The venerable science fiction program Doctor Who returned to British televisions in 2005 after a 15-year absence and delighted the majority of fans and critics with its adherence to the adventure and charm of the original series while making admissions for a new generation of viewers (hipper editing and score, CGI effects). Thirteen episodes were generated, all starring Christopher Eccleston as the ninth Doctor and pop-singer-turned-actress Billie Piper as his companion Rose; acclaimed writer/producer Russell T. Davies (Touching Evil, Queer as Folk) oversaw the show as chief writer and executive producer. The new series proved so popular that the BBC agreed to revive the program for second and third seasons--though without Eccleston, who has since been replaced by David Tennant. This six-disc set comes with all 13 episodes plus the battery of supplemental features now customary to all Doctor Who DVD releases.

Eccleston is very engaging in the title role, bringing a manic curiosity tempered by occasional bouts of gravity (which befit a personality with a long and dramatic a lifespan as the Doctor's) that hew closely to the (arguably) most popular Doctor, Tom Baker. Piper is equally adept as department store clerk Rose--she's afforded more of a back story than most of the Doctor's sidekicks have received in the past, and she more than handles her own alongside Eccleston. Highlights among the 13 episodes include the season opener, "Rose" (which sees the return of an old foe, the Autons, and their controlling force, the Nestene Consciousness); the revamped Daleks in "Dalek" and the two-parter "Bad Wolf" and "The Parting of the Ways"; a trip to Victorian England to aid Charles Dickens in "The Unquiet Dead," and of course, the arrival of the tenth Doctor at the conclusion of the action-packed "Parting of the Ways." The episodes strike the right blend of quirk, excitement, and imagination, thanks largely to the engaging performances and the guidance of Davies, whose admiration for the show and its history is evident throughout.

It was a gift

This was a gift for my 19 year old american girl. She likes british and got turned on by this series, played on american tv on friday nights. She has the other years as well but values this original one.

Oh what a pleasant surprise!

Have you watched the campy and cheesy original series? Do you love one or more of the "other" Doctors? Did you think it couldn't POSSIBLY happen again? Well, it has...I, too, was skeptical (that's putting it mildly!) Five minutes into the first episode, I was so hooked that when I heard there was only ONE season featuring "the new Doctor", I was devastated! All I can say is "Jump in and enjoy the ride." Some are scary, some outright outrageous, at least one romantic; all are worth the trip. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll watch them again. Just do it.

Oh, and then get ready for the "second" season, with yet ANOTHER Doctor. And be prepared to be blown away all over again.

You'll be pleased!

Doctor Who is finally back. I was eager for the to [[ASIN:B00005KB4D Paul McGann version of Doctor Who ]] to hit the screens even though that didn't feel 100% right. Christopher Eccleston's portrayal is spot on - quirky but lots of fun; serious when he needs to be. From the first episode, he seems very comfortable with the role. Great casting call.

The story arcs are very good. Where the original version of the show had usually four and occasionally six episodes that made up a story, each 45 minutes story here is self-contained. However, many of the stories give tidbits into the bigger story of the season. It's a great way of doing the show.

Effects are infinitely better than the original Who as is the increased use of location shooting. True Whovians won't be disappointed by lack of continuity: it's all there plus some new things that need to be filled in (the Time Lords are gone? How did that happen?) Those new to Who (like many I know) still love it since it fills in the gaps it needs to and doesn't make you feel like you are missing the joke at a party.

All in all, great job all around. I would've taken any Doctor Who series. I'm glad we got one that has mass appeal to keep it on the air but stays ever true to the show that began it all.