Doctor Who - U.N.I.T Files (Invasion of the Dinosaurs and the Android Invasion) [DVD]

Political paranoia, prehistoric puppets and peculiar ‘people’ populate these stories from Seventies ‘Who’, as two fabulous Doctors and one splendid companion struggle to save the world - and to work out exactly who their friends are, in more ways than one… 5*Calling these adventures the ‘UNIT Files’ is a bit of a stretch, when the second one has only a loose connection to our heroes. However, the two stories do have a clear link, illustrating the very Seventies idea that “the enemy within” (Terry Nation’s excellent original title for ‘The Android Invasion’) were plotting to sabotage democracy and take over the country. Who exactly “they” might be depended on your politics, though no-one ever seriously suggested “they” were aliens – or androids – or had actual dinosaurs… but now the UNIT Files can reveal the truth!‘Invasion of the Dinosaurs’ is probably the most underrated of all Pertwee-era adventures and for me makes this box set a 5* buy. I’ve loved this story ever since 1974 when ‘my’ Doctor took on another childhood favourite – the dinosaurs! Combined with a great UNIT story and a clever ‘whodunit’, plus layers of political satire for older viewers to appreciate, this is yet another classic by Malcolm Hulke. And now all back in colour again! 5*‘The Android Invasion’ is, for me, somewhat of an off-day (most unusually) in the magnificent Hinchcliffe / Holmes seasons, with holes in the plot and less than convincing aliens. It’s not really a UNIT story in my opinion (they’re reduced almost to incidental characters), but it’s still worth seeing for excellent android elements, Barry Letts’ typically high-quality location filming and stunt work - and Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen superb as always. 3½*(This review has grown almost as long as a Diplodocus, so thanks if you reach the end!)‘Invasion of the Dinosaurs’ (6 episodes) 5*Before I praise everything else about this adventure, I have to admit the Tyrannosaurus Rex mostly looks - rubbish. It’s a pity, because the dinosaur puppetry, CSO ‘blue screen’ work and model effects are better than their reputation would suggest – and it’s unfair to compare with modern CGI or the big-budget dinosaur puppetry from contemporary ‘70s films. And as an excited viewer in 1974, it never occurred to me that anything here was less than perfect. So please, watch with the imagination as I did back then, enjoy a great story and forgive the foam rubber ‘king’ of the dinosaurs…NOTE: Episode One survived only as black-and-white, but has now been ingeniously re-coloured by the ‘chroma dot’ technique, merging the surviving mono film with residual colour signal that was left within the mono material. Apparently only partial colour data could be recovered for Episode One, so the result is not quite as good as, for example, ‘The Mind of Evil’, but it’s still very impressive and great to see the whole story in colour again… it’s almost as if they used a Time-scoop to raise it from the past....(!)** To view Episode One in colour, you must select the option from the ‘Special Features’ menu, or the mono version will play. Colour Episodes 2-6 were never wiped, because VERY fortunately the order from high up wasn’t followed for some reason. (Just how appropriate that was for this of all stories, you will discover…) These surviving colour Episodes 2-6 are also newly restored and look excellent.Arriving back in London, the Doctor and Sarah find the city almost uninhabited apart from a few looters, and the Army trying to keep order. The strange atmosphere of a great but abandoned city is very well portrayed, enhanced by the sunny weather and director Paddy Russell’s resourceful early morning filming, in a story packed with excellent location work plus very convincing sets by Richard Morris.Jon Pertwee was in his final season in the role, but he’s still the Third Doctor at his most wonderfully flamboyant in this quintessential Third Doctor story; a mixture of brainpower, gadgets, vehicles and Venusian aikido, all combined with humour and a strong moral sense – and now with his Whomobile!, the futuristic ‘car’ of the Doctor’s own invention that really was pure Pertwee. Elisabeth Sladen’s second outing as Sarah Jane Smith shows the investigative journalist getting herself into trouble as any ‘companion’ must, but doing it by getting at the truth; an excellent performance in a really good script for the character.‘Invasion of the Dinosaurs’ is a cracking UNIT story. Nicholas Courtney is excellent as always, with the Brigadier caught between loyalty to the Doctor and obedience to his commanding officer, General Finch. The quiet humour and decency he always brought to the role are perfectly shown here, and Richard Franklin and John Levene have great scenes as Captain Yates (back from sick leave after his traumatic time in ‘The Green Death’) and the ever-reliable Sergeant Benton. The actors are perfect as usual and Hulke’s script is excellent at showing the dynamics of the whole UNIT ‘family’ under some strain... Dinosaurs in London! The Doctor soon decides they are being ‘raised’ to clear London by someone tampering with Time for some deeper purpose – but who are “the enemy within” and what is their plan?Paddy Russell assembled a really impressive guest cast for this story, showing yet again that ‘Doctor Who’ could always attract the best names in TV and theatre. John Bennett plays authoritarian General Finch, while Noel Johnson (famous as Dick Barton, Special Agent) is the urbane Minister and environmentalist, Sir Charles Grover. Martin Jarvis is the mysterious Mr. Butler and Peter Miles has another memorable ‘Doctor Who’ role as brilliant Professor Whitaker. All excellent actors and characters - but who among them can the Doctor trust?Ex-communist Malcolm Hulke wrote a terrific plot about fanatics who begin with a noble idea, but who are so self-righteous in their quest for “The Golden Age” that they soon believe “the end justifies the means” - their excuse for atrocities on a colossal scale, as from the French Revolution to the Bolsheviks and Mao’s followers. Anyone who expresses free will (like the Doctor and Sarah) must either be “disposed of” or “re-educated” until they are ‘fit’ to belong to “The People” (the self-chosen people, of course). Can the Doctor uncover “Operation Golden Age” before it’s too late for the rest of humanity?Giving impact to the ‘grand finale’ in a studio was never easy, but Hulke does it very well by reminding us that our hero is not only a hero, but a Time Lord, placing the Doctor firmly in the spotlight after a story rich in plot and great characters.Sadly, this was the last time Malcolm Hulke would write for televised ‘Doctor Who’. But with all the other top writers, actors and production teams, he helped ensure that for countless fans (definitely including me), those classic seasons and Doctors of the ‘70s truly were “The Golden Age”. 5*(Malcolm Hulke’s novelisation is highly recommended, especially Martin Jarvis’ superb Audiobook recording.)DVD Special Features:The commentary is rather mixed; best are the lively, very entertaining commentaries for episodes 2 and 3, with Richard Franklin, Peter Miles, Designer Richard Morris and Script Editor Terrance Dicks, also the commentary for episode 5 where Paddy Russell chats with Toby Hadoke about her long television career. (The production subtitles on this story are really very good and worth reading.)On Disc 2:An enjoyable extra commentary (recorded several years earlier) on ten minutes of episode 5, by John Levene.‘People, Power and Puppetry’ (33 min) – looking at the highs and lows of making the story, with due attention to those dinosaurs, also the political context of the story. Great to see a contribution (from 1993) by Jon Pertwee, also Producer Barry Letts and most of the commentary team.‘Doctor Who Stories – Elisabeth Sladen: Part 1 (14 min) – recorded in 2003, a superb and now poignant interview with the much-loved actress, this section covers the stories of her one Pertwee-era season. (Part 2 is on the ‘Terror of the Zygons’ DVD)‘Deleted Scenes’ (5 min) – one cut scene (without sound) from episode 1, a few short scenes (cut for time) from episode 3.‘Now and Then’ (14 min) – revisiting the locations and placing them around London. As usual on these features, it’s noticeable how much neater many places look now than in the 70s – if less atmospheric for film crews!‘Billy Smart’s Circus’ (2 min) – a guest appearance by Jon Pertwee in the ‘Whomobile’.‘Photo Gallery’ (6 min) – a very good gallery, also including Jon Pertwee in the ‘Whomobile’ and some pictures of the model ‘sets’.The ‘Radio Times’ listings are included as a PDF, with a great ‘action cartoon’ illustration for Episode 1.One Easter Egg.- - - - - - - - - - - - -‘The Android Invasion’ (4 episodes) 3½*This story is partly brilliant, but partly – less so. The alien Kraals need a new home, because their planet Oseidon has become contaminated by radiation. Earth seems suitable and will be occupied using (surprise) an invasion force of androids. So there are two faces to this story – the androids and the aliens.The android part of the story is excellent except the title spoils what should have been a fabulous ‘reveal’ later in the adventure. Terry Nation’s own choice of title kept the secret: “The Enemy Within”. The opening episodes are really good, as the Doctor and Sarah return to a peaceful English landscape in fine summer weather, very close to the village of Devesham and the space defence centre where UNIT are apparently now based. But there are energy-finger-firing ‘spacemen’ in the woods and the villagers are silent and stony-faced – then suddenly switching into action and chatting in the pub – until they see two strangers; they don’t like strangers round here…Barry Letts directs what in this part could have been one of his own era’s classic Pertwee stories; lots of excellent location filming, familiar settings with strangely unfamiliar inhabitants and action sequences with great stunt work. Max Faulkner performs two spectacular deaths in this story, each time as the same character – which you can do if you’re playing an android. According to the Special Features, Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen and Barry Letts reworked many sequences and dialogue while on location, with typically good results which look great in this newly restored version, very sharp with rich colours.Tom Baker brilliantly plays the Doctor as a full-on action hero in this story (helped by stuntman Terry Walsh, a great combination as the closing fight scene shows.) Perhaps only four or five other stories (of which ‘The Seeds of Doom’ stands out for me) gave him similar opportunities and he’s very impressive playing the Doctor in this style too.Elisabeth Sladen never put a foot wrong playing Sarah Jane Smith, although here she has to trip and sprain her ankle, get captured… But she also rescues the Doctor (twice), has a great solo escape scene and is excellent as usual. Sarah’s episode 2 cliff-hanger was a terrific idea from Producer Philip Hinchcliffe and still looks impressive – but it would have been an absolute stunner if we hadn’t known until that point that this mystery is all about androids…Actually, it’s not ‘all about androids’, there are the Kraals. Martin Friend performs very well under a very large mask as scientist Styggron, but I don’t find them convincing compared with, for example, the unforgettable Zygons from this same season. Also, the Kraal part of the plot has quite a few obvious holes, for example the plan to use their androids to spread a deadly virus when a much simpler method would have worked. This is especially puzzling as the androids are obviously inspired by the idea of KGB ‘sleeper’ agents and Soviet schemes to weaken the West by stealth, seen in many films and TV shows of the period. It’s a great idea for an infiltration takeover story with an excellent twist when the ‘Kraal curtain’ is lifted, but the ‘virus’ idea makes the androids seem redundant.This adventure features the last television appearances of Ian Marter’s Harry Sullivan and John Levene’s long-serving Benton – but, sadly, they are reduced almost to minor characters and don’t get a final ‘goodbye’. Apparently, this was never considered the ‘goodbye’ story for the UNIT regulars, it just happened that way. Even so, they deserved better roles.Finally, guest star Milton Johns is excellent as Astronaut Guy Crayford, helping the Kraals out of gratitude because they saved his life and rebuilt him after a terrible accident to his spacecraft – all but his missing left eye… Not really a traitor, he became ‘one of them’ after being deceived about their ‘new world’ on Earth. However…*** SPOILER ***Crayford’s ending is poor. He turns against Styggron because the Doctor reveals that the Kraals tricked him; he wasn’t saved by them, but brainwashed. And the proof is - he has a good eye under his eye-patch and never realised, even in months… How much better if he had been revealed *to himself* as an android so perfect it believed it was human, containing a copy of Crayford’s mind, but nothing more… (Probably not an original idea, but there are elements of many other android and infiltration stories in this one.)***So the androids and ‘village’ themes are really good, the stars are always excellent and well-supported by the guest cast. But the Kraal part of the story is relatively weak, and it’s for that, the poor under-use of UNIT and the plot holes that I gave 3½*. For me, this story is the only ‘off-day’ in magnificent Season Thirteen, but even so, there’s still much to enjoy.(Thanks very much for reading, and my apologies for the length of the review!)DVD Special Features:The commentary is really interesting, with Producer Philip Hinchcliffe, Milton Johns, Martin Friend and Marion McDougal (Assistant Director) providing a wealth of memories and information about the production. (The production subtitles on this story are again very good and worth reading.)‘The Village That Came to Life’ (31 min) – Nicholas Briggs visits East Hagbourne (aka ‘Devesham’), still looking remarkably like it did forty years ago, and meets some locals in the pub… An excellent ‘making of’ feature with memories from locals who remember the filming, plus contributions from Barry Letts, Philip Hinchcliffe, Milton Johns and Martin Friend.‘Life After Who’ (30 min) - Celina Hinchcliffe talks with her father Philip about his distinguished career after producing his three, now legendary seasons of ‘Doctor Who’. I especially remembered ‘Private Shultz’ and ‘Virtuoso’ among the excellent programmes discussed.‘Photo Gallery’ (7 min) – includes very good location photos.Easter Egg – on the second ‘Special Features’ menu. Seven minutes of sound rushes from the location filming. Regulars to these DVDs will recognise the voice of Barry Letts, directing.

DVD EXTRAS:In PEOPLE, POWER AND PUPPETRY, the cast and crew discuss the making of INVASION OF THE DINOSAURS and, considering I have seen the all the previous "Making of..." featurettes, I have to say it's fascinating. But, then again, I'm a child of the sixties that for four years Pertwee was, to coin a phrase, `my Doctor', flouncing around in frills and velvet as if he owned the universe, so revealing the mysteries behind the drama series is always to be engaging.So, encamped on the sofa with a Sherbet dib-dap (so very seventies), Space Dust exploding on my tongue and novelty Christmas socks `fal lal lal lal lal lal lal lal la'ing uncontrollably, the featurette details its origins from an idea (ill-conceived?) for `dinosaurs in London' from Terrance Dicks to the casting (`thumbs-up' from Letts and Pertwee) of Elisabeth Sladen to the manifestation - or infestation - of dowelling-driven rubber puppets.A bizarre aberration from this featurette is it's 'presenter/narrator' - Matthew Sweet. How on Earth his oversized, badly tailored velour jacket - you can only see his mitts when he raised his arms to emulate David Attenborough's gesticulations - got passed the BBFC 'censorship' is anyone's guess. Shambolic dress sense and just as ridiculous as a rubber puppet. Or, perhaps, he is a puppet?The DELETED SCENES featurette is brief - like this comment - but most welcome.With the considerable support of DOCTOR WHO fan stalwart, Chuck Foster, INVASION OF THE DINOSAURS - NOW AND THEN rediscovers the locations used on the story that, so it seems, have not changed in some forty years. Certainly, as regular commuter through the City of London's Spitalfields it is only Moorgate that has seen the Architect's drafting pencil in the intervening decades.The Information Text is essential, red-flag reading - don't skimp on this as it reveals more about the production of the story that had previously seemed to have been lost or hidden, depending on your cynical point of view. Please, view the information text.The EASTER EGG makes a welcome return and this time is a clock. Find out for yourselves..!The digitally remastered episodes are as crystal-clear so much so that you can clearly define the embroidered pattern on the Doctors shirt and the `make-up tape' that is used to adhere the Brigadier's lop-sided moustache to Courtney's Philtrum. It is testament to the commissioning work of 2|entertain that the unofficial expertise of `the restoration team' ensures that INVASION OF THE DINOSAURS can be seen, probably, for the first time in the highest of quality on a TV screen. Indeed, in 1974, due to the poor quality of colour television sets and signal reception (if you were not affected by electrical power shortages at the time) this will the first time that you will have seen the drama with such precision and saturation. The first episode has been `colourised' and is, quite remarkable.In 2005, John Levene recorded a short, yet enigmatic, commentary to accompany episode five, and, as you can expect, it is a pure antidote to the Christmas excess that you've most certainly endured. Wonderful.In a poignant featurette, the first (of a series?) DOCTOR WHO STORIES features ELISABETH SLADEN (PART ONE) as she discusses her casting, character development and working relationship with both Pertwee and the production crew. Intriguing, witty and heartbreaking in all good measure.And, again, read the Information Text - and find out who was the first actress choice for Sarah Jane Smith. It was not Elisabeth Sladen.DVD Commentary Highlights for INVASION OF THE DINOSAURS:Episode 1 - Paddy Russell (Director) and Toby Hadoke (Moderator)On the opening scenes, Paddy Russell: Four in the morning. Deserted London.Fact: Whilst Paddy Russell states that the errant canine roaming the deserted streets was pure coincidence; the Information Test states that is was a "stunt dog" called Heidi.On Elisabeth Sladen, Paddy Russell: Lovely girl. Wonderful actress.Fact: The information text confirms that the new TARDIS key is based upon an "Ankh" image.On Jon Pertwee's relationship with fans, Paddy Russell: ...was always civil. It was important for him.On herself, Paddy Russell: I was always a good actors director. I was always listening to actors about their characters. I did my own casting and it was up to the actors to round it (`their character') out.On refusing/hinting that she did not want to direct a dalek story, Paddy Russell: I used to say, "I cannot get a performance out of a dalek".On the Pterodactyl "puppet", Paddy Russell: We didn't do badly considering. That's the best one.On Patrick Troughton, Paddy Russell: Patrick was an actor's actor.Fact: Just before the Doctor and Sarah Jane are hoisted before the Court Marshall, there is a UNIT soldier reading as "nude girly magazine" according to the Information Text.On the Tyrannosaurus Rex "puppet", Toby Hadoke: It's got a bit of dribble, that one.On episode one, Paddy Russell: I thoroughly enjoyed that.Comment: Today, I have commissioned a sterling silver trophy, in memory of Paddy Russell, to be awarded to a commentary moderator who has demonstrated the greatest fortitude in the face of adversity (i.e. the most un-chatty, cooperative commentary guest). The first recipient of this award goes to Toby Hadoke for successfully "pulling teeth" from Paddy Russell during this episode commentary. A challenge that I think he just about succeeded.Episode Two onwards - Terrance Dicks (Script Editor), Richard Franklin (Capt. Yates), Peter Miles (Whitaker), Richard Morris (Production Designer) and Toby Hadoke (Moderator).On the special effects from 1973, Terrance Dicks: What a great idea for this (story) to be redone with real CGI. There's a bit of a project for someone.On his character, Peter Miles: I'm as innocent as a lamb.The commentary of INVASION OF THE DINOSAURS was recorded in 2011 the day after the funeral of Nicholas Courtney, Terrance Dicks: Isn't he lovely? Look at that moustache. There's some really funny stuff between him and Jon.Richard Franklin: A very dry, witty way.Toby Hadoke: A self-effacing sense of humour.Peter Miles: I'm terribly upset at his passing away. He and I almost had identical careers. It's almost difficult for me to talk about it but thank you.On the story context and constructions, Terrance Dicks: A plot behind the plot.On his character, Richard Franklin: I don't really like the word `traitor'. Misguided idealist.On his filming several DOCTOR WHO stories, Peter Miles: I've never been in quarry in my life. 18 episodes of DOCTOR WHO and never on location.On DOCTOR WHO regular, Peter Miles: Pat Gorman! He's in everything.On Jon Pertwee, Richard Franklin: Jon have me his Father's dinner jacket and I still wear it.On acting in DOCTOR WHO, Richard Franklin: We took it terribly seriously.Terrance Dicks: You can't send it up. Nick takes it seriously.Fact: Following her first CSO sequence (in the warehouse), Sladen was tricked - by the crew - into thinking that she needs special `CSO underwear' otherwise the technology could see through her clothing.Fact: Sladen was asked to wear a padded bra to enhance her physique thus becoming more voluptuous. Why? You will have read the most revealing Information Text ever. No spoilers here.On the acting of John Levene's Sgt. Benton, Peter Miles: The Perry Como of acting. Very relaxed actor.On seeing Sarah Jane Smith in the "spaceship's brain-washing chair", Terrance Wilton: It looks as if she's on MASTERMIND.On comparing Pertwee and Tom Baker, Paddy Russell: I find Jon easier to work with. The second Tom one (HORROR OF FANG ROCK) was more difficult to work with.Fact: In episode five, Leslie Bates features as an UNIT Soldier, however the actor holds the auspicious title of being the first actor to be filmed for DOCTOR WHO. He was the "shadow" that fell across the pre-historic wasteland in AN UNEARTHLY CHILD, and this was the first scene filmed ever!On fandom, Peter Miles: I had my last fan letter three days ago!The second DVD is THE ANDROID INVASION. It too is a fascinating watch.

I had to have my own copy to watch again.

UNIT (pour United Nations Intelligence Taskforce :des alliés du Docteur et inversement des militaires habitués au paranormal dont le mythique Brigadier (Nicholas Courtney )est au coeur de ces deux aventures .Invasion of the Dinosaurs : le "Docteur" (Jon Pertwee ) et Sarah Jane (Elisabeth Sladen ) se retrouvent dans Londres désertée ,ils sont arrétés sans explications et découvrent que des dinosaures sèment la terreur en centre ville. The androids of Invasion :le Docteur (Tom Baker ) et Sarah Jane sont de retour sur Terre mais les habitants qu'ils croisent agissent bizarement .Ce sont deux histoires assez inquiétantes et bien écrites .Le plus réussi est sans aucun doute les" Dinosaurs "(il faut être indulgent avec les effets spéciaux de l'époque )dont le premier épisode est glaçant . "Androids " est plus léger voir drôle parfois .

I bought this solely for 'The Android Invasion' because I could not get its Region 2 PAL on its own. I'm very pleased with AI's picture quality. Yay! ♥