Doctor Who: Complete BBC Series 2 - Limited Edition 'Cyberman Head' Box Set with Lenticular Postcard (Exclusive to Amazon.co.uk) [2005] [DVD]

Taking over from Christopher Eccleston who made just the one series, David Tennant is the perfect choice and is a Superb Dr Who.This DVD has got some cracking episodes in it.Disc One: The Christmas Invasion, New Earth,Disc Two: Tooth and Claw, School Reunion, The Girl in the FireplaceDisc Three: Rise of the Cybermen, The Age of Steel, The Idiot’s LanternDisc Four : The Impossible Planet, The Satan Pit, Love and MonstersDisc Five: Fear Her, Army of Ghosts, DoomsdayDisc Six: Doctor Who Confidential, 13 X Cut DownsHard to choose my favourite episode but School Reunion with the late Elisabeth Sladen returning to guest star was very emotional to watch.Total Bargain used DVD at £1.09p for Dr Who fans. Excellent delivery by MusicMagpie.

I recently watched the 'First - Series' which in the main I enjoyed, as I mentioned then, I'd not watched 'Doctor Who' since 1965.Because I'd heard so many good things about the 2005 New-Beginning' curiosity finally got the better of me, most people I've spoken to regard 'David Tennant' perhaps the best of the new - age 'Doctors' so again encouraged by reviewers, critics, and my Daughter alike, I decided to continue my discovery of the BBC series...... 'THE TENTH DOCTOR'SERIES - TWO - DISC ONE -Episode One - 'The Christmas Invasion'What an entrance - 'The Tardis' almost crash-lands returning to 'Earth' - a great introduction for the Tenth - Doctor' and 'David Tennant's' reign as the 'Timelord'It's almost Christmas 'Rose's' Mum and 'Micky' ask who the new-face is, mind at this stage 'Rose' is somewhat unsure herself despite having witnessed the beginning of the 'Doctor's' regeneration.During a stroll around the local market 'Rose' and 'Micky' are attacked by a group of music-playing 'Santa's' the two race backto 'Rose's' Mums hope to alert the 'Doctor' only to find a mysterious new 'Christmas - Tree' spinning out of control.The 'Doctor' seems to know who these 'Santa's' are, and summons up enough energy to despatch them back to where they belong.A bigger threat is about to follow - the military and space agency believe the world is about to experience it's first 'Alien' contact, of course Prime Minister 'Harriet Jones' had encounters with 'Aliens' before 'The Sltheen'The 'Doctor' is needed, however he at the moment is bed-bound as his regeneration is still in it's early stages.The 'Sycorax' have contaminated over Two Billion Earthlings who are currently on the edge of committing suicide, the Earth is being held to ransom, an Alien-Ship hovers over the capital,'Earth' desperately need 'The Doctor' will his regeneration prevent his ability to help.........'Rose' and 'Micky' try to bring the Doctor into play they take him to the 'Tardis' from which the 'Aliens' pick up a signal, they beam the Tardis and occupants up to their craft.'Rose' is in way over her head......she and Earth need the 'Doctor'Then of course - It's Christmas......8.7 / 10.Episode Two - 'A New Earth'After their encounter with the 'Sycorax' 'Rose' is now comfortable with the regenerated 'Doctor'They are off on their travels once again, this time just over 5 billion years forward, a while back they had witnessed the final moments of Earth, they have now landed on the planet mankind had fled too, building a 'New Earth'Revenge is not very far away for 'The Doctor' an old enemy thought dead appears to have survived - 'Lady Cassandra'Because 'Rose' is the only full-blood human on the planet, 'Cassandra' and her side-kick plan to use 'Rose' to restore 'Cassandra'back to who she aspires to be.Meanwhile the 'Doctor' unaware of 'Rose's' plight discovers a horrible truth about 'New Earth' ....thousands of humans have been bred to conduct experiments upon to cure illness and disease in the same manner as man had used animals for years before.When 'The Doctor' and 'Rose' meet up the 'Doctor' realizes extreme changes in his companion actions and speech patterns.'Lady Cassandra's' assistant releases the thousands of infected humanoids, the 'Doctor' has one or two problems to resolve and quickly......8 / 10.Special Features on Disc-one -* Children in Need' Special.* 'Billie's' Video Diary's (approx. - 5 mins)* 'In Vision Commentary on 'The Christmas Invasion'* 'Audio Commentary on 'New Earth'* 'Audio description on both episodes.* 'Deleted Scenes and Audio Navigation.* 'Out - Takes'I'm a novice, but am enjoying my navigation through the episodes seen during both Season One and the beginning of Season Two-- The Journey for me continues..........there are many, many 'Doctor Who' fans that know just about all there is to know and unlike myself have followed the 'Doctor' from the very beginning, I do not pretend to be in that company, I will continue with what for me is a voyage of discovery. ( I will add to the review over the next week or so after watching each disc)DISC TWO -Episode Three - 'Tooth and Claw'The Tenth 'Doctor' and companion 'Rose' return to the 19th Century (1879) 'Scotland'When stepping out of the 'Tardis' they are confronted by Soldiers who are escorting 'Queen Victoria' who's travelling in her coach on route to 'The Torchwood estate'Before their arrival unbeknown to them the House has been taken over by the 'Brethren' the staff have been substituted, only the 'Lord' and a few guests remain to greet the Queen.(Pauline Collins)At dinner the 'Lord' is persuaded to tell the tales of these parts of Wolves on the Torchwood estate, fear of the dark and the 'Full Moon' meanwhile the Queens escort/Guards are druggedThe majority of the staff, now along with 'Rose' are locked in a room along with a man caged up.The visit of the Queen at the time of a Full-Moon has been awaited by the brethren.The 'Doctor' moves to release 'Rose' and 'Torchwoods' staff, the man in the cage already changing, the 'Werewolf' is looseravaging through the house, 'The Doctor' 'Rose' 'Queen Victoria' and 'The Lord of the Manor' are unable to escape the house the brethren stand guard outside with weapons.The 'Doctor' must find a way to stop the werewolf and foil thr brethren's plot to seize the 'Throne'A much Darker 'Doctor' tale than normal - 9/10.Episode Four - 'School Reunion'The 'Doctor' has taken a temporary post as a 'physics' teacher, 'Rose' a role in the School Kitchens as a dinner-lady....theyare there because of strange goings-on at the School where it seems pupils are becoming of genius-status.An 'Alien' presence perhaps ?'Mickey' has remained in the 'Tardis' researching the School and it's location for the 'Doctor' and 'Rose'Who are the Teaching-Staff, what is it they are doing with the Children ?An old companion of the 'Doctor' arrives at the school, also investigating strange reports, 'Sarah-Jane'(Elizabeth Sladen)There have been thirteen new staff members at the school including the 'Headmaster''Sarah Jane' has brought along another old friend of the 'Doctor' 'K-9' a Robotic Dog' who checks out a strange fluid, 'K-9'identifies it as 'Krillitanes' a bat-like species.The 'Doctor' along with 'Rose' 'Mickey' 'Sarah-Jane' and of course 'K-9' set about trying to save the children from the 'Alien' species.There will be no 'Gods of The Universe' on the 'Doctors' watch.9/10Episode Five - 'The Girl in the Fireplace''The 'Doctor' along with 'Rose' and 'Mickey' have travelled to the 51st century where they come across a Space-Ship, there isa Fire-Place, behind the flames a young girl living in 1727 'Paris'The 'Doctor' goes beyond the fireplace where the girl in her bedroom is, a strange clockwork being is lurking there, the 'Doctor' disables the masked being, he promises the seven year-old 'Reinette' that he would return again if she ever needed him.The Space-Ship seems to be a gateway back to the 18th century, but what is it the Ship wants with 'Rienette' (Madame de Pompadour) played by 'Sophie Myles'It seems the Ship is doing repairs and needs parts, it will and does use all materials that it can find, it captures the 'Doctors' companions whilst the 'Doctor' is back in the 18th century, will he return in time to save his friends and prevent it capturing what it is really after 'Rienette'Even the 'Doctor' could be under threat when returning again to the 18th century in his efforts to save 'The Girl Behind theFireplace' becoming stranded.A moment in the 'Doctors' lifetime is years in the time of Mortals.Quite a sad tale in many ways - 8.5/10Special Features(disc two) -Audio Commentary on 'Tooth and Claw' and 'School Reunion'In vision Commentary on 'The Girl in The Fireplace'Audio Description on all three episodes.Audio Navigation.More to come -Episode Six - Rise of the Cybermen' (part 1 of 2)On a parallel 'Earth' a program to create what will turn into a new enemy for the 'Doctor'...'Cybermen'The 'Doctor' along with 'Rose' and 'Mickey' have mistakenly landed in a place they first believe to be 'London' the 'Tardis' appears to have had a systems failure, and may well be beyond repair.The 'Doctor' soon realizes they have landed on a parallel planet, but doesn't know how.'John Lumic' and his fast growing army of 'Cybermen' are about to up the game, they need more people to be upgraded.A strange phenomonon about this planet is that there are doubles of all beings on earth which is a little unnerving for both'Rose' and 'Mickey' 'Rose' wanting to meet the dublicate of her parents, her father who had died when she was a baby and mother,in this life the pair are wealthy.The 'Doctor' and 'Rose' gate crash the 'Tyler' party as waiters for the night, 'Mickey' has gone to see his dublicate family,his grans double mistakes him for 'Ricky' who is identical to 'Mickey' only of very different character.Meanwhile back at the party, it's about to get a visit from the 'Cybermen'The Doctor, Rose, and 'Peter Tyler' escape, with the help of revolutionary 'Ricky' and his team along of course with 'Mickey'It is assumed that the Cybermen have killed 'Jackie' (Rose's mothers double) the guests and staff at the big house.It appears the 'Doctor' was transported to the parallel earth for a reason.....Mr Lumic's Cybermen are on the march and their numbers are growing.8.5/10.Episode Seven - 'Age of Steel' (part 2 of 2)The 'Doctor' works out where the 'Cybermen' processing factory is, he along with 'Rose' 'Pete Tyler' both of whom hope to find Jackie alive along with Mickey and the resistance led by 'Ricky' split up to find their way into the factory and find a way to halt the rise of 'John Lumic' fast growing 'Cyber' armyMeanwhile the dying creator has before ready been 'upgraded' making him even more dangerous.........can the few stop the many,the Doctor knows they risk all for the sake of mankind on the parallel Earth.8.5/10Episode Eight - The Idiots Lantern.The Doctor and Rose resume their adventure, 'Mickey' who's double had ultimately died after being 'upgraded' has decided to stay on the 'parallel' earth to continue the fight against the 'Cybermen' factories around the Gloobe.The Doctor and Rose have found themselves in London 1953 just before the Queens Coronation, there is something strange happening, people are being taken to a compound but why.Mr Magpie seems to be selling an extraordinary volume of TV's even more than would be expected for the forthcoming event, however they are being sold at a bargain price.The Doctor has to start somewhere, he chooses to investigate his instinct of a problem at the 'Connoly' household, overbearing head of the house who has had his mother-in-law locked in her room.Mr Magpie's TV's has a channel all of it's own, a rougue alien who had escaped sentence on her planet plans to re-emerge beyond the screen but needs to be fed, when the TV's sold are turned on she takes a part of each viewer to gain strength,The 'Doctor' has a challenge on his hands, companion 'Rose' has also become a victim of the aliens feeding frenzy, why have the faces been taken from her growing number of victims, the 'wire' appears to be an unstoppable force.Features -* Audio Commentary on 'Rise of the Cybermen' and 'The idiots Lantern'* In vision commentary on 'The age of Steel'* Audio description on all 3 episodes* Audio Navigation8/10more to comeDISC FOUR - Episode Nine - 'The Impossible Planet' (part 1 of 2)The 'Tardis' has taken the 'Doctor' and 'Rose' to a 'Santuary' based on a baron planet, welcome to 'Hell'The inhabitants some human some alien identify their visitors as real people, when arriving The 'Sanctuary'is not in a good place, it's in orbit around a 'Black Hole' as unlikely as it sounds, why isn't the 'Sanctuary' and the planet it's on not being pulled in along with all the other matter around it ?The 'Santuary' is hit by an earthquake a frequent happening on the planet, part of the structure is pulled into a giant cavern that has opened up, the 'Doctor' realizes the section of the 'Sanctuary' that has disappeared is where he had left the 'Tardis'The crew are on the baron once inhabited planet to drill for a power-source.Can it be recovered will the reluctant occupants of the station help our time-traveler's.Strange things are happening on-board the 'Sanctury' threatening voices are being heard by crew members, one in-particular.The 'Tardis' nearly always takes the 'Doctor' to a place that needs his expertise, can he resolve the problems the 'Sanctury' pose.Survival could be an achievement in itself.9/10.Episode Ten 'The Satan Pit' (part 2 of 2)The 'Doctor' and 'Rose' appear to be trapped on this desolate planet/rock where it appears all hell has broken loose, where the crew have been drilling an ancient pit has opened up.The 'Doctor' along with crew member 'Ida' have gone down to investigate using the elevator.Meanwhile the beings that had been acting as servants for the crew have now become a part of the problem and threaten all on-board the 'Sanctuary'The 'Doctor' and 'Ida' appear to be trapped in the cavern below, the cable of the elevatorsevered preventing the 'Doctor' from helping those on the surface on the 'Santuary' the 'Doctor' has to face the forces of 'Hell' itself.Will the 'Doctor's' logic prevail....'Rose' has to keep the crew calm during her companions enforced absence, escaping the seemingly possessed beings becomes a matter of life and death for 'Rose' and the remaining crew members in the 'Sanctuary'Getting the upper-hand against the once-servants may not stop the nightmare for those on the surface.The 'Doctor' meanwhile heading deeper into the pit is looking for inspiration and a possible way out, or maybe in hope of locating the lost 'Tardis''Rose' appears to have by force left the 'Doctor' behind in the crew's space-craft however evil travels with 'Rose' and the crew.The 'Doctor' will meet that in which he does not believe, can he defeat the demons of the pit and re-unite with his companion.'Better than average'9.2/10Episode Eleven - 'Love and Monsters'This is 'Elton's' story, reminiscing about his meetings with the 'Doctor' as a child and beyond.He joins a group telling tales of the 'Doctor' where he meets 'Ursula' who he falls for, the group tell stories and sing songs of their favourite artists.One day 'Vernon' appears, he too wants to meet the 'Doctor' he even sends the group to locate 'Rose' 'Elton' finds 'Jackie' as usual 'Rose' is on her travels.What is it 'Victor' wants with the 'Doctor' and why have group members disappeared, only the'Doctor' himself can stop 'Victor'Seriously Weird2/10Features -* In vision commentary - 'The impossible Planet'* Audio Commentary on 'The Satan Pit' and 'Love and Monsters'* Audio description on all three episodes.* Audio NavigationDISC FIVE -Episode 12 - 'Fear Her'The 'Doctor' and 'Rose' arrive in London 2012 year of the Olympics.They find themselves in a residential suburb, the road they are currently in appears to havea problem, Children are disappearing in the blink of an eye.The Doctor realizes after a comment made by 'Rose' a young girl she'd seen in a window may bea lead.Young 'Cleo' since the death of her father stays in her room drawing, there is a link, but how and why.'Cloe' appears to be possessed by an Alien Entity, can the Doctor and Rose help Cloe and find a way of returning the missing to their rightful place.However when both the Doctor and a Stadium full of people also disappear, Rose has to try andresolve the weired happenings perhaps without the Doctor.Eerie - 8.9/10Episode 13 - 'Army of Ghosts' (part 1 of 2)Their Olympic adventure behind them, the Doctor takes Rose to see her Mother Jackie, howeverwhere the 'Tardis' takes them there is usually a problem.It seems the World is having visitors, seemingly friendly Ghosts, after a failed attempt at Ghost-Busting the traveler's are drawn to 'Torchwood Tower' where the Doctor is greeted by Yvonne who is in charge, she seems to know much about the Doctor strangely.They show the Doctor a device a Sphere, the Doctor realizes it to be a portal to other dimensions, of course he is as usual right.Yvonne an her team have their own agenda, unaware of how dangerous it may yet prove to be.'Mickey' is back in town, guess what's coming, not Ghosts, Cybermen, an army are gathering around the World......the Cybermen who haven't got the Technology to do this on their own have received some unwilling help.9/10Episode 14 - 'Doomsday' (part 2 of 2)The Doctor appears to be facing not one but two of his deadliest enemys.'Rose' trys to negotiate with the Daleks as she had done once before, however they only have domination in mind, they offer the Cybermen an alliance.Meanwhile around the World war has broken out as the Human race fight for survival against the hoards of Cybermen.'Pete Tyler' has joined Mickey on Earth in the fight against the 'Cybermen' of course on the parallel World, Pete had lost his Jackie, he's about to meet another.The Doctor faced with a double-barreled dilemma and has to think on his feet quickly, Rose and Mickey are in direct danger.Meanwhile, Yvonne and Jackie are close to being upgraded....but the Doctor has been whisked to parallel Earth, a parallel Torchwood Tower, he needs to be back on Earth where the action and danger is, can he be returned in time to save Rose and close the Breach.On Earth the 'Daleks' and 'Cybermen' are at war with each other, there was no alliance between them.The Doctor back in time to see the Genesis Ark open, the ark a prison for millions of Daleks The Doctor with the help of Rose have to close the Breach to save mankind, a dangerous task.'Rose' has to say goodbye to the Doctor'Great Two-part finale to the series - 9.1/10Special Features -* Audio Commentary on 'Fear Her' and 'Army of Ghosts'* In-Vision Commentary on 'Doomsday'* Audio description on all three episodes.* Audio Navigation.

In the modern era David Tennant has no-one to rival him as the Doctor, his character moved between light and dark with the smoothest of transitions, his relationship with Billy Piper gave him his most believable human quality. Script, plots and storylines were the best yet, the Dalek/Cyberman episodes were just brilliant and worth buying for alone.Since David Tennant left, his replacements have been given increasingly complex and poor plotlines to negotiate, Matt Smith was very good but I felt sorry for him by the end as the stories were becoming more and more bizarre and pointless (and was it just a co-incidence that the best story of his time features David Tennant, who stole the show for me). Peter Capaldi has taken a while to grow on me but he too is having to slog through some terrible stories. Doctor Who needs to get back to it's roots, adventure and escapism, the David Tennant years were as good as it got. Buy it and enjoy.

Of all the series of Doctor Who since it returned, series 2 remains probably my least favourite because I genuinely believe that its overall run of stories as a collective whole lack the quality of not just the previous series but of all consecutive series since. That doesn't mean that the second series is terrible but I simply find the other series better. The début of a new Doctor here was strange because it was only the previous series before where we were introduced to Christopher Eccelston's Doctor but this series we're introduced to David Tennant. Ignoring for a moment his legacy, it takes a few episodes for David Tennant to really assert himself as the Doctor but by 'School Reunion' I felt he was there. Sadly, for me Billie Piper's Rose Tyler really loses a lot of her charm and relatability this series and, ironically, becomes the very thing that some people criticised Amy Pond for in series five. Piper isn't completely devoid of some of her original charm and has a sad farewell even if it is a bit of a cop-out. The return of Elisabeth Sladen and K9 is a real highpoint and is the real first meeting of old and new Who. Sadly I'm not a fan of the redesigned Cybermen and, as much as I appreciate the emotional drama of the finale, 'Doomsday' is a mismatched finale that does to the Cybermen what 'Journey's End' does to the Daleks. There are plenty of solid stories yet few great stories but there are a lot of great moments which I think best sums up series two of new Doctor Who; a solid series that has great moments rather than truly great stories.The Christmas Invasion by Russell T DaviesI'm not a big fan of this Christmas special but neither is it the worst. The Doctor spending much of the episode unconscious is a mistake and doesn't give Tennant the début he deserves but the return of Penelope Wilton is a welcome one. 5/10New Earth by Russell T DaviesThe concept of an alien hospital is well worked visually with a decent 'zombie' element however the story is let down by the annoying and actually rather lazy re-use of the Lady Cassandra. However the the body swap element does give Billie Piper the opportunity to showcase her acting skills. 6/10Tooth and Claw by Russell T DaviesAnother genre mix up but this sees the monster movie meet sci-fi but involving Queen Victoria. Tennant is great but Pauline Collins equally impresses in a visually stunning story with a great monster, great action with a certain degree of horror. Very good indeed. 8/10School Reunion by Toby WhithouseA chilling turn by Anthony Stewart Head is just one of the many highlights as new Who sort of receives its blessing thanks to great turns from all the cast especially David Tennant and Elisabeth Sladen. There's very much an old school feel to this with a particularly moving finale. 10/10The Girl in the Fireplace by Steven MoffatA stylish mystery that boasts not just creepy aliens and a stunning score but a surprisingly romantic story at its heart. Completely different from his two parter last series but just as memorable for its tenderness. 10/10Rise of the Cyberman/Age of Steel by Tom MacRaeSlightly recycled from classic story 'The Invasion' but the Cybermen aren't given their moment in glory here. The first part bores slightly and I find Billie Piper particularly annoying here but things improve with the second part however this story is nothing but average at best. Disappointing. 4/10The Idiot's Lantern by Mark GatissA solid entry by Mark Gatiss that works very well as a period piece and it is at times quite scary. Maureen Lipman is very creepy as the Wire in a story that feels somewhat forgotten.The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit by Matt JonesA very good two parter with a surprising religious element but the Ood are excellent in a story that see New Who visit a new world. Perhaps not as memorable as Steven Moffat's two parter last series but this is miles better than the Cybermen story earlier.Love and Monsters by Russell T DaviesWhilst I think the concept of Peter Kay's monster works I'm not sure if I like this story that much. I can see what it wants to do and I admire the core message which affectively is one about the fans themselves. I'm not sure if it's needed but it's certainly a bold choice of style. ?/10Fear Her by Matthew GrahamI'm sorry to say that I find this completely unremarkable filler. 3/10Army of Ghosts/Doomsday by Russell T DaviesI'm not a fan of the way Davies tries to make Doctor Who modern by incorporating current shows into the story but I thought that he missed an opportunity to make the referenced Torchwood Institute a threat of any kind. The decision to have Daleks vs Cybermen is clearly a fan boys fantasy but the Cybermen are made to look very weak here. The only saving graces is that the Daleks are menacing and Rose's farewell is appropriately emotional even if at the same it is the first cop-out from Russell T Davies. Still relatively restrained in over the topness, children will love it but it's still rather bloated. This one doesn't get better with age for me. 5/10