Doctor Who - The Complete Third Series

Genre : DVD ( DVD )
Release : 2007/11/06
Price : $67.49

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Doctor Who fans concerned that the departure of popular companion Rose (Billie Piper) at the end of the second season might spell an end to the venerable UK science fiction series' revival were soon reassured by the program's third series, which is compiled in its entirety in this six-disc set. Not only did Freema Agyeman (as Earth doctor Martha Jones) prove to be more than a worthwhile replacement for Rose, but the quality of the series' 14 episodes maintained--and in many cases surpassed--the blend of wit, excitement and drama brought by head writer Russell T. Jones when he revived the program in 2003. Highlights from the third series include the Christmas special "The Runaway Bride" (starring comedian Catherine Tate as a temporary companion to the Doctor as he mourns the loss of Rose), "Gridlock" (the Face of Boe summons the Doctor and Martha to a future New York City to stop an invasion by his old enemy the Macra), "Human Nature" and "The Family of Blood" (a two-part serial in which the Doctor changes his biological form to escape the clutches of an alien brood who seek his immortality), and the three-part "Utopia," "The Sound of Drums" and "The Last of the Time Lords," which not only revives the Doctor's greatest adversary, The Master (played by Derek Jacobi in "Utopia" and John Simm in "Drums" and "Time Lords") but also revives Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) and introduces his new position with the Torchwood team. Supplemental features are included on each of the six discs in the set; chief among them are commentary by Jones, Tennant, Agyeman, producer Phil Collinson, and members of the writing and production team (in various permutations) on each of the 14 episodes. The Doctor Who Confidential series, which aired on BBC Three and offered behind-the-scenes looks at elements from each episode, is included in its 15-minute "cut down" version (as well as an hour-long episode that covered a live performance of music from the show by the National Orchestra of Wales and hosted by Tennant), as are several video diaries shot by Tennant, who proves as engaging behind the camera as he is on the show. A smattering of deleted scenes, outtakes (mostly featuring Tennant reacting good-naturedly to his own blown lines), BBC promos for all 13 episodes (including the amusing "Vote Saxon" spot, which offers Sharon Osbourne and UK pop stars McFly throwing their support behind the Master's disguise as a human MP in the series' final two episodes), and trailers for other BBC series like Jekyll, Torchwood, and MI-5, round out this terrific set. -- Paul Gaita

It seems odd to think along this line, but in the third chapter of Russell T. Davies' four part reboot of The Doctor, Davies NEEDED Billie Piper's Rose Tyler to disappear. Rose had become such an integral part of the first two seasons that she had to disappear if only to allow David Tennant the center stage that The Doctor should have had to begin with. This isn't to say that the stunning Freema Agyeman as Martha Jones is secondary to Tennant through this set--far from it, if anything. But it's the third season--Tennant's second as our favorite TimeLord--where he begins to define the parameters on his take of The Doctor, and elevate himself into the Tom Baker-level. Tennant's Ten is his usual speak-at-the-speed-of-thought, cheeky and charming Doctor, but also shows a darker edge in the two-part stories--the "Daleks in Manhattan/Evolution of The Daleks" storyline and the "Human Nature/The Family of Blood" tale. Tennant starts to give a weight to the role...that many didn't see coming.
It would be remiss to not mention the episode that kicks off this set--"The Runaway Bride"--because of Catherine Tate's introduction as the brassy Donna Noble. Tate's comedic skills come into play in the episode, and Donna--who as we know, has some part of a future with The Doctor--for all of her abrasive nature, seems to have a good feel for the nature of The Doctor.
Agyeman's Martha Jones really has a whirlwind time with The Doctor--with most of their adventures really falling over about a four-day period (Such is the nature of time in this series). Yes, she falls harder for The Doctor than expected; and this has been a sore point with some reviewers...but I don't see this as any different than Rose or Sarah Jane among the companions.
There really isn't a bad episode among the bunch--the aforementioned two-parters, the magnificent "Blink", the three parter at the end of the season--"Utopia/The Sound Of Drums/The Last Of The Time Lords", in which John Barrowman's Jack Harkness comes back into working with The Doctor against The Doctor's old enemy The Master--played with a lot of snarl by Derek Jacobi and John Simm--becomes Britain's Prime Minister (and eventual Master...of The World...).
Again, the sparking point in watching this season is watching Tennant--much of his own personality starts to shine through and adapt itself to The Doctor, and it seems that the character adapts to him as well. It point up to why, as we're into 2010 and Matt Smith takes over for Tennant, David will be missed at times in this role, and the role might miss him as well. A highly recommended set.

I ordered Doctor Who - The Complete Third Series from Amazon.com on January 3, 2010. It came quickly and I was toatlly satisfied with the product. I would highly recommend this video. I will purchase products from this seller in the future and would recommend them to everyone.

I bought series 1,3, and 4 before Christmas 2009 for $41.99 each from Amazon. Now I see it's going for $65 a piece. What's going on??? I love this show, maybe it's worth $62, but come on guys, give us a break. Don't take advantage of the situation by increasing the price, you might loose some fans out there who are not willing to fork out that much dough!

this was a great price and it got here really fast. rewatching the third season was great. i think i got alot more out of it this time arownd then i did watching them on tv.

I am so impressed with the Dr. Who series. It is great family fun. There is enough action to keep children and teens interested, as well as some creepy bits, and plenty of thoughtful issues to chew on as well. The actors in each of the series are fantastic, as is the story writing, directing, special effects, props,I could go on like this for some time. Watch it, this is TV at its best.