To 3D Or Not To 3D, That Was The Question…

The Answer Is Very Simple…

Having only ever seen the fourth episode previously, I was eager to view this new animation. Although I found the promotional clips a little unappealing, I purchased it anyway. When I first opened the case, I was thrilled to find that the cover insert was reversible. The new-style artwork on one side, and traditional-style DVD artwork on the other side. I immediately swapped it for the more appealing traditional version.

I started viewing the Colour version with the 3D Animation, then looked at the Photo Reconstruction version, which included some 2D-style animation. While I appreciate the attempt at a more 3D Animation style, I was not sold on it overall, and I far prefer the usual 2D style. My biggest problem is that they made the massive mistake of allowing the final version of the main cast’s faces to look so ugly! They are just unattractive, particularly Steven and Dodo, and it makes the entire show difficult to watch. I also found the reworking of the “Celestial Toyroom” episode looked too weird and made for an all too “psychedelic” experience. When compared to the Photo Reconstruction version of this episode, I found that far better, and the small bits of 2D-style Animation much more watchable.

I liked episodes 2 and 3, the new “bigger” perspective of the scenes, and the “clues” between episodes. I loved the Queen and King of Hearts referring to Steven and Dodo as “peasants” and being “not amused”! Also liked the TARDIS within a TARDIS idea. Great to see that Russel T Davis didn’t get to “cancel” the name of this story and remove “Celestial” from it as he did with the character in the 60^th Anniversary Specials!!! (Such absolute idiocy!)

Some interesting Extras are included in this set:

 The Doctor Who Collection Escape Room: Team First Doctor was both fascinating and frustrating. Obviously, the first in a series of these, we find Maureen O’Brien, Peter Purves, and Lisa Bowerman experiencing this Doctor Who themed Escape Room… My, some people are getting grumpy in their old age!  😉  It is a great idea, which I suspect is designed to replace the wonderful “Mini Episodes” that were previously done to promote the Blu-ray Box releases. Nice to see K-9 trying to advise them as well.

The other “Extra” that I looked forward to was the Rare Audio Interview from1986 with actress Carmen Silvera, who I have adored for decades as the gullible Edith “You Stupid Woman” Artoir in the British comedy series ‘Allo, ‘Allo:

Edith:  “Rene! What are you doing with that Serving Girl in your arms?”

Rene:  “You stupid woman! Can you not see that she is feeling faint from exhaustion? You overwork these poor girls!”

Edith:  “Oh, my. Sit down here, child, and rest a while. What has made you so tired?”

Rene:  “Too much of the flying helmet and the wet celery with the Colonel, I would think.”

Yvette:  “Not to mention the egg whisk, too.”

Edith:  “No, best to not mention the egg whisk in mixed company…”

Unfortunately, the original recording of the interview was so bad that, even with today’s technology, it was hard to listen to. They could at least have adjusted the sound levels between the loud and soft sections!

The remaining Extras include New Commentaries moderated by Toby Hadoke, with Peter Purves, Dudley Darby (Camera Operator), Delia Lindon (Dancer), Sylvia Kames (Make-up), and David Devjak (Animation Producer/Director). The Making The Animation documentary is an all too unjustified self-congratulation session by the Australian team responsible for this not-so-brilliant outing. Also, the full original The Final Test episode, Sylvester McCoy’s introduction to that episode from The Hartnell Years video and the usual Production Subtitles and PDF materials.

Overall, it was fascinating to see the other episodes for the first time.

However, DO NOT use this style of animation again! Please!!!

I give it 2.5 out of 5!