R. SMITH 2006-06-09

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

I bought the video because I wanted to see what Pertwee's last season was like with Sarah Jayne. After hearing bad things about Pertwee's last season, I was pleasantly surprised. Sarah Jayne was no doubt a big improvement on Jo Grant. The story begins when the Doctor and Sarah crash land on an eerie dark planet which has drained their power so it begins very atmospheric and scary, and is a pretty grippping story throughout. The sets and effects are actually quite impressive, especially when the root comes out of the ground and destroys a dalek. Just overlook the dodgy model work when the city collapses at the end. This is a unique Pertwee story because it is a rare occasion when the story isn't Earth based with no Brigidier. If only more Pertwee stories had been like that. This was produced by Barry Letts who left at the end of the season but it does actually feel very similar to a Philip Hinchcliffe episode. However, the differences are there, as Philip Hinchcliffe was to bring more grittiness, gothic horror and more death and destruction in the season that followed. For me, this is one of the best Pertwee episodes and deserves a DVD release!

solitaryreader 2004-08-20

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

This really is one of the best Dalek stories of all. There is always a problem with returning adversaries, as there is often little for them to do but repeat what they did last time. There is some difference here, as the Daleks are rendered unable to Exterminate! And the fact clearly terrifies them, as well as providing the production team with some interesting challenges. Away from Earth, and the by-now-overused UNIT, Jon Pertwee is able to show just what an effective lead he could be. His relationship with Sarah Jane, the best companion by far, has developed into mutual trust which only helps the story along.

The Exxilon city is a brilliant creation, the traps clever and effective. My favourite part is the ritual in which Sarah Jane is to be sacrificed: the rhythmical chanting of the locals is a spooky and chilling sound.

As is often the case in Doctor Who, the visiting humans are a faceless, uninteresting bunch with no noticeable character traits apart from the ability to die horribly. Terry Nation's characterization skills were not his greatest assets. Nevertheless, this is an interesting and effective tale, and not a bad one with which to introduce a novice into the exciting world of Doctor Who.

M. S. Patterson 2004-07-23

6 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

Truly one of the worst Doctor Who stories (and probably the worst Dalek tale) ever. The Daleks are reduced to trundling around, screaming orders, with no hint of the deviousness that characterised their early appearances. The story isn't helped by the dreadful music from Carey Blyton either - woodwind instruments just do not say 'this is the deadliest race in the universe, flee for your lives' to me, I'm afraid.

It's said that the Daleks won't be in the new series because the BBC and Terry Nation's estate couldn't agree terms over their use. The Nation estate, apparently, want to 'protect the integrity of the brand'. Sorry, but on this evidence, the worst culprit for demeaning Skaro's finest was their very creator. Sad.

2003-08-19

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

I have all the best period of Doctor Who on video, which was the 1970's. I bought Death to the Daleks back in 88. It is still one of my top Pertwee stories. This 1974 adventure has plenty of atmosphere. Dark landscapes. An amazing white city. The more classical soundtrack music is one of the best, and it helps the story. The story is strong. The exilions and the adventure into the city is very good. It's a definate must to own. I always enjoy watching it.

Kat 2003-07-01

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

This is a great Jon Pertwee adventure. The third Doctor at his most noble and gentleman like having verbal battles with the Daleks, trying to sort out a scientfic problem and ensure that the good guys get away with the life saving drugs they need and on top of all that a little humour thrown in. Elizabeth Sladen is great as our intrepid journalist Sarah Jane Smith thrown in the deep end by the Doctor as per usual going through all sorts of experiences and still battling on and replying to the Doctor's one liners. The majority of the Space Corps are forgettable the only exception being the single minded Galloway who will stop at nothing to get the Parrinium played by Duncan Lamont. Add to that the atmospheric surface Exillons' temple, the rather sweet Balal and the moment when 2 Daleks look at each other and lower their eyestalks after one of their number is destroyed by the City and you've got a sure winner. I've only got one question, why did they call it 'Death to the Daleks'?