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DVD Description
The TARDIS gains a new crew member then travels back in time to Nero’s Rome in these two classic adventures starring William Hartnell. The Rescue Arriving on the planet Dido in the late 25th Century, the time travellers come upon a crashed spaceship from Earth. Its two occupants are living in fear of a creature called Koquillion, but everything is not as it seems… The Romans The time travellers are enjoying a rare holiday, staying at a villa not far from Rome in the year 64 AD. The Doctor soon becomes restless and sets off to visit the city. Having been mistaken for the famous lyre player and asked to perform at the Emperor Nero's Court, the Doctor has to devise ever more elaborate schemes to avoid revealing that he cannot actually play the instrument. DVD Special Features include: • Commentaries with cast and crew • The making of The Rescue and The Romans • Radio Times Billings • Photo Gallery • Coming Soon Trailer • Production Information Subtitles
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Two good stories from the time of the earliest Doctor, William Hartnell. They come from an age of black and white television and when issued on VHS a few years ago they suffered from having been converted from video to film and back again. Now, new processes and a lot of hard work has meant that these stories can be enjoyed in crystal clear picture and sound quality, perhaps even better than when they were first shown.
The Rescue is two twenty-five minute episodes, which makes it the length of one of today's modern Doctor Whos. The story was designed to introduce the companion Vicki, played by distinguished actress and writer Maureen O'Brien, at the start of her career. Even though it's short, the story is exciting and has a strong cast, being focussed on the four regulars and Bennett, played by film star Ray Barrett.
The Romans is a really great story, its four episodes giving an epic adventure on a grand scale. There is a lot of humour in these episodes, but because the actors play it straight, you never get the feeling they are sending it up. The set design for ancient Rome is beautiful, the costumes are perfect, and the acting and direction is superb. It really is very impressive what the BBC could achieve on such a small budget.
The DVD extras are pretty good with a profile of Romans script writer Dennis Spooner, who wrote for every classic television series in the 1960s, a documentary about Romans and Nero, and a bit from Blue Peter about Romans. There is also a rather weak documentary about Doctor Who girls, but that doesn't detract from the rest. The commentaries are well-judged, bearing in mind that some of the participants are in their eighties, Doctor Who fan journalists have been brought in to moderate and prompt memories, and this works very well.
These would be a wonderful purchase for anyone wanting to see what Doctor Who was like in the 1960s, and allow you to enjoy the magic of thr first Doctor.
The Rescue is two twenty-five minute episodes, which makes it the length of one of today's modern Doctor Whos. The story was designed to introduce the companion Vicki, played by distinguished actress and writer Maureen O'Brien, at the start of her career. Even though it's short, the story is exciting and has a strong cast, being focussed on the four regulars and Bennett, played by film star Ray Barrett.
The Romans is a really great story, its four episodes giving an epic adventure on a grand scale. There is a lot of humour in these episodes, but because the actors play it straight, you never get the feeling they are sending it up. The set design for ancient Rome is beautiful, the costumes are perfect, and the acting and direction is superb. It really is very impressive what the BBC could achieve on such a small budget.
The DVD extras are pretty good with a profile of Romans script writer Dennis Spooner, who wrote for every classic television series in the 1960s, a documentary about Romans and Nero, and a bit from Blue Peter about Romans. There is also a rather weak documentary about Doctor Who girls, but that doesn't detract from the rest. The commentaries are well-judged, bearing in mind that some of the participants are in their eighties, Doctor Who fan journalists have been brought in to moderate and prompt memories, and this works very well.
These would be a wonderful purchase for anyone wanting to see what Doctor Who was like in the 1960s, and allow you to enjoy the magic of thr first Doctor.
29 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Season 2.
Now then what have we here, well in my opinion we have two neglected little gems, that's what. Two stories from the always ignored (In fan polls.) Hartnell era.
These two stories are from Season two, a season which had the highest "overall" viewing figures in the shows history.
~~~~
The Rescue.(Two Episodes.)
A succinct and competently written two parter, who's sole purpose is to introduce the Granddaughter replacement Vicki.
And by doing so quickly rebalances the demographics of the group after the departure of Susan.
It's main plotline hinges on a murder mystery with Sci-fi overtones, which the Doctor solves, with the help of some prior knowledge of the indigenous civilisation he'd gained from a previous visit.
Originally planned as the first story of the second season it was put back into third place because of extra work required on, "The Dalek Invasion of Earth".
Ep.1~ The Powerful Enemy.(2/1/65)
Ep.2~ Desperate Measures.(9/1/65)
Overall opinion:~a pleasing little diversion from some of Season two's more facetious offerings.
~~~~
The Romans.(Four Episodes.)
Forgetting about the historical inaccuracies in some of the main characters. This story was unique for many years afterwards, as been deliberately done in a farcical fashion.(Input by the great Dennis Spooner.)
The Tardis crew via many convoluted reasons end up in Rome, but neither party (Vicky and the Doctor)(Barbara and Ian.) is aware of the others presence. The Doctor is mistaken for lyre player Maximus Pettulian, and finds himself embroiled in intrigue and murder in Nero's court.
Many of the situations are terribly contrived, but some are amusing.
- The Doctor using the, "Emperors New Clothes" syndrome to fool the snobs in Nero's court, whilst pretending to play the Lyre.
(He can't play a note.)
- The Doctor gives Nero an Idea to rebuild Rome.(Involving fire.)
On a religious note one of the characters turns out to be one of Rome's early Christians.
Anyone who's seen, "Spartacus", "Ben Hur" and "Carry on Cleo" will see at least one scene inspired from those classic films.
Ep.1~ The Slave Traders.(16/1/65)
Ep.2~ All Roads Lead to Rome.(23/1/65)
Ep.3~ Conspiracy.(30/1/65)
Ep.4~ Inferno.(6/2/65)
Overall opinion:~It was nice to actually see The Doctor meeting a historical figure for once, instead of just name dropping, like he does a lot during the Pertwee years.
This story shows Nero not fiddling while Rome burns, instead he "Lyred", much more believable.
(The fiddle hadn't been invented.)
The Romans is still even now an amusing treat, don't let the fact it's in Black and White put you off.
~~~~
Trivia~ According to research Nero died in his thirties. A lot younger then the middle aged Derek Francis, who plays him here.
Now then what have we here, well in my opinion we have two neglected little gems, that's what. Two stories from the always ignored (In fan polls.) Hartnell era.
These two stories are from Season two, a season which had the highest "overall" viewing figures in the shows history.
~~~~
The Rescue.(Two Episodes.)
A succinct and competently written two parter, who's sole purpose is to introduce the Granddaughter replacement Vicki.
And by doing so quickly rebalances the demographics of the group after the departure of Susan.
It's main plotline hinges on a murder mystery with Sci-fi overtones, which the Doctor solves, with the help of some prior knowledge of the indigenous civilisation he'd gained from a previous visit.
Originally planned as the first story of the second season it was put back into third place because of extra work required on, "The Dalek Invasion of Earth".
Ep.1~ The Powerful Enemy.(2/1/65)
Ep.2~ Desperate Measures.(9/1/65)
Overall opinion:~a pleasing little diversion from some of Season two's more facetious offerings.
~~~~
The Romans.(Four Episodes.)
Forgetting about the historical inaccuracies in some of the main characters. This story was unique for many years afterwards, as been deliberately done in a farcical fashion.(Input by the great Dennis Spooner.)
The Tardis crew via many convoluted reasons end up in Rome, but neither party (Vicky and the Doctor)(Barbara and Ian.) is aware of the others presence. The Doctor is mistaken for lyre player Maximus Pettulian, and finds himself embroiled in intrigue and murder in Nero's court.
Many of the situations are terribly contrived, but some are amusing.
- The Doctor using the, "Emperors New Clothes" syndrome to fool the snobs in Nero's court, whilst pretending to play the Lyre.
(He can't play a note.)
- The Doctor gives Nero an Idea to rebuild Rome.(Involving fire.)
On a religious note one of the characters turns out to be one of Rome's early Christians.
Anyone who's seen, "Spartacus", "Ben Hur" and "Carry on Cleo" will see at least one scene inspired from those classic films.
Ep.1~ The Slave Traders.(16/1/65)
Ep.2~ All Roads Lead to Rome.(23/1/65)
Ep.3~ Conspiracy.(30/1/65)
Ep.4~ Inferno.(6/2/65)
Overall opinion:~It was nice to actually see The Doctor meeting a historical figure for once, instead of just name dropping, like he does a lot during the Pertwee years.
This story shows Nero not fiddling while Rome burns, instead he "Lyred", much more believable.
(The fiddle hadn't been invented.)
The Romans is still even now an amusing treat, don't let the fact it's in Black and White put you off.
~~~~
Trivia~ According to research Nero died in his thirties. A lot younger then the middle aged Derek Francis, who plays him here.
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
*The Rescue*
Quite a nice little tale. The sets and direction are outstanding - there are some snappy angles and many clever inlay shots - and the performances are fine. The Rescue is essentially a vehicle for Vicki's introduction though it manages to entertain in other ways, as the whole cast are on top notch form and the Didoan civilisation is intriguing. Maureen O'Brien is a breath of fresh air, her acting abilities light years ahead of Carole Ann Ford's irritating performance as Susan.
*The Romans*
Very amusing. Hartnell is well suited to light comedy and this is full of it. The script sparkles with wit and black humour, and counterpoints this with some quite heavy scenes particularly Ian's dramatic interlude aboard the slave ship. The whole cast are marvellous. One of the very best Hartnells.
Recommended.
Quite a nice little tale. The sets and direction are outstanding - there are some snappy angles and many clever inlay shots - and the performances are fine. The Rescue is essentially a vehicle for Vicki's introduction though it manages to entertain in other ways, as the whole cast are on top notch form and the Didoan civilisation is intriguing. Maureen O'Brien is a breath of fresh air, her acting abilities light years ahead of Carole Ann Ford's irritating performance as Susan.
*The Romans*
Very amusing. Hartnell is well suited to light comedy and this is full of it. The script sparkles with wit and black humour, and counterpoints this with some quite heavy scenes particularly Ian's dramatic interlude aboard the slave ship. The whole cast are marvellous. One of the very best Hartnells.
Recommended.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
60's Amy Pond Meets William Tennant
Theese are the first stories with new companion Vicki in them. Watching the rescue, I can't help thinking how much she's like Amy Pond. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Benlroberts
Two brilliant stories
Being nearly 50 years old both of these stories' reputations have been lost in the midsts of time, subject to fan myths about how good or not they really are - UNTIL NOW! Read more
Published 4 months ago by Huw Davies
Two "Not So" 1960's Classics - But Well Loved Anyway.
If you are looking for a synopsis for the story, please visit Wikipedia for a detailed description of events, I am hear to give my personal opinion of these 1960's gems. Read more
Published 5 months ago by M.B.E. Of Tooting
By my son:
Some of the best classic DW stories around! I would highly recommend this to any DW fan! Hartnell is on top acting form.
Published 6 months ago by S. E. Phipps
CLASSIC
Even I wasn't around when they were made but the old ones still have it as they didn't have you laughing like the later DR WHO's do .
Published 7 months ago by Mr. Robert Lismore
Enjoyable, but very dated
I've been watching classic Who and keeping up with the classic DVD releases since about 2007, so I've seen my fair share of good, bad and average Doctor Who stories. Read more
Published on 21 May 2010 by Mr. A. Dodds
Doesn't yoda laugh like dr who
The rescue is a classic dr who type tale and pretty good for that though short. The special effects are, as usual, great to watch. The headline act I suppose is the Romans. Read more
Published on 13 Feb 2010 by Stewart Mckellar
First Doctor
The quality wasn't that good, but age has to be taken into consideration. The Roman story was rather humourous.
Published on 4 Sep 2009 by John Jones
Carry On Rome
The Rescue/The Romans is a bit of a strange combination of Hartnell stories. The Rescue is straight forward enough - the Doctor, Ian and Barbara meet Vicki and save her from... Read more
Published on 27 Aug 2009 by Mr. M. Curran
Classic drama.
'The Romans' is an excellent serial, full of political intrigue and complex storylines interweaving with each other. Read more
Published on 25 Jun 2009 by Mr. E. A. Greenlay
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