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Ghost Canyon

'Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow & the Wardrobe'
(Matt Smith, et al / DVD / Not Rated / 2012 / BBC Home Video)

Overview: This offbeat holiday-themed episode of England's long-running Doctor Who series first aired in 2011. It takes place on Christmas Eve, 1938; while Madge Arwell cycles home, she happens upon an injured Spaceman Angel and reaches out to help him. In return, he promises to grant her any one wish that her heart desires, as a thank you for her kindness.

DVD Verdict: OK, the first thing I have to say about this title is that there is NO wardrobe, sorry! Not even one coming close to being part of this tale! I mean, we all know why they chose the title, duh, but come on now guys (who create Dr. Who), how about at least putting the magical BOX inside a bloody wardrobe?

Anyhoo, moving on, and this 2011 Xmas TV Special is as much fun as usual, but seems to be shorter, and less ‘acted,’ sorry! As always, our intrepid Doctor (Matt Smith) is up to his old “helpful” tricks around the holidays, this time for a widow named Madge Arwell and her two children. Lily and Cyril. And it’s both these kids, especially the latter that steal the show!

Sadness flows through the first few minutes of the tale, but that all evens out as we progress - thankfully! Now three years on from all that tragedy, the Doctor is helped out by Madge and then comes back to help her in return. Bringing a huge Xmas box as a gift to her kids, they open it beforehand (as kids do) and suddenly everyone is trapped inside this “Narnia-type world”! Now being called ‘The Caretaker’ by Madge and her kids (you'll discover why once you watch it!), this episode is not as strong as ’A Christmas Carol,’ but still manages to provide a real Christmas miracle come its final moments! And I mean that both for Madge and her family and the Doctor and his! These are all Widescreen Presentations (1:85.1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with three Best Of Featurettes (totaling over two hours!!).

www.BBCAmerica.com





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