The Mark Of The Rani

Review: Triple Time Lord treat makes mark on DVD.

Historical stories with top-notch guest stars are all the rage on Doctor Who these days. So it's probably no surprise that The Mark Of The Rani has been dusted down for DVD release ahead of more typical slaughter-fests from its era.

In these days of truly cinematic stories, it's also one of the few tales from the show's past that comes close to competing with the current series' glossiness.

The Mark Of The Rani may favour rubber dinosaurs to CGI ones, but an extra film crew and the stunning setting of Blist's Hill museum make this a lavish treat. It's a shame that director Sarah Hellings doesn't pop up on the DVD to explain how she did such a good job though.

The story, from the never knowingly under-plotted Pip and Jane Baker, introduces renegade Time Lord and leather-clad lovely the Rani. Played not unlike Alexis Colby In Space by the marvellous Kate O'Mara, she's on a quest to extract a chemical that induces sleep from unsuspecting mine workers, leaving them in a similar state as revellers at an all-you-can-drink Red Bull party.

Making the whole escapade needlessly over-complicated is the Master, out to kill the Doctor, generally pervert the course of history and stand in a field scaring crows for dramatic effect.

As with all the classic series DVD releases, the extras are a mine of information, even if there are frequent anecdote overlaps between the main documentary and the commentary track. Informative though it all was, I'd really heard quite enough about dog poo by the end of it all.

Like their performances in the story itself, Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant have a ball with the commentary, even if it's sometimes at the expense of a dissapointingly subdued Kate O'Mara.

Now that he's no longer with us, all three choose to explore the enigma that is Anthony Ainley at great length. The actor apparently felt sidelined by Kate's star turn as the Rani but, fabulous though Kate O'Mara is, Ant certainly makes an equal, er, mark on the story.

Other treats include an informative Blue Peter feature on the history of Blist's Hill, presented by former companion Peter Purves, a PDF of the 1985 annual, and the alternative score for episode one.

This was sadly never completed or used due to the untimely death of composer John Lewis. It's oddly (and perhaps unsuitably) folky for a Who soundtrack, but its inclusion is welcome nonetheless.

With more action, adventure and scenery chewing than a baby T-Rex let loose in Television Centre, The Mark Of The Rani is another excellent addition to the Doctor Who range. And not just "that story with the silly pantomime tree in it."

Watch a confrontation between the Doctor, the Master and the Rani.

Watch a clip with commentary from The Mark Of The Rani.

Watch a clip from the Mark Of The Rani documentary.

Send us your comment now. We'll publish the best on this page.

Kt G
I love this story!! One of Colin Baker's best. I liked that one of the villains was a woman. It is really enjoyable to watch. Always cheers me up. I love how the Master and the Rani are always nagging at each other, in a way it reflects the Doctor's relationship with Peri. Please bring out more Colin Baker DVD's they are all Great!!!!!!!!

Philip
I'm a fan of Doctor Who,my favorite doctor is Jon Pertwee. But I still like Colin Baker,I don't see why other people don't i know he moaned sometimes, but i don't think he moaned that much.And anyway it would of been a very hard part to play as the last three doctors were such a success. I think Colin Baker made a good doctor.I'd like Trial of a timelord to come out on dvd. Also i wish all the pertwee story's would come out on dvd especially Terror of the autons and The Daemons.I like all the doctors and all the story's. There's nothing i enjoy more than sitting down to watch a Dr Who.

Fan 63-89
This is Colins 2nd best story. Nicola Bryant was a good companion and, however bad some of his stories were, Colin was a good Doctor. Good on the BBC for releasing a wide range of stuff.

Niki
The Rani's great.i Love her TARDIS , how cute is it ?

Ronald Alan Mallett
Lets start with the above promo... slaughter-fests: offensive. Watch most of Tom Baker's or Peter Davison's era for more extreme examples of "soft" violence. one of the few tales from the show's past that comes close to competing with the current series' glossiness: That just about says it all. Gloss over content. The old series was about quality and content. Sol the dinosaurs were rubber... you are missing the point. never knowingly under-plotted Pip and Jane Baker: who is writing this guff? another excellent addition to the Doctor Who range. And not just "that story with the silly pantomime tree in it.": The only sentiment that I agree with. Son't worry I know this won't make it onto the page. After all you at the BBC are gods, how dare we little people (the fans) criticise you.

adam p
really, in the end, it doesn't matter how good or bad an actor is perceived to be as the doctor. there is always something in every story; sometimes it only lasts a single split second , but there's always an IDEA expressed that adds something to your understanding of the world about you. every doctor shows another facet of our humanity in this way. the strength of the character is that of hamlet, and likewise in that role many great and terrible actors have given their own reading and contributed to our understanding of ourselves. all being said, i'd rather have bad who than no who. my only complaint is - how long til we have them ALL on DVD...?

Arrun
What a great story this should have been released ages ago good old bbc though! Kate O Mara is also v good!

Cameron Skirving
I don't mind this story it's nicely shot with a superb location and the actors do well but other stories should come before this one, namely "Masque of Mandragora," "Deadly assassin" and "Silurians"

renagade time lord
being a time lord myself i think this is a good story and i cant wait for trial of a time lord to come or i could just go in my tardis to the day it gets realeased then go back to when its not out and i would be the only with it before it actually comes out

Elliot
cool!!!

James
One of the first episeodes I ever saw as a kid, fuelling my interest in the series. Hell, I'm over 30 now now - What have I done with my life?! Anyway, Colin Baker was probably the best "actor" of all of the first seven doctors: enigmatic, alien and brilliant like a good doctor should be. Shame the BBC had no faith in the series then...

Captain Jazzmag
probably the worst story i can remember. boring story, woeful script, phoned in performces. what a waste of a good outdoor set.

Phil Allely
Not a classic, but it does the job and entertains, Colin Baker was an underated Doctor, he deseved better stories.

Phillip Nicholls
3 Timelords with The Rani, the Master and The Doctor all in the 1 story! How could you go wrong!!Plus a great story of miners being kept awake by the Rani in her thrilling debut aided by the Master. And the Doctor and Peri as always to stop them. No CGI Dinosaurs either as rubber ones look fine, though this could have been a extra feature. Some great extras as always thanks to the Bbc!

PA Matt
Everything between Caves of Androzani and The End of the World was embarassingly unwatchable (Come on, "Rose" was silly and you know it) Colin's problem was the series looked like nobody cared anymore, just slap together something, tape it, air it and hope nobody notices it's a mess. Only Vengeance on Varos wasn't a numbing disaster.

Bob
I think this is probably one of the better episodes from his era as it includes one of the Doctor's best enemy's but it can never beat the Cybermen and the Daleks as they are the better enemy

boi
absolutely perfect anyone who says colin baker is a terrible doctor dont no wot there talking about he's great

Paul
I love the clasics as well as the new stuff. I however really never took well to Colin Baker I thought he was rubbish. I am sure if the BBC had a TARDIS and could go back they never would have had him as the doctor.

phillip
thanks for this great story, have some really good memories of this story as it was more outside, eeary story with 3 timelords, Ranis debut aided by the master and Colins Bakers doctor in superb form as ever with his companion Peri, played by Nicola Bryant by his side. Plus some great extras so thankyou BBC for the Mark of the Rani DVD!

Ricky
Wordy wordy Pip and Jane Baker. Dont they look weird on the special features? Not fussed either way about this release, I'm biding my time until The Invasion hits my shelf!

Psymoon
The Doctor you are whatching at the time is the best! Colin is no exception! And the Good fake Master, i need not say more! Keep those dvd's comin, Sea Devils or Frontier In Space next please!

Andy
This is a good story from the Colin Baker era, his stories started getting darker towards the end, this been one. I loved this period, just before it got completely stupid with McCoy & Langford's pantomime. This story is certainly a lot better than Tom Baker's era between 1977-79 before his final season.

Dalek126
I love this DVD. Also I think KATE O'MARA is wonderful in this. I like the storyline.

Jerry
The first time this Doctor and Peri really come across as a team, THE MARK OF THE RANI proved Colin was the Doctor after all. Guys in tree suits are silly, sure, but the moment has a certain power to it. No begruding Anthony Ainley the work, obviously, but it should have been new Doctor, new Master...

Roger
The BBC should have never suspended Doctor Who after Revelation. I really liked the Rani story. I remember watching it for the first time when I was 15. The cliffhanger of the Doctor about to fall down a mineshaft was thrilling. Far better than the stupid cliffhangers of the McCoy era - e.g. the candy man confronting the Doctor.

Jonathan Hindley
Great stuff!! I loved Colin Baker as the doctor and just wish he could have had a longer tenure. Can't wait for the Invasion in november. Superb. Keep the releases coming 2entertain.

Josh S
Im affraid that this story is without doubt, the worst story I have ever seen. Colin Baker is a brilliant Doctor and its a shame to bring out one of his worst. Please can you bring out a better story, such as "Attack of the Cybermen" I think we could use another cyberman story. I don't think you have impressed me this time.

Mike B
Without doubt the worst story in the history of Doctor Who. Pip and Jane Baker win the most appalling writer awards hands down. Congratulations on releasing this turgid nonsense.

Shane
I grew up as Colin Baker as 'my' Doctor and I'm really annoyed at 'fans' who constantly criticise this era in the show's history. For some of us, this era epitomised Doctor Who and Colin's passion for the role is always evident. Mark of the Rani isn't one of my favourite stories but it's definately one of the best 6th Doctor serials.

craig
yes more colin baker he is the best

Johnny
I know everyone is entitled to have an opinion but please remember it doesnt matter how bad a story or doctor is it is still DOCTOR WHO. Things can't be 100% brilliant all the time, like alot of Star Wars fans I find Doctor Who fans to be far too critical and ungrateful. Colin was a good Doctor, all the actors who have played the Timelord have done a fantastic job bringing alot of charismatic individuality from the previous. ENJOY. I know I will.

John Davies
I loved Colin back then, love him still now. Hearing his comments on this story make the DVD for me. CGI, Colin? Not needed. Imagination was, is, all that's required with Doctor Who.

Borax Flippers
I agree with my peers who support Colin Baker as an Under appreciated Doctor. I didn't appreciate him at the time but on reflection He suffered from the cancellation, he was just finding his feet. Revelation of the Daleks was as good a performance as many Doctors have put in and The Mark of the Rani is also an ace performance by Baker & Bryant. I am especially interested in the location too as I have just visited Blists Hill (Fab Place).

Matteus
I think I'm the only one who really really likes the Colin Baker stories, he is definately one of my favourite Doctors. The Rani and the Master are fantastic in this, and I will certainly buy it.

Phillip
I love the Rani in her first appearance, its great to see a bad Timelady for a change, with the Master in tow, some of the lines are priceless. An great story where a mining town folk must be saved by the Doctor and Peri. Great extras too, thanks Bbc for this Dvd!

John
So......let me get this right.....a moving tree is naff......but a mickey eating wheelie bin is cool!?!?!?! Come on people!! For what it's worth I love the episode. Mind you I did used to work at Blists Hill, so probably loved watching people walking into the candle factory in an exterior shot, only to find them in the estate office in the interior one!! ROFL!

David T
Colin Baker's first season was the first I watched as originally broadcast, and I'm still a fan, so it can't have been that bad. This certainly isn't the worst story (Mindwarp) but there are better ones that deserve to be higher up the release schedule (The War Games, Terror of the Zygons, The Masque of Mandragora, The Sea Devils etc). I suppose there is some sense in releasing a balance of good and not so good stories. If they release all the good ones first, we'll only be left with the not so good ones for about five years!

Tut Tut Hartnell
Splendid fare, if you take it in the spirit of a marvellous pantomime romp. The good Doctor and his buxom wench lock holds with Satan and Madam Frankenstein, with the Industrial Revolution thrown in as a backdrop. Preferable to watching a box of ego-tripping turnips locked in a dolls house. Colin sparkles, while Kate is sublime in black leather and kinky boots. As for the masterful Anthony Ainley, well: "Look into my eyes Luke, look into my eyes...right, yer done!"

The Man From Oz
Haven't some of the older fans ever grown up? Yes Colins stories were not quite as good as some of the Hinchcliffe stuff. Yes the series seemed a little tired at the time. But for it's era Mark is a classic and Colin did the best with ALL of the stories he was given. Stop the childish Colin bashing & enjoy what is a beautifully filmed & interesting story.

John A Collins
This is a great DVD package. Colin's canine story alone makes it worth buying - hilarious! The amount of location filming makes it exceptional plus the Rani and her Tardis outshine the Master. More Colin Baker commentaries, please!

Silver
hehe, I dont nornally like Colin Baker stories but this one is great, the Master and the Rani the chemistry is great to watch!

I am the Gardener!
this will be interesting never seen this episode but i will give it a try when it comes to the US. Need more Jon Pertwee and Peter Davison episodes!

JB
Oh dear. A prime example of why Doctor Who was taken off our screens for so long. I'm blatantly still going to buy it and watch it though. But rest assured - i won't enjoy it one little bit and will probably feel a little bit empty inside. Come on BBC - release Frontios - you know you want to!

Andrew Knight
A pity they never made the sequel: "The Two Ranis". I've always loved this one. Of course, I bound to bias living just a mile down the road from where they filmed it!

Alex Scriven
Lets get Trial of a Timelord out next!! xD

WHO ......EVER
Fantastic Release - Give us more. You are still not releasing these DVDs quick enough. It will take another 15 years at this rate. Please PLease Please tell us when the Classic series will be back on TV

Ian
I actually liked Colin Baker as the doctor he wasnt the best but i liked him, im looking forward to seeing another doctor who on dvd, full off timelords, just how T.V should be!

Andrew
I remember this as being pretty good, by the standard of late Eighties Who. Whatever your opinion of him, Colin Baker gave his all as The Doctor, and deserves his share of stories on DVD.

naughty old roger
Im no great fan of colin but this is a decent story to fetch out but why are other classics being ignored over this.

Stewart
am really looking forward to this release, as Colin Baker is my second favourite doctor more please how about cybermen

Jambo
Not the best Who story ever - but not the worst either. In any case sometimes it's nice to watch the rubbish ones - makes you appreciate the classics better!!!! Hey at least it's not Timelash!!!

Sampson
Looking forward to Doctor Who - The Mark Of The Rani DVD, my favorite Sixth Doctor story, so very underrated

master
im only 10 and have not seen the rani before. my granparents hav told me enof tho! cant w8

Adam
Nice to see three cuts of prime ham on the cover. Come on, get the proper Dr Who stuff out from better times

Mark D
One of Colin Bakers better stories. Kate Omara as the rani is very good.

Sheridanz sox
I, like many others will buy this along with all the others as they are realeased as they are a quality buy, especially for the production notes and extras. However, please keep Colin Bakers all saved up till last - the man was a muppet. Can't even remember the episodes as I have tried to blank his sorry performances from my memory......

Anthony
No, go for it, why not? Colin always puts in a stunning and utterly convincing performance, no matter what he gets given, Kate O'Mara's fantastic and, which no one else has mentioned, the direction in this story is simply amazing. Just watch the opening shot and marvel at what Sarah Hellings did on the available budget. OK, the script could be tighter and the infamous tree scene does raise a smile, but it seems a shame to criticise so harshly when everyone was clearly working so damn hard to make it as good as it could possibly be. Please don't forget that, when fans asked the BBC to stop doing things in 1989, they did - they stopped making the show.

David Vale
I'm no fan of the Colin Baker era (not because of Colin, he is a thoroughly nice chap but the production seemed to be dying a death!) this story however, is on of the highlights. Why are people so happy that Peri is covered up. Nicola Bryant's cleavage was the other highlight of the Baker era, it did up-stage Peter Davison's regeneration scene after all! Do give it it's due!!!

Ugavine
Mark of the Rani being released on DVD is great news. I love this story. Colin, Kate & Anthony play off one another beautifully. Well acted and directed, and historicals have always been the stalwart of Doctor Who.

Keiran The Great
I really enjoyed the Target book and if the actual episode is as good I will be as pleased as a monkey in a banana store.

Budgie
Why does everybody hate baker, at least he was better than that bumbling fool McCoy, take look at his stories (Battlefield etc), I cant to see this...by the way what was the Davison story that this replaced?

Jack
brilliant, people always say Colin Baker was the worst doctor, how wrong I think they are. More Tom Bakers and Jon Pertwees and Patrick troughtons up next.

Wilf
I think a few people must be confusing this with the atrocious "Time And The Rani". This is one of the better Colin stories; it's beautifully directed and (mostly) well-acted (O'Mara is superb in this, and her character has had a lot of thought put into it, unlike the Rani's subsequent appearances), and it's the first story in which Colin's Doctor is likeable and, well, Doctor-ish. The bit with the dinosaur is a wonderful touch, and was thrilling on first transmission. Shame it was never picked up on in a subsequent story. After Revelation Of The Daleks, this is easily the highlight of an otherwise miserable 22nd Season. There's only three real problems with TMOTR: the plot's pretty weak (The Master shouldn't have been in it); the dialogue is dreadful in places; and... oh, come on, you know the bit I'm going to mention. Let's just say this: if you're watching it for the first time, go and make a cup of tea when Luke ventures into Redfern Dell. "The tree won't harm you!!!!"

Tom
I do think it's unfair to wrongly put down people in general; not remembering that as said above about the problems that went on in the 80s. For those who are upset about silly things like a man turning into a tree...I betcha those are the people who didn't laugh at the magic tractor joke...

Marc Taylor
Fantastic story, I can't wait to see it on DVD. Shame this news item seems to take the mick rather...

Jason
There was a 6th Doctor?!?!

Ian McFarlane
Ugh! Seven words sum up this release - "Coming To A Bargain Bin Near You"! Awful.

Dave
A useful historical release that will serve to demonstrate to the new younger viewers why Doctor Who actually did get cancelled all those years ago. Terrible, though not quite as bad as the Twin Dilemma.

Aidan
Colin Baker has some great moments in this episode (I think the part where he's being carried on a pole and his captors are turned into trees and he's left hanging there is one of his funnier turns) and I think the Rani's TARDIS looks really cool. And Anthony Ainley is supreme as the Master (as usual). I have grown quite fond of Doctor no 6 despite what some may say. I think (despite some shoddy writing) I look forward to "Trial of a Timelord" coming to DVD.

Danny Morris
Like all Doctor Who DVD's I can't wait for it's release. I know Collin Baker was not a very popular doctor. Be it as it may I thought the story was interesting and I mean come one. Three time lords are better than one any day of the week. Of course I love Time and the Rani a lot more. I hope they bring her back eventually in the new stories as well as the master. Holding my breath. :-) Cheers!

Lord Mattaious
I have always been of opinion that the Master & the Rani's Dark & Rocky Romance was never properly explotied by the BBC writers. May Russel T. Davis see fit raise them both from the ashes! They are the "Borris & Natasha" of the Time Lords, the shining star power couple of Evil, & Gallifery is no long there to enterfear in there destiny together!

Dose of Reality
Forget it. The last ever episode of Doctor Who was Logopolis. Period. Deal with it.

andrew h
One of Colins best - the Master has some great lines -'Hold hard you imbeciles!' Classic - cant wait!

Raven s.worth
what's not to like about 'mark'?good story, wonderful cast,looks divine. and the scenes involving the master and tne rani and exquisite.one of the best c.baker stories of all time.Let's have trial next!!!!

Some-Angry-Guy
You know what? i cant actually remember what happens, more the reason to check it out...

Ian K McLachlan
What I find interesting is the large number of Doctor Who stories set in the past but with a SF theme have made it onto DVD. I am pleased about this because I particularly like these kind of stories.

Peter Wilcock
SUPERB story!! Kate O`Mara is sensational as the Rani! Can`t wait for this DVD! Lovely cover too.

gravox
It sucked. I'll definitely buy this one. Not one to miss.

Gavin Bollard
Can't wait to hear the commentary on this one! Funny - I'm sure.

Rhys
GREAT storyline, Pip and Jane Baker come up trumps with this story but it is still not the best script they came up with, that honour goes to Terror of the Vervoids. Colin Baker is severly underrated in Doctor Who fandom, as is Sylvester McCoy. I can't wait until Sontaran Experiment comes out in October, i want to see how they are going to handle these vanilla releases.

R.J. MacReady
I don't know what people are moaning about, typical unjust bias against the Colin Baker era I guess. This is a brilliant story, one of the best of that period. With a spooky atmosphere, excellent performances, especially from O'Mara and it’s just an all-round classic adventure. Special features sound cool too. I am looking forward to this one immensely. And what is with the hate against Kate O' Mara? Shouldn't the official site be biggin' up these classic DVD releases and not taking the piss outta' them!?! Save those kind of lousy comments for fan forums please!

Theta Sigma
A classic Colin Baker tale. I loved the relationship between the Master and the Rani. And the Rani's TARDIS has to be the best non-Doctor TARDIS set I've seen them do. (The spinning concentric circles on the Time rotor. Awesome!) All around a fun romp. Ok the moving tree was a bit ridiculous, but I'm willing to forgive it. :o)

Jonjo
This is a great episode, i enjoyed watching it on TV so i might get it to watch it again.

Adam Shone
Doctor Who Episodes are always exiting but this one is so great Doctor who fans will have to get it

James Who
"Mark-of-the-Rani-mite" you either love it or you hate it. (I love it)

Tarquin
I hated this at the time, and I've never liked Kate O'Mara. I did think the Rani's TARDIS was cool when I was ten, though. But I'm really looking forward to seeing this again!

Martin Duff, Cornwall
One of the best Colin Baker stories there was. CB was one of the best Doctors too! Great choice. More mid 80's when you've a moment please BBC...

scott vance
a perfect example of the diversity of classic WHO. Having read some of the comments on here already I wonder why some idiots bother to watch the show at all. Perhaps the old adage is true afterall - you're not a real "fan" of the show unless you've got something to bitch about!!! Anyway, Rani has a good strong cast, great story from Pip and Jane, locations to die for, Colin at his absolute best, all in all a very long overdue release. For those of you slagging it off, be grateful it's not Nightmare of Eden or Underworld!!! For God's sake people - you know who you are - get a life.

Charlie Keeble
A Terrific Triple Time Lord Tale! My actor friends are going to be pleased when they see this in my collection. Co-incidently They've got close ties with Kate O Mara.

Simon
Isn't Peri's outfit mind meltingly hideous in this one?Great scenes with the Master and the Rani, but Col is as annoyingly glib and flip as ever.Good story,shame about the yellow bri-nylon blouse with puffball sleeves.

Typeforte
Outrageous 'tree sequence' aside, it's a lovely bit of spangly 1980s fluff. Enjoy it for what it is, allow it to entertain you on it's own terms and you'll have a great time! (Ever was it thus! '63-'06).

Rob O'Phobia
Watch it with an open mind and, as the Doctor says in part 2 "perhaps you'll believe there are more things in heaven and Earth then dreamed of in your barren philosophy". This is Pip'n'Jane's best and not nearly as bad as its reputation suggests. Look out for the classy shot through the dew-laden spider's web in part 2 ("Won't you come into my parlour...") Nice one, Sarah Hellings.

jason
i personally love this story kate o mara is stunning in it great actress with colin bakers dr, it puts anthony aimleys performance to shame....great cover too

EXTERMINATE
colin baker was ok so this dvd should be fine

Booker
Colin was underated. He had an enthusiasm for the part but got shafted by higher-ups at the beeb. Hope the DVD does well.

Ray
Ok, so Colin Baker wasn't the finest Doctor we've known and some of his stories may have been a bit off-beat, thin and dubious. However, this story is immensly better than any of the first two series of the McCoy era. As stories go it's not that bad actually.. even the other Baker had worse! I'd only be happier if it was his attack of the Cybermen or Trial of a Timelord story!

Cyberscanner
Yes! Another story with the Master made even sweeter with the beautiful but deadly Kate O'Mara. I'm not going to hesitiate to buy this!

Ian
I always loved this episode, only grumble is of course those rubber trees. The Rani is a superb villianess and what a fab Tardis!! And I love the Music in this especialy the part where the Dr is strapped to the cart going down hill.

CJ
Finally some more Colin Baker. Love him or hate him we still want all his stories released (now if they could just learn to release in a season format ... sigh). For what he was presented with script wise this is one of Colin's stronger stories and performances ... and who can't help but love Ms O'Mara. One of my fave stories of the Colin Baker era

Toby Durkin
Well said Gaz, loads of people lay into Colin Baker, but it wasn't his fault he was mucked about as much as he was! He's a damn fine actor and the story in question is one of the best from his time as the doctor!

Triangle Sunbather
"Leave the girl, its the man I want" - fabulous!

Jason
For those who wondered how the master survived from Sarn, I think it mentioned how in the book of "Rani". He said something like there was just enough nuismaton gas left that he was able to get restored back to normal.Glad to see all you youngsters taking an interest in the classic series. I have all the tv stories and the missing episodes on audio, and I enjoy nearly all of them.

Andrew
Not a massive C Baker fan but this is a good WHO story, buy it!

gregson
Historically informative and stars the Rani... what exactly is there to complain about. superb romp.

David Maclennan
I think this is the wost episode from the colin baker era

Scott Fraser
I wish people would stop complaining about Colin Baker, he's a very interesting Doctor. I think the 'lets bash Baker' debate was pathetic 20 years ago and is now positively boring. All anyone has to do is just listen to any of his Big Finish audio releases to realise how brilliant he is. This is probably how he would have been on TV had he been allowed to play the part the way he wanted to without the restrictions imposed upon him by a certain producer. As for the story, well it's not the best but I will enjoy it nevertheless thanks to Colin's sincere performance.

dom
now offically one month before the world implodes. terrible, absolutly terrible.

Andrew Bidmead
The ultimate clash of mighty Time-Lord egos. The plot becomes somewhat incidental to watching the Doctor, The Master and The Rani trading insults. Hilarious!

Thomas Lindsay
A watchable story with some great moments such as the Colin's analysis of the Rani's Tardis. Bring out 'Attack Of The Cybermen'!! and don't touch 'Time And The Rani'

The Valeyard
This was one of the first storys I saw as a child which actually fueled my Doctor Who interest. Antony does another great performance as the Master, and Colin is simply on fire, bar a few poor badly written lines. The character of the Rani I thought could have been so much more, but the story does create quite an interesting first glimps in its short span. My only true critisism is Peri, who seems to do nothing but wine, moan and scream, why not simply bring back Victoria back if you want someone to do nothing more than irrate the audiance.

Mage of Dreams
I take it that there's a lot of controversy over the sixth doctor but this story is great. Honstly.

Tim
The Master disguises himself as a scarecrow... for no apparent or explained reason. The new time lord villain (the Rani) is built up at the complete expense of the existing Time Lord villain (the Master) who is reduced to the role of a buffoon. Add to this a supposedly ferocious dog that seems rather sweet and friendly, and one of the worst, unintentionally funny effects (the tree) in the entire history of the series (not an easy feat), and you end up with one of the worst epi... Oh, who am I fooling? It is a lot of fun.

Marc Hocking
Colin Baker had the potential to be a fantastic Doctor. This story is not one of the best examples, but it is worth seeing simply for the Masters stunning line: "You can't mistake him, he's mean looking" when referring to the Doctor. I prefer the Trial of a Time Lord from the following year!!!

Steve Worman
I think this is a little jewel in Colin's otherwise unstable TV tenure as the Doctor. One of his better TV stories. The only thing that spoils it for me is the trees (watch it and you'll know what I mean!).

Jim McGovern
The Rani's TARDIS console is amazing!

rob.stickler
Great historical authenticity. Brilliant idea to turn people into trees if a little ambitious. Kate O'Mara is very good in this story. Makes you wonder which Colin Baker story will be next though, doesn't it...

jack j
kate o maras great portrayal of the rani is the reason to watch this! great eps.

Rory
well I hate Colin but i'll try this episode it could be great (if it won't i'll never buy a baker dvd again)

cyber dalek
Great story, highly underrated

Gaz
Typical. A Colin Baker story gets released on DVD and everyone complains. What is wrong with you people. He is a damn fine actor who did the very best that he could through all the unfortunate problems that were thrown at him during his tenure. Ok, a bad outfit, some average stories, a cancellation, then a recast. Personally I love this stroy. One of Colins better television adventures. Give the guy a chance. Try this DVD or some of his Big Finish audio stories to see what could have been....

Stewart James Barham
As with much of 80's who - this story looks great - good direction, wonderful OTT performances from the three Time Lords/Lady and I love Peri's dress! Makes a change to cover her up a bit! What typifies this with stories of it's era - not much plot at it's heart and yes just how did The Master escape from Sarn? Nostalgia - but nothing more....

Neil Greggor
This is so bad its actually really good. Just don;t think about it.

Daniel Billing
Well, it isn't the best, but certainly better than Timelash. Colin B's best was Revelation. Still, I'll be getting it. Love the cuddly tree scene.

Mark S
Simply dreadful

405 Line Peter
Brilliant - please kep the classic series releases coming, just get them out more often please. Ta everso.

Warren Andrews
It's an adventure where the Master knows there is no story so he keeps inventing mad schemes to pad it out. The extras make it worth buying - Colin Baker is always great on the commentaries. I'm looking forward to the alternative music on part 1.

John
I suppose the BBC are balancing out releasing classics like Genesis of the Daleks and City of Death with a couple of dodgy ones. But really, this one has to be one of the dogiest of them all!

Alex Bowie
I think this dvd is brilliant

Carl
A good effort in parts, the bit about the tree is a good example of why Doctor Who was ditched for 16 years.

chuffski-noo
Glorious! Magnificent location work, Kate O'Mara on fine form, Peri's boobs covered up, Kate O'Mara on fine form, the Master at his most bonkers, Kate O'Mara on fine form, the Rani's Tardis, some fetching miners, Kate O'Mara on fine form, some dodgy rubber monsters and trees, maggots, and Kate O'Mara. Bliss.

Lone-dalek
I love the mark of rani i found it most splendid indeed!

Dunckie
I don't care. I think this story is brilliant. Except for the tree. That was rubbish. Just shows you how a bad special effect can puncture your overall enjoyment of something.

Paul
This story is very good, the 'history' side of the story is a ruturn to the purpose of doctor who in the 60's as a history programme. Kate 'O' Mara is perfect at the rani although her stronger story was time and the rani. The story was novel for having 3 different timelords in it and at times it does seem a bit too much.

Sam
I really like this story, it is well written. The writers clearly knew what they were doing. Thank you BBC

Freddy
I haven't seen this for ages and I can't wait for this release! Nice to finally have Master on DVD

RTD FOREVER
I love the Rani's extreme makeover... One minute she's an old hag in rags then hey presto she's Kate O'Mara in a shiny suit. More Colin Baker on DVD please.

Scott
My favourite sixth doctor story. Cheers.

Cory
I think it's an enjoyable story. Drags in places, but the Master and the rani have a great relationship, and colin is on top form!

Andy Scott
Here we go then! This one's not so bad if you want to see three time lords squabling amongst themselves (hang on, is this a review of the Three Doctors?!!). Get the slow motion ready for the tree scene - you know which one!! "Hold hard, he says!"

Nicky
I so can't wait for this! I've seen people bash the story but I'm excited, I think it'll be good. Nice cover, too!

Maples
Wow. Why not just come out and say you hate Kate O'Mara? What purpose did that little immature rant serve? If that was an attempt at humor it failed miserably. Why put such negativity on the main web site? Shouldn't we be happy we have a new dvd of our favorite series being released? I think each dvd release should be a bit of a small celebration for the fans. We get another story with a clearer picture, sharper soundtrack and loads of extras. That said the Mark of the Rani is average at best. The infamous tree scene is unforgiveable. Yet despite all this stories downfalls Kate O'Mara is responsible for none of them.

Grant Griffiths
I love this story, the extra filming made available to this production really shines through. The Rani's tardis is a very classy design as well. Some aspects of script do creek a little as well some performances but as we are Dr Who fans we can ignore the short comings. Great choice for release, but when will we see The War Games on DVD?

Emma B
Wow!Thats great!Can't wait! Add to my collection!

Chris 'ordie' Hall
I'v never been able to disside weather this is a good episode with bad acting or a bad episode with good acting

The Fox
You seem to be slating O'Mara a bit, and the stories. Fair enough, "Time" was lousy, but "Mark" was good apart from the trees!

Mathew
I hate this story, it is so boring!

Dale Who
The story with the best line in Classic Who: "Peri! Stand stil! The tree won't harm you!" Can't wait!

David O MacGowan
Good cover! Really looking forward to seeing this again. Thank goodness BBC DVD is catering to fans of ALL eras of the show, even the much-maligned later 80s stories.

James Kell
Can't Wait a true classic three Time- Lords and a dinosaur! I just can't wait release more please!!!!!

Kevin Cooke
"A historical epic"?!?! It's "The Mark Of The Rani", not "Rome"!!! This is more hysterical than historical - and as for epic... it only seems that way because it's soooooooo dreadful! Bring on "Timelash" - At least it's funny!

Will Brooks
Wow, someone likes Kate, eh? Just be thankful its not Dimentions in time!

Chris Roberts
Get doon pit lad! I've always loved this one. Of course, I bound to bias living just a mile down the road from where they filmed it!

Dalek Jast
I have already seen this adventure on VCR and it is a very entertaining story. Kate O Mara puts on a perfect performance. But how does the master survive being burned on Sarn???? HOW!

Luke
Another classic doctor who story once again. This episode was great. I liked seeing another tardis and what it looked like. Thank you BBC for another great doctor who episode.

Paul Hickling
One of the better Colin Bakers, with a great bitchy relationship between the Master and the Rani. Even the not bad... till it moves.

matthew
hooray!!! more colin baker on DVD!! i loved the two doctors and revelation so i'm glad we've got this coming out next!!

Garax
Oh dear god.

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