The Classic 'Doctor Who' DVD Release Guide

[Susan Foreman]

#73: Box Set - Kamelion Tales
i) The King's Demons'

Release date - June 2010

Box info:
"The Fifth Doctor and the Master do battle over a shape-shifting android in these two classic 1980s adventures!"



Back cover info:
"England, March 1215. King John is visiting the castle of Sir Ranulph Fitzwilliam. The arrival of the TARDIS disturbs a medieval joust, but the Doctor and his companions are proclaimed to be friendly demons by the King, who seems strangely interested in their "blue engine."

It soon becomes clear that neither King John or his Champion, Sir Gilles Estram, are who they pretend to be. One of the Doctor's oldest and deadliest enemies threatens the future of democracy on Earth, and he must be stopped!"

Special features

• Episode 1 Commentary with Tony Virgo (Director)
• Commentary with Peter Davison (The Doctor), Isla Blair (Isabella) and Eric Saward (Script Editor)
• Subtitle Information Text
• Isolated Music Track
• Kamelion: Metal Man (dur. 13.52) - Documentary looking at the short history of the Doctor's robotic companion
• Magna Carta (dur. 22.20) - But what exactly is the Magna Carta and what is its relevance both throughout history and to our lives today?
• Coming Soon Trailer: The Dominators (dur. 1.04)
• Photo Gallery

[Susan Foreman]

#73: Box Set - Kamelion Tales
ii) Planet Of Fire

Release date - June 2010

Box info:
"The Fifth Doctor and the Master do battle over a shape-shifting android in these two classic 1980s adventures!"



Back cover info:
"A strange signal from Earth draws the TARDIS to the island of Lanzarote, where Turlough rescues a young American girl, Peri, from drowning. Among her possessions is an artifact bearing an alien symbol — the same triangular mark that Turlough has branded into his arm.

The mystery deepens when Kamelion falls under the control of a powerful mind, and the TARDIS travels to the volcanic world of Sarn. As Turlough is forced to face his past, the Doctor must stop his oldest enemy from harnessing the revitalizing powers of Numismaton gas."

Special features
Disc 1 - Transmitted Version

• Commentary with Peter Davison (The Doctor), Nicola Bryant (Peri) and Mark Strickson (Turlough) and Fiona Cumming (Director)
• Subtitle Information Text
• Isolated Music Score
• The Flames of Sarn (dur. 25.36) - The Making Of 'Planet of Fire'
• Return to the Planet of Fire (dur. 12.35) - Director Fiona Cumming and designer Malcolm Thornton return to Lanzarote to revisit some of the locations used during filming of the story
• Designs on Sarn (dur. 5.00) - designer Malcolm Thornton talks about his inspirations for the production design of 'Planet of Fire'
• Alternate Edits, Deleted and Extended Scenes (dur. 15.23)
• Continuity (dur. 1.34)
• Coming Soon Trailer: The Dominators (dur. 1.04)

Disc 2

• Planet of Fire: Special Edition (dur. 66.20)
• Optional Introduction (dur. 1.23) - an introduction to the Special Edition from director Fiona Cumming
• Calling the Shots (dur. 7.46) - behind the scenes during the production of 'Planet of Fire'
• Remembering Anthony Ainley (dur. 12.34) - A retrospective of the life and career of actor Anthony Ainley

[Susan Foreman]

#74: The Dominators

Release date - July 2010



Back cover info:
"Dulkis: planet of harmony and enlightenment. Home to the peaceful Dulcians. An oasis of calm in the cosmos — and completely defenseless.

The Doctor, Jamie and Zoe arrive to find Dulkis enslaved by the cruel Dominators and their deadly robotic servants, the Quarks. The pacifist Dulcians offer no resistance. Can even the Doctor save a people who are willing collaborators in their own destruction?"

Special features:

• Commentary with Frazer Hines (Jamie), Wendy Padbury (Zoe), Giles Block (Teel), Arthur Cox (Cully) and Sylvia James (Make-Up Artist). Moderated by Toby Hadoke
• Subtitle Information Text
• Recharge and Equalise (dur. 22.58) - The Making Of 'The Dominators'
• Tomorrow's Times: The Second Doctor (dur. 13.15) - A look at what the papers said about Doctor Who during Patrick Troughton's time in the TARDIS
• Coming Soon Trailer: Revenge Of The Cybermen/Silver Nemesis (dur. 1.25)
• Photo Gallery

[Susan Foreman]

#75: Box Set
i) Revenge Of The Cybermen

Release date - August 2010

Box Info:

"The Fourth Doctor and the Seventh Doctor do battle with the deadly Cybermen in these two classic adventures!"



Back cover info:
"The Doctor and his companions are lost in time.

Expecting to be reunited with the TARDIS following a secret mission for the Time Lords, they instead find themselves on a plague-stricken space station orbiting the remnants of Voga, Planet of Gold.

The Doctor, Harry and Sarah Jane have stumbled into the last battle of an ancient conflict between humankind and one of its most terrifying foes — the Cybermen."

Special features

• Commentary with Elisabeth Sladen (Sarah-Jane), David Collings (Vorus) and Philip Hinchcliffe (Producer)
• Subtitle Information Text
• The Tin Man and the Witch (dur. 25.23) - The Making Of 'Revenge Of The Cybermen'
• Location Report (dur. 5.34) - Tom Baker interviewed by BBC News on location at Wookey Hole in Somerset during the location shoot for the story
• Cheques, Lies and Videotape (dur. 28.16) - Featurette about the lengths 'Doctor Who' fans went to, to get copies of stories, in the days before the official VHS and DVD releases when swapping and trading was rife
• Coming Soon Trailer: Time And The Rani (dur. 0.41)
• Photo Gallery

[Susan Foreman]

#75: Box Set
ii) Silver Nemesis

Release date - August 2010

Box Info:

"The Fourth Doctor and the Seventh Doctor do battle with the deadly Cybermen in these two classic adventures!"



Back cover info:
"Earth, 1988: While the Doctor and Ace flee from emotionless men wielding futuristic pistols, neo-Nazi Herr de Flores is intent on heralding the Fourth Reich. Meanwhile, the villainous Lady Peinforte uses black magic to propel herself forward from 1638 for a final confrontation with her sworn enemy — the Doctor. And, at the same time, a spacecraft full of Cybermen sets down on Earth.

As the Doctor desperately evades multiple enemies, a meteor containing a Gallifreyan super-weapon is hurtling ever nearer to the planet. Whoever is able to unite the validium statue with its bow and arrow will hold power of life or death over the entire universe."

Special features

• Commentary with Sylvester McCoy (The Doctor), Sophie Aldred (Ace), Chris Clough (Director) and Andrew Cartmel (Script Editor)
• Subtitle Information Text
• Isolated Music Score
• Industrial Action (dur. 33.30) - The Making Of 'Silver Nemesis'
• Deleted and Extended Scenes (dur. 22.30)
• Trails and Continuity (dur. 5.31)
• Coming Soon Trailer: Time And The Rani (dur. 0.41)
• Photo Gallery

NOTE - The DVD only contains the broadcast version of the story. However, when it was previously released on VHS, it was in an extended form, containing approximately 11 minutes of additional material. The VHS also included a 60 minute 'extra' in the form of a 'Making of Silver Nemesis' documentary. However, due to rights issues, this documentary was left off the DVD release. Maybe both the extended version and the documentary will be included in a future 'special edition' release of 'Silver Nemesis'...but don't hold your breath!

[Susan Foreman]

#76: Time And The Rani

Release date - September 2010



Back cover info:
"Violently wrenched out of time, the TARDIS is brought crashing down onto the planet Lakertya by the villainous Rani. Caught within the maelstrom, the Doctor is forced to regenerate...

Imprisoning the Doctor in her stronghold, the Rani seizes upon his vulnerable state. By impersonating his friend Mel, the Rani deceives the unwitting Doctor into helping her achieve her audacious plan.

Just what is she up to? Why has she enslaved Albert Einstein and a host of geniuses? And as an asteroid composed of Strange Matter approaches Lakertya, can a weakened Doctor save the universe when he has little idea of who he really is?"

Special features:

• Commentary with Sylvester McCoy (The Doctor), Bonnie Langford (Mel) and Pip and Jane Baker (Writers)
• Subtitle Information Text
• The Last Chance Saloon (dur. 28.37) – by 1987, senior executives at the BBC were on the point of killing-off Doctor Who in the face of stiff fan opposition. Instead, they decided to give the show one last chance...
• 7D FX (dur. 12.20) – a look behind-the-scenes at the creation of the story’s visual effects
• Helter-Skelter (dur. 9.15) – Graphic designer Oliver Elmes and animator Gareth Edwards talk about how they created the first CGI title sequence in Doctor Who’s history
• Lakertya (dur. 2.02) – writers Pip and Jane Baker talk about their original vision for the lush forest planet Lakertya and director Andrew Morgan explains why he ended up shooting it in a desolate quarry instead…
• Hot Gossip (dur. 2.21) – Kate O’Mara recalls the fun of working with gossiping friends
• On Location (dur. 4.04) – BBC Breakfast Time’s reporter Guy Michelmore visits the production during location filming for the story’s exterior scenes and talks to John Nathan-Turner, Sylvester McCoy, Bonnie Langford and Kate O’Mara
• Blue Peter (dur. 1.20) – Janet Ellis welcomes newly appointed Doctor Who Sylvester McCoy to the Blue Peter studio
• Coming Soon Trailer: Revisitations 1 (dur. 2.09)
• Photo Gallery

Easter Egg:
1) Special Features Menu - Highlight 7D Fx - Press 'Left' For Logo - Enter For Regeneration Sequence
2) Special Features menu - Highlight 'Blue Peter' - Press 'Right' For Logo - Enter For 'Eye-Sore'
3) Special Features Menu - Highlight PDF Material - Press 'Left' For Logo - Enter For 'The Name’sh McCoy'

[Susan Foreman]

#77: The Seeds Of Doom

Release date - October 2010



Back cover info:
"When scientists unearth two seed pods deep in the arctic permafrost, the Doctor and Sarah Jane rush to investigate. Soon the Doctor's worst fears are confirmed: the pods house Krynoids, one of the most parasitic and dangerous life forms in the universe. One of the creatures has already infected a scientist and now a hideous monster is rampaging through the Base, intent on total destruction.

When the second pod is stolen amidst the escalating carnage, it is transported into the hands of insane botanist Harrison Chase. From his mansion in England, the plant-obsessed Chase will allow the pod to split open. Both the ruthless millionaire and the rapidly growing carnivorous Krynoid are intent on infecting and destroying our entire world..."

Special features:
Disc 1

• Commentary with Tom Baker (The Doctor), John Challis (Scorby), Kenneth Gilbert (Dunbar), Michael McStay (Moberley), Philip Hinchcliffe (Producer), Robert Banks Stewart (Writer), Roger-Murray Leach (Designer) and Joggs Camfield (son of Douglas Camfield, Director)
• Subtitle Information Text

Disc 2

• PodShock (dur. 37’ 15”) – The Making Of 'The Seeds Of Doom'
• Now and Then (dur. 8.56) – An exploration of the locations used in ‘The Seeds of Doom’, and how they look now
• Playing in the Green Cathedral (dur. 10.03) – Interview With Composer Geoffrey Burgon
• So What Do You Do Exactly? (dur. 14.23) – What does a Production Assistant or a Production Unit Manager Actually Do? This Featurette Explains...
• Stripped for Action: The Fourth Doctor (dur. 20.18) – Looking at the portrayal of the fourth Doctor in comic strip form
• Trail and Continuity (dur. 1.23)
• Coming Soon Trailer: Meglos (dur. 1.08)
• Photo Gallery

Easter Eggs:
1) Disc 2 - Highlight 'Playing In The Green Cathedral' - Press 'Right' for Logo - Enter For Story Out-take
2) Disc 2 - Highlight 'Photo Gallery' - Press 'Left' For Logo - Enter For John Challis Story

[Susan Foreman]

#78: Meglos

Release date - January 2011



Back cover info:
"On Tigella, two opposing factions are irrevocably divided over one fundamental issue: the Dodecahedron, a mysterious artifact which provides the entire planet's energy. With the Savants and the Deons locked in a crippling stalemate, and their civilization on the brink of collapse, the Tigellan leader Zastor seeks the Doctor's help. But the Doctor and Romana have been trapped aboard the TARDIS in a time loop by Meglos, the last of the Zolpha Thurans, who will stop at nothing to steal back the awesome power of the Dodecahedron."

Special features:

• Audio Commentary with Lalla Ward (Romana), Christopher Owen (Earthling), John Flanagan (co-Writer) and Paddy Kingsland and Peter Howell (Composers)
• Subtitle Information Text
• Isolated Music Score
• Meglos Men (dur. 18.13) - Writers John Flanagan and Andrew McCulloch meet with script editor Christopher H. Bidmead
• The Scene Sync Story (dur. 11.05) - ‘Meglos’ used a pioneering process called Scene Sync in the creation of many of its shots, in which a robotic camera moving over a model set followed the movements of a studio camera photographing the actors in a bluescreen set, allowing the two to be composited together into a single image. This documentary looks at the technology behind this precursor to today’s virtual-studio productions
• Jacqueline Hill: A Life in Pictures (dur. 12.57) - Profile of the actress who appeared in this story, and was also played original companion Barbara Wright
• Entropy Explained (dur. 4.54) - Dr. Phillip Trowga of the University of Westminster looks at the principle of entropy, key to the plot of ‘Meglos’.
• Coming Soon Trailer: The Mutants (dur. 4.19)
• Photo Gallery

Easter Egg:
Special Features Menu - Highlight 'Audio Options' - Press 'Left' For Logo - Enter For Clean Title Sequence

[Susan Foreman]

#79: The Mutants

Release date - January 2011



Back cover info:
"When a strange message pod turns up at UNIT HQ, the Doctor and his assistant Jo are suddenly involved in another dangerous mission for the Time Lords. The TARDIS takes them to Skybase One above the inhospitable Solos. It is the 30th century and the planet is about to gain independence from Earth's glorious empire. But someone on Solos has other plans and, alarmingly, the natives are slowly mutating into fierce-looking creatures. It's time for the Doctor and Jo to find out why."

Special features:
Disc 1

• Audio Commentary with Katy Manning (Jo Grant), Garrick Hagon (Ky), Christopher Barry (Director), Terrance Dicks (Script Editor), Bob Baker (Co-Writer), Brian Hodgson (Special Sounds Supervisor) and Jeremy Bear (Designer). Moderated by Nicholas Pegg
• Subtitle Information Text
• Coming Soon Trailer: The Ark (dur. 1.05)

Disc 2

• Mutt Mad (dur. 20.43) – The Making Of 'The Mutants'
• Race Against Time (dur. 37.38) - Documentary looking at the representation of black actors in Doctor Who and on British TV as a whole
• Dressing Doctor Who (dur. 27.04) – Costume designer James Acheson takes a look back over his work on Doctor Who
• Blue Peter (dur. 1.35) – Peter Purves takes a look at a collection of Doctor Who monsters prior to the opening of an exhibition of visual effects
• Photo Gallery

[Susan Foreman]

#80: The Ark

Release date - February 2011



Back cover info:
"In the final days of Earth, the TARDIS lands on a massive spaceship carrying the last members of the human race to a new home beyond the solar system. The humans are not out of danger, however, as a deadly plague emerges from the most unlikely of sources: the common cold carried by the Doctor's companion Dodo.

Put on trial for their lives, the TARDIS crew must find a way to repair the damage they have unwittingly caused — and face up to the devastating consequences..."

Special features:

• Commentary with Peter Purves (Steven Taylor) and Michael Imison (Director). Moderated by Toby Hadoke
• Subtitle Information Text
• All's Well That Ends Wells (dur. 13.16) - A new documentary exploring the influence of H.G. Wells on Doctor Who
• One Hit Wonder (dur. 4.36) - What gives a monster it's staying power?
• Riverside Story (dur. 20.20) - Peter Purves returns to Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, home to numerous 1960s Doctor Who stories
• Coming Soon Trailer: Mara Tales (dur. 1.15)
• Photo Gallery