2 thoughts on “Doctor Who: The Ambassadors of Death [DVD]”
Mars Probe 7 {In Full COLOUR} 1970’s often overlooked 7 parter “The Ambassadors of Death” is a classic Jon Pertwee UNIT serial with some great sets and convincing aliens thrown in to boot! When I first watched this story some time back, I was very impressed with how well it stands up today, the sets and the costumes are very “real” and one can actually imagine that the Martians were threatening to destroy the Earth in the early 1970’s. Jon Pertwee, on only his third outing as the 3rd Doctor is sublime, his penchant for leadership and intelligence shines through wonderfully here, especially the scenes aboard the Martian craft. As with all other stories of the 7th series, UNIT is largely involved with events. Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge Stewart is on hand to assist the newly regenerated Time Lord. I always adored the love / hate relationship that the Brig and the Doctor had, they always played off one another brilliantly. Jon Pertwee and Nic Courtney had by now figured out how they were going to play both respective characters and I am certainly glad that they figured it out so well.Series 7 companion Liz Shaw as played by the ever-lovely Caroline John is another factor to the success of this mammoth story, she certainly is as much a part of this escapade as Jon and her acting is electric throughout. I always felt it a shame when series 8 opened and Liz was nowhere to be seen, having departed the Doctor’s company and run off back to Cambridge, still, the softener to this upsetting knowledge was the effervescent Katy Manning’s new companion Jo Grant.In the end then, I have nothing bad to say about this story, I know at 7 episodes some people might be put off, but I must say that after expecting to be disappointed with this unknown giant, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I now love it, The BBC DVD release of this tale is to follow in a few weeks with Digitally Remastered FULL COLOUR episodes 1,2,3,4,5,6 + 7. Thank god the money is there these days. 10/10.Many thanks to all of you who read my reviews. Its greatly appreciated.M.B.
The final title from a unique season Season 7 is a remarkable year of Doctor Who, and although it’s hard to pick a favourite, this probably comes closest for me. Exceptionally atmospheric in places, with some of the creepiest music (i.e. the alien’s theme) to grace the series. It might be an odd choice, but the quarry scenes of the cranes burying the thugs in gravel I find really affecting.And now the story is available in full colour for the first time since broadcast. Really, this is one worth every penny.
Mars Probe 7 {In Full COLOUR} 1970’s often overlooked 7 parter “The Ambassadors of Death” is a classic Jon Pertwee UNIT serial with some great sets and convincing aliens thrown in to boot! When I first watched this story some time back, I was very impressed with how well it stands up today, the sets and the costumes are very “real” and one can actually imagine that the Martians were threatening to destroy the Earth in the early 1970’s. Jon Pertwee, on only his third outing as the 3rd Doctor is sublime, his penchant for leadership and intelligence shines through wonderfully here, especially the scenes aboard the Martian craft. As with all other stories of the 7th series, UNIT is largely involved with events. Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge Stewart is on hand to assist the newly regenerated Time Lord. I always adored the love / hate relationship that the Brig and the Doctor had, they always played off one another brilliantly. Jon Pertwee and Nic Courtney had by now figured out how they were going to play both respective characters and I am certainly glad that they figured it out so well.Series 7 companion Liz Shaw as played by the ever-lovely Caroline John is another factor to the success of this mammoth story, she certainly is as much a part of this escapade as Jon and her acting is electric throughout. I always felt it a shame when series 8 opened and Liz was nowhere to be seen, having departed the Doctor’s company and run off back to Cambridge, still, the softener to this upsetting knowledge was the effervescent Katy Manning’s new companion Jo Grant.In the end then, I have nothing bad to say about this story, I know at 7 episodes some people might be put off, but I must say that after expecting to be disappointed with this unknown giant, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I now love it, The BBC DVD release of this tale is to follow in a few weeks with Digitally Remastered FULL COLOUR episodes 1,2,3,4,5,6 + 7. Thank god the money is there these days. 10/10.Many thanks to all of you who read my reviews. Its greatly appreciated.M.B.
The final title from a unique season Season 7 is a remarkable year of Doctor Who, and although it’s hard to pick a favourite, this probably comes closest for me. Exceptionally atmospheric in places, with some of the creepiest music (i.e. the alien’s theme) to grace the series. It might be an odd choice, but the quarry scenes of the cranes burying the thugs in gravel I find really affecting.And now the story is available in full colour for the first time since broadcast. Really, this is one worth every penny.