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Revelation of the Daleks
Review: Daleks, Davros and daft DJs on DVD.
Whilst the Daleks plot death, destruction and desecration on the funeral planet of Necros, the Sixth Doctor is having a quiet day.
Apart from a spot of all-in mutant wrestling early on, there's little for poor Colin Baker to do apart from climb over a wall and get crushed by a polystyrene statue.
Perhaps it's because of the Doctor's minimal involvement that Revelation of the Daleks is so good. It has an abundance of three-dimensional characters - deliciously bitchy ones at that - who are given the chance to live, love, and take several leaves out of the Soylent Green Recipe Book.
Loosely based upon Evelyn Waugh's novel The Loved One, this particular slice of fun at the funeral parlour mixes writer Eric Saward's trademark "kill them all" plotting, with an homage to his Who idol, the late great Robert Holmes. Comedy double acts abound, from industrialists Kara and Vogel, noble assassins Orcini and Bostock, to security chiefs/flower arrangers Takis and Lilt.
Fresh from his triumphant despatch of Peter Davison in The Caves of Androzani, director Graeme Harper once again makes a blockbuster on a shoestring. There are proper camera angles, moody lighting and impressive special effects. No, really.
No wonder Harper is the first classic Who director to be invited back by Russell T. Davies for the new series.
As usual, the DVD is packed with extras. The main feature reunites many of the cast and crew, who talk of freezing weather, false legs and overacting Daleks.
Elsewhere, Saward reveals that the peculiar cliff-hanger came about only because producer John Nathan-Turner wanted a statue of the Doctor built, possibly to take to conventions.
Fifteen minutes of studio footage 'highlights' show various things being blown up by men in unfashionable knitwear. It's a bit like Doctor Who Confidential on valium, but a delight nonetheless.
Add in three deleted scenes and an amusing Easter Egg, and you've got a classy tribute to possible the finest story in the Sixth Doctor's brief run.
Send us your comment now. We'll publish the best on this page.
OLY P from chelsealand
four words: best dalek story ever
JWW
the glass dalek was really disturbin
Ben
One problem - the Dalek voices. They could have done with some upgrades. Apart from that, a dark and cunning adventure.
Mike
I thought this was one of the best Doctor Who storylines ever made. Everytime i watch it, it grips me into it. If you love daleks, buy it today as it has to be one of the best, if not, the best doctor who story ever.
Daniel Hughes
Revelation of the Daleks is without a doubt my favourite Doctor Who story from the eighties. Great casting, great characters, great script, great DVD, great extras.
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