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Doctor Who - Vengeance on Varos [VHS]

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BBC Video has released two further adventures from their long running TV series Doctor Who on DVD. The two stories come from the very early days of the programme, and one of its much later seasons, twenty two years later. Comparing the two stories now, 1964's The Aztecs and 1985's Vengeance on Varos, it's very hard to accept that they are even part of the same series.

Whereas The Aztecs is a purely historical drama, Vengeance on Varos is based entirely in the genre of science fiction, although since it's original broadcast in 1985, much of what was fictionalized at the time is now horribly accurate. The story was the second of the twenty-second season, possibly the most controversial season in the show's history. Mid-way through its broadcast, the BBC executives cancelled the show, resulting in an 18 month hiatus. The main reason for this decision was cited as the violence that was dominating the programme, and indeed Vengeance on Varos is perhaps the most striking example of the violent tendency engulfing the show.

Colin Baker certainly had the potential to be one of the best incarnations of the Doctor, but alas his performance was hampered from the outset. The choice of costume did not help, and in the commentary for this DVD release, he bemoans the costume policy himself. His characterisation of the Doctor was also flawed, presenting him as a bad-tempered, arrogant and violent character, a million miles from anything that had gone before. The scenes where two characters die in an acid bath and the Doctor's reaction, are particularly shocking. Baker's commentary justifies this as his attempt to portray the Doctor as an alien being, but it was clear from public reaction that viewers just couldn't accept the character as he appeared in this story. It didn't help either that most of his stories were taken up with the Doctor squabbling with his "American" companion Peri, played by the very English Nicola Bryant.

The production values on this story are somewhat disappointing, with the sets relying on that old standby: The identical corridor, shot from different angles. There is a cheapness about the production which overshadows the quality of the script, which is in itself pretty strong. Many guest actors, including Martin Jarvis, Stephen Yardley and Jason Connery (son of Sean, in his TV debut) certainly help bring the script to life, but undoubtedly it is Nabil Shaban's portrayal of the hideous creature Sil that steals the show. Shaban joins Baker and Bryant on the commentary soundtrack.

The commentary is just one of many extras on the DVD. There are also out-takes, extended and deleted scenes, original broadcast trailers and on-screen production notes.

Unlike the sister release, The Aztecs, a story very reliant on characterisation and performance, and played dead straight by all the actors involved, this cannot be said of the tongue in cheek camp playing of Vengeance on Varos.

The quality of the images are very good, and the story is presented in two 45 minute episodes, as it was when originally broadcast.

It's a taught piece of TV sci-fi, and I admit it will be very popular with fans of the sci-fi based Doctor Who. If you like Vengeance on Varos, you almost certainly won't like The Aztecs and vice-versa.

The second adventure of Colin Baker's first spectacular season as Doctor Who is, as a whole, breathtaking.

The plot is centered around Varos: A planet originally set up as a penal colony, but grew to be a planet of its own accord. Problem is, its citizens are treated like prisoners by the government. They are forced to mine for slave wages and rations and those who rule live in power. And to keep the citizens quiet, forms of punishment are broadcast live or taped. There is a third party, Sil, manipulating events to gain more wealth for himself...

A great story and frighteningly ahead of its time, considering how TV is like these days, yet criticized unfairly and wrongfully for being violent.

The story itself is well-written, excellently paced, daring, and best of all are the shakespearean concepts such as a character talking *to* the camera to help convey the plot along and the characters of Etta and Arak who are showing we, the viewers, how they live - they are the citizens and we get to see how the citizens live along with the other events which in turn makes this story extremely well-rounded and multi-dimensional.

But the only problem is with the acting - solely by Jason Connery (yes, Sean's son and proves he's as much of an actor as daddy). Jason comes across as a mannequin at many times, as does his 'girlfriend' (played by Geraldine Alexander), and it's a shame since everybody else, particularly Martin Jarvis and Forbes Collins steal the show.

Still, I'm being harsh. There are far worse actors out there and their acting could have been worse. The story is indeed a classic and proves that Colin Baker's era is not devoid of compassion and morals as one might think. (they're merely presented in an unconventional point of view)

"Vengeance on Varos" might be the most violent and sadistic Who adventure ever. It's also written wonderfully. Ultra-Black comedy runs amok as citizens of Varos are forced to watch torture, acid baths, canabalism and cell mutation. A grim satire of TV and video sales, with lots of voyeurism. Sil is a great villian with his tongue laugh. Colin Baker excells, and we all know why Nicola Bryant was hired. "Carnival of Monsters" of the 80's?

"Vengeance on Varos" opens up with a couple watching the torture of a young man (Jason Connery). I guess you could say that they are watching the ultimate reality television show. They're on the planet Varos, which just happens to be the only place where the good Doctor (Colin Baker) can find Zeiton-7, a rare mineral that's key to much needed repairs on the Doctor's TARDIS. When the Doctor and Peri (the always lovely Nicola Bryant) arrive, they immediately fall into a big bit of trouble. They free the young man who's being tortured for Varos' viewing pleasure and get tangled up in a bargaining war between the governor of Varos and Sil, a nasty little thing representing a company (or so it seems) that's interested in buying Zeiton-7 at a bargain rate. Of course, the pricing argument is only a cover-up for Sil's true intentions: taking over Varos. In a world where death equals ratings and negative votes prove painful, can the Doctor and Peri free Varos from Sil's dirty plans?

This tale is considered by many to be one of the best Colin Baker storylines. It has a lot of action, a decent amount of gore, and some brilliant one-liners from Baker and Bryant. We get to see Jason Connery, Sean Connery's son, who plays Jandar, a rebel leader trying to overthrow the ancient ruling families of Varos. We also get our first look at Sil (Nabil Shaban), who is quite possibly one of the vilest, funniest enemies the Doctor ever faced. "Water me!" and Shaban's tongue-flicking laughter entrench Sil into your mind long after the story is completed. The rest of the enemies in this tale are some of the best during Doctor #6's run. This tale visits the idea of "reality" TV and just how far it can go. Today, many people argue over having the opportunity to pay-per-view executions. Could this tale have been a harbinger of things to come?

The special features are pretty light. This DVD comes with the standard "Who's Who," outtakes, production notes, trailers, a photo gallery and a decent featurette. The best special feature on this disc has to be the running commentary provided by Baker, Bryant and Shaban. Of special interest is Shaban's tale of how he came up with Sil's twisted little laugh.

I have to agree with the majority that this is one of Colin Baker's best outings as the Doctor. I always felt that he, along with Peter Davison and Sylvester McCoy, were cheated out of excellent storylines for the bulk of their respective runs as the Doctor. If you are unfamiliar with Colin Baker's work as the Doctor, pick this DVD up as well as the "Trial of a Time Lord" DVD. It's some of his best work.

The sixth Doctor era is one that is often criticised by Doctor Who fans, and this criticism is justified in my opinion. The majority of the stories starring Colin Baker ranged from mediocre to poor, with the exception of Revelation Of The Daleks and this story.

Vengeance On Varos is a story that is more relevant now than it was when it was first broadcast due to the current glut of reality tv shows that clog the airwaves. These two episodes show a populace that gets to vote on government policy through interactive television broadcasts. Rather than a simple yes or no vote, the voting involves torture of the Governor which the population gets to watch. They also get to see public torturing and executions of "terrorists" as part of their daily intake of television "entertainment". This satire of television and government rings all the more true as time goes by.

The sixth Doctor is still rather an unlikeable character here at times, only a few stories into his era which was cut abruptly short when Colin Baker was sacked after his final story, The Trial Of A Time Lord. At the beginning of the story, he is still exhibiting the mood swings seen in his first story which makes it difficult for the audience to be won over by this particular incarnation of the Time Lord. Tom Bakers Doctor was also prone to black moods, but the sixth Doctor comes across at times as a petulant and whiny child. This is not a fault that can be levelled solely at the actor as the character was shaped by the producer, script editor (who was later quite vocal about his dislike of this era of the program) and writers.

The DVD itself is another excellent piece of work from the Restoration Team. The picture and sound are excellent. The various special features are entertaining and informative, especially the commentary track by Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant and Nabil Shaban who plays the stories villain Sil. It's a very funny and cheeky chat that's well worth a listen.

Apparently this is the lowest selling Doctor Who DVD in the UK, but it's certainly a story that stands the test of time and definitely worth your time and money. If nothing else, the story may make you think more about the society we live in and that's no bad thing.

This is an episode that people who like the darker and more complex stories of Doctor Who might enjoy. In this story we see a world where people are glued to their televisions delighting in the real life suffering of others. Where televisions serve up an unending diet of torture and humiliation and an ability to vote on who gets it next. Including the Governor who when his policies are unpopular and recieves a no vote is forced to under go the cellular disintegrater. No Governor has ever survived more than three no votes and the current Governor as this story begins we watch him survive his second no vote.

And why does he get a no vote he is currently in negotiations over the price of zyton-7 Varos's main export this being a mining planet. The Governor believes he can get more money for his people but for this to happen the people must be willing to accept a lower food ration while the new price is being negotiated. But the two no votes in a row seem to indicate they won't accept. But the Governor persists in trying to do right by his people and demands a better price.

The slug like Sil the representive of the Galatron Minning Corperation (Who is one of best Doctor Who villians ever by the way)as well as the Varos government officials with the real power whom are illegally bribed by Galatron minning know that soon the Governor will have to face yet another no vote and soon he'll be dead. Then things will return to bussiness as usual as they make massive profits while those on Varos who work for those profits live in poverty.

Into this situation comes the Doctor the Tardis needs zyton-7 for repairs so he travels to Varos. Soon the Doctor is traveling through "Punishment Zones" with Varos rebels these zones are designed to kill people in entertaining ways while the people of Varos watch on live television. Can the Doctor unravel the madness that is Varos before it's too late?

This is a wonderfully dark yet complex story, Doctor Who has always been at it's best when it offers a combination of action, moral questions to ponder as well devious intrigues. I've always been a fan of stories filled with intrigue and I found the underhanded plots in this story to be exceptional. This story is very much in the same tradition as Genesis of the Daleks and The Caves of Androzani in the sense they contain the same combination of action, moral questions and intrigue. No I don't claim Vengence on Varos to be in the same ballpark as "Genesis" or "Androzani" but I do suggest it is in walking distance of that ballpark.

This might not be a good story for those who are just looking for a fast good time without becoming too involved. This story is very involved and needs real attention. Wich of course is why it withstands the test of repeated viewings there is alot going on.

It has well above average costumes sets and special effects. It really looks like they spent some money on this one. Also most not all but most of the acting is truely excellent. One of the more mediocre performances is by Jason Connery (yes he's Sean Connery's son)not awful acting but compared to the other acting in the story it stands out.

Now on to the DVD special features if I were to rate the special features on this disk i'd have to give them a three out of five. They just didn't go to to much effort on this one. The information text for example has very little information you can go well over five minutes without new info appearing on your screen. The behind the scenes are just some raw footage of the actors playing the scenes making mistakes flubing lines and the like. Okay to watch once or twice but not very interesting. But on the upside there is a good commentary by Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant and Nabil Shaban who plays Sil. You get lots of interesting info about the story as well them explaining alot about the political situation surrounding Doctor Who when this came out. Also on the upside I really enjoyed the deleated scenes there's quite a few of them and they are good I found they added depth to my understanding of the story.

I had held off on getting this on DVD for some time since I already owned the video. But seeing it on DVD really re-sparked my love of this story the picture and sound are far superior.

If your a huge fan of the Colin Baker era like me this is a must have even if you already own the vhs. And if your not a huge fan of the Colin Baker era but enjoy the more complex and dark side of Doctor Who this might be for you.

This episode is but one part of a stellar season that comes close to the high point of the early Phillip Hinchcliff/Tom Baker episodes of the mid '70's. Great suspense and action. It was during this season that the BBC got a new C.E.O. who was soon to spell doom for Dr. Who, thinking it needed "changing". At least we got a look at Sil, a repulsive, yet magnificently evil little slug. Unfortunately, the same elements that made this episode (and season) great were the same things that outraged certain moral majority groups that kept complaining in our childrens "best interests". Sadly, after this season, the show went on an 18 month hiatus after which it never fully recovered. Vengeance on Varos and season 22 is still looked upon as one of the best done seasons in Who history.

Maybe the medium is the message, maybe it's just a case of mixed messages, but there's something very odd about this "Doctor Who" storyline. On the one hand, "Vengeance on Varos" presents us with a deeply thoughtful and bitingly harsh satire of televised violence and viewer desensitization. On the other hand, it's exhibit A of that very tendency! As a sophisticated science fiction adventure then it's at once enormously entertaining and yet naggingly unsettling.

What is it about "Vengeance on Varos" that's so disturbing? Surely it can't only be the dystopian setting, although Varos paints a grim and forbidding picture of the future indeed: an economically backwards colony planet where, with not a lot of bread to go around, the powers that be rely overly on circuses to keep the populace mollified--the televised torture and execution of criminals, rebels, and dissidents for purposes of entertainment and edification, to be exact. Meanwhile the government itself is hemmed in by a strictly draconian constitution and a sadistic system of referendum, making meaningful change all but impossible--and this includes changing the way an intergalactic corporation represented by the delightfully slimy and evil Sil exploits them for Varos' one mineral export of value. Still, we've seen this kind of thing before on "Doctor Who", most recently in "Caves of Androzani" but way back in "Underworld" as well. This is just the stuff of good science fiction.

Is there more violence in this storyline? Maybe, but compared say to the Daleks blasting everyone in sight elsewhere in the show's history, much of the violence here is only suggested or else is bloodlessly abstract (inducing hallucinations that trick the mind that one is dying of dehydration). Of course there is an incredibly gruesome scene where two prison guards trying to kill the Doctor slip and fall into the acid bath they meant for him; this elicited a collective gasp from even such jaded viewers as my wife and me, granted, but is it really so much worse than the flesh-disintegrating nerve gas in "Resurrection of the Daleks"? Maybe it's the Doctor's blasé nonchalance in the face of their deaths, but we've seen the Doctor at his most popular and beloved exhibit this trait before, in "Pyramids of Mars" to be exact, and it didn't really faze us (and it was "good guys" rather than "bad guys" who bit the dust there). So what is it then? Maybe it's just the total overall effect, but I suspect maybe it's the way the mechanics of the story make the viewer complicit with the citizens of Varos--when the Doctor in almost James Bond style quips to the dying guards "you'll pardon me if I don't join you" I laughed out loud in spite of myself, this just moments after my horrified gasp.

Only Colin Baker could really pull this off, though. This is but the third storyline featuring the sixth Doctor and (as of this writing) the earliest of his storylines to make it to DVD. So what are we to make of this incarnation? Well, if the fifth Doctor was bland and beige and goody-two-shoes likable, the sixth Doctor was clearly designed to be a startling contrast to his predecessor on all fronts. Intense, vivid, and a bit of a jerk--maybe even an arrogant cold-(doubly)-hearted son of a [you know what] in a way we haven't seen since the very most earliest stories with William Hartnell. And yet for all that and for all his disturbing nonchalance when people trying to kill him are hoisted on their own petards, his moral gyroscope is much intact as ever, alloyed with a refreshing spontaneity and a bitingly sharp wit. He's inapproachably alien in ways you might expect from a centuries-old space-time traveler from a distant planet, but eccentric and likeably imperfect and ultimately a fine version of the Doctor indeed.

Incidentally, just who was getting their revenge, and on whom, on Varos? Never quite figured that out...

The 22nd season of "Doctor Who" wasn't well liked by the public. Probably because it was so violent. And that is what "Vengeance on Varos" is, a take off on TV violence, to the grimmest extent. Philip Martin's gruesome plot is surely funny in a repulsive way. Cannibals, acid baths, etc. all broadcasted on an alien world, and in turn broadcasted into your home! Watch out for that economic slug Sil (Nabil Shaban) in one of Colin Baker's most determined performances.

It's a pity there's only two episodes...

Scripted by Philip Martin and directed by Ron Jones, Vengeance on Varos is story number two of Doctor Who's twenty-second season (Colin Baker's first full season as the Doctor). The Doctor and Peri are forced to land on Varos as the Doctor's TARDIS is in need of repairs which require the use of Zeiton-7, which can only be found on Varos. The planet and its Zeiton are being exploited by the Galatron Mining Corporation, represented by a repulsive, slug-like being called Sil played by Nabil Shaban. Shaban really makes a delightful villain as Sil, who controls the leaders of Varos including the planet's governor (Martin Jarvis). Jason Connery (son of former 007 Sean Connery) puts in a nice supporting appearance as the rebel leader Jondar, with Geraldine Alexander as his girlfriend Areta. Stephen Yardley and Sheila Reid also shine as Arak and Etta. The strong supporting cast for this story also includes Nicholas Chagrin as Quillam, Owen Teale as Maldak and Forbes Collins as the Chief Officer. Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant (Peri) and Nabil Shaban join together on the DVD commentary track. Other extras include BBC trailers, pop-up production notes, outtakes and deleted scenes. Altogether, Vengeance on Varos is one of the stronger stories of the short-lived Sixth Doctor era largely due to its great supporting cast as well as Philip Martin's writing.