Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1308 in VHS
• Released on: 1998-10-05
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Formats: Black & White, HiFi Sound, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of tapes: 1
• Running time: 98 minutes

Synopsis
The Doctor, Steven and Dodo materialise in what appears to be a jungle on Earth. It's a place where things are not what they seem...

Customer Reviews

The aliens went in two by two
From Doctor Who's third TV season in 1966, this black and white William Hartnell story sees the time-travellers arrive on the eponymous space version of Noah's famous vessel, complete with catalogued life forms from across the universe. Somewhat stagey and at times amateurish, this is of its time but gives some precious insight into why the programme has lasted all these years. The Monoids are superb - despite their bonkers wigs - and The Doctor is at his inimitable best: Shrewd, sometimes crabby, but always one step ahead. The set design is pretty impressive for the mid-60s and you could do worse than get this if you're a fan - hopefully it'll be out on DVD soon.

Great script, efffects + sets - pity about the acting
The Doc, Steve + Dodo arrive in a collossal jungle incorporating wildlife from all over the planet Earth. Except there are a few odditties - a subterranian mechanical vibration and a steel sky, not to mention a skulking bunch of one-eyed assailants. However, the Doc + co. are captured and taken to a huge city where a small band of humans tell the Doc that in fact the 'jungle' is merely one of many impossibly large life chambers within a gigantic spacecraft.......

...and that's just the opening premise. Yes, this is a truly epic adventure, packed full to the brim with truly marvellous ideas. The Ark also features some of the most awe-inspiring sets ever seen in Doctor Who. The massive jungle, the colossal control chamber, the breathtaking forest on Refusis and the beautiful City being probably the most impressive - all not only convincing but also unusually spacious.

However, as subtly hinted at in my title, the story's major failing is in it's cast. The performances are universally appalling - even the three regulars are below par.

Enjoy the sets and powerful visuals, and try not to think of how good the story could have been.

Come back Ian and Barbara
An average Hartnell tale. The good Doctor himself turns in the usually high quality performance. Sadly the same cannot be said of his companions. Why did anyone think that Peter Purves could act???

The story itself is typical 60's SF. A nostalgic piece of TV for some, but largely one for the fans only.