"Battlefield" commentary rec

[dbskyler]

Just finished listening to the commentary on the "Battlefield" DVD and it was hilarious. Basically script editor Andrew Cartmel and author Ben Aaronovitch spent the entire time making digs at the production values, pointing out dodgy special effects, plot-crucial sound effects that were in the script but didn't make it into the episode, a spaceship that's supposed to be underwater but doesn't look like it's underwater, etc., etc. Aaronovitch also made multiple disparaging remarks about his own writing -- he said quite openly that he feels the script is not his best work. Meanwhile Angela Bruce (Bambera), Sophie Aldred (Ace) and Nicholas Courtney (the Brig : D) didn't seem to know quite what to say in response. It's pretty funny. At least everyone agreed that the acting was good, which it was.

I'm a little picky about commentaries because I sometimes find them incredibly boring, but I absolutely recommend this one. Definitely not at all boring, and full of interesting insights into what went into making the show (and what didn't go into making the show, but should have).

And I don't think the script was that bad, truthfully. Believe me, RTD has done far worse.

Comments

[curuchamion.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, I love the Spearhead from Space commentary. "All right, I'll stare at your false eyelashes and you can stare at my crooked moustache." Hee! Nick was The Best At Commentaries, God rest his soul. *takes off hat*