Revelation of the Daleks is a story that splits fandom's opinion. For every person that talks about the density of the storyline and the depth of the characters, the detractors will point out that the Doctor is barely involved in the story. For those that talk about the best characterisation of Davros, the critics will argue that it isn't really a Dalek story (despite it's title). It's a valid criticism, when you consider that this is supposed to introduce a new race of Daleks.

Despite all it's impressive attributes, I usually find myself agreeing with the critics. The fact that the Doctor interacts with only one of the guest characters in the 1st episode makes it feel like an episode of Out of the Unknown or some other sci-fi anthology series.

It's a harsh criticism given that the cast is brilliant, with Alexei's Sayle eccentric DJ to Eleanor Bron's icy Kara to Clive Swift's truly loathsome Jobel. The casting isn't perfect with Jenny Tomasin's performance being so bad that you welcome her extermination.

Graeme's Harper's direction comes to life a bit more in the 2nd part when he's given more action set pieces, while Terry Molloy's performance is better than that of Resurrection of the Daleks, I just want to imagine what Michael Wisher might have done with the part given the high quality of the script.

While it's easy to be critical of the story's failings, the DVD is of the highest quality. The restored picture is complimented with a restrained 5.1 remix and the update of the story is complete with the CGI effects, which are subtle than previous efforts.

The commentary comes is from Nicola Bryant, Terry Molloy, Eric Saward and Graeme Harper. Harper is enthusiastic, while Saward gives us some interesting titbits about the genesis of the script. Bryant and Molloy are in full actorly mode, sitting and laughing at the jokes in the script more than anything particularly insightful into the production. Some won't like the fact that Colin Baker isn't on, but we have Eric Saward instead.

Revelation Exhumed (although I prefer it's original title of Necrosphilia) interviews most of the guest cast and people involved in the story. Actors comments are typically anecdotal while interviews with Saward, Harper, designer Alan Spalding and various costume and visual effects people reveals things of more interest. A 15 minute compliation of the recently found behind the scenes footage is intriguing, and an optional commentary from Harper and Molloy is helpful

Production subtitles, a photo gallery and an isolated music track complete the release, which is a very comprehensive package from one of the better stories from the 6th Doctor's time

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