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26 of 32 found the following review helpful:
 Opposing eras showcase The DoctorMar 22, 2003
BBC Video has released two further adventures from their long running TV series Doctor Who on DVD. The two stories come from the very early days of the programme, and one of its much later seasons, twenty two years later. Comparing the two stories now, 1964's The Aztecs and 1985's Vengeance on Varos, it's very hard to accept that they are even part of the same series.Whereas The Aztecs is a purely historical drama, Vengeance on Varos is based entirely in the genre of science fiction, although since it's original broadcast in 1985, much of what was fictionalized at the time is now horribly accurate. The story was the second of the twenty-second season, possibly the most controversial season in the show's history. Mid-way through its broadcast, the BBC executives cancelled the show, resulting in an 18 month hiatus. The main reason for this decision was cited as the violence that was dominating the programme, and indeed Vengeance on Varos is perhaps the most striking example of the violent tendency engulfing the show. Colin Baker certainly had the potential to be one of the best incarnations of the Doctor, but alas his performance was hampered from the outset. The choice of costume did not help, and in the commentary for this DVD release, he bemoans the costume policy himself. His characterisation of the Doctor was also flawed, presenting him as a bad-tempered, arrogant and violent character, a million miles from anything that had gone before. The scenes where two characters die in an acid bath and the Doctor's reaction, are particularly shocking. Baker's commentary justifies this as his attempt to portray the Doctor as an alien being, but it was clear from public reaction that viewers just couldn't accept the character as he appeared in this story. It didn't help either that most of his stories were taken up with the Doctor squabbling with his "American" companion Peri, played by the very English Nicola Bryant. The production values on this story are somewhat disappointing, with the sets relying on that old standby: The identical corridor, shot from different angles. There is a cheapness about the production which overshadows the quality of the script, which is in itself pretty strong. Many guest actors, including Martin Jarvis, Stephen Yardley and Jason Connery (son of Sean, in his TV debut) certainly help bring the script to life, but undoubtedly it is Nabil Shaban's portrayal of the hideous creature Sil that steals the show. Shaban joins Baker and Bryant on the commentary soundtrack. The commentary is just one of many extras on the DVD. There are also out-takes, extended and deleted scenes, original broadcast trailers and on-screen production notes. Unlike the sister release, The Aztecs, a story very reliant on characterisation and performance, and played dead straight by all the actors involved, this cannot be said of the tongue in cheek camp playing of Vengeance on Varos. The quality of the images are very good, and the story is presented in two 45 minute episodes, as it was when originally broadcast. It's a taught piece of TV sci-fi, and I admit it will be very popular with fans of the sci-fi based Doctor Who. If you like Vengeance on Varos, you almost certainly won't like The Aztecs and vice-versa.
10 of 12 found the following review helpful:
A thoughtful story for a great season!Jul 14, 2000
By David Cole
The second adventure of Colin Baker's first spectacular season as Doctor Who is, as a whole, breathtaking. The plot is centered around Varos: A planet originally set up as a penal colony, but grew to be a planet of its own accord. Problem is, its citizens are treated like prisoners by the government. They are forced to mine for slave wages and rations and those who rule live in power. And to keep the citizens quiet, forms of punishment are broadcast live or taped. There is a third party, Sil, manipulating events to gain more wealth for himself... A great story and frighteningly ahead of its time, considering how TV is like these days, yet criticized unfairly and wrongfully for being violent. The story itself is well-written, excellently paced, daring, and best of all are the shakespearean concepts such as a character talking *to* the camera to help convey the plot along and the characters of Etta and Arak who are showing we, the viewers, how they live - they are the citizens and we get to see how the citizens live along with the other events which in turn makes this story extremely well-rounded and multi-dimensional. But the only problem is with the acting - solely by Jason Connery (yes, Sean's son and proves he's as much of an actor as daddy). Jason comes across as a mannequin at many times, as does his 'girlfriend' (played by Geraldine Alexander), and it's a shame since everybody else, particularly Martin Jarvis and Forbes Collins steal the show. Still, I'm being harsh. There are far worse actors out there and their acting could have been worse. The story is indeed a classic and proves that Colin Baker's era is not devoid of compassion and morals as one might think. (they're merely presented in an unconventional point of view)
7 of 8 found the following review helpful:
"Seems he needs a little more than water, Peri, eh?"Jul 14, 1999
"Vengeance on Varos" might be the most violent and sadistic Who adventure ever. It's also written wonderfully. Ultra-Black comedy runs amok as citizens of Varos are forced to watch torture, acid baths, canabalism and cell mutation. A grim satire of TV and video sales, with lots of voyeurism. Sil is a great villian with his tongue laugh. Colin Baker excells, and we all know why Nicola Bryant was hired. "Carnival of Monsters" of the 80's?
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
The Other Baker Meets Bonds' SonAug 22, 2007
By K. Fontenot
"Prairie Cajun Regenerated!"
"Vengeance on Varos" opens up with a couple watching the torture of a young man (Jason Connery). I guess you could say that they are watching the ultimate reality television show. They're on the planet Varos, which just happens to be the only place where the good Doctor (Colin Baker) can find Zeiton-7, a rare mineral that's key to much needed repairs on the Doctor's TARDIS. When the Doctor and Peri (the always lovely Nicola Bryant) arrive, they immediately fall into a big bit of trouble. They free the young man who's being tortured for Varos' viewing pleasure and get tangled up in a bargaining war between the governor of Varos and Sil, a nasty little thing representing a company (or so it seems) that's interested in buying Zeiton-7 at a bargain rate. Of course, the pricing argument is only a cover-up for Sil's true intentions: taking over Varos. In a world where death equals ratings and negative votes prove painful, can the Doctor and Peri free Varos from Sil's dirty plans?
This tale is considered by many to be one of the best Colin Baker storylines. It has a lot of action, a decent amount of gore, and some brilliant one-liners from Baker and Bryant. We get to see Jason Connery, Sean Connery's son, who plays Jandar, a rebel leader trying to overthrow the ancient ruling families of Varos. We also get our first look at Sil (Nabil Shaban), who is quite possibly one of the vilest, funniest enemies the Doctor ever faced. "Water me!" and Shaban's tongue-flicking laughter entrench Sil into your mind long after the story is completed. The rest of the enemies in this tale are some of the best during Doctor #6's run. This tale visits the idea of "reality" TV and just how far it can go. Today, many people argue over having the opportunity to pay-per-view executions. Could this tale have been a harbinger of things to come?
The special features are pretty light. This DVD comes with the standard "Who's Who," outtakes, production notes, trailers, a photo gallery and a decent featurette. The best special feature on this disc has to be the running commentary provided by Baker, Bryant and Shaban. Of special interest is Shaban's tale of how he came up with Sil's twisted little laugh.
I have to agree with the majority that this is one of Colin Baker's best outings as the Doctor. I always felt that he, along with Peter Davison and Sylvester McCoy, were cheated out of excellent storylines for the bulk of their respective runs as the Doctor. If you are unfamiliar with Colin Baker's work as the Doctor, pick this DVD up as well as the "Trial of a Time Lord" DVD. It's some of his best work.
6 of 7 found the following review helpful:
One of the best Sixth Doctor storiesOct 29, 2003
By Sean Brady
The sixth Doctor era is one that is often criticised by Doctor Who fans, and this criticism is justified in my opinion. The majority of the stories starring Colin Baker ranged from mediocre to poor, with the exception of Revelation Of The Daleks and this story. Vengeance On Varos is a story that is more relevant now than it was when it was first broadcast due to the current glut of reality tv shows that clog the airwaves. These two episodes show a populace that gets to vote on government policy through interactive television broadcasts. Rather than a simple yes or no vote, the voting involves torture of the Governor which the population gets to watch. They also get to see public torturing and executions of "terrorists" as part of their daily intake of television "entertainment". This satire of television and government rings all the more true as time goes by. The sixth Doctor is still rather an unlikeable character here at times, only a few stories into his era which was cut abruptly short when Colin Baker was sacked after his final story, The Trial Of A Time Lord. At the beginning of the story, he is still exhibiting the mood swings seen in his first story which makes it difficult for the audience to be won over by this particular incarnation of the Time Lord. Tom Bakers Doctor was also prone to black moods, but the sixth Doctor comes across at times as a petulant and whiny child. This is not a fault that can be levelled solely at the actor as the character was shaped by the producer, script editor (who was later quite vocal about his dislike of this era of the program) and writers. The DVD itself is another excellent piece of work from the Restoration Team. The picture and sound are excellent. The various special features are entertaining and informative, especially the commentary track by Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant and Nabil Shaban who plays the stories villain Sil. It's a very funny and cheeky chat that's well worth a listen. Apparently this is the lowest selling Doctor Who DVD in the UK, but it's certainly a story that stands the test of time and definitely worth your time and money. If nothing else, the story may make you think more about the society we live in and that's no bad thing.
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