BBC DVD have sent DWO the DVD cover and details for the upcoming 2nd Doctor release of 'The Underwater Menace'.
The Underwater Menace is the fifth serial of the fourth season, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 14 January 1967 to 4 February 1967. The story introduces Jamie McCrimmon's (Frazer Hines) on his first journey with the Doctor as a travelling companion. This special release will contain the two re-mastered existing episodes, with the two missing episodes represented with restored audio and surviving stills, as well as over an hour of extras.
Special Features:
· Commentary - For episode 1, Interview with actor Michael Troughton Part 2 (from Ice Warriors). For episodes 2 and 3, a commentary with actors Anneke Wills, Frazer Hines and Catherine Howe, special sounds supervisor Brian Hodgson and floor assistant Quentin Mann. For episode 4, archive material featuring Patrick Troughton, directors Julia Smith and Hugh David, and producer Innes Lloyd. Moderated and linked by Toby Hadoke.
· A Fishy Tale (Feature, dur. 28’ 30”) – cast and crew look back on the making of the story. With actors Anneke Wills, Frazer Hines and Catherine Howe, AFM Gareth Gwelan, production assistant Berry Butler and new series writer Robert Shearman. Narrated by Peter Davison.
· The Television Centre of the Universe – Part Two (dur. 32’ 10” ) – Yvette Fielding continues her tour of BBC Television Centre in the company of actors Peter Davison, Janet Fielding and Mark Strickson, with contributions from former colleagues along the way. With senior camera supervisor Alec Wheal, AFM Sue Hedden, former BBC producer and writer Richard Marson, exhibitions assistant Bob Richardson, production assistant Jane Ashford and videotape engineer Simon Anthony.
+ The Underwater Menace is released on 26th October, priced £20.42.
+ PREORDER The Underwater Menace DVD from BBC Shop for just £13.99!
+ Discuss all the Doctor Who DVD releases in the DWO Forums.
[Sources: BBC Shop]
BBC Shop has added the 2nd Doctor adventure 'The Underwater Menace', back onto its DVD listings, finally giving confirmation to the fact that the much-anticipated title, will actually be released.
It is likely that the cover (pictured right), which appeared in a recent issue of Doctor Who Magazine*, will still be used.
The DVD will be released on 26th October 2015 and we hope to have full details shortly.
+ PREORDER 'The Underwater Menace' DVD from BBC Shop for just £13.99!
+ Discuss all the Doctor Who DVD releases in the DWO Forums.
[Sources: BBC Shop]
* Image from Issue 488 of Doctor Who Magazine
On 24th February 2015, DWO posted an update on the status of The Underwater Menace DVD (originally due for release in 2014, and rescheduled for 2015). The update confirmed that the title had been removed from the 2015 schedules "for the time being".
There was hope that the title might be released, especially as special features, commentaries and sleeve art (pictured-right)* had already been produced for the title. Fans even clubbed together and started an online petition, which attracted over 2,700 supporters and was submitted to the BBC. Sadly, according to the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine (#488), it appears the title has now been officially cancelled.
Part of the reason is believed to be due to the insolvency at animation company Qurios, who would have animated the two remaining missing episodes [1 & 4]. Episode 2 was found in December 2011, and heralded the decision to release the adventure on DVD.
[UPDATE: It is now understood that the company involved in the animation was Planet55]
+ Discuss all the Doctor Who DVD releases in the DWO Forums.
[Sources: BBC Consumer Products; Doctor Who Magazine]
* Image from Issue 488 of Doctor Who Magazine
Last week, DWO brought you a story about the current status of The Underwater Menace DVD (originally due for release in 2014, and rescheduled for 2015), and the fact that it has been removed from the 2015 schedules for the time being.
We were awaiting an official statement from BBC Consumer Products on their intentions with the title and the future of the Classic Series Doctor Who DVD range, and are pleased to report we now have that statement:
“We appreciate that some Doctor Who fans are disappointed that we have not yet been able to release The Underwater Menace on DVD. We would like to reassure everyone that we are currently reviewing the best way to bring fans more Classic Doctor Who titles. Please bear with us - we’ll let you know more as soon as we can.”
A recent petition from fans showing their support for The Underwater Menace DVD to be released, has now acquired over 1000 signatures.
+ Discuss all the Doctor Who DVD releases in the DWO Forums.
[Source: BBC Consumer Products]
The BBC DVD Enquiry Line have confirmed to DWO that The Underwater Menace DVD (originally due for release in 2014, and rescheduled for 2015) has been removed from the 2015 schedules for the time being.
The last Classic Series Doctor Who DVD release was the previously missing adventure, The Web Of Fear, which was released on 24th February 2014 - exactly a year ago today!
It is not known what the future holds for the range, but the team are currently "exploring options" and are hoping to fire up the range again later in the year.
Anyone wishing to express their support for The Underwater Menace release can do so by sending an email using the BBC's online contact form, or by sending a polite letter to:
BBC Worldwide Ltd
33 Foley Street
London
W1W 7TL
UK
Fans have also started an online petition, which you can sign, here.
DWO are expecting an official statement from BBC Consumer Products shortly and we will post more information as we get it.
+ Discuss all the Doctor Who DVD releases in the DWO Forums.
[Source: BBC Consumer Products]
