Doctor Who-Series 10-Part 1 (Blu-ray) (2017) |
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General | Extras | ||
Category | Science Fiction |
Main Menu Audio & Animation Featurette-one for each episode |
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Rating | |||
Year Of Production | 2017 | ||
Running Time | 295 | ||
RSDL / Flipper |
Dual Layered Dual Disc Set |
Cast & Crew | |
Start Up | Menu | ||
Region Coding | 4 | Directed By |
Graeme Harper Euros Lyn James Strong James Hawes |
Studio
Distributor |
Roadshow Home Entertainment |
Starring |
Peter Capaldi Pearl Mackie Matt Lucas |
Case | Slip Case | ||
RPI | $29.95 | Music | Murray Gold |
Video | Audio | ||
Pan & Scan/Full Frame | None |
English DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 English Descriptive Audio Dolby Digital 2.0 |
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Widescreen Aspect Ratio | 1.78:1 | ||
16x9 Enhancement |
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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 |
It is hard to believe that any television show could run for 50 years, let alone 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 is currently part way through its tenth season on the ABC. This is the third (and seemingly last) season with Peter Capaldi as The Doctor, accompanied by new companion Bill (Pearl Mackie) who is an excellent addition to the show, bringing something different than previous companions. She is black and a lesbian but to my mind these things are much less interesting than her different, inquisitive, funny and brave personality. She challenges the Doctor in new and interesting ways despite his desire to avoid having another companion and his need to be near a locked vault underneath a university. The character of Nardole (Matt Lucas) also continues in this series playing a significant part in many episodes, often as comic relief.
This season contains 12 episodes and this set includes the first six spread across two Blu-ray discs. There are certainly some great episodes here including the quite different opening episode with The Doctor as a University lecturer whom Bill is fascinated with even though she only works in the canteen rather than being a student. This is a wonderful introduction to the character of Bill revealing some of what makes her tick including her family background, empathy and humanity. The other episodes range across a whole load of different scenarios including the freezing of the Thames (and the monster that lurks beneath), a race of robots who communicate using emojis, a haunted house and a book that anyone who reads immediately commits suicide. There are some great challenges for The Doctor in this first six episodes including getting used to Bill, dealing with the contents of the vault, a curious affliction and more. All of these episodes are very entertaining and this series feels like it might be the best of the Peter Capaldi Doctor.
Shaping up to be the best of the Capaldi seasons. Recommended.
The video quality is very good, at a similar quality to last season.
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 reasonably sharp and clear throughout, without ever looking spectacular. Shadow detail was very good.
The colour is excellent, really showing off the new sets and locations for this series.
There was some minor motion blur during fast movement and some little bits of aliasing.
There are subtitles available in English for the Hearing Impaired which are clear and easy to read.
Sharpness | |
Shadow Detail | |
Colour | |
Grain/Pixelization | |
Film-To-Video Artefacts | |
Film Artefacts | |
Overall |
The audio quality is very good without being at feature film quality.
These discs contain an English soundtrack in DTS HD-MA 5.1, plus an Audio Descriptive track in Dolby Digital 2.0.
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 such as lasers, screams and action scenes plus significant atmosphere and music and the subwoofer supported the TARDIS sounds, music and action scenes.
Dialogue | |
Audio Sync | |
Clicks/Pops/Dropouts | |
Surround Channel Use | |
Subwoofer | |
Overall |
A small set of extras. They have HD-MA 2.0 sound. One assumes there will be an end of season set with more extras
The menu features various locations from the series and music from the show. Audio Navigation is available as an option.
Short promotional featurettes for each episode. This one talks about the addition of Bill and the story.
Short promotional featurettes for each episode. This one talks about the emoji robots and social media in general.
Short promotional featurettes for each episode. This one talks about the phenomenon of the frozen Thames and the development of Bill's character.
Short promotional featurettes for each episode. This one talks about the insects and the storyline.
Short promotional featurettes for each episode. This one talks about the idea of paying for oxygen and the affliction that affects the Doctor.
Short promotional featurettes for each episode. Covers the return of a famous character and the unreal environment used.
NOTE: To view non-R4 releases, your equipment needs to be multi-zone compatible and usually also NTSC compatible.
This season is available globally seemingly in the same format.
The video quality is very good.
The audio quality is very good.
The extras are disappointing.Video | |
Audio | |
Extras | |
Plot | |
Overall |
Review Equipment | |
DVD | Panasonic DMR-PWT500, using HDMI output |
Display | Sharp LC52LE820X Quattron 52" Full HD LED-LCD TV . Calibrated with Ultimate DVD Platinum. This display device is 16x9 capable. This display device has a maximum native resolution of 1080p. |
Audio Decoder | Built into amplifier. Calibrated with Ultimate DVD Platinum. |
Amplification | Marantz SR5005 |
Speakers | Monitor Audio Bronze 2 (Front), Bronze Centre & Bronze FX (Rears) + Sony SAW2500M Subwoofer |