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Daleks Invasion of Earth is a true classic. In
many ways superior to the first Dalek story, and to many of the following
stories with the absolute exception of Genesis of the Daleks. The acting from many of the guest artists is excellent. Particularly impressive are Peter Fraser (David Campbell), Ann Davies (Jeeny) and Alan Judd (Dortmun). And the film includes some of the most iconic moments of Doctor Who:- Daleks rising out of the Thames, Daleks on Westminster Bridge, Daleks in Trafalgar Square, and of course that touching final scene when The Doctor makes Susan stay with David, and those iconic words. One day I shall come back. Yes, I shall come back. Until then, there must be no regrets, no tears, no anxieties. Just go forward in all your beliefs, and prove to me that I am not mistaken in mine. Goodbye, Susan. 10/10
Extras The extras make or break a DVD release. These are a mixed bag.
CGI effects. – For purists, the episode appears with the original 1964 effects. For those who like modern CGI the episodes can be played with modern enhanced effects. 10/10 Future Memories – documentary with cast and crew interviews about the making of the film. Especially interesting are the views of Peter Fraser, Ann Davies and Nicholas Smith. 10/10 Future Visions features designer Spencer Chapman talking about being
in charge of the new look Daleks and other effects. A little dull
at times as the designer talks to himself about design. 9/10 Talking Daleks – David Graham, Brian Hodgson, Nicholas Smith and Peter Hawkins talk about Dalek voices. When you've heard one Dalek voice you've heard them all. 7/10. Now and Then – Locations used in Dalek Invasion of Earth as they were in 1964 and now. it oculd have been much more interesting if it was slowed down a pace, allowing longer to look at the locations and if Gary Russell made his voice a bit less monotone. 7/10 Script to Screen – How the final episode was recorded using script, clips, floorplans and camera instructions. Technically interesting but only to people who want to study film making. 8/10 Whatever happened to Susan? Radio play loosely based on Doctor Who. This was intended to be funny and satirical. I for one thought it was downright pointless and stupid and I don’t know why it is on this DVD. Others may argue that point. Perhaps it depends on your sense of humour. 0/10 Rehearsal Film. Footage shot by Carole Ann Ford of a rehearsal. Billed as a unique record of the making of Doctor Who. Sorry, no. It is truly terrible. The film was double exposed and pieces of Carole Ann Ford’s family playing in the park seep through all the time. It is distracting and annoying, and a waste of disc space. 0/10 Dalek Cakes – 1966 Blue Peter make with Valerie Singleton. A slice of nostalgia. Compare with the 2007 Blue Peter Dalek Cake! This is a bit of a classic on the internet. 8/10 Photo Gallery, 1964 TV trailers, Production Subtitles – interesting information to read as you watch. An alternative to the commentary soundtrack. 10/10
8 out of 10
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It has the production values of a major movie of its time –
1964. The fact that it was one of the first Doctor Who stories to
really use location filming to the full helps to create the impression
that this had a bigger budget than it really did. So did the fact
that it had incidental music from an accomplished movie theme composer,
Francis Chagrin (Colditz Story, Four Just Men, An Inspector Calls).
Excellent
commentary by William Russell (Ian) Carole Ann Ford (Susan). Richard
Martin, (Director) and Verity Lambert, (Producer) which includes the
question “just how often DID Susan sprain her ankle on Doctor
Who” to which Carole Ann replies “Every week.” Only
a SLIGHT exaggeration for comic effect. 10/10
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