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Doctor Who - Genesis of the Daleks (2 Disc Set) [1975] [1963]


RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £6.06 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

One of the finest stories of the classic Doctor Who age, Genesis Of The Daleks finds Tom Baker at his peak in the lead role, and ultimately facing one of the most significant moral dilemmas of his era as the Time Lord. That’s alongside the small matter of his most infamous enemies.

This is the adventure that goes right back to the roots of the Daleks, from their humble beginnings to the point where they become the Doctor’s most fearsome foes. Across the six episodes, we find that the Doctor has been sent to the planet Skaro, where he discovers the evil genius Davros, who is about to fully unleash his deadliest creations into the universe. Accompanied by Harry and Sarry, The Doctor also finds himself stuck in the middle of an ongoing war between the Thals and The Kaleds, in a story packed with danger and adventure.

It’s also grounded in the kind of excellent storytelling that has frequently allowed classic Doctor Who to overcome its low budget roots. And Genesis Of The Daleks is one of the finest examples of just how it manages it. Thanks to a tightly woven script, and a strong cast led by Tom Baker at his finest in the lead role, Genesis Of The Daleks is rightly regarded as one of the best Doctor Who stories of all time. It really isn’t hard to see why.--Simon Brew


"Heil Kaleds, I'm home!"
Review date: 2008-10-07 Rating: 10 out of 10

Genesis is of course the story of how the Daleks were created. It shouldn't disappoint because although there are some silly ideas in it e.g., at war for 1,000 years the Thals have only just thought of launching a big missile at the Kaleds, it has been made with such energy and panache that you can't help but be entertained.
Naturally there is a bit of padding at 6 episodes long, but you will rarely find it dragging.
Uncle Tom is in commanding form, being ready to switch off Davros' life support (and Tom plays it like he means it) 1 minute, & debating philosophically the next. He tries to divert Davros from his destructive course but his voice tells us he doesn't think it's going to work. there is some lovely underplayed emotion as he believes his companions dead.
Lis Sladen and Ian marter are a great team for Tom and it works now to have Sarah almost order the Doctor to destroy the Daleks.
There is a marvellous villain in Michael Wisher's Davros, still the best one even though Terry Molloy & Julian Bleach have given him a run for his money. Many of the most chilling moments originate with him. there are subtleties that make his later ranting all the more effective.
A terrific Goebbels like sidekick in Peter Miles' Nyder. A dreadfully creepy man.
Allo Allo fans should watch out for a young Lt Gruber and General Von Klinkerhoffen!
Direction is good, shooting the Daleks from unusual angles and this couples well with very moody lighting. Bags of atmosphere that was criticised at the time for its grimness.
The downside inevitably includes some effects which have not stood the test of time e.g. some giant clams and I was never convinced even at 9 years old by having Uncle Tom attacked by boiled cabbage at the end of part 5! Minor quibbles.

The extras are marvellous with full blooded documentaries on both the Daleks' history and the making of the story. On the making of, naughty Uncle Tom gets bored and pretends his ex-wife has rung but he still has good stories as they all do. Peter Miles and Guy Siner have some interesting observations on the Baker acting style. Archive footage of the late Michael Wisher is included giving his welcome memories. There is an annoying Teach Yourself Dalek in 6 easy lesson and the back lighting for John Scott martin turns his hair into orange candy floss!Great stuff all the same.
On the Dalek history a mixture of people including some superfans talk us through the Dalek story.
Yes there's a Tommentary and he gets a lot of people to play with Lis, Peter Miles etc. and memories of Michael Wisher & Ian Marter abound. Fines stuff but not quite as bonkers as normal.
Great package for a classic story! For all fans.




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Reviews


THE DEFINITIVE DAVROS!
Review date: 2008-08-02 Rating: 10 out of 10

Absolute belter! One of the darkest & most serious in tone.
The setting of war torn Skaro, the fascist elements of the Kaled race, the birth of the Doctor's most feared enemies and the introduction of the greatest villain in Davros, that ever featured in the series.
This is the definitive Davros as played by Michael Wisher; the make up, the voice - all chillingly perfect and Davros was never so well portrayed again until 30 years later with Julian Bleach's stunning performances in Stolen Earth/Journeys End.
This is dark and mature, clearly influenced by a global conflict that had only ended 30 years prior. Sets, lighting, FX are all excellent - and there is plenty of tension and military style action.
Ok, the Daleks are in a more supportive role due to Davros's dominance but this is good as the Kaled scientist gives a (hideous) face to his
Dalek army, allowing for some great narrative between Wisher & Baker.
Tom Baker strides through this, with a perfect balance of drama and eccentricity!
This is as good as it gets - and the DVD extras are great (2 Discs) with two REALLY good docs on the Genesis programme itself, and also the history of the Daleks in the programme.
ESSENTIAL!

Must-Buy!
Review date: 2008-06-22 Rating: 10 out of 10

This was the first Classic Who that I watched, as it was time and time again recommended to me as the best story.
And, of what I've seen so far, I'd have to agree.

You can see why Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen are so many fans dream-pairing. They work incredibly well, both together and apart.

By now we should all know that Davros is coming back in the current series finale, and that was another of my motivations to buy this.
I can see why people have been desperate to get him back - he is genuinely scary in this episode! His presence, his apearance and his plans make him a quite terrifying baddie, and when he demands the Doctor tell him the future it is just as powerful as anything the new series could offer up.

One thing I would say that I feel there is a bit too much running between the two opposing buildings on Skaro, and at times I found myself wondering if the production team were inventing certain situations simply to fill time rather than further the story.

If you're thinking of buying a Classic Who to fill the time between this years finale and the specials you couldn't go very much wrong with this.

The Best ?
Review date: 2008-06-18 Rating: 10 out of 10

I think that this is the best adventure ever of Doctor who and has plenty of action with a grat script. Its a six parter and although being long it keeps you gripped from beggining to end. The second disk is a great addition and really makes this DVD a must have bargain. I wont spoil the plot too much, but lets just say it introduces a classic enemy into Doctor Who. The actors are all on top form and really bring the story to life. I highly reccomend this and wold give it 10 stars if that were possible.

Is this the best?
Review date: 2008-05-16 Rating: 10 out of 10

This story has to be a candidate for the best Doctor Who story ever. It is only Tom Baker's fourth story as the Time Lord but he has already firmly established in the role. Indeed, I think that here, he gives one of his best ever performances in his long tenure as the Doctor. He is given excellent support from Elizabeth Sladen as Sarah-Jane and Ian Marter as Harry Sullivan.
The Time Lords send the Doctor on a mission to avert the creation of the Daleks, or at least slow them down in some way, so that the Time Lords can contain them. What follows is a dark, atmospheric tale, with the Doctor having to battle with his conscience over his actions.
This story is a landmark one in the history of Doctor Who, in that it marks the debut of Dalek creator Davros, superbly played by Michael Wisher. Further, he is backed up by Peter Myles as the sinister, sadistic Nyder. Both Wisher and Myles give chilling performances. Wisher, in particular, steals the show, potraying Davros as an insane, fascist style leader, willing to go to any lengths to ensure that his plans are carried through. It all adds up to a strong and gripping story.
The story is not without its faults. The giant clam in episode 3 is rather embarrasing. In addition, it has to be said that some of the cliffhangers are a bit disappointing, although a notable exception to this comes at the end of episode 1, which sets up the audience for what will follow.
The DVD is a two disc set, which contains the usual additional features, including a commentary, a documentary depicting the making of the story (Genesis of a classic), and continuity links. Of particular interest is a feature entitled `The Dalek Tapes', which gives insights into all the Dalek stories made during the series first run.
They don't come much better than this. A highly entertaining story with an excellent cast. A worthy addition to any DVD collection.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Ian Marter
Elisabeth Sladen
Tom Baker

Creators:
Tom Baker (Primary Contributor)
Elisabeth Sladen (Primary Contributor)

Recording label: 2 Entertain Video
Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video
EAN: 5014503181321
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 2
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2006-04-10
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 150 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1989-03-12
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: English (Original Language)

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