Putting a Little Doctor Who Under Your Christmas Tree - Page 2

Overall, what is stunning about the items we have in hand is that they don't feel like cheap pieces of junk made to swindle fans of their hard-earned cash.  Instead, they tend to be well-considered, quite detailed, and truly pleasing.

First up, the Dalek Christmas Ornament ($24.98 at BBC America's website).  Five inches high and made by Kurt S. Adler, it's a hand-crafted glass ornament (made in China).  Lightweight, the hanger and string comes off the top of the Dalek's head.   Although clearly breakable, it doesn't appear particularly fragile; even the eyepiece, plunger, and gun don't feel as though they're destined to come off (the appendages are noted as being resin).  Although, it must be noted that little fingers won't have much difficulty in permanently remove the Dalek's appendages should smaller people choose to permanently incapacitate the terror (you can understand where the desire to destroy a Dalek comes from, we trust).  The golden color on the Dalek isn't flat (it is also available in red), with definite darker and lighter sections, lending the ornament a more of a handmade feel.  The seams on the ornament, however, are less appealing as are the depictions of the lights on the Dalek's head.  These last bits are uneven, white, and lack detail of any sort. 

Next, the Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control ($99.98).  I am an avid fan of the Logitech Harmony series of remotes (save for the 1000, not sure why they went that way there), but still find myself generally happy with the Doctor's screwdriver turned into a universal remote.  The instant opinion one gets is both good and bad.  The screwdriver itself looks quite nice, even if the green glowy bit up top (it's the 11th Doctor's screwdriver) looks a little disappointing when not lit.  The display stand, however, is a distressing piece of plastic which doesn't fit the screwdriver's cleverness in any way.  Lifting the screwdriver remote, one will instantly be impressed by its heft – this is no lightweight plastic toy, it is a smart device where even the screws to open the battery compartment are well hidden. 

Article Author: Josh Lasser

Josh Lasser, formerly known as "TV and Film Guy," and complete with a Masters Degree in Critical Studies in said areas, gives his opinions on TV, Film, and Entertainment in general. All of which he does in a shameless attempt to try to get paid to do the exact same thing. …

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