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The picture quality is excellent. The BBC Restoration Team have also used the VidFIRE process to restore the print to how it would have looked on original broadcast.
The sound quality is excellent.
Overall, you would think this story had been recorded within the past few years and not in 1964 and so I would have no hesitation in giving this DVD 95% for its sound and picture quality.
The Aztec people of Central America held a belief that when a high priest died he was reincarnated as a god. When a woman, Barbara, emerges from the tomb of the high priest Yetaxa it is not surprising that she is regarded as a god. The three people who follow her are regarded as her servants. The aged servant of Yextaxa, the Doctor, joins a group of elders. Their wisdom and advice is sought from time to time. The Doctor decides to use this to his advantage, as someone must know how to get back inside Yetaxa's tomb (where the TARDIS is located, on the other side of a one-way door).
The handmaiden of Yetaxa, Susan, is to be instructed in the ways of the Aztecs. Susan, however, is not too keen on aspects of a woman's role in Aztec society and voices her disdain, much to the chagrin of those around her. To Tlotoxl, the high priest of sacrifice, Susan's behaviour could prove to be of some use in his campaign to bring Barbara down.
The young man, Ian, is taken to the warriors' quarters. Naturally, being a servant of Yetaxa only the position of chief warrior would befit his station. This upsets Ixta, the existing chief warrior. He has risen to the position through his courage and skill and he will not stand down without a fight. The rivalry between Ian and Ixta provides another weapon for Tlotoxl's arsenal.
As to Barbara herself - a history teacher, she appreciates the beauty of the Aztecs and believes that her newfound godhood puts her in a position to change the one ugly aspect of the Aztecs - the practice of human sacrifice. It is this which brings hers into conflict with Tlotoxl initially and very soon she must match wits with him as he tries to thwart her at every turn, even using her friends against her. If her attempts to save the Aztecs fail, will Barbara be able to save her friends? Will they find a way to get back to the TARDIS or will they too die on the sacrificial stone, their hearts offered to the gods?
REVIEW BY
(d) D.S.Carlin