Doctor Who-The Complete Series 10 (Blu-ray) (2017) |
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Doctor Who-The Complete Series 10 (Blu-ray) (2017) |
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| General | Extras | ||
| Category | Science Fiction |
Main Menu Audio & Animation Featurette-Many Audio Commentary-3 episodes Deleted Scenes |
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| Rating |
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| Year Of Production | 2017 | ||
| Running Time | 615 | ||
| RSDL / Flipper |
Dual Layered Multi Disc Set (6) |
Cast & Crew | |
| Start Up | Menu | ||
| Region Coding | 4 | Directed By |
Graeme Harper Euros Lyn James Strong James Hawes |
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Studio
Distributor |
 Roadshow Home Entertainment |
Starring |
Peter Capaldi Pearl Mackie Matt Lucas |
| Case | Amaray-Opaque | ||
| RPI | $64.95 | Music | Murray Gold |
| Video | Audio | ||
| Pan & Scan/Full Frame | None |
English DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 English Descriptive Audio DTS HD Master Audio 2.0 English Audio Commentary DTS HD Master Audio 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 has completed its tenth season on the ABC. This is the third and 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.
During the season, two half season sets were released by Roadshow and in both reviews I noted the possibility of a more comprehensive full season set being released. Well here it is!
This set contains the 12 episodes included in the half season sets but also the Christmas Special from 2016, The Return of Dr Mysterio plus a lot more extras. Technically, the episode specs are the same, excluding the addition of commentaries on some episodes (I will cover these in the extras section below). The episodes are spread across 5 Blu-rays instead of four in the half season sets due to there being more extras on each disc. There is also a sixth extras only disc in this set. If you have not purchased the half season sets, don't. This is the set you want.
As far as the show goes, this is the best of the Peter Capaldi seasons and he certainly goes out with a bang (although he does appear in the 2017 Christmas special). To my mind the 2016 Christmas special was an interesting and different idea for the show, however it was not well executed, making it a disappointing watch. In general though, this is great television!
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.
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The audio quality is very good without being at feature film quality.
The discs contain an English soundtrack in DTS HD-MA 5.1, plus an Audio Descriptive track in Dolby Digital 2.0. On one episode there is a new and very interesting audio option called Binaural audio, designed for headphones. See below in the extras section for more information.
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.
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A huge collection of extras which includes everything on the half-season sets plus much more.
The menu features various locations from the series and music from the show. Audio Navigation is available as an option.
DTS HD-MA 5.1 and 1080i. An extended making of covering story, casting, costumes etc. It is hosted by Charity Wakefield who stars in the special. Also features Matt Lucas. Overall, it is interesting and amusing.
A discussion of how The Doctor compares to superheroes.
Short promotional featurettes for each episode. This one talks about the addition of Bill and the story.
Featurette on casting Pearl Mackie, the character and the lead up to the announcement.
Featurette on the history of companions in the new series including Clara, Amy, Rose etc.
Interesting and worthwhile commentary which covers the very different start to the season and the introduction of Pearl's character. Well worth a listen..
Another worthwhile audio commentary from the director and writer of this episode. They discuss trivia such as location, the use of sound in the episode and horror in general and the writing process.
This extra audio track is technically DTS HD-MA 2.0 however it has been specially recorded using multiple microphones to the simulate 3D surround sound in headphones. It does a really good job in my opinion and certainly suits this style of creeping menace episode. There is no point listening to this without headphones but it certainly takes you inside the episode once you put your headphones on. An excellent extra and the first of its kind that I have seen.
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.
Onscreen this extra is denoted by a smiley face on the menu which I have tried to create in text above. It is a featurette on the Smile episode which focuses on writing and the story.
A making of for the Knock Knock episode discussing the casting of David Suchet, writing and filming.
A fun and somewhat informative commentary for this episode. They discuss the idea, the story and character development while having a good time.
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.
Short promotional featurettes for each episode. This one talks about the story of the episode.
Short promotional featurettes for each episode. This one talks about the dystopian world created and the story.
Short promotional featurettes for each episode. This one talks about the story and the Ice Warriors.
Short promotional featurettes for each episode. This one talks about the story of the 9th legion.
A featurette focused on Rona Munro who is the first writer of an original series Doctor Who episode to write for the new series. Covers her original serial and her new episode. Interesting.
Short promotional featurettes for each episode. This one talks about Missy and the Master plus The Cybermen.
Short promotional featurettes for each episode. Covers the end of Peter Capaldi and Stephen Moffat as showrunner.
Making of the 2 part finale, covering the return of The Master and Missy, Mondassian Cybermen, special effects, stunts, how the various characters finish the series including Nardole, The Doctor, Bill, Heather and more. Very worthwhile.
This is a live show with orchestra in Cardiff which included a showing of the last episode. The orchestra play music from the show live with scenes shown on a big screen. It also includes appearances from the Cybermen, Pearl Mackie and Stephen Moffat who answer questions from a compere and the audience. Quite interesting.
A selection of quite interesting deleted scenes from throughout the series, including more guitar-playing doctor, more Bill and the Doctor, more Nardole, more Ice Warriors and some exposition. Worth watching especially for fans.
The online fan show for each episode of the season. The hostess interviews cast and crew, plays silly games and discusses each episode. David Suchet is a highlight. Worth watching but a little silly at times. They are technically 1080i and DTS HD-MA 2.0, however, the video quality is not up to the rest of the set, showing aliasing, motion blur and other artefacts but this is surely based on the source.
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 a huge selection of mostly very worthwhile content. A huge step up from the half season sets.| Video | |
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| Extras | |
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| 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 |