Customer Reviews

Doctor Who - Planet of Giants [VHS]

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While perhaps not the finest example of DOCTOR WHO in the 1960s (the serial suffers from a weak plot and a story that was difficult to carry out convincingly on the series' limited budget and production schedule), PLANET OF GIANTS is still great fun.

Also worth noting here (and not mentioned in the Editorial Review) is that the surviving film prints for Episodes One and Two have been restored, and given the appearance of the videotape the serial was originally broadcast from. (Episode Three was broadcast from a film print, and has been left unaltered.) It's difficult to explain the difference, but you'll know it when you see it; it adds a nice sense of the experience of watching the serial when it was first aired.

It's nice to know that while DVD is taking over the home video market, the BBC is not forgetting it's loyal fans around the world who have been loyaly collecting the VHS tapes since the late 90's. With only 10 or so more to go the rest should be out here in the US by the end of 2004.

While the plot of this particular adventure is simplistic, it must be noted that Dr.Who was still intended for children at this time. The 'giant' props are very well done by Dr. Who standards and the plotline surrounding the deadly experimental insecticide is a typical example of the enviromental messages that seem to be a frequent theme of many Dr. Who episodes thought it's history.

The biggest enjoyment I got out of this episode, however, came from the fact that not only has it been over a decade since Dr. ...It was like seeing a long lost friend and ironically the chair I used to watch it in in the attic is now in my own Den at my house.

I gave this one 4 stars because everyone else will give it 3!!!

it is a wonderful Hartnell story. I am very glad I got it. Most of the effects stand up even today.

Before the TARDIS materialises on contemporary Earth, the doors open in the Control Room causing both the Doctor and Susan to worry like Ian & Barbara have never seen before. Leaving the TARIDS, they run into giant insects and earthworms...dead. The crew of the TARDIS has been reduced to inch in height and have to contend with 2 criminals intent on distributing a lethal garden herbicide. Before Jon Pertwee's socially aware sci-fi serials, there was "Planet of Giants". Though, nothing to scream about, this 3 part serial can be very enjoyable. And the video-look and clean-up job that the Doctor Who Restoration Team did is wonderful, giving a very sharp visual feel to the adventure, approximating the lost video look all b/w Doctor Who serials originally had. The production, for 1965(and Doctor Who), is actually impressive. The regulars(original cast)are also good. Though, it moves a little slow, shouldn't deter any Who fan from adding it to their collection.