Customer Reviews

Doctor Who - The Tom Baker Years [VHS]

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
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The format of this tape is simple: set Tom Baker (whom many consider to have been the greatest Doctor) down in front of a TV, and show him a variety of clips from Doctor Who episodes where Tom Baker played the Doctor. In the process, Tom will share anecdotes and memories from his time in the role, inspired from these clips (which he allegedly had had no preparation for).

At first, Tom is a little stiff and uncomfortable, and his cheerfulness seems forced. After a bit, however, he seems to settle into the role, and opens up a bit more, relaxing with the viewing audience. He has a number of interesting or amusing stories from his years as the Doctor (some off-color, though, alas, he keeps any racy details to himself!), which give a very cool backdrop to familiar episodes. You can tell he really enjoyed his time as the Doctor and, it seems, regrets leaving when he did. I know I wouldn't have minded a few more seasons of the bohemian with the hat and scarf Doctor....

The Tom Baker Years is possibly the best insight into the world of Dr Who The Tom Baker years to date. It's a warts an all episode guide, and Tom really shines once he begins to remember the stories. Tom is rarely seen talking about individual stories so this is a great chance for fans to actually get his thoughts as he views each story. Some of the clips are somewhat vague & it is little wonder that Tom sometimes has trouble recollecting the story concerned, but when he does it's well worth the wait. You can see that Tom is actually enjoying what he is seeing & it is, obvious alot of what he is seeing is the first time he has viewed it since it was recorded. He, as always, adds his own interesting recollections to each epsiode and often adds untold stories that every fan enjoys. It is also worthy to note Tom's affection for Lalla Ward when Viewing the scenes of him & her in Paris. He is almost lost for words & is obviously very moved by his memories of that time. This is an excellent piece of fan loving video & in my book is worth every penny. Tom is the oldest remaining Dr, and it is wonderful to hear his recollections of the time he spent on his, and i quote, "one & only success". Tom enjoys his time on this tape, which ensures that you do too. This is an absolute must for all Dr Wo/ Tom Baker Fans. If you haven't got it yet...WHY NOT!!! Go get it NOW!!!

Some actors seem born for certain roles. Although there were three before him and four after, Tom Bakers version of Gallifrey's, the Doctor, put the BBC's "Doctor Who" series into the sci-fi hall of fame. The unique look he brought to the character, along with his quick witted, often zany sense of humor endeared him to viewers. I've often wondered where Tom Baker begins and Dr. Who ends. "The Tom Baker Years" gives you a great insight into the 7 years of the Tom Baker era. The video is a three-hour collection of great clips and spontaneous commentary from Tom Baker as he watches along in an informal setting. Even if you've just been a modest fan of the "Doctor Who" series, you'll want this to be part of your video collection.

Tom Baker is arguably the best actor to ever portray the enigmatic figure of the Doctor. In this video we see a change of format for the 'Doctor Who Years' tape, by having the main actor, Tom Baker, watch scenes from every who story he was involved in, to give unscripted comments about his feelings, memories and friendships during his period.

You'll find that Tom's reaction to nearly every story is interesting, ranging from joy, to confusion, to regret but most of all satisfaction. Whether you're a fan or just a casual viewer from Tom's time on WHO, you'll enjoy this immensely, if not for the sheer joy but the nostalgic value attached to it. RECOMMENDED!!

I am a huge Tom Baker Dr Who, who isn't, so it was great to pick up this video and see scenes from dozen of his episodes as Dr Who. I was disapointed to see an older Tom who forgot some episodes I thought he was great in. I was looking forward to hearing more insight into his personal life and see how much he took Dr Who from his own personna. He seemed to do a little too much acting and did not seem to sincerely capture his feelings and thoughts on each show. Everytime he seemed to loosen up a bit and was ready to really get into it he pulled back and said on to the next story. It was almost like they gave him the high sign to move on and he did. Oh well, he is the best Dr Who and its worth the price of the video to see all those great stories with Tom.

"The Tom Baker Years" is a fine collection of scenes and other material from Tom Baker's seven years as the Doctor. No "Doctor Who" fan would want to miss this one! Grade: A+

I used to love to watch Dr. Who as a kid and made sure i was in front of the tv whenever it was coming on. If i'm right, it used to come on during the week on public tv channel 12, right after a show called contact. Tom baker in my opinion was the best of all the dr. who's throughout the shows length. he certainly was the most witty and ever so logical you just couldn't stand it. None the less Dr. who solved every problem with lightning speed and his deep intellect, and also that neat sonic screwdriver for pressing mechanical failures. I don't care how cheesy those stage props were or special effects, tom baker is my hero. Now to the video, I hadn't seen dr who in a very long time and rented this at the local video store one day. It really took me back on a voyage in time and long forgotten episodes of the show. Tom kicks back and watches old clips of himself and then reviews all that went on during the making of each episode, funny at times how the dr. forgets the names of some of the episodes. If your truly an absolute die hard fan of tom baker, this is the right stuff for you. This was an absolute pleasure to sit and watch.

You know its truly amazing that American filmakers have not taken advantage of Tom Baker's rich acting ability... I find him extremely interesting and this tape proves he is one-of-a-kind! I have watched this program so much that another needs to be ordered soon! You will love Baker's eccentricities and his uncanny ability to keep you interested throughout the performance... but I have one complaint- I want more. C'mon BBC & Dr. Who give us more of Tom Baker. Ciao...

This two-tape set is a must-have for any fan of the Tom Baker era. Sitting down with an aging, but still enchanting Tom baker, to rewatch key scenes from his time as Doctor Who leads to rememberances of behind-the-scenes events, filming details, and rehersal stories, in a personable and hurmorus manner. My only complaint is that I would have liked to see some of the actual behind-the-scenes material. The other tapes in the "years" series have showcased such things as title sequence tests, and blooper footage, none of which is present in the collection. Still, Tom knows how to hold an audience, and even at two tapes, it still feels like you could have spent more time just sitting and chatting. This collection is a true gem. END

The video does a nice job of spanning Tom's entire 7 year run as Dr. Who as they show him clips from his episodes and ask him to comment. Many times he has little to nothing to say, often he will speak about the other British actors in the scene, and rarely he will share a humourous or touching vinette about the scene.

I'd recommend it to anyone who loved the Tom Baker years as I did. I will admit that Tom's melonchaly and self-deprectiating comments especially towards the end began to drag me down into the same funk he appeared to be in by the end. Still, if you love Tom and his time as the Doctor you will want to see this.