The Aztecs was a very ambitious production for its time. The sets, given the limitations of studio based filming were impressive. The plot was a remarkably sophisticated one, dealing with the issues of Human sacrifice and a unique culture that was swept away by European invasion. It portrays the idea of the ‘willing sacrifice’ in a highly sympathetic way, showing the 20th century humans that they are not necessarily more cultured than the ‘primitives’. It is notable also for the touching romance between The Doctor and Cameca, the Aztec lady. The scenes in which he woos her in the garden are delightful. And remembering that it was some 32 years before The Doctor got another romantic moment, in the TV Movie of 1996, it is a very unique piece of Doctor Who history. 10/10

Extras

Commentary by William Russell, Carole Ann Ford and Verity Lambert. These three make a good combination for commentaries. They are very enthusiastic and love to tell anecdotes about the filming of the episodes, and especially about William Hartnell and Jaqueline Hill, both of whom are deceased. They all have fond memories of that part of their lives when they were part of Doctor Who and it comes across in their commentaries. 10/10

Remembering The Aztecs – documentary featuring John Ringham, Walter Randall and Ian Cullen, who played three of the Aztecs, remembering their time as Doctor Who actors on this story. 10/10

Designing The Aztecs – Designer, Barry Newbery talks about the special problems of designing an authentic Aztec set. It is slightly dull unless set design is something that excites you. 9/10.

The Story of Cortex and Montezuma – A Blue Peter Travelogue by Valerie Singleton from 1970. A slice of culture from the Classic Doctor Who era, but only marginally connected to this story from 1964. 7/10

Restoring the Aztecs – A look at the work done to remaster the episodes and bring them to DVD quality. It includes some interesting ‘before and after’ comparisons that show just how much work has gone into the DVD versions of these old episodes. 10/10

Arabic Soundtrack of final episode. WHY? Not worth a rating.

Making Cocoa – Animated guide to making Cocoa the Aztec Way. Some of the original actors voiced this funny little featurette which poked gentle fun at the ceremonial making of cocoa. 9/10

Photo gallery and production subtitles as standard. 10/10.

TARDIS cam no,3 – Model shots of the TARDIS, totally irrelevant to the programme. Not worth the bother of rating.

9 out of 10