Doctor Who - Series 4 Vol.3 Reviews

My least favourite stories of the series

Despite some impressive CGI of the Library and the Midnight planet, you get the impression that the budget is being saved on these episodes, perhaps to keep money for the finale. I found the library stories unsatisfying with too many unexplained bits and plot holes, and the final episode on the disk was focussed on the angst and breakdown of the veneer of 'civilised' values of people in crisis and facing possible unpleasant death, and frankly I couldn't give a toss!

[Highly rated reviewer]

At last, the series delievers!

Hurray! Just when we were all beginning to think that this series wasn't up to much, the authors come up with 3 episodes containing all the suspense, plot twists and sheer nail-biting terror that Dr Who fans expect. Catherine Tate finally has a chance to show us what she is really made of in the gripping 2 parter 'The Library' and 'Forest of the Dead', whilst the other episode on this DVD 'Midnight', devoid of almost all special effects, relies on good old fashioned top acting, and a wacking good script to keep the audience behind thier sofas... Phew! The series is looking up - Dr Who fans can breathe a sigh of relief, and enjoy being deliciously terrified!!

[Highly rated reviewer]

ok

these episodes are ok but not the best, the library is a bit average and midnight is a bit unfilling but all in all i liked them even though they are not the best episodes but there is better to come.......

Midnight

The Library i really enjoyed, but Midnight is one of the best Dr Who episodes yet. It is tight, no special effects and completely different from any other Dr Who episode.

It is brought down to the skill of the actors, the script, the camera work and the sound perhaps reminiscent of 'Alien' in the style it scares you.

You see David Tennent bringing his acting skills right out and The Doctor finds himself alone and scared and having to think very fast. Some of the technical accomplishments may have been missed by the public, but if you appreciate a TV programme being brought down to it's nuts and bolts and see what can be done with a group of actors in a confined space, a tight script and a smart camera and sound crew you will love it... and probably find it scary and freaky.

I love the Library

I know there's a bit of Matrix like derivativeness here, but these two episodes about the Library are my very favourites from series 2 - 4 - the sheer pleasure of so many neat devices, one piled on top of another was really great. (Also, I'm keen to spend the afterlife locked in an infinite library - God, please note.) Some people have pointed to the relatively simple props - but I'm just pleased that sheer good storytelling can leave me scared to death by a stack of books, some mood lighting and some unfortunate archeologists in spacesuits.

excellent

Doctor who at its best series 4 started slow then builds up

Ever Brilliant.

Whilst Catherine Tate will never be my best companion, the story lines are still brilliant.

* * * This review contains spoilers * * *ShowHide

Three great episodes!

The Silence in the Library and Forest of the Dead episodes are brilliant. Steven Moffat keeps up his top form on creating a clever, witty and just brilliant television. Midnight offers up the scary episode of the series and does it very well.

The two parter Silence in the Library and Forest of the Dead, bring about the question I have always wondered regarding The Doctor. What would happen if he met someone from his relative future, he didn't know anything about them, but they knew everything about him. Which is what we get in Professor River Song. She is someone who knows everything about The Doctor and yet he has no idea who she is. It is brilliantly acted by both David Tennant and Alex Kingston. This episode has some very intelligent writing, and I've watched it a few times and every time uncover a new layer of brilliance.

Midnight is what you could describe as a Psychological horror episode, you never ever see the enemy, and the scary elements all come from the brilliant acting and writing of all involved. Passengers in the shuttle get claustrophobic at the sight of what the enemy is doing and set about trying to throw people out of the shuttle to save themselves. Its a brilliant episode and well worth watching.