Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6725 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-02-26
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 197 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
There are many reasons why Torchwood is unlikely to ever match the appeal of its parent show, Doctor Who, and this collection of episodes from its maiden series ably demonstrates why.

Firstly, the show is blatantly aimed at an older demographic, both through crude and clever means, and that’s already lost it as many fans as it’s won. Secondly, there’s a real sense of risk-taking to some of the writing, and that’s why those who wrote the show off after just a couple of episodes should perhaps give it another whirl.

On this disc are four more shows from the first series, the highlight of which is the first: Countrycide. The following three aren’t too shabby either, although Greeks Bearing Gifts, They Keep Killing Susie and Random Shoes aren’t as consistent or engaging.

But here’s the thing about Torchwood. Even on an off day, it’s still interesting. Sure, it’s a muddled sci-fi programme, with plenty of peaks and troughs, but it’s also a grower, a programme that’ll gradually win you over should you give it a reasonable chance to do so. This particular DVD release is worth it for the one episode alone. Treat the others as an added bonus, and you’ll have little quarrel over the value you get from the disc. --Jon Foster

Synopsis
Volume 2 of the exciting and leftfield DOCTOR WHO spin-off finds philanderer of the future, Jack Harness arriving in contemporary Cardiff and being inducted into Torchwood – a covert extra terrestrial and paranormal investigation agency. Episodes include: 'Countryside', 'Greeks Bearing Gifts', 'The Keep Killing Suzie' and 'Random Shoes'.

Customer Reviews

It's getting better all the time

The 4 episodes on this DVD release contain 2 strong episodes, and two which didn't feel as strong. I wavered on giving this 3 stars but ultimately felt it deserved 4.

Countricide was a fantastic episode, probability the best on this release - a good dose of scariness and gruesome scenes!

Greeks Bearing Gifts (Episode 7) was a great too. We got to see more of Toshiko, but some of the early scenes seemed a bit contrived just for that episode to make sure we knew that she felt like a bit of an outsider. Still, it was nice to see her 'bloom' as a character. Daniela Denby-Ashe was brilliant as Mary. Another sexually charged episode, and it worked in this episode - it didn't feel as though it was there just for the sake of it like it had in others.

We saw a reference to the first episode in "They Keep Killing Suzie" (Episode 8) and this was not as strong as the first two on this release, but still a good yarn. An ex-colleague is brought back to life, unfortunately for the TW guys, she has a few issues and goes a tad mental.

Random Shoes (Episode 9) had a weird feeling to it. It was a bit like the "Love and Monsters" episode from Doctor Who (new series 2) as the Torchwood team weren't as involved, it focussed more around the character of Eugene, the young guy who found the Alien Eye. Some dislike this episode, I enjoyed it - but the ending seemed a bit rushed.

We get to understand the characters more and Captain Jack becomes more compelling to watch as you long to find out more about him.

Fantastic spin-off
I've been a DW fan for years and with a new spin-off I was curious about it. When I watched it with Doctor Who on BBC3, I was instantly hooked on this series. It stands on its own whether or not you've watched the Doctor.

The stories are dramatic and emotional driven by strong characters and relationships. I highly recommend "Torchwood" and for some enlightening reading try "Nexus" by Deborah Morrison & Arvind Singh.

Doctor Who with a slightly kinky twist!!
when i first heard about Torchwood, i was a little sceptical. But after re-watching the doctor who episodes with Captain Jack Harkness (AKA John Barrowman) i started to like the idea. and after the double bill on BBC3 i was hooked from start to finish.

the storylines are amazing and they convey such emotion, fear and also happiness when stuff goes right. they are very daring and at times a little risque. It also has that sense of danger that makes you bite your nails or in the case of the last two episodes (Captain Jack Harkness/End of Days) has you crying till it hurts.

Each of the characters has their own little quirks and character flaws that make them individual to the team.
all in all, well worth watching as it makes Doctor Who look like....well....what it is...a family show.