Film Review: “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”

 

 

  • DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS
  • Starring:  Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen and Xochiti Gomez
  • Directed by:  Sam Raimi
  • Rated:  PG-13
  • Running time:  2 hrs 6 mins
  • Walt Disney Pictures

 

Let me preface this review by stating that, while I have seen a majority of the MCU films, I have not seen “Doctor Strange” or the “WandaVision” series.  I say this because “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” is the first film I’ve watched from the MCU where I think having seen previous adventures would have been helpful in discerning the story.  That being said, I found “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” both dark and intriguing.

 

Time has passed since Spider-man found his way into the Multiverse.  We are quickly drawn into a horrible scene involving our hero (an excellent Cumberbatch) trying to save a young girl (Gomez) from a pretty scary creature.  Try as he might, he cannot get the upper hand.  WHOA!  Thank goodness it was only a dream.  Right?

 

Full of everything that makes the MCU one of the best made, and received, film series in history, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” is a roller-coaster ride of action and emotion.  The girl in the dream, with the great character name of America Chavez, has been searching for her family, jumping from Multiverse to Multiverse without incident.  Everyone in these films has a superpower of some sort and America’s is being able to move through the Multiverse without incident.  There are 862 Multiverses, she tells Doctor Strange, all of them very similar.  And different.  When the Scarlet Witch (Olsen) pops by on a mission of her own, things get a little hectic for our heroes.

The one thing I dislike about reviewing a film like this is that, as much as you’d like to, it would be a betrayal to the reader to spoil key scenes or characters that arise.  That being said, if you’ve seen the television spots for this film, you know at least one new face shows up in the MCU.

 

The script is an excellent combination of action and humor, with Cumberbatch in great form as the pompous Doctor.  Olsen is equally strong in a role that shouldn’t play as sympathetic but, thanks to her performance, does.  And young Miss Gomez holds her own on screen against these two talented performers.

 

So great to see Sam Raimi, the director of the first Spider-man series with Tobey Maquire, back at the helm of a superhero film and he puts his trademark eye for pacing and character development on full display. 

 

All in all, even without a lot of background on the good Doctor, I found “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” amazingly good. 

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Blu-ray Review “Doctor Strange”

Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Mads Mikkelsen
Directors: Scott Derrickson
Rated: PG-13
Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Release Date: February 28, 2017
Run Time: 115 minutes

Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Doctor Strange” is easily of the best films that I have seen. It is definitely one of the best Marvel flicks that I have seen in a long time. I am honestly getting a little or more like a lot superhero fatigued. This film deals with time-traveling, world-bending and supernatural powers, which really interested me a lot. A must see for any fan. Cumberbatch is perfect in the role and I can’t wait to see what he does in “Avengers: Infinity War” and hopefully “Doctor Strange 2” on day soon.

Official Premise: From Marvel Studios comes “Doctor Strange”, the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident renders his hands useless. When traditional medicine fails him, he travels to remote Kamar-Taj in search of a cure, but instead discovers the mystical arts and becomes a powerful sorcerer battling dark forces bent on destroying our reality.

“Doctor Strange” is a visual marvel (no pun intended). I love this film and the way it looks is just perfect. The 1080p transfer looks amazing on Blu-ray. I am sure it looks even better in 4K. I personally prefer this film in 3D, which just looks so amazing. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 is amazing. I believe that this is in the running for top Blu-ray A/V merits for this year already.

The special features are quite awesome. Kicking off with a exciting and fun audio commentary track with director Scott Derrickson, which gives awesome into into the film and it’s production. It was recorded a day before the film was released, I would have preferred to have Scott cover more post release tidbits from fan requests etc otherwise it is great.

There are five featurettes that dive into the production. The first is “A Strange Transformation” which covers the basics – the cast, locations, story etc. “Strange Company” dives more into the character development. “The Fabric of Reality” looks at costumes and set construction. “Across Time and Space” looks into the stunts and digital effects.  Lastly there is “The Score-Cerer Supreme”, which focuses on Michael Giacchino’s score.

There is a piece called “Marvel Studios Phase 3 Exclusive Look” which looks at the films in the phase and Doctor Strange’s place within them. “Team Thor: Part 2” is follow up to the short film that nearly broke the internet last year! Can’t wait till “Thor 3”! Lastly there are a few deleted and extended scenes  included as well as a fun gag reel.

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Doctor Dilznik and The Last Rekrute Heading to Television

They’ve been highlighted on the local Kansas City airwaves and remain, to date, the most popular guests on our “Behind the Mikes” Podcast but now our pals Doctor Dilznik and the Last Rekrute are about to take America by storm.

The boys have co-written a new song to be featured on the upcoming WGN show “Outlaw Country.” A reality series chronicling the adventures of Kansas City’s Monk Brothers, “Outlaw Country” is a show unlike anything else on television today. Give the new song, “Revelation,” a listen below and make sure you tune in beginning this Tuesday night, February 24 at 10:00 p.m. EST.

Doc Dilz and the Last Rekrute have been representing the Kansas City rap scene for more than 15 years. They have released three successful “I’m with Stoopit” CD’s over that period and have a new CD, “Stuck on Stoopit” scheduled to be released later this year. In the past they have recorded and collaborated with such national acts as Riff Raff, Dirt Nasty and Andy Milonokis. Their music can be found on iTunes and you can follow them on Twitter : @DocDilz and @Rekrutemusic.

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Blu-ray Review “Doctor Who: Deep Breath”

Starring: Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 9, 2014
Run Time: 70 minutes

Episode: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Deep Breath” is a big deal since it is the start of season eight for “Doctor Who”, which introduces us to Peter Capaldi taking on the role of the 12th Doctor for the first time. This season premiere was the highest rated Doctor Who season premiere on BBC America ever! Of course everyone is skeptical when a new Doctor takes over but Capaldi, no question, won me over right from the get go. I love his “Scottish” take on the character. I am not sure how he will mess with Clara but I am very open-minded. Nonetheless, this is going to be one hell of a season. Can’t wait to see what they have in store.

Official Premise: When the Doctor arrives in Victorian London he finds a dinosaur rampant in the Thames and a spate of deadly spontaneous combustions. Who is the new Doctor and will Clara’s friendship survive as they embark on a terrifying mission into the heart of an alien conspiracy? The Doctor has changed. It’s time you knew him. Episode marks the beginning of the Twelfth Doctor’s era with Peter Capaldi as the Doctor, Jenna Coleman as his companion Clara Oswald, and sees the return of fan favorites the Paternoster Gang — Madame Vastra (Neve McIntosh), Jenny Flint (Catrin Stewart) and Strax (Dan Starkey).

The Blu-ray release of “Doctor Who: Deep Breath” is presented in with a fantastic 1080p and an action packed DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. The real draw for this release are the exclusive special features, which will most likely not be included in the complete season. “The Real History of Science Fiction: Episode 4, “Time”” looks into the history of science fiction with Steven Moffat, David Tennant, Karen Gillan, and Neil Gaiman. “Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor” is the live announcement when the casting of Peter Capaldi as the next Doctor. Lastly there are two exclusive extras that were only shown in theaters. There is a prequel scene and a cool Behind-the-Scenes featurette.

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Blu-ray Review “Doctor Who: An Adventure in Space and Time”

Starring: David Bradley, Jessica Raine, Brian Cox, Sacha Dhawan, Lesley Manville, Jamie Glover
Director: Terry McDonough
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
Release Date: May 27, 2014
Run Time: 90 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4.5 out of 5 stars

When I saw the advertisement for “An Adventure in Space and Time”, I thought it was another “Doctor Who” special or documentary, I had no idea that it was a docudrama about the origin of the show itself. The film stars David Bradley as William Hartnell, the actor who portrayed the First Doctor, along with Jessica Raine, Jamie Glover, Sacha Dhawan, Lesley Manville, Jemma Powell, Reece Shearsmith, Mark Eden and Brian Cox. The film has a certain television feel to it but I was literally in love with it from the movie it started. David Bradley is such an amazing actor and it was nice to see him take the spotlight for once and really shine. As a huge “Doctor Who” fan, I encourage everyone to see this if you are a fan of the series. It is a great story, well done and at the same time very entertaining.

Official Premise: Travel back in time to witness the dramatic birth of Doctor Who. Actor William Hartnell (David Bradley, Filch from the Harry Potter films, Game of Thrones) felt trapped by a succession of tough-guy roles. Wannabe producer Verity Lambert (Jessica Raine, Call the Midwife) was frustrated by the TV industry’s glass ceiling. Both of them were to find unlikely hope and unexpected challenges in the form of a Saturday afternoon drama, time travel and monsters! Allied with a brilliant creative team, they went on to introduce the world to the longest running science fiction series ever, currently in its 50th year and counting.

BBC Home Entertainment deliver this release as a 3-disc set Blu-ray + DVD combo pack. The Blu-ray includes the film “An Adventure in Space and Time” presented with a very impressive 1080p transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround and a slew of extras. First off, we have “William Hartnell: The Original” features cast/crew talking about the actor.  “The Making of ‘An Adventure in Space and Time” is narrated by Carol Ann Ford and goes behind-the-scenes with cast/crew.  “Reconstruction: Four Sequences” has the producers talking about recreating the title shots. There are also two deleted Scenes included.

The second disc, which is a bonus DVD, is a real winner.   It includes “An Unearthly Child” from 1963, which is the original broadcast version of the very first “Doctor Who” series, in 4 episodes. It also includes the “Original Pilot of An Unearthly Child”, which shelved and never used. There is also commentary track available on both episode 1 and 4 of the original “An Unearthly Child”, as well as commentary for the 40 minute pilot. Lastly there are various theme music videos, comedy sketches and a photo gallery included. Disc three is a DVD version of “An Adventure in Space and Time” wrapping out this amazing combo pack.

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3D Blu-ray Review “Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor (50th Anniversary Special)”

Starring: Matt Smith, David Tennant, Jenna-Louise Colemanm, Billie Piper, John Hurt
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: December 10, 2013
Run Time: 75 minutes

Special: 5 out of 5 stars
3D: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Just when you think that BBC’s “Doctor Who” cannot simple get any better, we get “The Day of the Doctor”, which is series’ 50th Anniversary special. The 75-minute 3D special stars Matt Smith, David Tennant and John Hurt as various regenerations of the Doctor. It also brings back Billie Piper and another surprise guest from the “Doctor Who” history. This special is honestly not just a special it is a feature film. It is so well done and epic that it deserves to be treated like a theatrical feature, it fact it was actually in theaters, in 3D, broadcasted live at the same time the show aired on TV worldwide. Matt Smith has been such an amazing Doctor with his last episode around the corner this month with “The Time of the Doctor”. Tennant came back for the first time since season 4 and it felt like honestly he never left, so amazing. John Hurt was also such a blast playing the Doctor as well. I would be lying if I didn’t say that I literally cheered and also laughed out loud nervous time throughout.

Official Premise: Written by lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat, Doctor Who: The Day of The Doctor sees the Doctors (Matt Smith and David Tennant) embark on their greatest adventure across space and time. In 2013, something terrible is awakening in London’s National Gallery; in 1562, a murderous plot is afoot in Elizabethan England; and somewhere in space an ancient battle reaches its devastating conclusion. All of reality is at stake as the Doctor’s own dangerous past comes back to haunt him. The special also stars Jenna Coleman (as Clara, the Doctor’s current Companion), Billie Piper (in a surprise role) and Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart, daughter of legendary Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart.

This 50th Anniversary Special was given the real treatment from BBC with this release. It comes in a solid combo pack with Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD, that’s right the Doctor is in 3D for the first time. I have to admit, this was a really strong fit for the show. The first time we zoomed in the painting and it went 3D, I literally said “Wow” out loud.  I thought it was very well done and added a lot of character to this special. The 1080p transfer overall was very impressive and like I said the show feel like a movie, so everything is amped up. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track also works very well with the action and scale of the film.

In terms of special features, there is some decent content here. But to me the real draw of this Blu-ray has to be the 3D Blu-ray, no question.  There is a “Behind-the-Scenes Featurette”, which takes us on set and on location with interviews with Matt Smith, Jenna Coleman, David Tennant, Billie Piper, John Hurt and of course Steven Moffat. In “Doctor Who Explained”, we get the entire 50-year history in one 50-minute special. There are two mini-episodes including “The Night of The Doctor” and “The Last Day”. Lastly there are a trailer for San Diego Comic-Con and the tribute teaser for the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary. I am curious if this special is going to be intergrated into future season releases and if so if they are planning to keep the 3D aspect, either way this would make a great holiday gift and a must watch and own for any Doctor Who fan!

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“Doctor Who” 50th Anniversary Official Merchandise Giveaway [ENDED]

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EACH WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

Media Mikes is teaming up with TVStoreOnline.com to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of “Doctor Who” and we are happy to giveaway the following official merchandise below. If you would like to enter for your chance to win one of these great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email with your favorite Doctor and why? This giveaway will remain open until November 29th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US and Canada only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.


Have you ever wanted to travel through time and space? If so, this officially licensed Doctor Who hoodie is a great option! Okay, so maybe this TARDIS isn’t going to work like the one the Doctor uses, but that doesn’t mean this TARDIS hoodie isn’t awesome! Featuring the look and design of the blue police box from the longest running science fiction series of all time, this Dr Who hoodie is perfect for any Whovian!

Yeah, yeah, God save the Queen and all that, but what about the Doctor? Well, here’s a shirt for all you Dr. Who fanatics out there which expresses where your true concerns lie. If that catchy theme music is already playing through your head, then you know what to do. Order this officially licensed Dr. Who shirt, today!

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Officially Licensed “Doctor Who” Mr. Potato Head Doll Hits Stores!

If you are a big “Doctor Who” fan like myself and completely obsessed with any merchandise available. Then you will be psyched to know that the officially licensed “Doctor Who” Mr. Potato Head Doll for the Eleveenth Doctor recently hits stores! Click here to purchase from BBCSHOP.com!

The Eleventh Doctor as played by “MASH” Smith! Hop in the TARDIS with Mr. Potato Head as he pays homage to the last known survivor of “Galli-Fry”, DOCTOR WHO in his quirky eleventh incarnation! Set comes complete with 8 removable parts and pieces.

It’s somewhat appropriate that the Doctor is now Mr. Potato Head — he does change his face, body, and accessories often enough. Though, he’s not a root vegetable. He’s probably met a few, though!

Product Specifications

  • For Ages 2 years and Up
  • Officially Licensed Doctor Who Mr. Potato Head Doll
  • With eight removable parts and pieces
  • For playtime or collectors
  • Materials: plastic
  • Dimensions: 6″ tall

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Blu-ray Review “Doctor Who: The Complete Seventh Series”

Actors: Matt Smith, Jenna Coleman, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Paul Kasey
Writers: Steven Moffat
Number of discs: 4
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 24, 2013
Run Time: 705 minutes

Series: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

What an amazing series! “Doctor Who: The Complete Seventh Series” was jam packed delivered some of the best episodes to date for this franchise. It also had a shift in companions with Amy and Rory Pond ending their run with The Doctor and Clara (and her exciting and curious story) jumping right in. As much as I really loved Amy Pond as a companion, I think that Clara’s character has so much depth behind her and it makes her so much more exciting. Plus it doesn’t hurt at all that Jenna-Louise Coleman is so cute and very easy on the eyes. Overall, we got an explosive seventh series, the first have of the series was gut-trenching with the Pond departing and then fun and exciting second half with Clara.We recently also found out that Matt Smith was departing from the role after the 50th Anniversary Special and 2013 Christmas Special. This is real sad new since I have really loved his take on the Doctor for the last three series but Peter Capaldi does look very promising.

Included here we get all 13 Series Seven episodes including both the 2011 and 2012 Doctor Who Christmas specials (“The Doctor, The Widow & The Wardrobe” and “The Snowmen”). There was some complaints from fans since the Christmas special was not included on “Doctor Who: Series Seven – Part 1 & 2 releases but I always prefer waiting for the “Complete” series releases. Speaking of complete though, I should make you aware that BBC has another surprise up it’s sleeve this November releasing “Doctor Who” Series 1-7 on Blu-ray in a Limited Edition Giftset / w/ Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote. That’s ride Whovians, that’s series 1-4 in HD Blu-ray, which has never before been avaiable. Just something to consider when making up that Holiday wish list.

Official Synopsis: Matt Smith returns as the Eleventh Doctor faces new monsters and familiar foes like you’ve never seen them before. The first part of this series sees the Ponds (Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill) in their final voyage with The Doctor. They save a spaceship full of dinosaurs, don Stetsons in the Wild West and are even kidnapped by the Doctor’s oldest foe. But when they arrive in Manhattan, the Weeping Angels are waiting. Christmas brings with it a new companion for The Doctor named Clara (Jenna-Louise Coleman). But how, where and when will he meet her again? And how does this Impossible Girl defy death? The final eight episodes of Series Seven finds The Doctor and his new companion battling monsters on distant alien planets, trapped on a Russian submarine with a deadly passenger, chasing terrifying ghosts, and coming face to face with an army of upgraded Cybermen, all while The Doctor’s oldest secret threatens to be revealed.

The Complete Seventh Series includes the following episodes and specials: “The Doctor, The Widow & The Wardrobe” (2011 Christmas Special), “Asylum of the Daleks,” “Dinosaurs on a Spaceship,” “A Town Called Mercy,” “The Power of Three,” “The Angels Take Manhattan,” “The Snowmen” (2012 Christmas Special), “The Bells of Saint John,” “The Rings of Akhaten,” “Cold War,” “Hide,” “Journey to the Center of the TARDIS,” “The Crimson Horror,” “Nightmare in Silver” and “The Name of the Doctor.”

I have to admit, BBC has always given this series a lot of love when it comes to their releases. Even though, series 1-4 has never been released on Blu-ray (now will be resolved this November), they have done very well with their Blu-ray releases. The 1080p transfer on these episodes are very impressive and sharp within their aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The audio tracks also deliver quite well with their DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. This series also seemed to be expanding the scale of the show as well. The episodes felt much bigger and epic than in the past and the impressive audio and video presentations were there to support that new change.

The special features are epic just like the series. BBC does not disappoint here at all. There are Behind-the-scenes featurettes for every episode of Series 7 including Christmas episode “The Snowmen”. There are interviews with Matt Smith and Jenna-Louse Coleman from BBC AMERICA’s “The Nerdist” (one of my favorite shows on BBC). There are seven additional all-new featurettes “Inforarium”, “Clara and the TARDIS”, “Rain Gods”, “The Making of the Gunslinger”, “Creating Clara”, “Last Days of the Ponds” and “Pond Life”. Each of these go into great detail on their respective topic, must watch! There are four “Doctor Who Specials” including “The Science of Doctor Who”, “Doctor Who in the US”, “The Companions” and “Doctor Who at Comic Con”. There are great short prequels included for the following episodes: “The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe”, “Asylum of the Daleks”, “The Snowmen”, “The Bells of Saint John” and “The Name of the Doctor”. Lastly there our audio commentary tracks for the following episodes “The Snowmen”, “Cold War”, “Hide” and “The Crimson Horror”

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Blu-ray Review “Doctor Who: Spearhead from Space (Story 51)”

Actors: Jon Pertwee, Nicholas Courtney, Caroline John
Directors: Derek Martinus
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Run Time: 96 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Doctor Who” is bigger than it ever has been.  With news of the 12th doctor recently released and the upcoming 50th anniversary episode, things have never been hotter for the series. So that is a perfect time to release “Spearhead From Space (Story 51)” on Blu-ray for the first time. In fact it is the first of any classic Doctor Who episodes to be released in this format. This was the first story of Season 7 of Doctor Who and also was the first to feature Jon Pertwee as the Third Doctor. We also get introduced to Caroline John as the Doctor’s new companion, Liz Shaw.  “Spearhead from Space” is a great story in the series and this is a must buy for any “Doctor Who” fan for sure. I hope that BBC has plans for future stories in this format.

Official Premise: Exile! The Time Lords have banished the newly regenerated Doctor to Earth. But the Doctor isn’t the only alien to have arrived, as a swarm of meteorites have crashed into the sleepy English countryside, bringing with them a terrible new threat to mankind. As the Nestene plan takes shape, UNIT, the Doctor and his newly appointed scientific advisor, Liz Shaw, race against time to stop humanity being replaced by a terrifying plastic facsimile race.

If you are curious as to why there isn’t more classic “Doctor Who” episodes being released on high-definition on Blu-ray, that is because “Spearhead From Space” was the first o be shot entirely on film, due to BBC strike. It was also the first classic story to be presented in full color. It has been restored from the original 16mm film elements and scanned into a beautiful high definition transfer.  It looks amazing on Blu-ray and within its original television 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The audio is also impressive with a sharp DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0 track. There is also a few decent special features included on the Blu-ray including “A Dandy and a Clown”, “Carry On: The Life of Caroline John”, “Title Sequence Material” and “Restoration Comparison: Digitally Remastered Picture and Sound Quality”. So this is a well-rounded release, another solid release from BBC.

 

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Book Review “Doctor Who: Character Encyclopedia”

Author: Annabel Gibson, Moray Laing, Jason Loborik
Age Range: 7 and up
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: DK CHILDREN
Release Date: April 1, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of sci-fi, it is almost impossible not to love Doctor Who. Since the long-running series was revived in 2005, this series is only growing stronger and stronger with each new year. DK Books has been behind some of the best Visual Dictionary and Character Encyclopedia for various series including “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars”.  Doctor Who: Character Encyclopedia” is timed perfectly for the series’ fiftieth anniversary and is one hell of a perfect book.  I huge fan of “Doctor Who” and this is the ultimate companion book for the show covering all 11 doctors to date with more than 200 friends and foes included.

Official Premise: A cult favorite around the world, Doctor Who is the longest-running science fiction television show of all time. Perfect for fans of the popular BBC show, the Doctor Who Character Encyclopedia has been created in full collaboration with the producers of Doctor Who, and shares detailed profiles of all eleven incarnations of the Doctor, as well as in-depth looks at his many companions, enemies, and adventures through the years.

Even though this book is released under DK’s Children label that doesn’t mean that this is any less impressive for the series’ adult fans. The book ranges over 200 pages and high quality beautiful images of every character spanning from this series. The book is split into sections including “Alien”, “Companion”, “Cyborg”, “Earth Creature”, “Entity”, “Human”, “Robot” and of course “Time Lord”. They are all intertwined together and makes this a real page turner.  I think I knew everything about this series and even I was impressed with the amount of new information that I discovered. Each character from this show is extremely  detailed and classified, so we get to meet them, find out about them, what doctors they have met and their role in the show.  I am not sure what more you can ask for as a fan of “Doctor Who”.  Keep ’em coming DK!

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Blu-ray Review “Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe”

Actors: Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Paul Kasey, Arthur Darvill, Nicholas Briggs
Directors: Farren Blackburn
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
Release Date: February 14, 2012
Run Time: 60 minutes

Special: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of “Doctor Who”, then like myself you look forward to the holiday season each year for the “famous” Christmas specials. While some of the past Christmas specials were completely independent from the series, “The Doctor, The Widow, and The Wardrobe” fits itself into the timeline very well. This seems to be a trend now also with the recent special “The Snowmen”. The story is a nice homage to “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and is easily one of my favorite specials. Currently this special is only available to purchase on a solo Blu-ray but I assume it will be included on the “The Complete Seventh Season” when it is released later this Fall. So if you can’t wait, this is a sure steal!

Official Premise It’s Christmas Eve, 1938, when Madge Arwell comes to the aid of an injured Spaceman Angel as she cycles home. He promises to repay her kindness – all she has to do is make a wish. Three years later, a devastated Madge escapes war-torn London with her two children for a dilapidated house in Dorset. She is crippled with grief at the news her husband has been lost over the channel, but determined to give Lily and Cyril the best Christmas ever. The Arwells are surprised to be greeted by a madcap caretaker whose mysterious Christmas gift leads them into a magical wintry world. Here, Madge will learn how to be braver than she ever thought possible. And that wishes can come true…

The Blu-ray presentation for the episode is impressive as it always has been with BBC Home Entertainment. The 1080i transfer is quite clear and sharp. The DTS-HD High Resolution 5.1 surround audio track kicks some major ass and deliver for the special. It also packs a nice festive punch for the holidays. The special features are damn impressive, especially just for the one special. There is the short but sweet prequel to this special. There are also three featurettes with for “The Best of the Doctor”, “The Best of the Companions” and “The Best of the Monsters”. On top of the great extras, inside the Blu-ray there is a free in-game reward code for the online game “Doctor Who: Worlds in Time”.

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Blu-ray Reviews “Doctor Who: Series Seven, Part Two & The Snowmen”

Starring: Matt Smith, Jenna Louise-Coleman
Rated: Unrated
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: May 28, 2013
Run Time: 360 minutes / 60 minutes

“Series Seven, Part Two”: 4 out of 5 stars
“Series Seven, Part Two” Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars
“The Snowmen”: 4 out of 5 stars
“The Snowmen” Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Series Seven, Part Two” picks up with Matt Smith in the role as the Eleventh Doctor and Jenna-Louise Coleman as his newest Companion, Clara. I have to admit, I absolutely love the new companion.  She is easily my new favorite from the series reboot. She is so cute, sweet and very clever. She also has a great back story. The episodes included are: “The Bells of Saint John”, “The Rings of Akhaten”, “Cold War”, “Hide” , “Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS”, “The Crimson Horror”, “Nightmare in Silver” and “The Name of the Doctor”. The strongest episodes this season are easily “The Rings of Akhaten” and “The Name of the Doctor, the finale, which leads right into the 50th Anniversary episode…man November cannot come any sooner!  Overall one of my favorite seasons!

“Doctor Who: Series Seven, Part Two” Official Premise: The Doctor kicks off this new run of adventures by searching for his companion Clara – an Impossible Girl he’s already lost twice. Together they find themselves battling monsters on distant alien planets, trapped in a Russian submarine with a deadly passenger, chasing terrifying ghosts, delving into the heart of the TARDIS, facing the Crimson Horror in Victorian Yorkshire, and coming face to face with an army of upgraded Cybermen. The action grows and the Doctor’s oldest secret threatens to be revealed as the world’s longest running science fiction series builds toward its explosive 50th anniversary.

Also being the released the same day by BBC is “Doctor Who: The Snowmen”, which is the 2012 Christmas special.  It is also the first episode to star Jenna Louise-Coleman officially as The Doctor’s companion.  She originally appeared in the first episode,  “Asylum of the Daleks”, of the seventh series. The special also co-stars Richard E. Grant as Dr. Simeon, who also returns in finale of “Series Seven, Part Two” as the Great Intelligence. Also fun fact is that the voices of The Snowman is done by Ian McKellen and Juliet Cadzow as the Ice Governess. I thought this episode was one of my favorites of the Christmas specials.  It was also the first of them that contains continuity to the series episodes, which made me like it even more.

“Doctor Who: The Snowmen” Official Premise: Christmas Eve 1892 and the falling snow is the stuff of fairy-tales. When the fairy-tale becomes a nightmare and a chilling menace threatens Earth, an unorthodox young governess, Clara, calls on the Doctor for help. But the Doctor is in mourning, reclusive and determined not to engage in the problems of the universe. As old friends return, will the Doctor really abandon humankind or will he fight to save the world – and Christmas – from the icy clutches of this mysterious menace?”

Now on to the concerns for “Doctor Who: The Snowmen”…fans are not thrilled since this is not a part of “Series Seven, Part Two” and is only available as a separate release. I am very curious if BBC will be releasing “The Snowmen” as part of “The Complete Seventh Series” set, which should be available later this year. But currently if you already own “Series Seven, Part One” and plan on picking up “Series Seven, Part Two”, they you also need to purchase “Doctor Who: The Snowmen” in order to complete the series officially.

Like usual BBC Home Entertainment is delivering this series and special with a solid 1080i transfer. As much as I would have loved to have full HD, these episodes look damn good. They also sound amazing with there DTS-HD 5.1 track on both releases. The special features are good but not outstanding like in past releases. ”Series Seven, Part Two” only has two extras included. There is a short prequel to the first episode in part two “The Bells of Saint John”. There is also a featurette about the characters “Clarence and the Whisperman”. On “The Snowman” release, the special features are a little better, including two prequel to “The Snowmen”, “Vastra Investigates” and “The Great Detective”. Lastly there is a behind-the-scenes look on the episode called “Clara’s White Christmas”. Good features, just not enough to make it worth it unless you are a die-hard fan.

 

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DVD Review "The Mob Doctor: The Complete Series"

Actors: Jordana Spiro, William Forsythe, Floriana Lima
Created by: Josh Berman, Rob Wright
Number of discs: 3
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 12, 2013
Run Time: 566 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“The Mob Doctor” is one of this year’s victims of TV network fast pacing. The show was canceled after its 8th episode but was allowed to air all 13 episodes. The series was based on the book: Il Dottore: The Double Life of a Mafia Doctor by Ron Felber. The Complete Series releases contains all 13 episodes in a three-disc DVD set. Even though the show was short lived it packed a very strong cast including by Jordana Spiro (TV’’s ““My Boys””), William Forsythe (TV’’s “Boardwalk Empire”, “Dick Tracy””). It also had some strong guest stars including Michael Rapaport (“Cop Land”), Michael Madsen (“Kill Bill”) and Jennifer Beals (“Flashdance”). I have always been a huge fan of Forsythe, the guy is brilliant he deserves the attention. He fully committed to this show and rocked it, yet the network didn’t back it.

Official Premise: Dr. Grace Devlin (Jordana Spiro, TV’s “My Boys”) is a promising young surgeon working in Chicago’s most pre-eminent hospital. Still, she can’t escape her Southside roots. With her kid brother facing a mobster’s wrath, Grace makes a deal and agrees to work “off book” for the infamous Chicago Outfit. As Grace’s “day job” forces her to take on emotionally compelling cases – a convict determined to donate his heart to his estranged daughter, a whole family injured in a horrific hit-and-run – she is also forced to deal with mob-related tasks, doing emergency medical procedures in back rooms, treating mobsters hiding from the law and even working on a stolen thoroughbred only hours before he’s due to race. Through it all, Grace fights to keep her dual life a secret…except from the one man who knows Grace best – Southside mob boss Constantine Alexander (William Forsythe, TV’s “Boardwalk Empire”), whose relationship with Grace is more than it seems.

The series was created by Josh Berman and Rob Wright (TV’’s ““Drop Dead Diva””). They really captured the essence of a mob TV show. The show was very sharply written. It has great suspense and drama weaved within. I would have liked to see this show get a little time to mature and gets its legs. I have a feeling this could have been something special. The talent was present with a great cast and get minds behind the screen. “Drop Dead Diva” was a very popular show and the creators know how to make a successful show. But as Fall shows come and go, this one was not giving a chance. At least thanks to Sony Home Entertainment, we are able to still enjoy the show at home.

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DVD Review "Doctor Who: Shada (Story 109)"

Actors: Tom Baker, Lalla Ward, David Brierley, Christopher Neame
Directors: Pennant Roberts
Number of discs: 3
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: January 8, 2013
Run Time: 109 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

“Shada” is my first experience to Doctor Who prior to the 2005 revival. It probably isn’t the best idea to start with an story 109, which is half way through The Tom Baker Years 1974-1981. This DVD features the legendary unfinished Fourth Doctor story, which is newly restored from original film negatives and studio recordings with 1992 linking material from Tom Baker, which fills in the blanks from the missing material. This show was intended to close the 17th season of the show was in 1980 and was never shown on TV. I appreciate the fact that this is finally being released for all the Doctor Who fans. Though if you think that this release is cool to own wait till you see the TWO discs, that’s right TWO discs of special features. Easily worth the purchase alone.

Official Premise: Written by Douglas Adams as his final contribution to Doctor Who, Shada was envisaged as a Time Lord story without a Gallifreyan setting. It sees the Doctor bringing Romana to present-day Earth to visit Professor Chronotis, an elderly Time Lord who absconded from Gallifrey and now lives a quiet academic life at St Cedd’s College in Cambridge. Also seeking Chronotis is a scientist called Skagra who has a device, in the form of a floating sphere, with which he intends to steal the Professor’s mind and thereby learn the location of a book entitled The Worshipful and Ancient Law of Gallifrey. Skagra eventually succeeds in obtaining the book, which has been borrowed from the Professor’s study by a student named Chris Parsons. He then kidnaps Romana and hijacks the TARDIS.

On the first disc, the special features focus are with commentary. The first feature is “Shada – BBCi/Big Finish Version” is DVD-ROM content only, which is an animated radio/webcast version with Paul McGann as the voice of the doctor. There is no commentary track included but there is info text option, which is quite entertaining to read. The second disc focuses more on featurette based extras. The first is “Taken Out of Time: The Making and Breaking of Shada”, which includes interviews from Tom Baker, Daniel Hill (plays Chris Parsons, Pennant Roberts and more. “Shada: Now & Then” looks at the locations from the shoot from 1979 to 2012. “Strike! Strike! Strike!” is a new extra with interviews from Tony Lennon (ex-president of BECTU union), Nicola Bryant (who played Peri Brown) and looks into the strikes that caused this series an major problem. “Being a Girl” is narrated by Louise Jameson (who played Leela) and looks into the female companions. Lastly there is a Photo Gallery.

The third disc is where the meat is for this release. Besides “Shada”, the star is the 90-minute documentary from 1995 called “More Than 30 Years in the TARDIS”. This is highly recommended for all Whovians. Next up is “Remembering Nicholas Courtney” is a feature looing into Courtney’s roles and is moderated by Michael McManus. “Doctor Who Stories – Peter Purves” looks into his role as Dr. Who’s companion Steven Taylor in various Dr. Who series. “The Lambert Tapes – Part 1 & 2” is an in depth interview with the actor. “Those Deadly Divas” focsues on Kate O’Mara, Camille Coduri and Tracy Ann Oberman. O’Mara. Lastly there is a Photo Gallery for “More Than 30 Years in the TARDIS” and also a hidden Easter Egg.

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