Doctor Who: Series Six Part One [Blu-ray] [US Import]

Episode 1: The Impossible Astronaut

Starts things off with a bang (rather literally). The word "impossible" in the title is well-deserved: something you would never have expected to happen really does. Feels more like a typical DW series finale in scope rather than a premiere, and makes for a nice change from the norm. Lots of new plot threads introduced, some new development added to old ones...including the revelation of the Silence, definitely the scariest monster Steven Moffat has created so far.

Episode 2: Day of the Moon

It's hard to believe after watching Episode One, but this episode is even more incredible and jaw-dropping. All the stars get a chance to stretch their acting muscles and add some layers to their characters. Plus, we're treated to what is probably the most shocking cliffhanger ever to be seen in Doctor Who.

Episode 3: The Curse of the Black Spot

Fun but forgettable. A simplistic romp which adds little to the main story arc. It's not terrible, but it falls far short of the show's usual standard of quality (which admittedly was pushed very high by the premiere).

Episode 4: The Doctor's Wife

Definitely the best of this set of episodes. It's so surprising and incredible that I can't say much about it without spoiling the genius of its premise. You aren't a true Whovian unless you've seen this, and even if you're not an avid fan, I guarantee you'll love it.

Episode 5: The Rebel Flesh

An enjoyable return to traditional Who. Very creepy "monsters" (though I'm not sure the term actually applies here). Thought-provoking and engaging. Plus, some things introduced in this episode will become very, very important in the future...

Episode 6: The Almost People

Even better than Part 1 (a rarity in two-part stories). Provides a satisfying, unpredictable conclusion to one of the thorniest ethical dilemmas the Doctor has yet encountered. Some of the FX are a bit over-ambitious, but that doesn't detract from the fun. And finally, we get some more plot development on the main story arc, in the form of yet another gasp-inducing cliffhanger. You really, really won't see this one coming, and you won't be able to keep yourself from watching the next episode.

Episode 7: A Good Man Goes to War

How should I put this? It's a mixed bag. The first half of the episode feels a bit like a rerun of Journey's End, and there are a few irritating bits and pieces randomly thrown in. Then the Doctor makes a mind-blowing discovery, and the second half changes everything for him and his companions - perhaps permanently. And we finally find out who the mysterious River Song is. If you've been watching very carefully thus far, and if you're the kind of person who sees the solution to mystery novels before you finish them, you may not find the revelation surprising. However, it's no less fascinating, and there will be parts of it you won't have been able to guess beforehand. In addition, we really don't find out everything about her in this episode. It'll be a long, long wait until autumn...

So overall, this first half of Series 6 gets five stars from me. We finally get some real, honest-to-goodness shocks and surprises, and all the main characters are far better developed than they were last year. Order today and enjoy.

I'm not going to critique the episodes themselves...people have already done that. What I'm going to focus on is the release itself. True fans, this is just the "vanilla" pack. Notice that there are no extras, no commentaries, and it doesn't even include the 2010 Christmas special. Granted, it's dirt cheap, but you get what you pay for.

I for one will wait until they release the entire set, all 14 episodes, with the Confidentials, the episode prequels, the commentaries, and all the other goodies. Frankly, if you don't get those, then why should you pay for something you could just as easily torrent?

This two-disc set contains the first 7 episodes from Season (Series) 6 of "Doctor Who." The video quality, while 1080i rather than 1080p, is nevertheless excellent. Audio quality is equally solid whether played through standard t.v. speakers or through a surround sound system. Another review here suggested that this was a "vanilla" release, which is mostly quite right. There are two supplements presented with the set; two "Monster Files" each about 12 minutes long about two of the creatures featured in four of the episodes, one on "the silence" and the other about "the gangers." Hopefully whatever extras are produced for any "Complete Series 6" set released at some point in the future will also be included with the second half of Series 6 which will undoubtedly be released later this year. Given that this set is available for about $20 it seems like an excellent deal to me and I am happy with the purchase. Had this set included the "prequel" shorts shown on BBC and made available on the BBC official "Doctor Who" website prior to original transimission (one for "The Impossible Astronaut" and another for "Curse of the Black Spot") along with perhaps a few more extras the set would have easily achieved a five star rating from me.