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Doctor Who - The Tomb of the Cybermen

Doctor Who - The Tomb of the Cybermen

List Price: $24.98
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Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Tomb Of The Stupidmen
Review: This is the absolute worst ever Doctor Who adventure I've ever seen. First of all What kind moron goes looking for the Cybermen. I got all my liking of the Cybermen from Earthshock which was great, but this, this is a horrible adventure. All Cybermen except the Cyber Controller did not talk. There was enough stuff to keep you watching it but not enough to keep you from dozing off or something. Overall this is the worst Doctor Who ever.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Apart from Klieg, this is total rubbish
Review: Hmmm...

It's the 25th century. A group of scientists land on Telos, a cybermen planet. They wish to learn from what was supposed to be the cybermens' tombs. They unfortunately learn too late that it is a trap, and the Cybermen awaken and want to convert them into cybermen to extend the cyber race.

The basic plot premise is great and the Star Trek people took from it liberally for the Borg. problem is, it's badly written out and made for 3 year olds.

The use of "logic" is badly used and everyone uses it in seemingly every other line. It's grating and detracts. That aside, the dialogue is written so a 3 year old could understand it. "You will be like us", "These must be solved in some logical order". Even Kaftan uses the word "logic" when being arrogant to the Doctor about how great the "Brotherhood of Logicians" is (with one sister, apparently) Ugh.

Another aspect is how the Doctor says things like "I have my own special method of learning, I keep my mouth shut and my eyes open". I wonder what was open when he cheated behind the scientists' backs and activated the "logical" circuits enabling them to open the entrance to the tombs' doors!

The Cybermen come out in the end of part 2, and do nothing at all until the end of part 4 when they go back into their tombs.

The end of part 1 features what is supposed to be a live Cyberman but obviously comes across as a mannequin, so much for the cliffhanger.

Kaftan has a musclebound black servant who doesn't say much apart from a bunch of grunts and "duh" noises.

The feel of the production is closer to 1951 than 1967 because of all this and even if it were filmed in color, it wouldn't help.

Why not only 1 star? George Pastel steals the "show" as Erik Klieg. Klieg himself is the only three-dimensional character there apart from the Doctor, but it's George's acting which steals the show and makes it more than a turkey. Absolutely brilliant, his acting is. If it weren't for him, the entire story would be a puddle of toddleresque mush. His final scenes in part 4 for example where he goes mad are completely buyable and really are genuinely frightening -- he *still* thinks the cybermen are on his side and he intends to throw his comrades and the Doctor to them: "I'm sure the cybremen have a use for you, or at least parts of you! " Klieg is great and his final moments are truly classic! The rest is utter [blank]!

If you're really into Doctor Who, go for it. If you're new to the show, wait a while. It's got good moments and occasional good acting but it'll drive most people away from the show.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Spooky, Wonderful, Classic Who
Review: This serial really is dark, eerie, and menacing. The cybermats made me tingle with anticiplation as they went in for the kill. The tall cyber leader was really ominous and well played.

I always jump when Jamie is trying to get out of the tomb when the huge cybermen lumber towards him. It gets me every time.

A perfect gem and must-have video!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: This is an eerie story for 1967 ...
Review: Most of the early era of Doctor Who (through Pertwee's first season) contained scant story outlines extended over as many as a dozen episodes, and here in the middle is an story with a proper amount of segments to contain the story without drawing on too long. Although black and white it has a very scary vibe due to powerfully agressive and hostile elements lurking in this three room 'fun house'. Troughton and companions are fun to watch as usual. Other reviewers seem to critisize the bizarre characters (the american captain in particular) but I rather enjoyed the macho Banachek-esque wierdness...it fit the rest of this odd yet entertaining piece of sci-fi.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: One of Troughton's finest!
Review: I was completly entranced by Pat Troughton's performance in this story. His Doctor was magnificent and it is a pit that more of his stories don't exist. I particularly liked the Doctor's explanation of his 'technique': "Keeping my eyes open and my mouth shut." Troughton's Doctor had a magical quality that none of the others had. He had a mischievious twinkle in his eye and was childlike at times, but very wise as well. If you've only experienced Doctor Who with Tom Baker (who was rather overrated, in my opinion) broaden your Doctor Who horizons and pick up this story. Terrific fun from start to finish.

I just picked up the DVD on Tuesday, 8/6/02. The improvement in picture quality due to the hard work of the Doctor Who Restoration Team is remarkable. Deborah Watling (Victoria) and Fraser Hines (Jamie)provide an enjoyable commentary, although it would have been nice to have some one from the production side participating, too. The fabulous production note are here, too, giving us additional behind the scenes info. The documentary 'Tombwatch', which is taken from a panel discussion of the story at an event which had a screening of 'Tomb' shortly after its recovery from Hong Kong, is a nice extra and gives a good amount of insight into the making of the story. Also, very cool is a little featurette called 'The Final End', which takes film of the model work at the end of 'The Evil of the Daleks' and combines it with sound from the story to give the viewer an idea of what the final battle from that mostly missing story was like. Only episode 2 of 7 of 'Evil' exists.

A terrific package, which further enhances my enjoyment of this great story. 'Tomb' is one of the greats of Doctor Who, in my opinion.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Recalled to Life!
Review: This once lost episode is Troughton's best. Also, it is probably the greatest Cybermen adventure. The special effects, music, and scenery are all superb. If you buy only one Troughton Who adventure then this is the one! A must for any Who collection!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Resistance is Useless
Review: With their cybernetic implants, regeneration chambers and ability to convert (assimilate) humans into one of their own, the Cybermen are a precursor (if not THE origin) for STNG's Borg. And if one were not already convinced the Cybermen's refrain "Resistance is useless" must ring some bells? And so the Cybermen assume a greater significance in modern sci-fi than they would as a mere Dr. Who footnote. Tomb of the Cybermen ranks not just as one of the best Cybermen stories but also one of the best of the sixties Dr. Who era. The storyline does not meander into sub-plots and remains focused. The fact that the sets are limited to three locations, save for some external shots, within a mausoleum does not detract from the plot. Quite the contrary, the claustraphobic tension adds to the suspense. as does the twin threat of Cybermen and evil scientists. Other reviewers have indicated a disaffection with certain aspects of the show for being amateurish or unconvincing (including the poisonous robotic mice, Cybermats). One of the most endearing aspects of the show for me and I would hope most fans is the fact that the minimalistic production values are a self parody which reflects the minimal budget afforded the show by the BBC. One is supposed to watch the show with tongue in cheek (humour being an inherent British trait). Besides, anything with Deborah Watling (Victoria) is worth watching (I highly recommend "Doctor in the House")

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Saved from oblivion!
Review: The BBC's destruction of its own archives ranks as one of the monumental acts of idiocy of all time, on a par with the destruction of the Babylonian Library. Among the actors hardest hit was the dearly beloved Patrick Troughton, whom I adored with all my heart -- his Dr. Who episodes were decimated! "Tomb" was thought lost as well, but a copy was found, by some miracle. It is a perfect gem of a serial. The Doctor's dialogue with Victoria is a heart-warming interlude; and -- who cares about the low budgets -- the scene in which the Cybermen emerge from their sepulchre is one of the most chilling moments in TV history. This is a great classic. Enjoy!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Pure excellence
Review: This is one of the best Doctor Who stories ever. It's spooky and dark, without being really scary. The music is great, and the characters well made. I think this is something every Who fan should have.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: The Essence of Doctor Who.
Review: I have just watched "The Tomb of the Cybermen" and am feeling nostalgic. This story has got to be one of the best from the series. Look beyond the special effects and sets, and soak up the atmosphere. Here we have some of the best traits of Patrick Troughton's Doctor: mysterious, wise, and humorous. A great example of a very special programme.


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