Tomb of the cybermen

[Greg H]

As the only complete story held by the BBC from the first 2 seasons of Troughton I was just wondering what everyones impressions were.

This is really the only oppurtunity to properly survey what this era was like with a complete story. I personally think its an indication of the incredibly high quality of material that was produced in the late 60s and by far the best story featuring the cybermen.

What do you lot think? An indication of lost excellence or a bunch of pants sets?

[Jessie Orta]

Tomb is one of my favorite stories. I think the episodes we are missing are incredible stories ( if the audio and scripts are any indicators ). Excellence Lost.

[Daniel O'Brien]

I think 'Tomb' is a bona fide 'Doctor Who' classic. While there are flaws - plot holes, questionable stereotypes (by today's standards), obvious dummies, visible wires - these are far outweighed by the good points. It's a gripping, atmospheric story with an unusually grim tone. The production design is outstanding. The performances are generally strong, with Troughton at his considerable best. While I look forward to 'The Invasion' appearing on DVD, it's not in the same league.

[Kevin Riley]

I think it's a great story until the Cybermen arrive - the atmosphere is ruined after that.

[Chris Gilbert]

I think its great.

Maybe not now the greatest story ever, which many thought before it was found.

But I think it did very well against the colossal expectations when it was found.

Its bizarre this got posted as I have been watching it again this week.

Troughton is excellent and the scene where he talks about his family with Victoria is just lovely. Shame he didn't have more scenes like that.

[William Martin]

it's a pity the whole story wasn't vidfired

[B Thomas]

My vote still goes for "The Invasion" as top Cybermen story. Reason: the Cybermen are kept out of sight for much of it (otherwise it's too easy for them to appear as heavies) and we focus on the human interaction and social impact side of the story.

"The Tomb of the Cybermen" - whilst a great addition to the ranks is still too hackneyed a storyline for me. Some performances could be better and some of the dialogue is too cliched... (However I agree with the contention that the "family memories" scene is a belter)

[stevewilliams]

william said:

it's a pity the whole story wasn't vidfired

It was, for the DVD release. The 16mm prints were in bad shape though so it still unavoidably shows up its film source.

[Steven Sigel]

stevewilliams said:

william said:

it's a pity the whole story wasn't vidfired

It was, for the DVD release. The 16mm prints were in bad shape though so it still unavoidably shows up its film source.

The film prints of Tomb are not in bad shape... They're just fine. What makes you think they're in bad shape?

The problems on Tomb were from the original Quad - lots and lots of video glitches and such that got printed right into the films prints.

My understanding is that it wasn't vidfired because the process was too new and the RT guys weren't sure what the result would be once it was compressed and put on a DVD. (I believe they included a test clip as an Easter Egg to see what would happen )

[John S Miller]

william said:

it's a pity the whole story wasn't vidfired

It is, but I expect we will see a special edition at some point. I think 'Tomb' and 'Invasion' are the best Cybermen stories. I suspect many of the highlights I seemed to recall from 'Moonbase' were actually from 'Tomb'.

I think that 'Moonbase' design, with the operating chest pack aeriel 'robby robot' (Fireball XL5) voices, and mouth flap and slick face, are the best design.

'Tomb' is a bit cartoony, but has very well constructed story dynamics and impressive large scale sets. It borrows a good device used at the end of 'Power of the Daleks'; where the Cyberm,en are believed all dead but a Cybermat has survived and scuttles across. It gathers all the 'Cyber technologies', boss etc. and the Cybermats are the most articulated and animated versions, bar the 'dummy' one at the start.

Of 'Invasion' I felt the 'box ears' broke up the face design a bit and spoiled it at the time, but the movement, voices, tight regimental body suits and cruel slitted mouth expression give a great impression of menace and power. I think the Cybermen improved dramatically between 'Tenth planet' and 'Moonbase', went into slight decline with the 'keyhole eyes and mouth' design of Wheel in space; improved with 'Invasion'; then went into decline again; though I felt 'Five Doctors' was an improvement, and that with the new stories they have got better again; as in the 1960s.