Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #40262 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-01-27
• Rating: To Be Announced
• Format: PAL
• Number of discs: 7

Customer Reviews

Classic Doctor Who
This box set contains five stories from five different eras of the programme's history, featuring the Doctor's oldest and most popular foes.
The first of these takes us back to the Willaim Hartnell era - The Dalek Invasion of Earth. Set in the twenty-second century, the Daleks have subjugated the Earth's population with brainwashed Robomen. This was the second Dalek story that was made and is one of the best stories of the Hartnell era. If you can overlook the well-dated effects, there is much to admire in the tale. There is a moody build up in episode 1, culminating with one of the series most famous scenes - a Dalek rising up out of the River Thames. We also see the Daleks portrayed as ruthless fascists, conquering and enslaving. This, made in 1964, must have made quite an impression on the viewing public, with memories of the Second World War still fresh in the minds of many. It is a fine story, and watch out for an emotional farewell scene at the end of episode 6.
The second story, Genesis of the Daleks, 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, and is ably supported by the excellent Liz Sladen and Ian Marter. 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. What follows is a dark, atmospheric tale, with the Doctor having to battle with his conscience over his actions. This story marks the debut of Dalek creator Davros, superbly played by Michael Wisher, and backed up by Peter Myles as the sinister, sadistic Nyder. Both give chilling performances and it all adds up to a strong story.
The third story, from the fifth Doctor's era is entitled `Resurrection of the Daleks.' I'm a fan of Peter Davison's Doctor, but I'm afraid that I find this story to be a bit of a disappointment. Davison, is on good form, and there are some fine scenes, but the plot seems to be a bit of a mess. We have the Daleks creating duplicates in order to invade earth. There is Davros being resurrected and seeking to discover a cure for a virus, which is lethal to the Daleks. Davros is then attempting to create a new race of Daleks who will be obedient to him. Then, suddenly we have the Daleks creating duplicates of the Doctor and his companions in order to invade Gallifrey! Terry Molloy makes his debut as Davros, and although he has an impressive go at the part, cannot match Michael Wisher's definitive performance from Genesis.
Next up, is the multi-colour Doctor - Colin Baker, in perhaps the most unusal Dalek story of them all - Revelation of the Daleks. The story successfully mixes horror and black comedy, to produce a story which is one of the highlights of Doctor Who from the Eighties. It's quite remarkable how well this story works, considering how little the Doctor and his assistant Peri actually do. There is a fine all-star cast including William Gaunt, Elanor Bron and Alexi Sayle. Terry Molloy also returns as Davros and is much more impressive, portraying Davros as an intelligent schemer, rather than a mad ranter. This is also the story which introduces us to the idea of two warring Dalek factions.
The final story in the set, is for me, one of the great classics of the original series and the best from the Seventh Doctor's era - Remembrance of the Daleks. The underrated Sylvester McCoy battles against two Dalek factions seeking to steal an all-powerful device known as the Hand of Omega. McCoy rises to the occasion and Sophie Aldred, settling into the part of Ace is impressive, (certainly a vast improvement on her predecessor!) Interestingly enough, the character of Davros is kept in the background for most of the action here, and this allows the Daleks to take centre stage.
Each of the stories is accompanied by the usual array of DVD extras, including commentaries, trailers and interviews with cast and crew. Of particular interest is a feature entitled `The Dalek Tapes' which is part of the Genesis DVD set. This feature gives insights into all the Dalek stories made during the series first run. Overall, this is fine for someone seeking to start off a DVD collection. It will give viewers, young and old, insights into the different eras of the show. Good entertainment, although marred by the lack of a story from the Pertwee years. Hopefully, when the rest of the Dalek stories are out, we can look forward to another box-set.

Duplicated - if you like this, buy the Davros set instead!
I really don't see the point of this box-set, the Davros collection has all but one of these stories, and it looks a lot like a shameless attempt to get people's money.
at the top end, Genesis of the Daleks is brilliant, whereas at the other, Revelation of the Daleks is over-complex, and has far too many characters (including Colin Baker.)
Colin Baker aside, the material here is good, but it would have been far better to have seen some more of the Hartnell / Pertwee Dalek episodes (sadly most of the Troughton ones are missing.) Still, if you can get it, buy the Davros box-set, then buy the Dalek Invasion of Earth separately

Extermi-great
I do not own this complete box set, however I own all the titles that are included, as well as 'The Daleks' (William Hartnell) and I can safely say they are some of the best Doctor Who stories around. Despite there not being some of the other Dalek stories - 'Day of the Daleks', 'Destiny of the Daleks',etc. - it gives you a very good selection of adventures. I can't really explain why they are so good without going in depth into the stories, however I can say this:
The plots are adventurous, the characters are played very well thanks to a good choice of actors and the plot twists are very unexpected. 5 stars to the Doc and his lovable Dustbin pals.

<- SPOILER ALERT -><- SPOILER ALERT ->

I am now going to go in depth into the episodes, however it will just be a brief summary:

Dalek Invasion of Earth:
The Doctor, Ian, Barbara and Susan land on Earth in the 22nd century to find that the Daleks, with help from their Robomen slaves, have taken over. After blocking the entrance to the TARDIS, Susan, along with Barbara, meets a group of rebels who plot to overthrow the Daleks, while the Doctor and Ian end up going to Bedford mines where many slaves are working. Will they be able to find out what the Daleks are searching for on Earth? Somewhat marked down by the over-acting but still an enjoyable story. 4/5

Genesis of the Daleks:
The Doctor, Sarah and Harry arrive on Skaro - the home of the Daleks - at the time of the war between the Kaleds and the Thals, after being instructed by a time-lord to find out the Dalek's weakness/es. The Doctor and companions have to deal with the somewhat evil Kaleds and their chief 'scientist' Davros to either stop the construction of the Daleks or find out how they can be stopped for later reference. 4.5/5

Ressurection of the Daleks:
The Doctor, Tegan and Turlough arrive on Earth to find a warehouse that is housing a portal to the Dalek's Time Corridor. The Doctor and Turlough make their way onto a ship which is holding Davros prisoner. As the ship struggles with heavy Dalek oppression, Davros attempts to make a clone of the Doctor to reveal his knowledge and become supreme ruler of the Universe! 4.5/5

Revelation of the Daleks:
Perhaps the funniest/light-heartedest(?) of the 5 stories, Revelation of the Daleks sees the Doctor and companion Peri arrive on the planet Necros, home of Tranquil Repose - a funeral home for the most famous people in the Galaxy. But is it the Doctor's funeral home? Probably not, but oh well - he is intent on finding out its secrets and learning about the mysterious 'Great Healer'. 5/5

Remembrance of the Daleks:
The Doctor and Ace investigate Coal Hill school where mysterious happenings have been going on. It turns out the Daleks are in town and they're searching for Time Lord technology that the Doctor left behind previously. Will the Doctor stop the evil creatures finding the precious Hand of Omega? Or will it be easier than expected as there is another Dalek faction which opposes Davros' Daleks? Expect civil war! 5/5