No spoilers other than those almost everywhere on the net, but Tennant goes out on a poignant note that’s different and appropriate. Roaring action, wrenching choices, and a lot of interactions at the end that should please the fans, even if a little downbeat. The first Doctor in a long time (since Pertwee?) to really appreciate the ‘mortality’ of a regeneration.

Set seems a worthy addition to the collection. In order, would rate the episodes best first as

End Of Time,
Waters of Mars,
Next Doctor,
Planet of the Dead,

for any that want them individually.
Rating: 5 / 5

On the chance that you’re not familiar with these special episodes themselves, here’s a quick run-down. Please note, this review does contain minor SPOILERS:

THE NEXT DOCTOR: The 2008 Christmas special. The Doctor visits Victorian England, where he encounters another man claiming to be the Doctor. I won’t spoil the surprise, but there are some nice twists and a standout performance from David Morrisey in the title role. This was the first of the modern Doctor’s episodes without a regular companion. It was also the last episode before the switch to hi-definition, but the upconvert used here looks fantastic, so it’s really a non-issue as far as I’m concerned.

PLANET OF THE DEAD: Aired on Easter, 2009. The Doctor and a woman on the run (The Bionic Woman’s Michelle Ryan) are among a busload of passengers who find themselves stranded on a desert planet overrun with terrifying flying creatures. Most folks agree this one’s just an average adventure. But, it looks stunning.

THE WATERS OF MARS: A great, creepy tale set on mid-21st century Mars. The Doctor has some hard choices to make when he realizes a group of Martian colonists are destined to die on the day he arrives. It’s also one of David Tennant’s finest hours, as he begins to confront the prophecy regarding his own death that he was told at the end of Planet of the Dead.

THE END OF TIME: This two-parter was the end of David Tennant’s tenure as the famous Time Lord. While confronting his own mortality, the Doctor also must face the enemy who knows him best. . .and the power of a forgotten race that is using the power of time itself to reshape its own destiny. It’s a bit of a mixed bag (particularly part 1), but it’s still highly engaging and a fitting resolution to the 10th Doctor’s journey.

As with the individual season episodes, each special includes an hour-long documentary, Doctor Who Confidential. These are typically well-made and informative shows that die-hard fans will appreciate. Most everyone else will probably watch them once (if at all) and not again.

It is worth noting for those who bought Doctor Who: The Next Doctor (2008 Christmas Special) on DVD that the special feature “Doctor Who at the Proms” is NOT included in this set. The hour-long celebration of the music of the show, peformed at the Royal Albert Hall, is a delight, and true fans of the show and its music should definitely seek it out.

As I said at the outset, these shows look fantastic on Blu-ray. If you’re a fan, this is really a no-brainer. As Doctor Who moves into a new era with a new actor in the role, it’s very gratifying to know that BBC is providing fans with the best possible versions of these final adventures with the 10th Doctor.

Rating: 5 / 5

Thank You David for keeping the Good Doctor alive
Rating: 5 / 5