DVD Corner

The Sarah Jane Adventures Season 2 DVD Review

The second season of “The Sarah Jane Adventures” is an improvement over the first season.

GRADE:

Content: B

Sound: A-

Extras: B-

Picture: A-

Studio/Label: BBC Video

Aspect Ratio: Widescreen

Sound Options and Formats: Dolby Digital Stereo

THE SERIES

Sarah Jane Smith, her son (Luke), Clyde, and super computer Mr. Smith are back to investigate mysterious goings on and stop evil alien invaders. Joining them in their adventures is a new character (a schoolgirl named Rani). In the 6 story season two, the gang encounters a shapeshifter enemy, a Sontaran warrior, the Bane, an evil pendant, a con artist astrologer, and the evil Trickster.

Season 1 of “The Sarah Jane Adventures” was an enjoyable albeit kiddy “Doctor Who” spin-off that suffered from silly stories involving the Slitheen and yes, even laser tag. Thankfully, the second season improves upon the first with darker (and stronger) stories, and more importantly, more characterization. For those who have been wanting to know more about Clyde’s family, you finally get your wish here in the Clyde and his father centric “The Mark Of The Berserker.” Additionally, viewers get a glimpse of Sarah Jane Smith’s parents in the touching time travel episode “The Temptation Of Sarah Jane Smith.” As for the new character Rani, she is a much more interesting and charismatic character than Maria (who departs the series early on in the season). On the downside, Rani’s parents are absolutely annoying (especially her mother).

Characterization aside, the highlight of the season is the climactic season finale “Enemy Of The Bane.” Not only does this episode contain a Sontaran, Ms. Wormwood and the Bane (who created Luke), but there is also a delightful appearance by fan-favorite “Doctor Who” character Brigadier Lethbridge Stewart. While he doesn’t have much screen time, it’s great to see the Brig back on screen again. This cameo alone will certainly thrill hardcore ‘Who’ fans.

Summary: While not on par with “Doctor Who” or “Torchwood,” “The Sarah Jane Adventures” is a fun-filled series that will certainly appeal to fans of the Whoniverse. Hopefully, we will see a DVD release of season three soon.

PICTURE AND SOUND:

You can’t ask for better picture quality for a TV series on DVD. The colors are especially sharp looking.

The Dolby Digital Stereo sounds superb. The score, sound f/x, and dialogue are all lively.

EXTRAS:

* Trailers for “Primeval” volume 2, “Doctor Who” series 4, and “Robin Hood” season 2.
* Season 1 and 2 episode text summaries, character profiles, alien profiles, and item profiles, a CD audio book extract, season 2 SJA cinema ad, a trailer with all ten Doctors, two photo galleries.
* Tommy Knight, Daniel Anthony, and Anjili Mohindra on “Blue Peter.”
* A 2 part CBBC behind-the-scenes featurette with Tommy Knight. Some set footage is included.
* A Behind The Scenes extra with sound mixer Julian Howarth talking about his job.
* Season 2 quiz game.

November 16, 2009 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 1 | Doctor Who, Sarah Jane Smith, The Sarah Jane Adventures Season 2 DVD Review