The Ninth/Tenth Doctor:
The Style: The Ninth and Tenth Doctor's title sequence is a tough one to fault as it was done so well. It takes its structure almost from the Tom Baker sequence, the most recognisable sequence arguably and really gives it everything as if to point out, this is what Doctor Who can be, with money, modern tech and effects and it doesn't disappoint as it was deliberately aiming to compete not just with cinematic sci fi but also high quality drama. The sequence is dramatic and befittingly so, fitting in with the programme's remit to grab audiences on a Saturday night. It is loaded with energy, the fast moving vortex and the TARDIS rocketing through the Vortex. The best part by far is the midpoint where the TARDIS pauses, lamp flashing before darting off back through time. What more do you need to see to know the TARDIS is a machine of wonders. The only niggle really is the absence of the Doctor's face. Admittedly I can't think of a way it could be put into that title sequence without making it look naff, but equally the appearance of the names, especially in Christopher Eccleston's case look a bit convoluted and doesn't have that same sense of identity. Easter egg for classic fans was the Time Crash titles with Peter Davison's name in the titles, which is a great moment.
Score: 9 The Logo: The lozenge or taxi sign logo is the first to have 'Doctor Who' on one line to make use of the widescreen format. I don't like it. The structure has gone and it just doesn't look as strong. The letters are thin and spindly and it just doesn't grab me. For series 3 the lozenge itself was updated to have a fiery background to tie in with all the other branding and to be fair that is probably the best part of the logo, but not the shape, it's to minimal. Thumbs down on this one. But given its success, I feel obliged to give it some complimentary marks.
Score: 6 The Theme: The theme is a tricky one to tackle as it changed from 'Voyage of the Damned' onwards for no conceivable reason and given as that was the only major change for this sequence over the RTD Years I can't really approach the sequences as a whole separately so I will discuss the merits of each theme separately and come to an average score as a reflection on the production team.
The Ninth Doctor: I can't really find a bad thing to say about the theme. You can hear the original elements in it and as with the oft used Derbyshire version adds the varying bells and whistles to really bring it up to standard. The only thing that is missing is the diddly dum baseline throughout the majority of the theme but the classic oo ee oo is there for all to hear and it is glorious and packs a punch after all this time. It complements the visuals appropriately and is a tasteful modernisation. What followed, did not.
Score: 8 The Tenth Doctor: Why! Why fix what isn't broken. We have some electric guitar thing that tries to mimic the Peter Howell theme. Why go from 1963 1981 after just 3 years. It's a completely unnecessary change that cheapens the whole thing. As a piece on its own it's not bad, but it just doesn't have cause to be there and it makes me pine for the previous version which had depth and gravity. Also despite the changes, this version isn't half as powerful and gone is the original Derbyshire base. Sorry Murray Gold, you let the side down.
Score: 5 Theme Score: 6.5
Overall Score: 21.5