SCI FI PI

DR WHO - THE INFINITE QUEST



Released June 6
Starring David Tennant, Freema Agyeman, Anthony Head
Director Gary Russell
Rated G





Here's a twist on a classic - it's Dr Who - only, it's animated!

Set during the action of the third series of the new Doctor Who (starring David Tennant as The Doctor and Freema Agyeman as Martha Jones) this is a fine example of what people are talking about when they say that when you animate Sci Fi, the budget becomes unlimited.

That is true, although up to a point. It's digital animation, originally created for the spinoff show, Totally Dr Who, and was originally created as a twelve part series of three and a half minute episodes. However, let's not go overboard - it's not quite Shrek - although it's not quite Dr Katz either. There's a nice blend of high gloss highly CG style foreground and quite beautifully rendered background. Design of characters and ships tends to slip towards the manga/anime side of things, although it's not Ghost in the Shell by any stretch of the imagination. But there is that 'digital' feel.



Before...

Obviously aimed at kids, this adventure takes place in several time frames and even more locations, taking the Doctor and Martha from the annihilation of earth, to a far off oil planet (yes, they still do need oil in the future), to a strange world were humans and insects are locked in combat and far back to the one of the strangest and most wonderful locations that The Doctor has ever visited. The stretch of location is the real zing to this story, and of course the wild and woolly pace, with Martha and The Doctor literally stepping from one planet to the next from episode to episode.

Running time is just under 47 minutes, so there's a hell of a lot more going on than in your average Doctor Who episode.

The format is literally a treasure hunt, complete with its own space pirates! The treasure hunt is for The Infinite - a mythical space ship from the beginning of time that will grant you your heart's desire. The Doctor must find it before one of history's great despots, Baltazar, does.

For a diversionary side-romp, this is a must-have for those who know their ex-residents Gallifrey from their Sontarans. Good voice acting and great music help along well-designed but not overly lavish animation. If you're new to new Doctor Who (and have kids) it's also an excellent introduction into the slicker and faster-paced Doctor Who that the modern people are enjoying these days.



...after!

Extras

Animation tests - no sound.
Character profiles - characters from the movie as a recap - did you know that Doctor Who is the last of the Timelords? No? Newbie.
Interviews - chats with the charming cast: David Tennant, Freema Agyeman, Anthony Head (who plays baddy Baltazar - you many know him as Giles in Buffy), Toby Longworth and director Gary Russell.
Trailer for the Season 3 Box Set
A Photo Gallery of screencaps of the feature.
Behind the scenes with the animators, and behind the scenes with the voice artists - documentary style snippets aimed at kiddies.
Dialogue Recording Episode 1 and Episode 9 - goes through each entire (3 and a half minute long) episode as seen in the recording booth - with Anthony Head, David Tennant and Freema Agyeman.
Animatics and deleted scenes. See what cartoons look like when they're sketches. Shows you what kind of work is involved, and reminds you that the animation is the ultimate in sound and visual design - because you literally start with nothing more than a blank page.