Doctor Who - Pyramids Of Mars [1975] [DVD]

Stalking mummies, pyramid powered war missiles, a space-time tunnel, an ancient god rising from his tomb, a cryptic message beamed from Mars ... In 1975 `Doctor Who' blended science fiction and Egyptology to create a pyramid-shaped high point in the series' legendary `Gothic' period which has stayed popular with fans ever since. An essential, 5* DVD for your `Doctor Who' collection. The premise is terrifyingly simple: if Sutekh the Destroyer frees himself from his 7000 year old tomb, that's it. No second chances, no plan B, no sequel. He will destroy all life, everywhere and nobody will be able to stop him - "not even our lot" says the Time Lord. This lends an edge to Robert Holmes' terrific script; the Doctor is faced by an undefeatable enemy and he knows it. Tom Baker is at his very best, making the Doctor seem more alien, more brooding, even with flashes of anger, almost as if - it's so unusual that it takes a while to sink in - almost as if the Doctor is afraid. Of course, he's still going to do whatever it takes to stop the servants of Sutekh before they can free their master. Three episodes of tense conflict with brilliant cliff-hangers then unfold against the verdant setting of a country estate in spring 1911, supported by very impressive interior sets, special effects, music and excellent character acting. The relationship between Marcus Scarman (Bernard Archard) and his brother Laurence (Michael Sheard) is both tragic and memorable. Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah has a good story and is right in the heart of the action, which for a U certificate feature has many surprisingly scary moments. When all else fails, the Doctor is forced into the inevitable confrontation with Sutekh. The opening of episode four is as powerful as anything ever seen in `Doctor Who' with a famously chilling performance from Gabriel Woolf as the still trapped, masked, near-motionless Sutekh. It's after this that a few stones seem missing from the fourth side of the story's structure. Part of this fourth episode follows a pattern familiar from a previous `Doctor Who' (and in later years, elsewhere). It's a good enough segment in itself, but has the feel of a slight anti-climax after the high drama before it. Fortunately, we're then back to full speed for the final minutes when the story takes the worst possible turn. Only the Doctor could save the day as he does; defeating the undefeatable enemy and without breaking the logic of the narrative. This is definitely a 5* tale even with the slight dip in episode four. Almost 40 years after first being broadcast, `Pyramids of Mars' is still found near the top of most favourites lists, including mine. The DVD picture quality shows this was a very early release; it's good but not quite as crisp as later releases. Similarly, the commentary is interesting but lacks the technical quality of the sound on later commentaries, as here the feature audio does not fade in and out as the participants share their memories. DVD Extras include the usual interesting `making of' documentary, a look at the locations 30 years later, a good Photo Gallery and `Serial Thrillers', a fascinating 40+ minute documentary about the era of producer Philip Hinchcliffe - to many, the golden age of the programme. Finally, if you know your classic `Doctor Who' and don't laugh at `Oh Mummy' - you're probably in a sarcophagus! NOTE: The DVD menu shows clips from the programme as background, so if you don't know the story already, press `Play' ASAP.

GREAT OLD SCHOOL DVD OF DR.WHO. ARRIVED SAFELY AND ON TIME.THANK YOU.

Pyramids of Mars is one of the best Tom Baker offerings. A really good story line with some excellent supporting actors. Creepy and atmospheric. A nod to 'Spearhead from Space' in some ways, but it does not lack originality and is well out there. A strong script and Baker on top form. Watch out for the Dr's hat. It keeps appearing and disappering in some scenes when donned. A really great episode and one of my favourites. Some good extras too...

Story: 4/5 - Extras: 5/5 "Pyramids of Mars", by Stephen Harris, a.k.a. Lewis Greifer and Robert Holmes, is often hailed as a classic of the Tom Baker / Philip Hinchcliffe era of Doctor Who, and in many ways the reptuation is probably deserved. However, whilst I find the story to be a very enjoyable slice of Who, I don't consider it quite deserving of the full five stars. What "Pyramids" does offer is an intelligent and witty script with strong performances from all concerned. Tom Baker puts in an intense performance here, Gabriel Woolf is chilling as the voice of Sutekh, and Bernard Archard is equally so as the possessed and occasionally conflicted Professor Marcus Scarman. The cast also features the likes of Peter Copley and Who veteran Michael Sheard. The greatest strength of the first three episodes, however, is the moody location work in the wooded grounds of the old Victorian priory where much of the action takes place, coupled with an imaginative interior set riddled with Egyptian artefacts. Unfortunately, the action moves away from this atmospheric setting for the fourth and final peisode - which is one of my criticisms of "Pyramids", in that it seems to tail off rather than reach the exciting climax that it deserves, in a puzzle sequence a little too reminiscent of "Death to the Daleks" (a resemblance that Elisabeth Sladen even identifies in an astute ad-lib during the final episode). Still, with a chilling central villain, an atmospheric location and creepy, silent mummies, "Pyramids" is definitely elevated above the lesser offerings of this era. The DVD is well-laden with special features, too, including a commentary by Sladen, producer Philip Hinchcliffe, director Paddy Russell and the late Michael Sheard, as well as lengthy documentaries on the Hinchcliffe era in general and the making of "Pyramids of Mars" itself, plus one or two other bits and bobs.

Classic episode

Tempi di consegna rispettati. Prodotto perfettamente integro e pienamente soddisfacente le aspettative. Fortemente consigliato agli appassionati del genere.

Un superbe exemple de la série classique de Dr who, une bonne histoire avec des monstres extrêmement bien faits.

Super klasse, top title. Perfekt. Ging schnell un Problem frei.Vielen dank. Super klasse, top title. Perfekt. Ging schnell un Problem frei.Vielen dank.

This is one of my favorite episodes with Tom Baker. A must see for sure.