Wartime Chronicles [Multi-region DVD] [2018]

Let's face it, John Levene, as Sgt Benton is basically very likable, if you are a fan of this character then this DVD is for you, if you are not fussed by Benton then likely you are going to moan about it.I won't say that the drama "Wartime" is well made, it isn't really, and it makes something from the era of Doctor Who in which it was made, which was 1987 to be precise, filmed between the controversial era of season 23 and 24 no less, look like a seriously big-budget production.As the makers themselves admit in the extensive documentaries included on the disc they were amateurs at the time, it shows, but so what, good on them for trying, it's not a bad effort and the story is quite interesting. John Levene at least looked like he enjoyed playing Benton again, and really it would be nice to see a Benton spin-off series, the character was great. The performances by John Leven and Michael Wisher, whilst by no means their best are still memorable enough.The bonus features are probably of more interest than the production itself. There's a series of making-of documentaries, a documentary about a US convention celebrating UNIT, but the real gem is a full panel from 1986 with Jon Pertwee, John Levene, Richard Franklin, and Terry Walsh.Overall this DVD is pretty good value for£7.99If you are a huge Doctor Who fan and love the Pertwee and UNIT era it's very likely you will love this DVD

The main feature "Wartime" runs to just over 30 minutes but this DVD package is packed full of extras, so you definitely get your monies worth . It was made on a shoestring but rarely shows it. Unbelievably it was shot in only three days but even that was a luxury. Originally only two days were allocated but the producer managed to persuade most of the cast and crew to return a couple of weeks later for an additional day of shooting to put the final touches to the project. "Wartime" just shows what can be achieved if you really believe in something.The music by Mark Ayres running through the feature seemed vaguely familiar, then I remembered where I had originally heard it. It was during the 30th anniversary celebrations of Dr Who back in 1993. "Planet of the Daleks" was being repeated on BBC 2 over six concurrent Friday nights. As part of the celebrations, prior to the actual episode, a five minute feature on aspects of Doctor Who was shown. One of which was a spoof recruiting advert for U.N.i.T - with Mark Ayres "Wartime" music playing throughout, perfectly syncing with all the U.N.I.T action scenes. Therefore watching for the first time in 2019 I heard music borrowed from it 5 years later in 1993? Timey wimey or what?Just like his character Benton, on this DVD John levene leads from the front - smashng DVD.

Feels like Sgt. Benton in an episode of Sapphire & Steel. There are a range of DVD's produced independently that star many actors that have appeared in Dr. Who over the years. This stars John Levene as Sgt. Benton. Produced / written by fans who have moved into film / TV professionally as they have grown up. Whilst clearly low budget it is well written, acted and produced. Mind you, I'm a sucker for anything placed within the Whoniverse and it looks great in my collection.

choose this as my first of the 'unoffical' Doctor Who spin off this becuae I'm a fan of the character of Sgt Benton and I was really suprised. There isn't really an alien menace to be fought it's more like an delve into Benton's childhood and psyche which is suprisingly dark. Not going to spoil anything but I will say this is a really well made fan film and I would recommend for a Benton fan

I brought the video many years ago and decided to update to dvd. Worth buying for all the extras that were not on the original vhs

Although shot entirely on location, i`m sure this was originally shot on video, resulting in a nice clear, crisp picture, even on the original VHS video i used to own of this first Doctor Who spin off featuring one of my favourite charactors from 70`s Who, the wonderful SGT Benton.Benton may have put his Demons to rest in this good, if somewhat `mish mash` little tale, but it seems some stupid Devil has decided to `filmise` the entire story, which frankly makes the picture quality look like an old washed out `pirate` video tape. What is it with this modern obsession with giving everything a `filmic sheen`?The extras are good and its a worthy buy, but the picture quality is rotten. Even Dr John Smith couldn`t sort this mess out!

Good

Amazing. The original cast bound together out of love to produce the Wartime idea.Davros (Michael Wisher), Benton and other players form a close bond in the young Sargent's past.A great read and an even better watch.