Doctor Who: Remembrance of the Daleks

Originally broadcast in October of 1988, Remembrance of the Daleks opened the twenty-fifth season of the classic Doctor Who series. In addition to bringing back the Doctor's oldest enemies (also the show's most popular monsters), the Daleks, this story takes a nostalgic trip in time back to London in 1963, the year DW debuted on BBC Television including visits to the Totter's Lane junkyard and Coal Hill School from the first DW story, An Unearthly Child.

Sylvester McCoy gives one of his best performances as the Seventh Doctor, and Sophie Aldred is an absolute delight as Ace. Terry Malloy returns as Davros, creator of the Daleks, and Michael Sheard puts in an appearance as the headmaster at Coal Hill School. Sheard has appeared in many Doctor Who stories over the years, as well as in George Lucas films such as The Empire Strikes Back (as Admiral Ozzel) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (where he had a cameo as Hitler).

The Doctor and Ace arrive in London to find that the Daleks have come seeking the "Hand of Omega," a Time Lord artifact which the Doctor had hidden on Earth years ago. But they discover that there actually two Dalek factions present. They are at war with each other, and they both want the Omega device, which is a solar detonator. Scripted by Ben Aaronovitch, this story well written, containing many references to the program's history and even some decent inside jokes.

Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred reunite on the DVD commentary track. Some other bonus features include deleted scenes and outtakes as well as multi-angle scenes, a photo gallery and a music-only option. Pop-up production notes, an ever-popular feature on classic series Doctor Who DVD's, are also included.

Remembrance is one of the stronger Dalek stories of classic DW's later years--better than 1979's Destiny of the Daleks, but not as good as good as Genesis or Resurrection. Remembrance of the Daleks is one of Sylvester McCoy's best outings as the Doctor, and it made a great start to DW's 25th season.

Other Doctor Who DVD releases you might enjoy:

The Tomb of the Cybermen

The Web Planet

Resurrection of the Daleks

Doctor Who: The Complete First Series (Season One of the New DW series)