- “Episodes: The Powerful Enemy, Desperate Measures, The Slave Traders, All Roads Lead to Rome, Conspiracy, Inferno The Rescue: The Doctor and friends come to the aid of two lone survivors of an attack by the reputedly peaceful Didonians. The Romans: The Doctor and companions fall prey to the hazards of ancient Rome which culminate in Nero’s Great Fire.”Running Time: 146 min. Format: DVD MOVIE
“Episodes: The Powerful Enemy, Desperate Measures, The Slave Traders, All Roads Lead to Rome, Conspiracy, Inferno The Rescue: The Doctor and friends come to the aid of two lone survivors of an attack by the reputedly peaceful Didonians. The Romans: The Doctor and companions fall prey to the hazards of ancient Rome which culminate in Nero’s Great Fire.”
Buy “Doctor Who: The Rescue / The Romans “ For Only $25.32
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March 22, 2010
#1
First, let me say that you should treat the two stories as one. Really, the first story, The Rescue introduces us to Vicki, a new companion to the Doctor. The next story, The Romans, introduces Vicki to adventure, danger, and the whole idea of what travelling with the Doctor will be like.
In fact, director Christopher Barry directed both, giving it feel and style that allows you to watch all six episodes in one sitting.
When it comes down to it, I love the Roman episodes. I love Roman history, I love ancient history, and I enjoy a good historical drama made by the BBC. Let’s face it, they have warehouses of togas, swords and Roman sets, you know they love doing this kind of thing. The fact that the characters are split up gives us three story lines for the price of one. Jacqueline Hill and William Russell’s characters are shown as smart, brave, and funny. They hold their own even without the Doctor around.
I also think Maureen O’Brien does a very good Vicki – she is able to really get emotional and act in The Rescue episodes. Sadly, to my knowledge her character didn’t stay as long as many of the companions.
Together the two stories, with few flaws, make one huge wonderful story with many merits!
March 22, 2010
#2
This is a nice double-DVD set to own. You get two stories for a reasonable price and a look into the world of Doctor Who during the black and white ’60′s. A lot of reviewers seem to like “The Romans” over “The Rescue.” For me it is the other way around. “The Rescue” is a two-parter mainly designed to bring Vicki into the series. But the sets utilized were fabulous and believable for an all in-studio recording. The extras on the first DVD are almost nothing. You get a halfway decent behind the scenes documentary and a photo album. The PDF of the set designs shows just how much thought went into creating this one.
“The Romans” is an amusing historical piece that is well directed and blocked. The Doctor and Vicki are never supposed to run into Barbara and Ian and that is handled admirably. The story never did much for me as it is a predictable romp that is entrenched in the cliches and imagery of Nero’s Rome. I happen to like the extras more than the story on this second DVD. The behind the scenes documentary takes a wider look at the BBC’s portrayal of Ancient Rome as a whole. There is also a wonderful tribite to writer Dennis Spooner and a fun piece about the Who women of the 1960′s. Even the obligatory “Blue Peter” feature about the way Ancient Romans ate their meals is fascinating to watch.
This is not a bad set for the price but it is really for true Who fans only.
March 22, 2010
#3
these 2 episodes were consecutive in airing and were also released as a set on Video so that isn’t anything new. the transfer is of course cleaner and the digital “reconstruction” of the film to video motion is moticiable if you have the VHS to compare with.
The prior reviews here gives perfect epsidoe summaries. Rescue is exposed as a pure filler episode (but the set design expence shows it was not a budgetary constraint story) to explain how Vicky joins the crew. William hartnell’s emotive performance is very good you very much beleive his is a grandfather who misses his grandchild in the first few minutes as the departure of Susan is recapped.
Romans is the real gem. haveing seen every Classic story that still exists (and the still/clips plus audio reconstructions of the ones that don’t) it is my abosulute favorite Historical episode. When compared to Aztecs (on dvd) or Reign of Terror (on vhs only) you can see just how far the production team had come. The set design is lavish for the period. The scripts are very good with humor abundant from Mr Hartnell (showing his comedy backround) and Nero. if all the historical stories had been as good maybe they wouldn’t have stopped making them with Highlanders and the Davison era black orchid.
in the commentary William Russel is cogent and funny making me wonder why the current show hasn’t seen fit to bring him in as a guest.
March 22, 2010
#4
One of the better Hartnell features. Introduces the character of Vickie. Particularly good is the Roman episode, one of the best of the historical Hartnell stories, with suitable intrigue combined with lavish (for the time and budget) sets, and a good amount of humour sprinkled in, as well. The Ian-Barbara scenes are particularly good, and the way the story is constructed and executed, like a classic baudy French farce, is delightful. The special features are quite informative, as well. The supporting roles of Nero and the slave-buyer who helps Barbara escape are particularly well-played and written, and there are some genuine moments of peril and tension, as well as bonding and sacrifice, features that would continue to be strongly emphasized throughout the series. A good episode to show those rather new to the show, as both stories are short.
March 23, 2010
#5
This Dr Who DVD:The Rescue/The Romans has excellent clarity, wonderful commentary and fun facts about it’s production. With so many of the early Dr Who episodes stupidly burned, it is great to see these early related stories presented so well on dvd. I have them on VHS, but think having the DVD a better viewing experience.