STACK #185 Mar 2020

TV FEATURE

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DOCTOR WHO: CLASSIC SEASON 26

The latest addition to the limited edition box set range of classic Doctor Who on Blu-ray is significant in that it was the last season of the “classic series” to be broadcast before the show’s cancellation in 1989. Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy was finally settling into the role when the axe fell and the four stories presented in this set are his very best. Battlefiel d is an Arthurian adventure featuring the return of Brigadier Lethbridge- Stewart; Ghost Light spins an atmospheric haunted house tale; The Curse of Fenric is a terrific World War I vampire story; and

Survival finds The Master up to his old tricks on a planet inhabited by cheetah people. Once again it’s the

brand new one-hour documentary, Buried Treasure: 30 Years of Fenric ; an interview

with companion Sophie Aldred; and a revealing insight into the life of longtime Who producer John Nathan Turner. Out March 11

bonus features that make these Blu-ray sets a must-have for Whovians, and we strongly recommend they grab this ‘Ace’ collection while stocks last. Season 26 extras include rare and restored extended VHS versions of Battlefiel d and The Curse of Fenric ; an extended workprint of Ghost Light that’s new and exclusive to Blu-ray; a

SERENGETI

BLUEY Vol.5 – CAMPING AND OTHER STORIES

This six-part series journeys to the eponymous region of Africa, swapping the usual natural history format for a dramatised narrative starring the continent’s most charismatic animals, and detailing how their interconnected lives comprise the Serengeti ecosystem. There’s jealous rivalry between baboons; a young hyena that’s just lost her mother; an exiled lioness confronting a male stalker; and preparations for the annual Great Migration.

The domestic life of a Brisbane blue heeler puppy and her family is the go-to cartoon series for preschoolers – and parents love it just as much. A smart and humorous reflection of the contemporary Australian family, Bluey received the 2019 AACTA for Best Children’s Program and is now delighting a global audience.

Vol. 5 sees Bluey and Chloe embark on an epic quest to save their playground kingdom, while Bingo creates chaos at Bluey’s backyard zoo. And, as the title reveals, there’s a camping trip! Nine episodes in total that will keep the little ones – and adults – thoroughly entertained. Out March 25

These fictionalised stories make this unique mini-series particularly kid-friendly, although some predatory animal behaviour could result in tears, so parental guidance is of course recommended. John Boyega fills in for Sir David Attenborough as narrator, and new stabilised camera systems get up close and personal with the animals, adding a truly immersive and intimate quality to the stories that unfold. Out March 11

RE-RELEASE

THE BLUE PLANET COLLECTION

Among the BBC Natural History Unit’s most remarkable achievements are The Blue Planet (2001) and Blue Planet II (2017), which make a welcome return to DVD and Blu-ray in a 6-disc collection. Narrated by the incomparable Sir David Attenborough, this groundbreaking series dives into the Earth’s oceans to reveal previously undocumented behaviour amongst

the denizens of the deep blue sea, as well as a myriad of fascinating species – some new to science. And it’s not just fish that’s the focus; we discover more about birds, reptiles, mammals, crustaceans, molluscs et al and their relationships with the ocean, as well as the almost alien-like life that resides in the deepest depths. Bonus features include Making Waves (The Making of The Blue

Planet ), ecological documentary Deep Trouble , exclusive interviews with the production team, and more. Out March 18

images © BBC

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