Time is running out! This issue will no longer be available from 26th March 2014 so make sure you don’t miss out. From the lavish presentation pack to a beautifully framed set of stamps, the Royal Mail Doctor Who stamp collection offers fans the perfect souvenir of the world’s longest running science fiction series. 

Explore the Doctor Who collection now at Doctor Who Stamps at Royal Mail Shop or call one of the team on 08457 641 641 (+44 131 316 7483 from overseas) who will be more than happy to help. Phone lines are open between the hours of 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

+  Explore the collection now at Doctor Who Stamps at Royal Mail Shop.

[Source: Royal Mail]

Our friends over at Movie Figures have been in touch with some fantastic SciFi merchandise offers.

Movie Figures is a UK reseller that sells all kinds of exciting stuff, largely inspired by the movies, but also TV too. Movie Figures focuses on three areas: Statues, Prop Replicas and Action Figures. All are at great prices with FREE delivery.

Check out some of the latest offers from Movie Figures, below:

Prop Replicas including Star Wars lightsabers from Hasbro
http://www.moviefigures.co.uk/prop-replicas-182-c.asp

Lightsabers are pretty tough to find at good prices in the UK, but Movie Figures is comparable to US pricing which is great! They stock Luke Skywalker’s (green and blue), Darth Maul’s and Darth Vader’s. They also stock a load of other interesting prop replicas from movies like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter,  The Hobbit and Star Trek with more being added all the time.

Statues including Star Wars Characters from Attakus
http://www.moviefigures.co.uk/statues-142-c.asp

These are high-end, limited edition, hand-painted statues made by French company Attakus. You can get 7” or 15” versions which range in price from £55 to £350. Many popular characters have been covered including Luke, Han, Darth Vader and many more. Also they have some of the more unusual characters like the numerous clone troopers, Bib Fortuna and more.

Action Figures Including ¼ Scale Predators from NECA
http://www.moviefigures.co.uk/action-figures-141-c.asp

NECA’s Predator action figures are almost 20” tall and offer stunning detail for the price. With a wide range of articulation, stunning texturing, netting on the skin and awesome weaponry, these guys have to be in any predator fans possession.

As for Doctor Who, Movie Figures have just started stocking some items, which can be found at: http://www.moviefigures.co.uk/zeon-doctor-who-tardis-collectors-watch-1817-p.asp

We particularly like that they are stocking the awesome Doctor Who Tardis Collector’s watch by Zeon. A perfect timepiece for any Doctor Who Fan!

Other benefits of shopping with Movie Figures:

- They offer FREE delivery within 2 to 5 days on all items.
- They have an average review of 5 stars on ReviewCentre!
- They offer a best price guarantee.
- They are a genuine UK company registered at Companies House.
- They carefully pack their items to try and ensure they get to you pristine.
- They offer a item sourcing service.

If they haven’t got what you are after, just email them at info@moviefigures.co.uk and they will do they best to help you.

+  Visit the Movie Figures website at: http://www.moviefigures.co.uk

[Source: Movie Figures]

Publisher: Race Point Publishing

Written By: Cameron K. McEwan

RRP: £18.99

Release Date: 9th January 2014

Reviewed by: Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 20th February 2014

Now, it’s no secret that we’re good buddies with Blogtor Who owner, Cameron K. McEwan, and when we heard he was coming out with a Doctor Who book that would act as "a whovian guide to friends, foes, villains, monsters and companions", we were very excited indeed - especially considering his vast knowledge and love for the show.

Once you finally get over adoring the beautifully embossed ‘Doctor Who’ lettering on the cover, which also features The 10th, 11th and 12th Doctors (yes that is the correct numbering), you are presented with the simple, yet effective contents page that typifies this straight-up, no-nonsense guide which does exactly what it says on the proverbial tin.

The various sections within the book (The Doctors, The Companions, Friends & Allies, Robots, Time Lords & Ladies, Villains and Aliens & Monsters) are laid out beautifully and clearly in alphabetical order to easily find who you want.

As you thumb through pages and pages of character breakdowns, coupled with pictures and illustrations gloriously brought to life by Andrew Skilleter, you realise just how concise the book is. With over 50 years to draw from you will find information about characters you have long since forgotten (Rita from The God Complex), or even facts about the ones you thought you knew everything about.

The Who's Who Of Doctor Who is essential reading for anyone wanting to know anything from 'Ace' to 'The Zygons', and with over 300 entries to explore, you’ll be reaching for it time and time again.

+  The Who's Who Of Doctor Who is Out Now, priced £18.99.
+  Buy this book on Amazon.co.uk for just £15.77. 

+  Follow BlogtorWho on Twitter.
+  Follow DrWhoOnline on Twitter. 

Time is running out! This issue will no longer be available from 26th March 2014 so make sure you don’t miss out. From the lavish presentation pack to a beautifully framed set of stamps, the Royal Mail Doctor Who stamp collection offers fans the perfect souvenir of the world’s longest running science fiction series. 

Explore the Doctor Who collection now at Doctor Who Stamps at Royal Mail Shop or call one of the team on 08457 641 641 (+44 131 316 7483 from overseas) who will be more than happy to help. Phone lines are open between the hours of 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

+  Explore the collection now at Doctor Who Stamps at Royal Mail Shop.

[Source: Royal Mail]

Doctor Who Magazine have sent DWO the cover and details for Issue 470 of DWM.

The new issue of Doctor Who Magazine is out now, and looks back on Matt Smith's four years as the Doctor.

"A big part of me wanted to stay because it’s a wonderful job and he’s a wonderful character. My life will never be the same. I’ll never play another part quite like this…"

Also in this issue:

-  Model-maker extraordinaire MIKE TUCKER and members of the Model Unit talk exclusively to DWM about creating the visual effects for Doctor Who in 1980s.
-  Doctor Who's new executive producer BRIAN MINCHIN writes exclusively for DWM in Production Notes.
-  A detailed look at the Fact of Fiction of 1980's Meglos.
-  The Blood of Azrael – the first part of a new comic strip adventure for the Doctor and Clara.
-  The Time Team welcome Donna aboard the TARDIS as they watch Partners in Crime
-  A preview of the recently rediscovered The Web of Fear on DVD.
-  A review of the newly released Moonbase DVD from Matthew Sweet.
-  Jacqueline Rayner debates the ethics of telling the truth to her children in Relative Dimensions.
-  The Watcher his favourite Doctor Who planets, and outs another helpless supporting artiste in Wotcha!.
-  Reviews of the latest DVDs, CDs and books.
-  Competitions, puzzles, and much more!

+  Doctor Who Magazine Issue #470 is out on Thursday 6th February, priced £4.99.

+  Subscribe Worldwide to DWM for just £85.00 via CompareTheDalek!

+  Check Out The DWO Guide to Doctor Who Magazine!

[Source: Doctor Who Magazine]

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Matt Fitton

RRP: £12.99 (CD) / £9.99 (Download)

Release Date: January 2014

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 31st January 2014

The search for the final segment of the Key to Time takes the Doctor and the First Romana to Ancient Rome. The Time Lady is appalled when her companion prefers to watch the latest Plautus comedy rather than complete their mission, and is even less delighted to meet the playwright himself.

But all is not what it seems, either onstage or behind the scenes…

In the far, far future, the Second Romana is destined to have her own encounter with a legacy of Rome, but Stoyn has been waiting. And his actions will set Romana on a collision course with her own past.

Quadrigger Stoyn wants his final revenge on the Doctor, and only Romana stands in his way.

Both of her.

* * *

The Stoyn trilogy comes to a close in the first Companion Chronicle of the year, and despite great ambition the story doesn’t feel quite as strong a finale as perhaps it could’ve been.

Luna Romana was originally written to have included Mary Tamm, but in light of Tamm’s recent passing, the story was rewritten. Tamm’s part is taken by Juliet Landau who portrays a future incarnation of Romana who first appeared in the spin off series Gallifrey VI. Landau proceeds to tell her side of the story as a recollection of her time as the first Romana during the events of the Key to Time.

Landau’s performance is certainly lovely but not as full of gusto as Lalla Ward when she takes over narration during the second episode. Indeed Lalla’s narration is perhaps the strongest part of this release and although Landau does a fine job, you really do begin to miss Mary Tamm’s presence. It would have been lovely to see a more authentic comparison between both incarnations of the character would’ve been fascinating but sadly of course this was not to be.

The Stoyn trilogy has been of a mixed run of stories for me personally. I found overall The Beginning by Marc Platt to be the strongest of the trilogy. The character is still played wonderfully by Terry Molloy but he does seem an odd choice of antagonist for a run of stories set to celebrate the 50th anniversary. Indeed the character’s resolution is rather horrible considering that the poor man was taken out of time by the criminal actions of the Doctor. 

Four episodes seems rather too much for this story as there are moments which can be quite easily written off as padding. This is a shame as there are some great ideas in the story but I personally think that it would’ve benefitted as a two parter, with the narrative intercutting between both Romanas throughout.

Whatever the story‘s faults, what cannot be overlooked are the very touching moments when it pays tribute to the first Romana and the legacy of Mary Tamm. Her contribution to the character and her contribution to Big Finish before her were tremendous and it is good to see it recognised here, and Juliet Landau delivers the closing lines with real compassion.

Luna Romana is an interesting but not entirely satisfying conclusion to an unusual trilogy of stories. 

Here at DWO we regularly get sent some truly fantastic creations from fans, and the latest from Tom Kurzanski are no exception!

Tell your companion how you feel with brand new Who-themed "ValenTime" Cards from Tom Kurzanski's Etsy shop. $10 Limited Edition sets of ten 3" x 4" glossy cards with space on the reverse to fill in the recipient and sender.

Each card boasts a character from the Who-niverse paired with an appropriate Valentine sentiment. Follow the artist on Facebook for future Whovian goodies!

Cards ship worldwide - use coupon code: KIDNEYLOVE for a 10% discount!

[Source: Tom Kurzanski]

At this year's Toy Fair, Titans Vinyl Figures have unveiled the figures for their upcoming Doctor Who Gallifrey and Geronimo collections.

From the Geronimo Collection we have the new look Cyberman and the Wooden Cyberman as seen in the 2013 Christmas special The Time Of The Doctor, Clara in her ‘Souffle Girl’ outfit, Rory the Last Centurion, a terrifying Whisper Man, The ‘Monster’ Doctor from The Crimson Horror, John Hurt’s War Doctor, Amy Pond, a shape shifting Zygon, an Ice Warrior, and everyone’s favourite Sontaran butler Strax!

And from the Gallifrey Collection we have The Tenth Doctor in his Sanctuary Base 6 spacesuit and his TARDIS, which someone has graffiti’d with the words ‘Bad Wolf" - with more to be announced!

View a gallery of the upcoming figures, below: 

[Source: Titans Vinyl]

BBC Worldwide and Titan Comics team up for all-new Doctor Who comic book adventures!

In the universe of Doctor Who, regenerations bring not only a new Doctor but often a fresh look and feel to the series, and BBC Worldwide is bringing that same approach to Doctor Who comics as it signs a new deal with Titan Comics.

The deal will open up the world of Doctor Who and provide fans with new stand alone adventures featuring the Tenth Doctor, Eleventh Doctor and after the new series launch, the Twelfth Doctor. Creative and production teams will be announced in the coming weeks and the first comic books will be released in 2014.

The Doctor Who Christmas special, The Time of the Doctor, saw Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor regenerate into the Twelfth Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi. The next season is now in production and will premiere in 2014. In 2013, Doctor Who set ratings and social media records for BBC America.

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

Our friends at TV Store Online have another special Doctor Who giveaway. TVStoreOnline.com is offering one of  their fun Doctor Who TARDIS, Navy Blue Bath Towel's to DWO readers. This Tardis towel is made from 100% cotton and measures in inches at 30"x60". Of course, as with all TV Store Online Doctor Who items, DWO readers will only get officially licensed items for their collections. We all knew that the TARDIS could take you anywhere in time that you wanted to go, but who knew it could dry you off as well after a shower?

In addition, starting today TVStoreOnline.com is also offering DWO readers a sleek and cool looking Doctor Who TARDIS Glowing Stars White Sublimation Tee as well.  This Doctor Who t-shirt is made from 100% polyester and is available in various sizes from Adult Small to Adult 3XL. This glowing stars Doctor Tardis t-shirt is officially licensed and offers a cool design showing the Tardis from a very unique perspective.  This Doctor Who shirt will turn heads at your next comic or Doctor Who convention!

Keep calm and check out TVStoreOnline.com for their massive selection of Doctor Who t-shirts for men and women as well as other hot Doctor Who clothing items like bath towels, costumes, bathrobes, boxer shorts, baby clothes, dresses, hoodies and even Doctor Who ugly Christmas sweaters as well! TVStoreOnline.com has all of your Doctor Who merchandise needs covered.

+  For all these and more, check out TVStoreOnline.com.

[Sources: TV Store Online]

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: John Dorney

RRP: £10.99 (CD) / £8.99 (Download)

Release Date: January 2014

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 17th January 2014

Dowcra base. The third Elite Sontaran Assassination Squad closes in on its target. A dozen trained killers, but even they will be unable to bring down the invincible Strang…

Manipulated by the Time Lords, the TARDIS also arrives on Dowcra. And the Doctor is set to encounter the greatest Sontaran ever cloned...

* * *

As we begin a new Big Finish year, we start off with a brand new season of adventures for the Fourth Doctor and Leela. 

After the excellent second season in which we sadly got to hear the lovely Mary Tamm as Romana one last time, Louise Jameson returns as Leela. 

With an excellent script by John Dorney, The King of Sontar plunges us directly into a battle zone and does not slow down in a story full of action, humour and with a rather unexpected ending.

Since making their Big Finish debut in Heroes of Sontar, the Sontarans are quickly becoming a favourite monster in the company’s output. The casting of seasoned television Sontaran Dan Starkey as Strang is a brilliant move as his performance is a definite highlight of this release.  Similar in vocal patterns to Commander Strax, Strang possesses a more fanatical personality and he is certainly no one’s comic relief. He is a superb antagonist who works very well with Tom Baker’s Doctor. 

The supporting cast is headed up by the great David Collings who puts in a lovely performance as Rosato the scientist in a terrible moral dilemma which makes for some interesting exchanges with the Doctor. If The Pirate Planet taught us anything, it's that The Fourth Doctor knows how to put forward a case of moral outrage and this part of his personality comes out again throughout this story.

In fact morality is a running theme throughout The King of Sontar.

In the story there are characters that completely lack morality or have distorted and polarising views of what is right and wrong. The culmination of this occurs in the rather surprising final scene between the Doctor and Leela.

Big Finish have said that the theme of the first Fourth Doctor season was the Doctor educating Leela in an almost Pygmalion fashion. Rather than simply keeping the relationship the same as that of their television years, Big Finish have been keen to develop this relationship between the Doctor and companion and The King of Sontar is a great example of this. 

The Doctor and Leela come to a crossroads bringing out some excellent performances from both Baker and Jameson. It will be fascinating to see how this plays out in the rest of the season.

Strong and defining moments such as this do not usually occur until much later in a season’s run but the fact that Big Finish has pulled this out so early is another example of how much they have done to develop the characters.  It is a real standout moment from the tone of the previous Fourth Doctor releases and a great shift in direction for future stories.

The King of Sontar is a fantastic opening story for the new season which promises great developments to come.

BBC Digital have released the cover art and details for their forthcoming Doctor Who eBook, Tales Of Trenzalore.

As it had been foretold, the armies of the Universe gathered at Trenzalore. Only one thing stood between the planet and destruction – the Doctor. For nine hundred years, he defended the planet, and the tiny town of Christmas, against the forces that would destroy it. 

He never knew how long he could keep the peace. He never knew what creatures would emerge from the snowy night to threaten him next. He knew only that at the end he would die on Trenzalore.

Some of what happened during those terrible years is well documented. But most of it remains shrouded in mystery and darkness.

Until now. 

This is a glimpse of just some of the terrors the people faced, the monstrous threats the Doctor defeated. These are the tales of the monsters who found themselves afraid - and of the one man who was not. 

Tales of Trenzalore documents four of the Doctor’s adventures from different periods during the Siege of Trenzalore and the ensuing battle: 

Let it Snow – by Justin Richards
An Apple a Day – by George Mann
Strangers in the Outland – by Paul Finch
The Dreaming – by Mark Morris

+  Tales Of Trenzalore is released on 27th February 2014, priced £2.99.
+  Preorder via Amazon.co.uk for just £2.49. 

[Source: BBC Digital]

Our friends over at The Film Cell have just uploaded some fantastic new Doctor Who gifts and fancy dress ideas ideal for all those cosplay readers. They have a great range of official BBC Dr Who scarves and knitwear made to look just like the ones wore in the 1970’s & 80’s. Are you looking to dress up as your favourite Doctor? Then they also have some great Doctor Who Fancy Dress ideas which will help make your party or event extra special. 

If you are a fan of Sylvester McCoy they have 2 items that are going to blow you away. Firstly there is one of the most famous jumpers/tank tops of all time, the question mark top as worn by the 7th Doctor, McCoy. This is now available in a number of different sizes from small to extra large, a must-have item for fans of the McCoy era. 

To finish off the McCoy look they also have the 7th Doctor Who scarf which is both highly collectable as well as wearable. This authentic silk scarf comes presented in a collectors box, so makes a great presents for birthdays or Doctor Who gift for fans of the original series, Whovian’s or yourself this winter.

Not a McCoy fan? Then check out their iconic Doctor Who scarf as wore by Tom Baker which is an amazing 13 foot in length, that’s almost 4 meters long. This is one of the most iconic items of clothing from the original Doctor Who series especially while Tom Baker was playing the time lord between 1974 & 1981.

Their range of Doctor Who Fancy Dress are also now available, these were very popular at Christmas parties and continued their success on New Year’s Eve parties. If you are looking for a complete costume and haven’t got the time to make up the look yourself with the accessories above then these are a much easier option. These complete outfits are also a great idea for sci-fi events around the UK with the 50th Anniversary being such a big hit.

They have 3 options available currently, if you are a fan of the original series you can dress up as the 4th Doctor, Tom Baker. With the iconic scarf and wide-brimmed hat the costume is complete with all in one top.

If you’ve only just started to get into Doctor Who over the past few years then the next two options will probably be more to your taste, David Tennant at Matt Smith. The 10th Doctor costume comes complete with long sleeved jacket & mock waistcoat and shirt with tie all in one. Where as the 11th Doctor comes complete with long sleeved jacket & mock shirt with iconic bow tie.

Ideal if you are looking to dress up as a group why not all dress up as a different Doctor? There is also the weeping angel costume ideal for the ladies who want to join in and don’t want to choose one of the many assistants our favourite time lord has had over the years.  

They also have some of these products on SALE in their January sale so make sure you check out www.thefilmcell.com for all you movie and TV needs. All you will need now is a time machine and Sonic screwdriver which you can also get from The Film Cell. Unfortunately they don’t sell time machines!!

+  For all these and more, check out The Film Cell.

[Sources: The Film Cell]

2013 was quite a year for The Doctor. As well as celebrating his 50th Anniversary and regenerating at Christmas, The Doctor was also the subject of a special stamp issue from Royal Mail.

The eleven stamps, launched in March and all at 1st Class value, feature eleven of the actors who have played the role of the Time Lord over the last 50 years, from William Hartnell right through to Matt Smith. The Doctors are also joined by stamps of some of their fiercest adversaries, such as the Daleks and Cybermen, who have enthralled generations of fans.

And it’s not too late to get your hands on the Doctor Who stamps and collectibles. From the presentation pack to the framed set of the Doctor Who stamps, the Royal Mail collection offers Doctor Who fans the perfect memento of one of the biggest years in our hero’s history.

+  Explore the collection now at Doctor Who Stamps at Royal Mail Shop.

[Source: Royal Mail]

Forbidden Planet have teamed up with Character Options for another Exclusive Doctor Who Toy.

'The Other Doctor' action figure features The Other Doctor as played by John Hurt, from the 50th Anniversary Doctor Who special; The Day Of The Doctor.

Product Details:

The ‘Other Doctor’ is the Doctor’s dark chapter, a hitherto unknown incarnation whose existence has spent centuries repressing a secret he wants no one to know of.

He is a relic of the past, part of the great Time War, when he spent centuries fighting alongside his fellow Time Lords against the Daleks and made the final decision to end it with a desperate act that cost that incarnation the right to use the name “Doctor”.

This haunted and battle-worn Other Doctor is finally forgiven after helping find a new solution to end the war, giving the Eleventh Doctor a new purpose as he heads into further adventures.

Contents:

•  The Other Doctor Action Figure.
•  The Other Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver Accessory.
•  The Moment Accessory.
•  The Eighth Doctor alternate head.

+  'The Other Doctor' action figure is released on 28th February 2014, priced £14.99.
+  Preorder Now from Forbidden Planet!

[Source: Forbidden Planet]

Our friends over at Buckingham Covers have some rare Doctor Who first day covers, but with some limited editions of only 50 or less, these are only for a select few.

Most will be snapped up by first day cover collectors because Buckingham first day covers are world renowned in the stamp world.

That means few, true Doctor Who fans will even hear of them, let alone get a chance to buy one - but DWO followers, here’s your chance! 

Royal Mail is selling Doctor Who first day covers too but don’t be confused. The ones on offer from Buckingham are much smaller editions and are more sought after by collectors. Also, Buckingham Covers has a reputation for offering top autographs – always genuine – on their first day covers.

So far their Doctor Who covers have been hand signed by:

Sylvester McCoy (7th Doctor)
Colin Baker (6th Doctor)
Tom Baker (4th Doctor)
Peter Davison (5th Doctor)
Nicola Bryant (Peri)
Louise Jameson (Leela)
Bonnie Langford (Mel)

with more autographs expected to be announced in the next few months.

+  Check them out at: www.buckinghamcovers.com/doctorwho

[Source: Buckingham Covers]

Our friends over at Puffin Books have sent DWO some more details on the anthology of eleven stories by some of the most exciting names in children's fiction!

The print edition of '11 Doctors, 11 Stories' is the culmination of a year-long series of eBooks to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Doctor Who.

Eleven stories, eleven authors, eleven unique interpretations of the Doctor: his terrifying alien enemies and his time-travelling adventures.

The authors involved in this exciting project are Eoin Colfer, Michael Scott, Marcus Sedgwick, Philip Reeve, Patrick Ness, Richelle Mead, Malorie Blackman, Alex Scarrow, Charlie Higson, Derek Landy and Neil Gaiman. 

+  11 Doctors, 11 Stories is Out Now, priced £12.99.

+  Order your copy now via Amazon: http://amzn.to/1eP9Pdl

[Source: Puffin Books]

BBC Consumer Products have sent DWO the cover and details for the Doctor Who DVD release of An Adventure In Space And Time.

This fantastic one-off drama travels back in time to 1963 to see how the beloved Doctor Who was first brought to the screen.

Actor William Hartnell felt trapped by a succession of hard-man roles. Wannabe producer Verity Lambert was frustrated by the TV industry’s glass ceiling. Both of them were to find unlikely hope and unexpected challenges in the form of a Saturday tea-time drama, time travel and monsters!

Allied with a team of brilliant people, they went on to create the longest-running science fiction series ever, now celebrating its 50th anniversary.

An Adventure in Space and Time is written by Mark Gatiss, executive produced by Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat and Caroline Skinner and directed by Terry McDonough. David Bradley (Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Broadchurch) plays the lead role of William Hartnell while Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife, The Woman in Black) co-stars as the first ever producer of Doctor Who, Verity Lambert.

The stellar cast is joined by Sacha Dhawan (Waris Hussein), Lesley Manville (Heather Hartnell), and Brian Cox (Sydney Newman). A must see drama for all Doctor Who and drama fans alike.

Special Features:

•  Leaflet featuring programme images and an exclusive foreword by writer and executive producer Mark Gatiss
•  William Hartnell: The Original
•  The Making of An Adventure  - narrated by Carole Ann Ford
•  Reconstructions:
-  Scenes from An Unearthly Child and the pilot- Regenerations 
-  Farewell to Susan - Festive Greeting
-  The Title Sequences
-  Deleted Scenes - The Radiophonic Workshop
-  Verity's Leaving Party

The disc also contains English subtitles for the hard of hearing, audio description and audio navigation.

The main feature contains a 5.1 soundtrack.

+  An Adventure In Space And Time is released on 2nd December 2013, priced £13.99.

+  Preorder Now from BBC Shop.

[Source: BBC Consumer Products]

Our friends over at the National Media Museum celebrate fans of Doctor Who with a fantastic new exhibition which will open in the week of the 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who, where you can discover what it takes to be a ‘super fan’.

Doctor Who’s universal reach and popularity will be on show in abundance at the National Media Museum after hundreds of personal objects were offered by members of the public for the upcoming exhibition celebrating the fans of the programme.

Doctor Who and Me: 50 Years of Doctor Who Fans (23rd November 2013 – 9th February 2014) explores what it means to be a devotee of the show in its 50th anniversary year, bringing together items that fans and superfans around the world have collected, created, drawn, assembled and purchased over the last half century.

In July the Museum made a public plea for items and stories for the exhibition, resulting in hundreds of offers including knitted Daleks from Indiana; commemorative coins from New Zealand; mum-made Doctor Who scarves from Tunbridge Wells; TARDIS telephones from Burnley and Whovian Peruvians (woolly hats with Daleks on them) from Huddersfield. 

Exhibition curator Toni Booth said:

“Over the past few weeks it has become very apparent that the influence of The Doctor extends into many parts of people’s lives – I have heard about marriage proposals at a Doctor Who exhibition in Blackpool and another fan confessing to me that in life, ‘I often ask myself: WWTDD?’ (What would The Doctor do?). The stories and objects in the exhibition will show just how intertwined into their every day lives the Doctor has become for so many people.”

In addition to a vast array of objects loaned from the public, the exhibition includes fans’ own stories and experiences relating just how much they love Doctor Who and why, how they have organised themselves, produced fanzines, attended conventions around the world, and now make use of the internet and social media to discuss the programme.

Doctor Who and Me: 50 Years of Doctor Who Fans also shines a spotlight on a small group known as ‘superfans’; people for whom time, money (and often living space) is of no concern when it comes to demonstrating how much the programme means to them. Toni added:

“We have visited a number of superfans at home and they have simply incredible collections of Doctor Who-related objects. We hope to give a real insight into this ultra-dedicated few, as well as display the objects that mean the most to them from the hundreds of items they have amassed.”

The Museum would like to thank everyone who has responded to its request for objects, highlighting the delight and comfort that people get from Doctor Who. The Doctor has been there for them for 50 years and looks like he’ll be around for quite some time yet.

[Source: National Medial Museum]

 Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Nicholas Briggs

RRP: £14.99 (CD) / £12.99 (Download)

Release Date: October 2013

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 25th October 2013

November 23rd 1963 proves to be a significant day in the lives of all eight Doctors…

It's the day that Bob Dovie's life is ripped apart…

It's also a day that sets in motion a catastrophic chain of events which forces the first eight incarnations of the Doctor to fight for their very existence. As a mysterious, insidious chaos unfolds within the TARDIS, the barriers of time break apart…

From suburban England through war-torn alien landscapes and into a deadly, artificial dimension, all these Doctors and their companions must struggle against the power of an unfathomable, alien technology.

From the very beginning, it is clear that the Master is somehow involved. By the end, for the Doctors, there may only be darkness.

* * *

So here it is at last! The Light at the End is Big Finish’s tribute to the 50th anniversary of our favourite television show and was it worth the wait? The answer is a resounding YES!

The Light at the End is everything you could have hoped for from an anniversary story; multiple Doctors, many companions and a truly exciting story which celebrates the past fifty years with unashamed joy.

Unlike previous releases, Zagreus and The Four Doctors, we get to see all the Doctors interacting with each other throughout the whole story. 

As with past multi Doctor stories there are the inevitable moments such as criticism of taste in fashion , differences of opinion on TARDIS decor and some squabbling. Writer Nicholas Briggs chooses to pair Doctors together before everyone eventually gets together for the final part of the story. This makes for some rather interesting team ups, especially when the Fourth and Eighth Doctor get together. Tom Baker and Paul McGann make a wonderful pairing and they play off each other to great comic effect. Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy also make a brilliant pairing that is somewhat reminiscent of Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee from The Three Doctors, which creates some more wonderful moments.

One of the biggest surprises about the story is that all the classic Doctors make an appearance and I do mean all of them. How this is achieved I wouldn’t dream of spoiling by telling you but Big Finish must be commended for taking on such a risky and delicate matter and achieving a lovely tribute to those wonderful actors no longer with us.

The Light at the End surely must feature the largest cast of guest stars in any single Big Finish release. The cast includes many Companions of the past from Carole Ann Ford to the very welcome return of India Fisher and many more lovely surprises. Wisely, unlike other anniversary specials of the past, Briggs uses them in small but wonderful moments and little flashes of memory - it pulls at the fans’ heart strings and no one outstays their welcome.

The Companions themselves have a really great part to play but ultimately this is a story about The Doctor. That is not to say the companions are wasted; they play a really important part in the story and Ace’s descriptions of each of the Doctor’s incarnations is worth the purchase price itself.

The cast are on exceptional form and an extraordinary script makes this a top notch audio drama.

Briggs must be singled out for great praise. The Light at the End in the hands of a lesser writer could have been a mess. The temptation of an anniversary story is to succumb to all our fan dreams and fill the story with so many references, characters and monsters that the story is crushed under its own weight (I’m looking at you Dimensions in Time!). I take my hat off to Briggs for not only creating a superb script which serves all the Doctors and their legacy but for writing a cracking story in its own right. 

Having The Master as the sole antagonist is a smart move on Brigg’s part, especially as he has been such an important part of The Doctor’s history. This choice of foe gives the story a clear sense of direction and enhances the impact of its message. We are reminded throughout just how important The Doctor is and the impact that he has on those around him and the Universe as a whole is inescapable.

Just as we are reminded that The Doctor has impacted on the lives of those he meets in his stories, so too are we reminded of the importance he has had to us as listeners. We wouldn’t be listening to this story if hehad not had an impact on us at some point in our lives. This is something that Briggs understands completely, as he is one of us; a true fan. He doesn’t just love the show, he truly understands what makes it important and it is this understanding that really shines through.

The Light at the End really is a wonderful tribute to the power of Doctor Who and its legacy and this is one release you really cannot be without.

Here’s to the next 50 years...

BBC Books have sent DWO some further information and covers for their new Doctor Who: Time Trips series.

Jake Arnott, Cecelia Ahern and Joanne Harris have today been confirmed to write for BBC Books' Doctor Who: Time Trips. They join award-winning writers AL Kennedy, Jenny Colgan, Nick Harkaway and Trudi Canavan for new Doctor Who digital shorts series.

The series will launch on 5th December with The Death Pit, a Fourth Doctor adventure by AL Kennedy. It then publishes monthly throughout 2014: the spring’s selections include Jenny Colgan’s Eleventh Doctor adventure, Into the Nowhere (Jan); Nick Harkaway’s take on the Tenth Doctor, Keeping Up with the Joneses (Feb); Trudi Canavan’s tribute to the Third Doctor, Salt of the Earth (Mar); and Jake Arnott’s Sixth Doctor adventure in April. Cecelia Ahern’s and Joanne Harris’s stories will publish later in the year.

Cecelia Aherne said:

"I’m so excited to have written a story for the Time Trips series and I enjoyed writing every word. Doctor Who is an institution and to be involved in the 50th anniversary is beyond a dream – it is an honour’"

Jake Arnott adds:

"Writing for the Time Trips series really was a trip – the chance to jump around in time, space and genre, to play around with a classic of popular culture and try to find a place in its vast universe – but most of all it was an opportunity to travel back all those light years ago when I was a kid, full of wonder, watching Doctor Who for the first time"

Joanne Harris says:

"I remember watching Doctor Who from a very early age, from a cushion fort behind the sofa. As I grew older I began to really understand and appreciate the show. When the series was revived I was thrilled to watch its transition into the 21st Century, just as I’m thrilled now to be contributing to this series of stories. Fifty is no great age (I tell myself this as my own fiftieth approaches!) and you’re never too old for stories. Happy Birthday Doctor Who. May your candles never go out"

AL Kennedy said:

"I was first introduced to Doctor Who when I was three or four and he has been a happy part of my life ever since. I am delighted to become in any way a part of his stories"

Jenny Colgan, also a lifelong Doctor Who fan, said:

"It is such an honour to be part of the prestigous Time Trips line-up, with so many excitingly fresh perspectives on the Doctor's life and adventures"

Nick Harkaway added:

"There is a list of calls you want and know you’ll never get. Joel Rubichon invites you to eat any time; Penelope Cruz needs a tango partner…and then someone calls and asks you if you want to write a story for a new BBC Books’ Doctor Who digital series. And that is the real thing and it feels every bit as fantastic as you would imagine. I’m sure the tango would be good too, mind you."

Publishing Schedule:

Doctor Who: The Death Pit
A.L. Kennedy
Published: 5th December 2013
+  PREORDER from Amazon.co.uk for £1.37! 

Doctor Who: Into the Nowhere
Published: 9th January 2014
Jenny T. Colgan
+  PREORDER from Amazon.co.uk for £1.37! 

Doctor Who: Keeping Up with the Joneses 
Nick Harkaway
Published: 6th February 2014
+  PREORDER from Amazon.co.uk for £1.37!

Doctor Who: Salt of the Earth
Trudi Canavan
Published: 6th March 2014
+  PREORDER from Amazon.co.uk for £1.37!

Doctor Who: A Handful of Stardust
by Jake Arnott
Published: 3rd April 2014

+  Time Trips launches from 5th December 2013 from BBC Digital and publishes monthly throughout 2014, priced £1.99 each.

[Source: BBC Books]

Fans of Doctor Who can now keep all 11 incarnations of the good Doctor together in one place as New Zealand Mint has struck the ultimate collectors set in 1⁄2 ounce 999 Fine Silver coins that carry a coloured image of all 11 Doctors to have played the role since the series creation in 1963.

Produced in collaboration with BBC Worldwide Australia & New Zealand, the limited edition coin set comes packed in a 3D replica of the Doctor’s fob watch.

The coins are legal tender for $1 in the South Pacific Island nation of Niue, making them an ideal item for Doctor Who fans around the world.

NZ Mint chief executive Simon Harding says:

“There are not many television shows which boast a 50 year history. To be able to celebrate that evolution in such a unique way, as this silver coin set does, is something Doctor Who fans will love.”

Rachael Hammond, BBC Worldwide ANZ’s Senior Licensing Executive, Consumer Products, adds:

“To celebrate 50 years is a remarkable achievement for a television show and these 11 silver coins provide a a worthy memento of Doctor Who’s enduring popularity.”

Only 3,000 sets will be issued for sale worldwide, with a further 1,000 coins offered for individual sale of each of the 11 Doctor coins.

The 50th Anniversary Doctor Who set will be available for purchase from the New Zealand Mint website www.nzmint.com for NZ$699, while the individual Doctor coins are priced at NZ$80 each.

UK fans will be able to purchase the coin set from NZ Mint's UK vendor, Minted UK.

[Source: New Zealand Mint]

Doctor Who Magazine have sent DWO the cover and details for Issue 466 of DWM.

DWM talks exclusively to the man who found nine missing episodes of Doctor Who: Philip Morris…

“It’s my job to put a smile on Doctor Who fans’ faces,” says PHILIP MORRIS, who recently discovered the film copies of The Enemy of the World and The Web of Fear, “in complete co-operation with BBC Worldwide. Doctor Who fans need to know that we are actively searching for material. So don’t lose hope!”

Plus: Missing episodes experts PAUL VANEZIS and PETER CROCKER explain their role in restoring these decades-old films to their former glory! 

Also this issue:

BACK TO THE BEGINNING...
An exclusive preview of the new BBC Two drama, AN ADVENTURE IN SPACE AND TIME, which tells the story of the origins of Doctor Who and featuring an interview with DAVID BRADLEY, who plays William Hartnell, the actor who created the role of the Doctor. 

FIRST DIRECTION
WARIS HUSSEIN, who directed the very first Doctor Who serial in 1963 talks exclusively to DWM, and reveals how he and the cast were able to overcome the limitations of the show’s tiny budget and create something that has lasted for 50 years. 

THE GODFATHER
With excerpts from a previously unpublished archive interview, DWM presents a profile of SYDNEY NEWMAN, the man responsible for the birth of Doctor Who and for revolutionising TV drama production in the UK in the late 1950s and early 1960s. 

GOODBYE AND WELCOME…
Doctor Who showrunner and head writer  STEVEN MOFFAT writes exclusively for DWM and tells of the momentous day when outgoing Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith handed over the key to the TARDIS to incoming Twelfth Doctor – Peter Capaldi.

DO I HAVE THE RIGHT…?
The Fourth Doctor is taken on a detour to the planet Skaro by the Time Lords and given the task of preventing the creation of his deadliest enemies, the Daleks. THE FACT OF FICTION takes a look at one of Doctor Who’s undisputed classics, GENESIS OF THE DALEKS, and unearths some new and fascinating facts about the 1975 six-part serial and its origins. 

TOP OF THE POPS
The votes are in for the 2013 DWM readers’ Season Survey and the winners are revealed, including your favourite story, best guest stars, best writer, and favourite musical score!

NEVER ENDING STORY…
DWM’s journey through Doctor Who’s long history reaches its end with this year’s thirty-third series, in COUNTDOWN TO 50. We join the Doctor on his quest to solve the mystery of the impossible girl – his new companion, Clara, who he has already seen die twice. When the Doctor’s very existence is threatened by the Great Intelligence, Clara travels into the Doctor’s past to save his future…

A HAPPY ENDING?
The Doctor and Clara uncover the dark truth behind the cartoon capers in the second and final part of the comic-strip adventure, WELCOME TO TICKLE TOWN, written by SCOTT GRAY with art by ADRIAN SALMON.

VOTE SAXON!
Chris, Emma, Michael and Will are gobsmacked to find that the Master is the new Prime Minister of Great Britain and has a rather unusual approach to foreign affairs! The TIME TEAM take their seats for 2007’s THE SOUND OF DRUMS. Will it get their vote?

JUMP START
Mother of twins and devoted fan JACQUELINE RAYNER ponders on the importance of the first episode of a Doctor Who story, cherishing that slow build to the inevitable appearance of the monster in the closing seconds. Her son, however, prefers to skip straight to Episode Two!

DOCTOR BLUE?
The Watcher takes sound effects as his cue in this issue’s A History of Doctor Who in 100 Objects and champions the essential role they have played over the series’ 50 years. Plus another hapless extra gets his moment in the spotlight as Supporting Artist of the Month; we get a rundown of the Top Ten Boybands, all with a suitable Doctor Who twist; and The Six Faces of Delusion invites you to spot the sound effect themed fact that hits the wrong note. All in this issue’s fun-packed Wotcha!

PLUS! All the latest official news, TV and merchandise reviews, previews, ratings analysis, competitions, a prize-winning crossword and much, much more!

+  Doctor Who Magazine Issue #466 is Out Tomorrow, priced £4.75.

+  Subscribe Worldwide to DWM for just £85.00 via CompareTheDalek!

+  Check Out The DWO Guide to Doctor Who Magazine!

[Source: Doctor Who Magazine]

After a successful Kickstater campaign earlier this year that raised over $10,000 in funds (82% over their original goal) and had 300+ backers from 22 different countries; PixelWho is back with lots of new art to share.

The art project continues to grow as it enters its third year. The PixelWho project is focused on recreating Doctor Who characters in 8-bit art style. The aspiration of the project is to be the most complete visual catalog and character dictionary for all 50 years (and counting) of Doctor Who in order to celebrate the creativity and dedication of the all the artists who have worked on the program.

The overall goal is to document every character, both significant and incidental, from every Doctor's respective move/series runs. The artist, Nathan Skreslet, freeze frames DVDs and scours episode screen captures and publicity photos in order to recreate each character accurately and roughly to scale. Every pixel is individually laid by hand; no computer conversion program is used. His art is a true labor of love which requires dedication and time.

Thanks to the successful Kickstarter campaign their newest 4th Doctor poster set was printed and is now available. It covers all of Tom Baker's epic 7 season run represented over two posters with over 700 characters in total. The 10th Doctor (David Tennant) and 1st Doctor (William Hartnell) poster prints are also available as well. All the Doctor posters are limited edition and individually hand-numbered, only 500 of each Doctor's posters have been made.

PixelWho has expanded to include smaller prints as well. A print featuring 11 Doctors set against a Gallifreyan symbol print was created, along with collectible character cards, and weatherproof vinyl TARDIS sticker. There's also a Tom Baker face print for 4th Doctor fans. Also don't forget the popular Every Dalek poster which chronicles the changes to the Dalek design from 1963 up to the "Asylum of the Daleks" episode, as well as the various incarnations of Davros. There's also an Every Doctor Bookmark to help keep those book pages in line.

The latest news though is the reveal of a secret art print that had been hinted at but hasn't been shown until now. PixelWho has recreated the Van Gogh Exploding TARDIS image in 8-bit style. As with every art piece they do, each and every pixel is individually placed for this re-creation. Creating a swirly and flowing Van Gogh inspired artwork is not easy when limited to only using pixel squares and half pixel triangles, but it's carried off beautifully. There's even a miniature Vincent Van Gogh in the corner painting the image as a well placed Easter egg.

Interested in owning the latest artworks by PixelWho? Visit their Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/PixelWho and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PixelWho to get updates on their art projects. Nathan is now working on the 9th Doctor poster and is sharing preview images on their Facebook page.

If you'd like to meet the artist in real life, he goes to several conventions a year and a convention schedule is listed on PixelWho's Facebook page. Both he and his wife, PixelWho's manager, love going to science fiction and comics conventions where they get to meet fans in real life, and frequently attend in cosplay themselves. Please help support this independent artist as he strives to be pixel perfect in providing a complete visual character dictionary and illustrated episode guide for Doctor Who fans.

[Source: PixelWho]

Doctor Who Online is pleased to announce the publication of Will Brooks’ 50 Year Diary1963 - 1969.

Doctor Who Online is pleased to announce the publication of Will Brooks’ 50 Year Diary: Volume 1 1963-1969.

In celebration of Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary, Will Brooks sits down to watch every episode of the programme made between 1963 - 2013 at the strict pace of one per day.

Having watched each episode, Will records his thoughts in a daily blog for Doctor Who Online, and scores the episode out of ten, on a scale ranging from ‘Perfect, the absolute pinnacle’ to ‘Why am I doing this again?’

Will Brooks’ 50 Year Diary: 1963 - 1969 collects together more than 260 entries of the popular blog, covering the complete eras of the First and Second Doctors (William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton), and also includes exclusive entries for the two 1960s Dalek feature films starring Peter Cushing, and a foreword by Doctor Who writer Gareth Roberts.

Speaking about the publication of the book, Will told DWO:

“I’m still a bit surprised that I’ve actually made it far enough to collect entries together! I’m usually really fickle with things, and I’m bored very quickly. Even when I first started out on the marathon - slipping the DVD of An Unearthly Child into the player - I had a sneaking suspicion that I’d probably give up by the end of that first season.

What’s kept me going is just how brilliant Doctor Who is! Not everything is perfect, and there’s one or two stories from the 1960s that I’m not likely to ever watch again, but it’s an era of the programme that’s constantly evolving, and it’s been a fantastic journey to experience it all in context.

Putting together the book has given me a chance to go back and update a few entries - just small changes here and there where I felt things could read a little better! - and it’s also been a chance to look back over the first six years of the programme as I prepare to move onwards into colour and get started on the 1970s...”

In his foreword for the book, Gareth Roberts describes The 50 Year Diary:

“[Will’s] observations are fresh and often startling - his is a unique perspective on Doctor Who. I thought I knew all this stuff back-to-front but Will's jumping-bean prose snaps me out of my jadedness and I see it with new eyes.”

+  You can pre-order the paperback version of Will Brooks’ 50 Year Diary 1963 - 1969 now from Pageturner Publishing for £14.99.

+  The Kindle edition of the book is out now, and can be purchased from Amazon UK and US. 

[Source: Doctor Who Online, Pageturner Publishing]

Silva Screen Records have sent DWO the cover and full tracklisting for Doctor Who: The Snowmen / The Doctor, The Widow And The Wardrobe Original Television Soundtrack.

Product Synopsis:

At one time Christmas Day on the BBC meant The Morecambe & Wise Show for families to gather around the TV but in the modern era that mantle has now been taken by the Doctor Who Christmas Special.

This release brings together the music of the last two Christmas specials broadcast on Christmas Day 2011 and 2012 and watched by a joint audience of close to 20m. This ninth release in the series brings the full canon of Murray Gold's prolific output up to date, eight years of elaborately created scores for one of the BBC's most popular shows worldwide.

The booklet for this release is reverse printed to allow the purchaser to display either of two covers for both soundtracks.

Tracklisting:

1) Geronimo
2) Dressed In a Hurry
3) Bumps
4) Ditched At Sea
5) Madge’s Theme
6) Armchair Waltz
7) I Know
8) Quite a Tree
9) Into the Present
10) Baubles
11) The King
12) The Queen
13) Interrogation
14) Lifeboat
15) You’re Fired
16) Flying Home for Christmas
17) Safe Landing
18) Never Alone At Christmas
19) Friendship
20) A Voice In the Snow
21) What’s Wrong With Silly
22) Psychotic Potato Dwarf
23) Remember the Worm
24) Clara Who?
25) Clara In the Tardis
26) Governess Clara
27) Hello Mates
28) One Word
29) Sherlock Who?
30) Antifreeze
31) Clara Lives
32) Whose Enigma

+  The Snowmen / The Doctor, The Widow And The Wardrobe OST is released on 21st October 2013, priced £9.99.

[Source: Silva Screen Records]

BBC Consumer Products have sent DWO the details for the Doctor Who Blu-ray release of The Complete Series 1-7.

The Complete Series 1-7 Box-set (Blu-ray)
Featuring: The 9th, 10th & 11th Doctors

The only thing better than watching Doctor Who is watching it in high definition, which is why BBC Worldwide is celebrating Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary with the release of Doctor Who: The Complete Series 1-7 Blu-ray Boxset on 4th November 2013 with an RRP of £255.31. The set includes the complete adventures of the Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston, Thor: The Dark World) and Tenth Doctor (David Tennant, Broadchurch, Fright Night), available in newly remastered Blu-ray versions at full 1080p resolution for the first time ever, sitting alongside those of the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) in this high definition collection. 

BBC Worldwide has gone above and beyond to bring fans the best possible Doctor Who experience, and has also fully remastered the complete Tenth Doctor Specials as well as The Complete Fifth and Sixth Series (previously available on Blu-ray), to full 1080p resolution as well. Throw in the new Doctor Who: The Complete Seventh Series Blu-ray set along with hours and hours of bonus features from the past collections PLUS 120 minutes of bonus material that has never previously been available on disc, as well as more goodies than you can shake a sonic screwdriver at, and this is one blue box that just might actually be bigger on the inside.

With 29 blu-ray discs of episodes, specials and bonus features, this limited edition gift set will keep on giving for years to come. So share it with a friend or keep it for yourself, but don’t miss your chance to pre-order this limited edition set.

Special Features:

•  “The Doctor Who Ultimate List of Lists” from BBC AMERICA’s The Brit List - BBC AMERICA’s pop culture correspondent, Asha Leo (@ashaleo), is joined by special guest John Barrowman (“Torchwood,” “Doctor Who”) to announce the rankings of the “Top Five Companions,” “Top Five Scariest Moments,” “Top Five Best Monsters,” “Top Five Guest Stars” and “Top Five Things You’ll Only See on Doctor Who.” Rankings are based on votes from readers of BBCAMERICA.com’s Anglophenia blog.

•  Doctor Who at the Proms 2010 - Doctor Who’s own Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill host a spectacular evening of music from the series played live by the London Philharmonic Orchestra at London’s historic Royal Albert Hall.  Includes video projections, appearances by the monsters and a special guest appearance from 11th Doctor Matt Smith.  For the first time, the collection will include the full 90-minute concert and has been remastered in 5.1 Surround Sound.  

•  Doctor Who: The Best of the Christmas Specials - This previously unreleased special from December 2011 takes an inside look at the very best moments from the incredible Doctor Who Christmas specials that have captivated audiences around the world. A collection of fans from the celebrity, comedy, sci-fi and digital worlds discuss their favorite moments from both David Tennant and Matt Smith era Christmas episodes.

+  The Complete Series 1-7 is released on 4th November 2013, priced £255.31.

+  Preorder Now from BBC Shop for just £167.25
+  Compare Prices for this product on CompareTheDalek.com.

[Source: BBC Consumer Products]

The ninth instalment in a sensational series of stories celebrating the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who is written by Charlie Higson, actor, comedian and author of the phenomenally successful Young Bond books and the cult thriller series, The Enemy.

Following on from short stories by Eoin Colfer, Michael Scott, Marcus Sedgwick, Philip Reeve, Patrick Ness, Richelle Mead, Malorie Blackman and Alex Scarrow, Charlie Higson has written the ninth adventure in the series, based on the Ninth Doctor played by Christopher Eccleston. Higson commented:

“I grew up with Doctor Who and have always been a massive fan so it's a great honour to be involved in this anniversary celebration. Russell T Davies did a great job of rebooting the series with Christopher Eccleston so to be able to write the Ninth Doctor story was a great opportunity to say thanks to the Doctor and thanks to Russell.”

Synopsis:

When a girl called Ali pockets a silver orb that falls from the sky, little does she realise it’s her ticket to seeing the universe!

Desperate to retrieve the mysterious object, the Ninth Doctor agrees to let her join him on a dangerous trip to ancient Babylon.

Together they must join forces to stop a giant Starman from destroying Earth before it’s too late! 

Eleven Doctors, eleven months, eleven stories: a year-long celebration of Doctor Who! The most exciting names in children's fiction each create their own unique adventure about the time-travelling Time Lord.

About the author:

Charlie Higson is a successful author, actor, comedian and writer for television and radio. He wrote the phenomenally successful Young Bond series which has sold over a million copies in the UK alone and been translated into over 24 languages. The first novel in his bestselling cult thriller series, The Enemy, was published to critical acclaim in 2009. It was followed by The Dead (2010), The Fear (2011) and The Sacrifice (2012). Charlie is a huge fan of horror films and books and even studied gothic literature at university.

Higson started writing when he was ten years old but it was a long time before he got paid for doing it. On leaving university he was the singer in a pop group (The Higsons) before giving it up to become a painter and decorator. It was around this time that he started writing for television on Saturday Night Live. In partnership with Paul Whitehouse, he went on to create hugely successful comedy series The Fast Show, in which he also appeared. Other TV works include The Harry Enfield Television Programme, The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer, Shooting Stars, Randall and Hopkirk Deceased, the film Suite 16 and Swiss Toni.   

His work for radio includes the award-winning spoof radio series Down the Line (BBC Radio 4), which became the television comedy series Bellamy’s People (BBC 2). Charlie’s other books include the thrillers King of the Ants (1992), Happy Now (1993), Full Whack (1995) and Getting Rid of Mr Kitchen (1996). He lives in North London. 

+  The Beast Of Babylon is released on 23rd September 2013, Priced £1.99.

+  Preorder this eShort from iTunes for £1.99.
+  Preorder this eShort on Amazon for £1.99. 

+  Check Out Charlie Higson's Website.

[Source: Puffin Books]

BBC Consumer Products have sent DWO the cover and details for the Doctor Who DVD release of The Tenth Planet.

The Tenth Planet
Featuring: The 1st Doctor

The TARDIS brings the Doctor and his friends Ben and Polly to the South Pole in 1986. 

Their arrival coincides with the appearance of Earth’s forgotten twin planet Mondas and visitors from that world – emotionless beings called Cybermen.

It’s up to the Doctor and his friends to stop these creatures before they convert Earth’s population into similar cyber creations – but the encounter will have a devastating effect on the Doctor...

Special Features:

Disc One:

•  Commentary with actors Anneke Wills (Polly), Christopher Matthews (Radar Technician), Earl Cameron (Williams), Alan White (Schultz), Donald Van Der Maaten (Cybermen Shav and Gern), Christopher Dunham (R/T Technician) and designer Peter Kindred. Moderated by Toby Hadoke.
•  Frozen Out - Cast and crew look back on the making of the story. With actors Anneke Wills, Earl Cameron and Reg Whitehead, designer Peter Kindred and vision mixer Shirley Coward.
•  Episode 4 VHS Reconstruction - The reconstruction of the missing fourth episode using audio, stills and surviving clips, which featured on the BBC Video VHS release of the story back in 2000.
•  Radio Times listings - Episode listings for The Tenth Planet from the BBC listings magazine Radio Times (DVD-ROM only – to be viewed on PC/Mac).
•  Production subtitles - Subtitles provide the viewer with cast details, script development and other information related to the production of The Tenth Planet.
•  Photo gallery - A selection of production, design and publicity photographs from this story.
•  Coming soon - An exclusive new trailer for a forthcoming DVD release.

Disc Two:

•  William Hartnell Interview - Shortly after leaving Doctor Who, star William Hartnell joined the 1966 Christmas pantomime tour of Puss in Boots. Interviewed in his dressing room for the BBC Bristol’s Points West programme, Hartnell talks frankly about Daleks, the merits of pantomime and his own thoughts on his future career in this extremely rare glimpse into the mind of the man who first brought the role of the Doctor to life…
•  Doctor Who Stories – Anneke Wills - Anneke Wills look back on her role as Polly in the series, in an interview recorded for the BBC’s Story of Doctor Who in 2003.
•  The Golden Age - Historian Dominic Sandbrook examines the myth of a ‘Golden Age’ of Doctor Who.
•  Boys! Boys! Boys! - Peter Purves, Frazer Hines and Mark Strickson reminisce about their time as companions to the First, Second and Fifth Doctors respectively.
•  Companion Piece - A psychologist, writers and some of the Doctor’s companions over the years examine what it means to be a Time Lord’s fellow traveller . With actors William Russell, Elisabeth Sladen, Louise Jameson, Nicola Bryant and Arthur Darvill, writers Nev Fountain and Joseph Lidster, and psychologist Dr Tomas Charmorro-Premuzic.
•  Blue Peter: Doctor Who's Tenth Anniversary - Two weeks before the show’s tenth anniversary, the Blue Peter team take a look back at Doctor Who’s history. Ironically, the strict preservation of Blue Peter’s history means that the clip of the first regeneration has been preserved, but the final episode of The Tenth Planet that it came from was never again seen after its use here.

+  The Tenth Planet is released on 18th November 2013, priced £20.48.

+  Compare Prices for this product on CompareTheDalek.com.

[Source: BBC Consumer Products]

Forbidden Planet have teamed up with Character Options for another Exclusive Doctor Who Toy.

The 'Pyramids Of Mars Priory Collector's Set' collector's features Marcus Scarman, Sutekh and other sets and accessories from the Classic Series adventure; Pyramids Of Mars.

In this Fourth Doctor adventure, the TARDIS materialises on Earth in the year 1911 inside an old priory owned by Egyptologist Marcus Scarman. Scarman has been possessed by Sutekh, last survivor of the god-like Osirans, who is being held prisoner inside a pyramid in Egypt by a signal transmitted from a pyramid on Mars.

Sutekh wants to be free and instructs Scarman to use robots, which look like Egyptian mummies, to build a pyramid-shaped rocket with which to destroy the Martian pyramid. The Doctor blows up the missile but falls under Sutekh's control and is made to transport Scarman to Mars to cut off the signal controlling the prison. The Doctor, freed of Sutekh's influence, rushes back to Earth and uses the time control from the TARDIS to move the end of the space-time tunnel that Sutekh is travelling down into the far future where, unable to reach the end, Sutekh ages to death.

Contents:

•  Sutekh (in Helmet with light-up eyes).
•  Marcus Scarman (interchangeable head with Jackal from 1st Pyramids of Mars set).
•  Two Canopic Jars.
•  Sarcophagus with lenticular insert.
•  Coordinate selector.
•  Osirian War Rocket cardboard scenic display.

+  The 'Pyramids Of Mars Priory Collector's Set' is released October 2013, priced £29.99.

+  Preorder this product from Forbidden Planet!

[Source: Forbidden Planet]