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War Machines is a historical record of British culture in 1966 and the prevailing ideas about science and technology. While we worry nowadays about GM crops and nanogenes, back then the scientific bogey was computers and whether they would take over the thinking for mankind. This is very much the first in a sub genre of television and film which includes the likes of War Games, Terminator and other blockbusters. Doctor Who did it first! It also sees the exit of Dodo and the introduction of Ben and Polly, and the Post Office tower had what is possibly its most enduring bit of publicity. 9/10
Commentary Commentary is by director, Michael Ferguson and Anneke Wills, who, of course, played Polly. It is a much more sedate commentary than those in recent releases of later Doctor Who stories. Both of them are remembering events that took place over forty years ago and the distance is felt. They talk a lot about how what was then an up to date, contemporary story is now a historical document capturing the zeitgeist of the 1960s. Ferguson talks about the technical details competently, such as the use of different film medium for studio and location and Anneke is more about the anecdotes about working with William Hartnell, Michael Craze and others no longer with us. She talks fondly about Michael and being friends with him until his death. 9/10
Extras
9/10 Blue Peter shows John Noakes showing the kiddies how to build their very own Post Office Tower model out of household junk. Gahhh! Blue Peter 5/10
One Foot In The Past is a documentary hosted by Tony Benn about the
history of the 5/10 WOTAN assembly is a documentary about how the missing pieces of War Machine were put together and cleaned up and put together for the high quality DVD copy. Its one drawback is the annoying Ian Levine claiming credit where it almost certainly isn’t due. 9/10 Coming Soon features Battlefield. About time! 7/10 PDF materials include a WOTAN design plan and the usual Radio Times Listings. 7/10 Photo Gallery is a nice set of publicity pictures and stills from the episode. 8/10 Overall, considering this is a full price DVD, the extras are dull and unimaginative. The Blue Peter and One Foot In The Past items were totally pointless. I don’t think anybody has bought this DVD because they are mad about the history of the Post Office Tower. Why not a decent documentary about the making of the episode? 8 out of 10
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Now
and Then is probably fascinating to anyone who comes from or is familiar
with London city centre and has seen the changes over the past forty
years. Much of the area around Bedford Square is recognisable, although
it has all changed a lot. Quite a lot of the fades from old to new
are amazingly similar. Covent Garden is a brighter, tidier, more sanitised
space now. It is interesting for the details of how different locations
were used to capture 60s London. The only problem is the dull, boring
voice of the commentator.
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