Many of the elements unique to this first design for the Cybermen have effective, horrific qualities not seen in any other cyber-story. With the soft-cloth design of the face, and dark, haunting eyes in behind, these cybermen appear to be masking leprosy or skin cancer or something, and they cannot speak without sending the chill of being cybernized into those normal humanoids that they intend to "save".

Derek Martinus is not the best director Doctor Who had seen up until this point in terms of mastering camera angles and shot sequencing, or in pulling genius performances out of the cast, however, for all of the tangible technical problems with "The Tenth Planet", it manages somehow to surmount this intangibly. A unique atmosphere surrounds it which Martinus must be given much credit for. Anticipation is a key ingredient that grows stronger and stronger as the story unfolds, and with such major concluding events, it does not disappoint. Experienced actor Robert Beatty gives an exceptional performance anyway, probably the best I've ever seen of him anywhere, as if anyone could stop him! William Hartnell works his usual magic whenever the story moves to him, and Michael Craze and David Dodimead put in solid performances as well. This is most certainly one of the most powerful classics of the Doctor Who program, with layers of elements containing hidden significance, making repeat viewing quite rewarding.

"Attack of the Cybermen" is also included in this package, in its British format of two 45-minute episodes, whether you still needed to add it to your collection or not. (I didn't.) Even so, "The Tenth Planet" is worth the price of two stories, and "Attack of the Cybermen" is well matched to it. Gerry Davis had fudged up the true origins of the cybermen in his novelizations, but "Attack of the Cybermen" sets the record straight, especially with regards to Telos, neatly vindicating the original tv episodes. While "Attack" is the only season 22 script not to have serious structural problems, it is far from perfect. Apart from the new element of the Cryons, the story spends much time attempting to relive the series' past. However, that essential atmosphere of family exploration is now mostly dysfuntional, as the dialogue focuses far too much on the irritability of most of the characters, few of whom one can be morally proud of. What this story does have going for it is a lot of action, special effects, slight mythological advancement for the series, and a richly layered soundtrack, making it enjoyable nonetheless.


An fantastic boxed set!   November 23, 2000
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I was overjoyed to finally hear of the release of "The Tenth Planet". I had only seen one episode and the regeneration scene from the missing fouth episode, and longed for more! The reconstruction was admirably done. In addition to the extensive stills and the audio track, the missing fourth episode is peppered with mini clips that were found God knows where, which make it *very* exciting to see! Unlike other reviewers, I though the eerie sing-song voices of the cybermen and their human hands, made them all the more creepy, because they were still in the process of becoming "more cyberman" and less human. The Colin Baker story was good as well, especially for a Colin Baker story, although the ending is a bit weak. I enthuisatically recommend this to all Doctor Who fans!


A cyber-must!   November 16, 2000
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

These two videos are a dr who fans dream. The cybermen are the most chilling monster in doctor who and it is only right to celebrate them. The 'dead' cybermen of the 'Tenth Planet' are decidedly chilling and the cybermen of 'Attack' are just as scary despite being a little frail. For any fan this must be on their wish list even just for the reconstrusted episode 4 of 'Tenth Planet' and the 'death' of the 1st doctor.


Great Videos - a traditional and modern Cyber-classic   November 11, 2000
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

Having watched these two stories - i have to commend them both. The Tenth Planet is a wonderful story to watch - tense and suspenseful and the constructed episode four is visual enough to carry the story to it's conclusion wonderfully. Additionally, Attack of the Cybermen is a great story - surprising and action packed - with more than enough plot and excitement to show the development of the cyber-race from its beginning in The Tenth Planet. All in all two classics - well worth the buy - and well worth the watch. Buy it !