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| Doctor Who - The Complete Second Series | 
 enlarge | Actors: David Tennant, Billie Piper
Studio: Sci-Fi Channel, The
Category: DVD
List Price: $99.98
Buy New: $50.49
You Save: $49.49 (49%)
New (46) Used (9) from $48.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  156 reviews
Sales Rank: 678
Format: Box Set, Closed-captioned, Color, Dvd-video, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled)
Number Of Items: 6
Running Time: 646
Discs: 6
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.5 x 1.2
MPN: WARDE2786D
UPC: 794051278623
EAN: 0794051278623
ASIN: B000JBWWP6
Theatrical Release Date: January 1, 2006
Release Date: January 16, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Product Description
Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 01/16/2007 Rating: Nr
Amazon.com
Christopher Eccleston's tenure as the time-traveling title hero in the venerable UK sci-fi series Doctor Who lasted just 13 episodes, but he left enough of a impression on fans to make some wonder how his replacement, veteran television performer David Tennant, might fare in the role. As this second-series boxed set proves, the answer is: he's a near-perfect Doctor who combines the eccentricities of earlier incarnations (most notably Tom Baker) with a fresh and youthful interpretation of his own, and even brings a healthy dash of romantic chemistry with his sidekick, Rose Tyler (the equally charming Billie Piper). And their adventures retain the solid blend of thoughtful speculative fiction, pulp action, and quirky humor that typified the series at its best. Among the 15 terrific stories contained in the six-disc set are the "Children in Need" (a.k.a. "Pudsey Cutaway") mini-episode from the 2005 Children in Need telethon that showed Eccleston's transformation into Tennant; "School Reunion," in which Elisabeth Sladen returns as Sarah Jane Smith; "The Girl in the Fireplace," which draws together robots in 18th century France with a derelict space station in the distant future; and the season finale, "Army of Ghosts/Doomsday," which not only revives the series' most popular villains, the robotic Daleks, in a head-to-head struggle against the Cybermen, but also marks the final appearance of another series regular. For fans and first-time visitors to the TARDIS alike, the Second Series is simply thrilling sci-fi TV. As with the First Series set, the supplemental features are plentiful here; commentary by the show's cast and crew is provided on each episode, and four feature picture-in-picture commentary tracks; deleted scenes and outtakes are also included, as are video diaries by Tennant and Piper, and a lengthy featurette, "Doctor Who Confidential," which covers nearly every aspect of the series' production, including the introduction of the Torchwood Institute and the return of Sarah Jane, both of which would be featured in their own respective spin-off series (the first in Doctor Who's long history) in 2007. - Paul Gaita
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| Customer Reviews: Read 151 more reviews...
 "No Second Chances" December 29, 2006
104 out of 111 found this review helpful
The BBC's new production of its classic series, Doctor Who, weathered its first major casting change admirably. Most actors remain in the lead role for at least three years, but for Christopher Eccleston, one year was enough, and his Doctor (aka 'Nine') died in the season one finale. In keeping with Who tradition, the Doctor, upon his death, regenerates into a completely new body. Taking the TARDIS controls from Eccleston is another Russell T Davies alumnus, David Tennant (who headlined Davies' production of Casanova) as the tenth incarnation of the Doctor (aka 'Ten'). Tennant had his work cut out for him, following Eccleston's marvelous turn as the Time Lord, but he made the transition so seamlessly that the character truly seems like the same man in a different body.
Aiding this transition is largely the same writing and production staff, as well as the same co-star (Billie Piper as Rose Tyler) and supporting cast (Camille Coduri as Jackie Tyler and Noel Clarke as Mickey Smith). It's to Tennant's credit that he not only immediately puts his own stamp on the character but maintains Eccleston's level of chemistry with the supporting cast. Ten is physically younger than Nine, more brash, more impulsive, less tormented by guilt, but still achingly lonely. His loneliness becomes a running theme throughout the season, touched on in nearly every episode. Eccleston played the Doctor as he played Steve Baxter in Davies' The Second Coming (a tormented otherworldly being); Tennant plays the Doctor as Casanova (a young, lovelorn romantic hero).
The Doctor's romantic attachments, in fact, become the vehicle by which Davies explores the central theme of loneliness. Ten and Rose build upon and deepen the romance that Nine and Rose began in the first season. Their love is palpable; they're often literally willing to die for each other. In the UK, the series is family-oriented and rarely strays beyond the PG level, so this romance is never physically consummated; the characters don't even kiss. Despite this--in fact, because of it--their feelings are all the more poignant. (And how often do we see a depiction of true and abiding love on television that doesn't involve some kind of bump-and-grind?) By the end of the season, the relationship has come full circle: the Doctor has taught Rose all he can; it's time for her to leave him and put to use all the things she's learned. Their final separation is tragic but yet also hopeful: despite the sadness, the viewer knows Rose will thrive in her new environment. Billie Piper's send-off couldn't have been more positive or more lovingly written (and it leaves open the possibility of her returning to the series in the future for a guest spot).
Nobody who leaves Who is ever truly gone. The tremendous "School Reunion" brings back an old fan favorite, Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen). Again, romance is the means by which Davies explores the Doctor's impact on his companions' lives. The story is beautifully written: suspenseful, funny, romantic, and poignant. Sladen slips back into the role effortlessly, and Anthony Stewart Head provides a wonderful villain in the sinister Mr. Finch. Romance also infuses the imaginative "Girl in the Fireplace," in which an army of clockwork repair droids from the fifty-first century stalks Madame de Pompadour (Sopia Myles). The Doctor is clearly smitten with the young Reinette, but the episode's conclusion showcases how the heartbreakingly short human lifespan will always thwart such attachments.
But romance isn't all the second season has to offer: old foes return (Daleks, Cybermen, Cassandra) as well as old friends (Harriet Jones, Sarah Jane, K-9, Pete Tyler, the Face of Boe). Also, the settings finally get away from Earth for a few episodes, and there are a couple of trips to Earth's past. The recurring characters develop beautifully, especially Mickey Smith, who finally comes into his own as a hero. Particularly good is the two-part story "The Impossible Planet"/ "The Satan Pit," which finds the Doctor and Rose in a bleak space station on a planet perpetually circling a black hole. But the real standout of the season might well be "The Christmas Invasion," an hour-long special that aired on Christmas day, 2005. This episode allows the supporting characters--and by extension the viewers--an opportunity to adjust to the new Doctor, and it allows Ten to establish his heroic bona fides. The guest cast is marvelous, particularly Penelope Wilton as the UK's new prime minister, Harriet Jones. An argument between the PM and Ten at the episode's conclusion is brilliant, worthy of the West Wing, showing that Davies isn't afraid to challenge his viewers' perceptions of heroism and villainy.
Other highlights of the season are "The Rise of the Cybermen"/ "The Age of Steel," the chilling "Tooth and Claw," the off-beat "Love and Monsters," and of course, the brilliant finale, "Army of Ghosts"/ "Doomsday." Of all the episodes, only the disjointed "Fear Her" feels sub-par. The overall quality of the season is remarkable, given the amount of backstage shuffling that took place (e.g., the timing of Piper's departure was initially unclear; a few episodes underwent last-minute rewrites). And yet another challenge looms ahead for Davies as he reinvents the show in the wake of "Doomsday," which writes out literally the entire supporting cast. Only two seasons in, and an era has already ended.
Much of the season's success is owed to Tennant, who has quickly established himself as one of the most popular Doctors in the show's long history. His own love for the series and the character shines through every moment he's on scene, and he effortlessly conveys the Doctor's past through his expressions, body language, and vocal inflections. If Eccleston was "Doctor Modern," Tennant is "Doctor Classic-Modern," melding perfectly the older and more contemporary portrayals of the character. His chemistry with Piper is nothing short of magical, and he also plays wonderfully off the supporting and guest actors.
As with the first season, the second season is best viewed in pristine DVD rather than the hacked-up versions shown on TV. The boxed set includes the usual extras; viewers should make the Pudsey Cutaway/ Children in Need special their first stop--it's an essential prologue to "The Christmas Invasion." Season two is proof positive that Doctor Who can hold its own with pretty much anything else currently on television.
Even Better than Series One! ...You'll ask yourself "Why hasn't someone done these stories already?" October 24, 2006
77 out of 95 found this review helpful
If you thought the return of the Doctor was over with the regeneration of the Doctor, you haven't seen David Tennant(Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)as the tenth incarnation of the Timelord. Just as loaded with emotion depth and darkness as Chris E's Doc, but with a more traditional streak of classic quirky Doctor traits.
The Doctor is suffering from post-regeneration stress on the X-mas special opener "THE CHRISTMAS INVASION." Although the Doctor is out-of-it for a major part of the special, Billie Piper and crew carry on superbly until the climax. The greatness of the season opener is no exception, nearly all of the season two episodes are perfect!
The weakest episode is the New Earth (#2)which is the first to competely feature the new Doctor. The Cat-nurse hospital is true to the spirit of the series, but the best parts are body swaping moments in which Rose becomes the posh Cassandra from season one, and so does the Doctor (insanely funny, both performances). The rest of the season features some of the best work ever done in the shows 30+ history, bar none! Other reasons to buy this set:
The Doctor finally meets a werewolf
The return of Parallel universes
The return of Peter Tyler
The return of the Cyberman
The return of K9
The return of Sarah Jane
The return of mysterious reference threads (TORCHWOOD)
The return of another long time villain(s)in a long overdue monster mash smackdown of epic proportions!
The School Reunion, which features the Doctor's reunion with fan-fav compainion Sarah Jane Smith & K9, is a touching and tightly composed story that nicely sets the tone forshadowing things to come, namely the amazing season finale.
The writing is terrific in each episode, the reinvention of the Cybermen, set up more stories that the fans themselve would have written. The Cybermen return for the finale along with some legendary uninvited party guest. Just like last season, you'll be asking yourself "why hasn't someone done these stories already, WOW!"
Bring on the 3 season! Love & Monsters 4 ever!
Keeps getting better October 10, 2006
48 out of 56 found this review helpful
Eccelston did a fantastic job as the Doctor and Tennant just gets better and better as the series progresses. The wonderful thing about this incarnation is that you don't have to have been a fan from the early days. The show is accessible to new viewers, while holding onto the history - as evidenced by Sarah Jane and K9. The story telling is marvelous and it's great to see a show in this day and age that does not always wrap up at the end of the broadcast hour.
This series has drama, humor, tragedy, everything you could want in excellent TV. For the new viewer, and the old, we learn more about how the Doctor came to be the last of the Time Lords, and he gives out tidbits of his history for the new viewer.
When you get these DVDs, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. It's fantastic!
Sweetest Rose hides sharpest Thorn. October 25, 2006
20 out of 24 found this review helpful
As everyone has already said in their reviews, David Tennant does indeed step in Christopher Ecclestones considerably talented shoes with ease. He graces his Doctor with the same amount of energy and charisma as the previous Doctor, but also manages to imbue him with a more natural and engaging warmth.
The second series may lack some of the excitement and 'new-ness' of the first, but thanks largely to it's great cast it manages to steer ahead strongly, driven by broader plots and leading to a darker end.
But, for me, it's Rose who is the real star of both. Billie Piper, ex-teen singing pop sensation, just bristles Rose to real life. I can see this every girl on any street in London or Cardiff, full of ideas, energy, wit, fear, strength, joy..... just watching her play off the Doctors' eccentricities is a reminder to how we would all like to behave if ever confronted with a Time Lord!
The last two episodes are up with the best, and unlike a previous reviewer, I disagree with the final episode being a let down. My judgement? No thirty four year old man should ever cry in front of his misses and kids because of a TV show, but the fact that I did is all the proof I need!
FANTASTIC December 11, 2006
14 out of 22 found this review helpful
David Tennant is brilliant as the Doctor. Taking over for Christopher Eccleston was no easy task but Tennant has lived up to the task and in many ways surpassed Eccleston. Tennant is a lot like the Doctor of old. Very eccentric, child like and full of enthusiam and charm. Tennant was the original pick to be the Doctor but contracted to another show Christopher Eccleston filled the Doctors shoes till Tennant was released. And again back is Rose. The Doctor and Rose have such incredible chemistry together. They compliment each other on many levels. Sarah Jane returns with K-9 in this season. She picks up right where she left off in a very touching and thrilling episode. No wonder she is the Fans favorite companion. She fits right in along with Rose and the Doctor. This episode sheds light on the doctor and his feelings for his companions. It shows how special Sarah is to the Doctor and also shows the tradgegy and pain being an immortal time lord can be. A great episode. Also back are the evil Cybermen. We see there creation in an alternate universe and what a thrilling episode. The Daleks also return in a battle of baddies. But what makeS this second season so incredible is Rose and the Doctor. And how gut wrenching and terrible a loss for the Doctor when she is sent into an alternate universe and the Doctor is unable to get her back. Not a dry eye can be had at there emotional fairwell. Leaving the Doctor again alone in the universe. This second season like the first concentrates on the loneliness of the doctor and the tradgedies he faces and through all the devestation and loss he still goes on . The tradgic hero. Tennant as the Doctor brings all the emotion and strength of this hero to life and is an adventure not to be missed.
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