Doctor Who - Death To The Daleks [1974] [VHS] [1963]

This is a great Jon Pertwee adventure. The third Doctor at his most noble and gentleman like having verbal battles with the Daleks, trying to sort out a scientfic problem and ensure that the good guys get away with the life saving drugs they need and on top of all that a little humour thrown in. Elizabeth Sladen is great as our intrepid journalist Sarah Jane Smith thrown in the deep end by the Doctor as per usual going through all sorts of experiences and still battling on and replying to the Doctor's one liners. The majority of the Space Corps are forgettable the only exception being the single minded Galloway who will stop at nothing to get the Parrinium played by Duncan Lamont. Add to that the atmospheric surface Exillons' temple, the rather sweet Balal and the moment when 2 Daleks look at each other and lower their eyestalks after one of their number is destroyed by the City and you've got a sure winner. I've only got one question, why did they call it 'Death to the Daleks'?

I have all the best period of Doctor Who on video, which was the 1970's. I bought Death to the Daleks back in 88. It is still one of my top Pertwee stories. This 1974 adventure has plenty of atmosphere. Dark landscapes. An amazing white city. The more classical soundtrack music is one of the best, and it helps the story. The story is strong. The exilions and the adventure into the city is very good. It's a definate must to own. I always enjoy watching it.
Finally, it's been released on DVD. Since early 1988 I've been collecting videos the DVD's of the classic and current series and Death to the Daleks is still in my top three. Very underated story. I cannot undrstand why these so called Dr Who experts who write damning review's of the story? The late Liz Sladen liked the story too. Looking forward to replacing my worn 1987 issue video once on sale.

Well, what can I say. I have been waiting for donkey's years to be able to purchase this classic story on DVD, and finally after years of patient waiting, its coming home. I know that a lot of people dislike this serial, but I can't think for the life of me why. Death to the Daleks is such a classic because of a number of factors that each bring their fair share to the table. The acting is first rate from Jon Pertwee and Elizabeth Sladen, the incidental music from Carey Blyton is sublime, easily some of the series best. I know some of you find the music inappropriate but I must say that I disagree, its suits the tone of this classic story perfectly. Furthermore we have some brilliant design work here, the Citadel looks stunning and as for the costumes of the Exxilons, they are some of the most convincing I have ever layed eyes on.

In Planet of the Daleks, the Daleks themselves were made poorly by the designers, the cheap plastic look of them combined with the fact that most of them were damaged, led to me being disappointed with their appearance. However, for Death to the Daleks, Barry Letts insisted on using the older but better made Daleks from the 1960's, and believe me it makes a difference. They are much more imposing in this outing than in previous 70's encounters. For me then, the combination of great acting, great music, great design work and great quality Daleks makes Death to the Daleks a brilliant serial that I think deserves better opinions said about it.

Now for the DVD release that I am so looking forward to. The Doctor Who Restoration Team have no doubt done wonders for this release, luckily, Death to the Daleks has survived the junking's intact and so will be available in full PAL colour quality. The documentaries have yet to be announced, I am sure they will serve this story justice. I do suspect however that this will be a standard release, I certainly see no need to tweek this story unlike Day of the Daleks, so it will most probably be light on extra's. I might be wrong but experience has taught me otherwise.

Any way you look at it, Death to the Daleks is the final classic Dalek serial to be released on DVD, and I think its about time too. Whether you love or hate this story, I'm sure that you will be as pleased as I to finally see it released. Remember that after over 120 DVD releases of Doctor Who, we've only another 10 or so to go until the releases end in 2013, and all that remain are pretty much iconic Doctor Who serials with their respective Doctor's at their very best.

Death to the Daleks will remain my favourite Jon Pertwee serial, and yes I have seen the Daemons {and I love it also}, but even such classics as Daemons can't better "Death" for me. I do so hope there are others out there who feel the same way about this story as I do.

Thank you for your time, its greatly appreciated,

M.B.