song by Ron Grainer has been modernised and the score is provided by Murray Gold. The music is of excellent quality and adds significantly to the production.
The surround speakers added significant music and atmosphere.
The subwoofer was used to add bass to the music and effects.
.
Dialogue | |
Audio Sync | |
Clicks/Pops/Dropouts | |
Surround Channel Use | |
Subwoofer | |
Overall |
None
The menu features motion and the theme tune.
NOTE: To view non-R4 releases, your equipment needs to be multi-zone compatible and usually also NTSC compatible.
This show is also available in the same format in Region 2 but does not seem to be available in Region 1.
The video quality is very good.
The audio quality is good.
The extras have been saved for the whole season box set.
Video | |
Audio | |
Extras | |
Plot | |
Overall |
Review Equipment | |
DVD | Pioneer DV667A DVD-V DVD-A SACD, using Component output |
Display | Sony FD Trinitron Wega KV-AR34M36 80cm. Calibrated with Digital Video Essentials (PAL). This display device is 16x9 capable. This display device has a maximum native resolution of 576i (PAL)/480i (NTSC). |
Audio Decoder | Built in to amplifier/receiver. Calibrated with Video Essentials. |
Amplification | Pioneer VSX-511 |
Speakers | Monitor Audio Bronze 2 (Front), Bronze Centre & Bronze FX (Rears) + Sony SAW2500M Subwoofer |