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| Doctor Who - Series 4, Volume 1 [2008] | ![Doctor Who - Series 4, Volume 1 [2008]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514fziagN5L._SL160_.jpg)
enlarge | List Price: £17.99 Buy New: £11.98 You Save: £6.01 (33%)
Avg. Customer Rating:   (based on 13 reviews) Sales Rank: 472 Category: DVD
Actors: David Tennant, Catherine Tate, Billie Piper, Bernard Cribbins, Sarah Lancashire Publisher: 2 Entertain Video Studio: 2 Entertain Video Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video Label: 2 Entertain Video Format: Colour, Pal Language: English (Original Language) Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over Media: DVD Running Time: 135 minutes Number Of Items: 1
EAN: 5014503260521 ASIN: B00153NOPE
Release Date: June 2, 2008 (In 20 Days) Theatrical Release Date: 2008 Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping Availability: Not yet released
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Amazon.co.uk Review There's been a lot of pressure on the fourth series of Doctor Who. Could Russell T Davies and his team keep the momentum going? Would Catherine Tate overcome the initial criticisms and prove to be a strong companion for the Doctor? And, well, how do you top the three series of the revived show that we've enjoyed so far? We needn't have worried. The three episodes on this disc, while not vintage Doctor Who (they always save the better episodes for the latter part of each season, after all), have plenty to offer. Partners In Crime is a fun way to start the series, primarily concerned with setting up the Catherine Tate-David Tennant mechanic, and allowing the former to dispel many of the concerns aimed in her direction. It's forgettable stuff, about a miracle diet, but is still entertaining, and Sarah Lancashire is a welcome guest star. Next up is The Fires Of Pompeii, and this is where the action kicks in. There's a little bit of continuing to set up the main character dynamics, but this is the episode that the effects budget was clearly thrown at. With a massive volcano eruption, impressive monsters and a fast-moving plot, it's good stuff. Finally, a welcome return for a foe from series past, in Planet Of The Ood. This is a well-written story, with some solid monsters in it, and throws in plenty of moral conundrums along the way. Good stuff. With three good stories, there's plenty to enjoy here, and it sees the fourth series of Doctor Who getting off to a strong start. Count us among those who can't wait for the rest of it... --Jon Foster
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| Customer Reviews: Read 8 more reviews...
  Mind Blowing! May 5, 2008 PARTNERS IN CRIME...
Well Doctor Who is back for the fourth installment of the action packed adventure and its better then ever. In this episode we see the return of the loud mouth bride. which translates as Donna Noble, whom the doctor has met before on Christmas 2006. Donnas character has now become a more confident and less loud companion, who seems to make sure that her views are carried out to any species of alien. Catherine's performance in the episode is light lifting and she represents the human reaction to seeing any alien creature. The main story line for this episode shows Donna trying to track down the Doctor, who himself is investing the Adipose Industries, ran by the ruthless Miss. Foster.. ( I wont give the whole story line away) The special effects for the Adipose was really an achievement for the Doctor Who production, giving the show a fresh new edge. One of the things that really touch you in this episode is the relationship between Donna and her Granddad ( Wilf) who's relationship seems really real and even heart touching... Unlike Rose and Martha, there is no love status between Donna and the Doctor, just a long lasting friendship..... With the return of a previous companion and even a glimpse of a lost one, walking fast tissue, and amazing special effects, i think that this episode deserves a 4 out 5.
FIRES OF POMPEII...
Its Donna first trip in the TARDIS, and where better place to be then Pompeii on the eve of the eruption of a Volcano! Every doctor who episode, there is a new element that we see to the Doctor, in this we see the darker side of his beliefs for how Time should be kept... and when Donna questions him about having to warn the residents of Pompeii, we see eruptions between Donna and the Doctor. This episode has breath taking effects including the Volcano eruption and the alien monsters. This is how a true doctor who episode should be, plenty of fire and explosions, tears, death and amazing monsters. Overall the episode should have a 5 out of 5!!
PLANET OF THE ODD
The odd are back! and still as evil as before.... or are they?! the last time we saw the odd was back in 2006 with Rose and the Doctor on the barren planet being sucked in by a black hole... back then we didn't find out much about the ood, and Russell T Davies was always keen to show more about the history of the Ood. In this episode we dig much deeper into the darker side of the human race, and find out what enslaved the Ood. This episode is full of emotion from all characters and is full of action from start to finish.... 4 out of 5!
WELL DONE DOCTOR WHO TEAM!
  Back with a Bang! May 2, 2008 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This DVD contains the first three episodes of the fourth series of Doctor Who, starring David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor and Catherine Tate as Donna Noble.
As with every new series, there is always a certain level of expectation that surrounds it - and the worry that it might not match up to the previous high standards. Luckily, Series 4 has hit the ground running with 3 massively enjoyable episodes. The big difference with this series is that Martha Jones has gone, and been replaced by Donna Noble, last seen in the 2006 Christmas Special 'The Runaway Bride'. When Catherine Tate was announced as the new full-time companion, there were many fans that thought that her casting signified the beginning of the end. I wasn't one of them - as I thoroughly enjoyed her turn in the festive offering, finding her funny and entertaining to watch. She doesn't disappoint. She is easily my favourite new series companion to date - with great comic timing and genuine vulnerability and charm. She has superb chemistry witrh David Tennant, who continues to just get better as the Doctor.
'Parnters in Crime' is a typically light, action-packed series opener, full of energy, life and fun. It serves as a great re-introduction for Donna, and features a massive surprise twist at the end. 'The Fires of Pompeii' is probably the show's most visually impressive effort to date, as the Doctor and Donna travel to AD 79 and the eruption of Mount Vesvius. And then, 'Planet of the Ood' reunites the Doctr with the tentacled slave-race last seen in Series 2. All three episodes are very different, but all equally enjoyable, featuring some lovely guest performances by Sarah Lancashire, Tim McInnery and Peter Capaldi. I can't wait to see how the series, and the character of Donna, develops. Have no fear, Doctor Who is as good as ever.
  Looks like the best series yet! May 1, 2008 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
First of all, I want to talk about the new theme. When I first heard it at the start of 'Voyage of the Damned' last Christmas, I initially didn't like it much. But when I heard it again at the beginning of 'Partners In Crime' and then later watched an episode from the last series, I realised that it is a nice change with the new guitar sounds added in. So I like the new theme! Secondly, I really enjoyed 'The Runaway Bride' so I was never worried about Catherine Tate rejoining the Doctor this season as many people appeared to be in the run - up to this year's series. Now let's move on to the episodes on this DVD.
1. Partners In Crime I always enjoy the opening episode, especially if a companion is being introduced, like 'Smith and Jones' last year. Although in Donna's case, being re-introduced. Anyway, the plot. Donna Noble has regretted her decision not to travel with the Doctor ever since she turned him down. Determined to find him again, she has investigated all things unusual, including the bees disappearing??? , hoping to bump into the Doctor as he has a knack for getting into trouble. When investigating Adipose Industries and its mysterious owner Miss Foster, Donna's plan finally succeeds. This was a great opening, with some really funny aliens that, for once, weren't threatening. Also Sarah Lancashire was great as Miss Foster. Also some great things seeded for later on in the series such as the disappearing bees and the surprise return of Rose Tyler in a brief non-speaking part.
2. The Fires of Pompeii A great first trip in the Tardis for Donna, with a really good dilemma for the Doctor as Donna challenges him. The plot - The Doctor and Donna land in what they think is Ancient Rome but actually turns out to be Pompeii, 79AD, the day before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. As strange rock monsters roam the mountain and the local psychics' visions are surprisingly accurate, can Donna dare the Doctor to change history? Again, some good guest stars, more seedings when Lucius says,"She is returning." Can it be Rose? Also a brilliant emotional performance from Catherine Tate, who I think is a brilliant companion, even though I liked Rose and Martha also.
3. Planet of the Ood Yet another great episode to finish off this outstanding DVD. I really enjoyed this episode, being one of very few Doctor Who fans who didn't enjoy 'The Impossible Planet' and 'The Satan Pit'. The plot - The Doctor takes Donna to her first alien world. The Oodsphere is a world of ice and snow where Ood Operations breeds and sells Ood into service across the galaxies in the 42nd century. However, the Doctor and Donna discover that the Ood are not so willing to serve as the Red Eye infection takes a hold of them. Can the Doctor and Donna get to the core of Ood Operations and find out what's really going on? An absolutely excellent episode, one of the few of the revived series that is actually set on another planet!!! Still I understand that there are not that many quarries in the country - and they all look the same. Another great emotional performance from Catherine Tate, who has proved she can do the emotion and be funny. Another seeding towards the end when Ood Sigma says,"I think your song must end soon." Creepy... what can it all mean? I certainly can't wait!
So, five stars from me and I will definetely be buying this - I always buy the 'vanilla' releases because I can never be bothered to wait until November for the full series boxset - even if it does have extras!
  good stuff April 26, 2008 2 out of 4 found this review helpful
Doctor who's 4th season is shaping up to be it;s best, consistancy wise that is at least. From what i've seen so far and heard about the other stories,this could be who's best season..the other seasons all had good episodes but were loaded with clunkers too..but i havent seen one dud so far.
1. Partners in crime (8/10) A surprisngly good season opener. Traditionally the openers are fairly modest affairs and usually one of the seasons weakest episodes but this tale of cute little adipose alians is really quite lovely and catherine tate gives a largely restrained performance after the am i bovvered routine she gave ayear earlier in the runaway bride. Some excellent FX and a OTT villian in sarah lancashire this makes for a winner.
2. The Fires Of Pompeii (8.5/10) An episode of 2 halves..an atrocious first 20 minutes in which i was dreading watching possibly who's worst episode ever is completly redeemed by catherine tate,david tennant,some amazing fx,creatures and heavy drama..great stuff.
3. Planet of the OOD (8/10) Much better than last years stupid Gridlock episode..the ood are more interesting in this than i thought they would be and some marvelous fx show this the ice planet off superbly and give the episode some scope beyond its budget.
Well thats all for this volume..3 cracking eps..whats up for the rest of the season..well the sontarans are back in the nest 2 eps..the doctor may have a daughter?..a visit to the 1920's to see agatha chrisie...a haunted library..the doctor missing and all his comapnions trying to rescue him in the tardis and the return of Davros..creator of the daleks..and more of Rose who appears in 3 more eps. Beyond this season expect... 2008 xmas special which brings back the cybermen in victorian era london...this ep will include both catherine tate and billie piper according to reports. The 3 specials for 2009 (rumoured to be tennants last but lets hope not!) will air in ester 09 ...aug bank hol 09 and xmas 09...these eps will be linked by a bad guy who appears in all 3..and yes it is rumoured that billie pipe rwill return for these in some capacity and also the xmas special will feature a regeneration into the 11th doctor but all this is unconfirmd and may change.
  Enjoyable start to the series April 26, 2008 5 out of 7 found this review helpful
My thoughts on the stories in turn: Partners In Crime - essentially a light, inconsequential story designed to kick the series off and (re)introduce Donna, who here is much more likeable than she was in The Runaway Bride. The Adipose are among the least threatening DW monsters ever, but at least they're fairly original. There's a scene towards the end of the episode that lifts it considerably, and whets the appetite for what is to come later in the series. A fun, modern, agreeable story with plenty of wit. The Fires Of Pompeii - very much a return to 'traditional' DW stories like ones in the old series, eg the Doctor and companion go to an 'alien' culture where there is evilness afoot and eventually save the day after encountering a monster or two. Of course now we have sensational special effects, non-wobbly sets and much better acting. An improvement on the series opener, Fires, while not being a classic, is a decent yarn with, once again, a few tasty references to something going on below the surface. Russell T Davies is very good at structuring a season, and this tale is placed exactly in the right place in the run. Planet Of The Ood - about as good as its predecessor, maybe a shade better. It also feels like 'traditional' Who - landing on an alien planet, meeting icky monsters, doing battle with a corrupt human etc. The snowbound setting gives it a fresh, different feel to many others. The Doctor and Donna are developing terrifically as a partnership, and their repartee is really enjoyable. These three stories are all worth watching but one can't but help think of the delights to come in Series 4 - it's likely that the final three stories will knock the opening three for six.
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