Since 1963 Doctor Who, a BBC television serial has entertained multitudes of people across the world. I recall, even as a small child, watching The Doctor in his interplanetary and time travels. I always thought the program, while hokey in some ways, was enlightening and entertaining in others. As of recent BBC Television has unearthed some historical programs from the series and is releasing them to the public. The newest of which is The Seeds of Death Special Edition featuring The Patrick Troughton years from 1966–1969. Fans of the new Doctor Who series will appreciate the backdrop and historical nature of the programs included on this DVD, for others, it may be a bit too dated to thoroughly enjoy unless they are a student of film or a fan of old Science Fiction. For those in this category, if for no other reason than its historical value, this will be a must own edition to their DVD collection.
In the viewing of this two DVD set, it should be noted, television series of the early to late 1960’s didn’t have what would be considered today, the best special effects. There is nothing exceptional here, not the acting, the special effects, editing, sound, etc… What is exceptional is the story and concepts as presented through the history of Doctor Who which has continued for some 50 years. What is also exceptional is the special features DVD which goes into the history of this particular series of episodes which features in part on the Martians and their two groups of citizens, based largely and in part on the cast system identifying a race of people based on economic status, seeing a lower cast of people, and a higher cast of people. While the special effects creating these creatures are not spectacular, what it does is focus on what makes up these characters emotionally, their desires, wishes, intentions and so forth is one of the things that makes Doctor Who as Science Fiction work. As mentioned in the commentaries on the DVD’s it seems as if most everything a basic film student is taught in film school is abandoned here. Yet despite that willingness to go against even the norms of film making for the time there is a humanistic, emotional understanding of the characters, one that translates to helping drive home the themes and points of the show.
This series features primarily Patrick Troughton, the second Doctor in the incarnation of the Doctor Who actors who has played the part over the years. The character in regards to the stories in this series is quite well developed and we can see that in various concepts of the video, from the relations the Doctor has with others in the cast to his relationship and understanding of The Martians. While Troughton may not have been the best in the line of Doctors in my opinion, he was a likeable character who did quite well in the part. Much of that was due to the way the program was often times scripted, using the talents of the actors in the particular scenes they were playing. Patrick Troughton, the second in the series of Doctor Who Caracters did as well as any of the Doctors at presenting fear, it is a concept that enabled him to be one or the more memorable Doctors even if he isn’t the favorite of the Doctors.
Doctor Who, since its origins has found ways to interject the spiritual along with science in its themes, even back in the mid 1960’s. Especially in this series are the treatment and understanding of foreign culture as well as the concepts of how people or aliens in this case are treated. There are also the concepts of fear and death which are addressed. Often at play is popular perception, however, while popular perception is at times important, especially if rooted in reality, there is always more than what one can quickly observe. Quick judgments often lead to inappropriate or even dangerous situations. Just as Jesus and his followers give caution to judgment, the assessment of ones actions is always encouraged and what is important. Sometimes, we discover that those least likely to be judged appropriately may in reality, be something or someone much better than we expected. Of course there is always danger and we have to have a leader who will lead in life, live by example, and show the reality of our surroundings. It is important to have a leader, like The Doctor who will understand the reality of the situation they and others who follow them face. Just as Doctor Who doesn’t guarantee an easy time in following him, neither does Jesus guarantee an easy time or perfection when his followers follow him, in fact, there are certainly at times difficulties we face, some we will make it out of, others we may not, but having a deliverer there like either Jesus or Doctor Who can improve our chances. There may be fear all around us, but there are those who can, and do overcome fear and difficulty, even with the monsters that would do us in.
I’ll be honest; these aren’t my favorite years of Doctor Who. While there is something special about the quirkiness of the shows, that doesn’t mean they are easy to watch. The special features however, including the episode commentaries and the making of features are quite special and a must for fans of the series. While I don’t think there is anything special enough here to generate new fans, there is ample material to please old and lasting fans of the show, even the fans of the most recent years, younger fans. The only recommendation I would have had, is if having a series focusing on the late Patrick Troughton, there should have been far more in the features that focused on him. Unfortunately there is surprisingly little. While I honestly don’t know if I would purchase the DVD’s at the price they are listed, I suspect there will be many who will and enjoy it thinking it is worth it. For those who do, enjoy, for those who just don’t know, but take the chance, good luck and hope you enjoy it, but don’t say you weren’t fairly warned.
To see the video below, just click on it, if for some reason the video doesn’t appear or is distorted or not in full frame, click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuFCofFGSSk
The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the material is provided.
Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid
Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter
Mike Furches on Faceboook.
Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor
The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards
Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.
Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.
Click to subscribe to my blog
Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.
Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
6441 N. Hydraulic
Park City Kansas, 67219
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed
No comments:
Post a Comment