Dr. Who and the Daleks Blu-ray Review

Dr. Who and the Daleks has been given a pristine 1080p Blu-ray presentation by StudioCanal, presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. This hi-def transfer is remarkable, preserving a consistent and very filmic grain structure without succumbing to overbearing noise. It avoids artificial sharpening and aliasing, ensuring an undistorted viewing experience. The image remains clean and stable, with minimal damage such as infrequent specks or hairs that do not detract from the overall clarity. StudioCanal’s meticulous cleanup guarantees a nearly flawless print devoid of debris, scratches, or stains, resulting in an admirably crisp and visually compelling film.

One of the most significant upgrades in this release is the color reproduction. The neon-esque lighting in the forest scenes and the varied hues in the TARDIS interior are rendered with vibrancy, falling within a moody yet captivating aesthetic of pinks, purples, greens, and blues. The Daleks, set against the intricate backdrops, as well as the vivid makeup details down to Alydon’s false eyelashes, all appear exceptionally radiant. Even with some pastel biases in the Dalek environments, contrast remains consistent and depth is well-managed, offering visceral spatiality—illustrated by the patrolling Daleks and the multiple layers in the swamp and tunnel settings.

This Blu-ray release ensures that close-up details—such as facial features and costume textures—are impeccably rendered, enhancing the organic authenticity of this Techniscope-filmed classic without excessive digital noise reduction (DNR) or color boosts. Black levels are notably robust, adding depth particularly in dimly lit sequences. The print maintains excellent dimensionality, especially noticeable in scenes where characters navigate corridors or night-time outdoor environments. All these technical facets culminate in a high-quality viewing experience that both aficionados and new viewers will find immensely satisfying.

The audio presentation of the "Dr. Who and the Daleks" Blu-ray undergoes a loving restoration manifested in a solid and detailed LPCM 2.0 track. This track breathes new life into the film, providing a fresh and dynamic sound experience that remains loud, forceful, and invigorating despite the intrinsic limits of its era. The restoration expertly eliminates any hiss or drop-out, ensuring clean delivery of dialogue, effects, and the score. The audio design echoes the audacious futuristic environment of the TV show, reminiscent of classics like "Forbidden Planet". Crucial details such as the deep, resonating electro-breathing of the TARDIS and the thorough grounding bass elevate the atmospheric depth and movement within the mix.

The auditory detailing is exceptional, from the lively clattering of shoes on hard floors to the silent, eerie glide of the Daleks. Mechanical sounds from both Dalek and TARDIS machinery are distinct and never overshadowed. Additional nuances like the cracking branches in the petrified forest and precise button pushing enrich the experience, making it feel meticulously crafted. The sudden and jarring expulsion of the Dalek gas-gun and the lively little explosions whenever a Dalek is flung about add an exciting dynamism to the track. Malcolm Lockyear’s score is exceptionally well presented; the doom-laden Dalek march emanates with depth and lethargic swagger, while instruments like piano and woodwinds coalesce into the more mysterious cues seamlessly.

StudioCanal ensures a stable, well-rounded sound throughout, with beautifully mixed dialogue and effects. Dynamic intensity may be limited due to inherent sound design constraints of its time, but overall clarity and ambition in this restoration remain impressively high. Optional English SDH subtitles add a user-friendly layer for enhanced viewing experience without compromising image integrity.

The Blu-ray extras for "Dr. Who and the Daleks" deliver a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes insights and a rich historical perspective that will satisfy any enthusiast. The audio commentary featuring actors Jennie Linden and Roberta Tovey, guided by Jonathan Sothcott, is particularly valuable, offering detailed anecdotes about the production, Peter Cushing's performance, and various on-set experiences. The "Dalekmania" documentary enriches this package with interviews from key figures like Marcus Hearn, Terry Nation, and cast members, providing a thorough chronicle of the cultural impact of the Daleks. Additional features such as Gareth Owen's interview delve into Shepperton Studios' contributions, while the restoration featurette showcases the technical efforts behind preserving this classic. Despite the emotional undercurrent related to Cushing’s personal struggles, these extras bristle with enthusiasm, making the package both informative and engaging.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion with actors Jennie Linden and Roberta Tovey, moderated by Jonathan Sothcott.
• Dalekmania: Documentary covering the film's production history.
• Restoring Dr. Who and the Daleks: Insight into the film’s restoration process.
• Interview with Gareth Owen: Author discusses the film's legacy.
• Stills Gallery: Collection of promotional and production stills.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.

Gordon Flemyng's "Dr. Who and the Daleks" (1965) offers a vibrant yet flawed adaptation of the iconic British TV series, brought to life in Techniscope. Peter Cushing takes on the role of Dr. Who, radiating charm and eccentricity as he navigates his creation, the Tardis, along with his grand-daughters, Susan (Roberta Tovey) and Barbara (Jennie Linden), and Barbara's boyfriend, Ian (Roy Castle), to Skaro, a planet ravaged by nuclear war. The visual spectacle is evident, with colorful, psychedelic settings that make up for the film’s simple plot and minimalistic budgetary constraints. Unfortunately, the film struggles with pacing, especially around the Daleks, whose slow-moving menace drags the narrative towards tedium rather than excitement.

The sets, though constrained, manage to exude a stylish retro charm characteristic of '60s sci-fi aesthetics. The use of limited props, such as the recurring strange flowers seen by Susan, showcases creativity within production limitations. Cinematographer John Wilcox's work underscores the film’s vibrant color palette, creating enough visual stimulation to keep viewers engaged. Despite these visual benefits, the action sequences and interactions with the Daleks often fall flat, making it evident that a more dynamic screenplay could have significantly elevated the film's impact.

While the plot is straightforward and predictable, following Dr. Who's efforts to ally with the peaceful Thals against the destructive Daleks, it retains a nostalgic appeal for long-time fans. Cushing's performance as Dr. Who is commendable as he tries to infuse energy and charisma into a script that struggles to offer depth or excitement. The journey through Skaro is visually enticing, even if the narrative remains lackluster. Overall, "Dr. Who and the Daleks" provides an enjoyable viewing for fans appreciative of vintage sci-fi but may disappoint those seeking a more enthralling adventure.

StudioCanal’s restoration of Gordon Flemyng's "Dr. Who and the Daleks" is a remarkable achievement on Blu-ray, akin to the studio's exceptional work on Roy Ward Baker's "Quatermass and the Pit." The film's visual presentation is stunning, boasting crisp details and vibrant colors that truly bring this classic to life. The meticulous effort placed into the restoration ensures that every frame looks as clean and sharp as possible, enabling both longtime fans and new viewers to experience the film at its best.

In addition to the excellent visual quality, the Blu-ray release includes an impressive array of supplemental features. These extras provide valuable context and enhance the overall viewing experience. From in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes footage to insightful commentary tracks, the special features contribute significantly to the understanding and enjoyment of the film. The sound quality has also been carefully refined, ensuring that dialogue is crisp and clear, and the iconic sound effects of the Daleks are as menacing as ever.

In conclusion, StudioCanal’s treatment of "Dr. Who and the Daleks" on Blu-ray is top-notch. The combination of superior restoration and a comprehensive set of supplemental features makes this release an absolute must-have for fans of classic sci-fi cinema. This is a highly recommended purchase, delivering both in terms of quality and content. Order with confidence—this Blu-ray is a definitive edition for any collector or enthusiast of the genre.