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Obituary: Peter Gilmore (1931-2013)

It is with deepest regret that DWO announces the passing of Classic Series Doctor Who Actor, Peter Gilmore.

Peter was perhaps best known to Doctor Who fans for appearing in the Classic Series adventure Frontios as Brazen.

DWO would like to extend our sympathies to Peter's family and friends.

UPDATE: Wednesday 6th February 2013

There are some reports online that Peter's death was a hoax, but DWO have contacted Equity and Peter's agent (Roger Carey Associates), who both sadly re-confirmed the news that he passed away on Sunday 3rd February.

[Sources: Alan Pulverton; Equity; Roger Carey Associates]

Matt Smith VS Benedict Cumberbatch For Best Actor At 2013 Virgin Media Awards

Matt Smith and Benedict Cumberbatch are up against each other to win Best Actor in this year’s Virgin Media Awards!

At the moment Benedict Cumberbatch has edged ahead with 36% of the votes, and we're calling on all fellow Doctor Who fans to cast your vote to help Matt win!

To cast your vote, simply visit the following link: http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/awards/best-actor.php

Voting closes on Sunday the 10th February so there’s still time for fans to get their votes in and even tweet their support (to @VMDotCom)! The winners will be announced on 13th February on virginmedia.com.

[Source: GolinHarris]

Luke Spillane's Beginner's Guide To Doctor Who - YouTube Series

Doctor Who fan and friend of DWO, Luke Spillane, recently started his very own (rather cool) YouTube web series on the history of Doctor Who, called 'The Beginner's Guide To Doctor Who'.

We caught up with Luke to chat about the series, which has already received a total of over 10,000+ views, and asked him to describe the catalyst behind the project:

"I've been a Doctor Who fan for as long as I can remember - throughout 'The Wilderness Years' when no other kid in the playground wanted to reenact Destiny of the Daleks! 

Since Doctor Who came back in 2005 there are now so many more fans my age and a lot of them want to learn about older Doctor Who, what happened, what were the Doctor's like and all the connections to the new series. The Beginner's Guide to Doctor Who is my attempt at helping document the whole show through a series of videos on each Doctor's era; what each Doctor was like, the companions that he travelled with and the adventures they had. There will also be additional episodes on the missing episodes of Doctor Who, the Extended Universe in the books, comics & audios and even my very own short film in late September. 

I wanted to do something to celebrate the 50th anniversary and what better way then to go back and revisit all of the fifty years of history through this year, and why not share that with an audience that want to learn all about it."

We will certainly be tuning in each month, and hope you do too! Check Out the first two videos in the series below:

[youtube:3k75AMQ6BZI]

[youtube:J0_eEXNb0aU]

[Source: Luke Spillane]

Shroud Of Sorrow - Book Cover & Details

BBC Books have sent DWO the cover and details for the forthcoming 11th Doctor, Doctor Who Book release of Shroud Of Sorrow.

Shroud Of Sorrow:
By Tommy Donbavand

23 November, 1963

It is the day after John F. Kennedy’s assassination – and the faces of the dead are everywhere. PC Reg Cranfield sees his late father in the mists along Totter’s Lane. Reporter Mae Callon sees her grandmother in a coffee stain on her desk. FBI Special Agent Warren Skeet finds his long-dead partner staring back at him from raindrops on a window pane.

Then the faces begin to talk, and scream... and push through into our world. 

As the alien Shroud begins to feast on the grief of a world in mourning, can the Doctor dig deep enough into his own sorrow to save mankind?

A thrilling new adventure from the spectacular BBC series, starring Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman. 

+  Shroud Of Sorrow is released on 11th April 2013, priced £6.99.

+  Compare Prices for this product on CompareTheDalek.com!

+  Check Out the DWO Release Guide entry for this product! 

[Source: BBC Books]

The Dalek Generation - Book Cover & Details

BBC Books have sent DWO the cover and details for the forthcoming 11th Doctor, Doctor Who Book release of The Dalek Generation.

The Dalek Generation:
By Nicholas Briggs 

"The Sunlight Worlds Offer You A Life of Comfort and Plenty. Apply now at the Dalek Foundation."

Sunlight 349 is one of countless Dalek Foundation worlds, planets created to house billions suffering from economic hardship. The Doctor arrives at Sunlight 349, suspicious of any world where the Daleks are apparently a force for good – and determined to find out the truth. The Doctor knows they have a far more sinister plan – but how can he convince those who have lived under the benevolence of the Daleks for a generation?

But convince them he must, and soon. For on another Foundation planet, archaeologists have unearthed the most dangerous technology in the universe...

A thrilling all-new adventure featuring The Doctor as played by Matt Smith in the spectacular BBC TV series.

+  The Dalek Generation is released on 11th April 2013, priced £6.99.

+  Compare Prices for this product on CompareTheDalek.com!

+  Check Out the DWO Release Guide entry for this product! 

[Source: BBC Books]

Plague Of The Cybermen - Book Cover & Details

BBC Books have sent DWO the cover and details for the forthcoming 11th Doctor, Doctor Who Book release of Plague Of The Cybermen.

Plague Of The Cybermen:
By Justin Richards 

‘They like the Shadows. You know them as Plague Warriors…’

When the Doctor arrives in the 19th-century village of Klimtenburg, he discovers the residents suffering from some kind of plague – a ‘wasting disease’. The victims face a horrible death – but what’s worse, the dead seem to be leaving their graves. The Plague Warriors have returned…

The Doctor is confident he knows what’s really happening; he understands where the dead go, and he’s sure the Plague Warriors are just a myth. But as some of the Doctor’s oldest and most terrible enemies start to awaken he realises that maybe – just maybe – he’s misjudged the situation.

A thrilling all-new adventure featuring The Doctor as played by Matt Smith in the spectacular BBC TV series.

+  Plague Of The Cybermen is released on 11th April 2013, priced £6.99.

+  Compare Prices for this product on CompareTheDalek.com!

+  Check Out the DWO Release Guide entry for this product! 

[Source: BBC Books]

David Tennant To Star In BBC One Thriller 'The Escape Artist'

Filming begins today on The Escape Artist, a new 3x60-minute legal thriller for BBC One.

Created and written by David Wolstencroft (Spooks, Shooting Dogs), The Escape Artist stars David Tennant (Doctor Who, True Love), Toby Kebbell (RocknRolla, Black Mirror), Sophie Okonedo (The Slap, Criminal Justice), and Ashley Jensen (Extras, Ugly Betty).

The Escape Artist is an original three-part suspense thriller set in the world of criminal law. David Tennant plays Will Burton, a talented junior barrister who specialises in spiriting people out of tight legal corners, hence his nickname of “The Escape Artist”. Will is in high demand as he has never lost a case. But when his talents acquit the prime suspect in a horrific murder trial, that brilliance comes back to bite him with unexpected and chilling results.

Producer, David Wolstencroft, says:

“The law often seems like an intellectual exercise, but scratch under the surface, and it’s all blood and guts. I wanted to write a thriller set in the legal world that’s as much about those primal feelings as it is about the twists and turns of the case. David Tennant is one of the most accomplished and iconic actors of his generation. I cannot wait to see him in Will's shoes."

Producer, Hilary Bevan Jones, says:

“The outstanding cast we have assembled, which is headed by David Tennant, Toby Kebbell, Sophie Okonedo and Ashley Jensen is a testament to David's breathtaking and original script. Directed by Brian Welsh and produced by Paul Frift, I believe The Escape Artist will be one of the most anticipated TV drama events of 2013.”

Executive producer for the BBC, Matthew Read, says:

“After the incredible response we got for William Boyd’s Restless, it’s fantastic to be working with Hilary Bevan Jones and Endor again on an original drama that brings together the very best of British talent.”

The Escape Artist is produced by Hilary Bevan Jones (State Of Play, Restless) and Paul Frift (The Best Possible Taste, Restless) and directed by Brian Welsh (Black Mirror, In Our Name, and the up-coming Mayday) the executive producers are David Wolstencroft and Matthew Read for the BBC.

[Source: BBC Media Centre]

The Aztecs: Special Edition - DVD Cover & Details

BBC Consumer Products have sent DWO the cover and details for the Doctor Who DVD release of The Aztecs: Special Edition.

The Aztecs: Special Edition
Featuring: The 1st Doctor

The TARDIS arrives in fifteenth century Mexico inside the tomb of Aztec High Priest Yetaxa. The travellers become cut off from the ship after the tomb door closes behind them and Barbara is proclaimed as Yetaxa's divine reincarnation.

However, she incurs the enmity of the High Priest of Sacrifice, when - against the Doctor's advice - she attempts to use her new-found authority to put an end to the Aztec practice of human sacrifice.

Special Features:

Disc One: 

•  4 x 25 mins approx monochrome episodes with mono audio. Optional Arabic soundtrack for episode four only.
•  Commentary - stereo. With actors William Russell and Carole Ann Ford, producer Verity Lambert OBE.
•  Remembering The Aztecs - Actors John Ringham, Ian Cullen and Walter Randall recall the production of the story and of television production in the sixties in general.
•  Designing The Aztecs - Designer Barry Newbery talks about his work on the story, illustrated with many never-before-seen production drawings and photographs from his personal collection.
•  Cortez and Monezuma - An extract from a 1970 Blue Peter, introduced by Valerie Singleton on location in Mexico, giving historical background to the Aztec belief in human sacrifice.
•  Restoring The Aztecs - A short featurette demonstrating the restoration and videoisation effects used for the release. With subtitles.
•  Making Cocoa - An animated guide to making cocoa the Aztec way, voiced in character by John Ringham as Tlotoxl and Walter Randall as Tonila, with both characters animated and presented in South Park style.
•  TARDIS-Cam no.3 - The third of BBCi’s TARDIS-Cam shots.
•  Photo Gallery - production, design and publicity photos from the story.
•  Easter Egg - An animated BBC Enterprises logo recovered from the end of one of the prints sold overseas.
•  Intro Sequences - The umbrella story title The Aztecs does not appear on any of the episodes, so for (outdated now) BBFC compliance a caption card with the title has been provided. To add interest, six versions have been provided, each with a different voiceover, in character, from three of the actors involved in the production. The intention is that the disc will randomly select one of these six sequences and play it out at the appropriate point.
•  PDF Material – Radio Times listings in Adobe PDF format for viewing on PC or Mac.
•  Programme subtitles.

Disc Two:

•  Galaxy 4 (dur. 64’ 43”) – a shortened reconstruction of the missing story Galaxy 4, using off-screen stills, audio recordings and animation plus the recently recovered complete episode three to tell the story.
•  Chronicle – The Realms of Gold – John Julius Norwich’s superlative 1969 retelling of the story of the Spanish conquest of Mexico and the Aztecs, which also features music by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
•  Dr. Forever! – Celestial Toyroom – the first of a new five-part series introduced by Ayesha Antoine looks at Doctor Who toys. With original series producer Verity Lambert, new series creator Russell T Davies, writers Mark Gatiss, Rob Shearman, Paul Cornell and Joseph Lidster, BBC Worldwide product licensing executive Richard Hollis, product approval executive Dave Turbitt and ex- range editor Steve Cole, AudioGO commissioning editor Michael Stevens, Character Options’ Alasdair Dewar, DWM’s toy reviewer Jim Sangster and last, but by no means least, Doctor Who’s very own Winston Churchill, actor Ian McNiece.
•  It’s a Square World – the very first Doctor Who skit (as far as we can ascertain), with Clive Dunn in full First Doctor costume as a scientist demonstrating his new space rocket to Michael Bentine, resulting in Television Centre being launched into space! Features cameo appearances by Patrick Moore and Albert Steptoe.
•  A Whole Scene Going – an excerpt from a recently recovered edition of the sixties music and arts programme, featuring an interview with director Gordon Flemyng and a behind the scenes look at filming of his movie Daleks’ Invasion Earth: 2150 AD.
•  Coming Soon - a trailer for a forthcoming DVD release.
•  Radio Times Listings in Adobe PDF format.
•  Programme subtitles.

+  The Aztecs: Special Edition is released on 11th March 2013, priced £20.42.

+  Compare Prices for this product on CompareTheDalek.com.

[Source: BBC Consumer Products]

Moffat Teases New Series & 50th Anniversary Episode

Doctor Who executive producer Steven Moffat has been talking about what viewers can expect from the new series, which is set to resume on Saturday 30th March on BBC One

Speaking at the Radio Times covers’ party, Moffat teased:

“We’ll be up in the air, we’re under the water, we’re on a fantastic alien planet, we’re back in time, we’re forward in time, and the Doctor’s greatest secret is in jeopardy.” 

The upcoming eight episodes - which see Matt Smith teaming up with new companion Jenna-Louise Coleman - will include instalments written by Moffat, as well as Luther creator Neil Cross, Neil Gaiman and Mark Gatiss

In November, Doctor Who will, of course, celebrate its 50th anniversary and Moffat was also asked about whether he was apprehensive as regards the forthcoming anniversary: 

“You can’t do this job if you’re nervous all the time. So, seriously, I’m mostly excited, a little bit nervous and aware of trying not to let people down.” 

When probed about how big the event would end up being, the writer replied:

"Pretty big. But, you know, I don’t want people to get bored just yet. So let’s just wait and get our next eight episodes out of the way before we start talking about it.”

+  Series 7: Part 2 begins on Saturday 30th March 2013 on BBC One.

[Source: Radio Times]

Review: [169] The Wrong Doctors - CD

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Matt Fitton

RRP: £14.99 (CD) / £12.99 (Download)

Release Date: January 2013

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 30th January 2013

With Evelyn gone, the Doctor sets course for his destiny... in the form of his first meeting with Miss Melanie Bush, a computer programmer from the village of Pease Pottage, currently busy rehearsing with the local Amateur Dramatic Society – and blissfully unaware that her future is on its way, in his TARDIS.

Make that two TARDISes. Because at that very moment, a slightly younger Doctor is flying into Pease Pottage, too – returning his future companion Melanie Bush to her rightful place and time, after they were flung together during the course of his Time Lord trial.

Time travel is a complicated business – the iguanadon terrorising Pease Pottage being a case in point. But how much more complicated could things possibly become, if the wrong Doctor were to bump into the wrong Mel?

* * *

For the first release in the main range this year, Big Finish has given us two Sixth Doctor's for the price of one. As if that wasn’t enough we have two versions of Melanie Bush who is once again played by Bonnie Langford, returning to Big Finish after a lengthy absence.

Melanie Bush is an intriguing character in the Doctor Who universe and her first meeting with The Doctor has never been documented. River Song is not the only companion that The Doctor has met out of sequence. He first encounters Mel during the events of The Trial of a Time Lord, long after she has been travelling with him for some time in his future.

Endeavouring to solve the anomaly of Mel’s arrival in The Doctor’s life, Big Finish has chosen to turn it into a rather mind bogglingly paradox story.

To enjoy The Wrong Doctor’s fully you really need to sit down and listen to it carefully. Writer Matt Fitton wisely throws in little lines, odd nicknames and different coloured coats to help a listener keep up with which Doctor and Mel is which. Get distracted even for a second and you may find yourself rewinding to the last place you were at to fathom just what is going on.

This is not to the discredit of the play at all as Fitton does a very good job of juggling the different characters and the rather bizarre situations that follow. In a story that contains Women of the W.I., rampaging Dinosaurs and Alien bureaucrats, the narrative with our main characters can sometimes get drowned out.

Colin Baker does a tremendous job of playing two versions of his Doctor at different points in the character’s timeline. He adopts the rather arrogant and pompous attitude more commonly associated with the younger Sixth Doctor to easily differentiate between the two.

I was never a fan of Mel on the television and I put that down more to the writing than Bonnie Langford’s performance which is why she is such a joy to listen to in this play. Fitton does a great job of balancing an older and younger Mel throughout the story especially in the very touching climax.

The conclusion of The Wrong Doctors allows us to see the impact that Mel would have on The Doctor’s life and personality. In the Big Finish universe, The Sixth Doctor’s personality was softening with Peri and Evelyn but Mel would serve as that incarnation’s last companion. She is incredibly important to his life and her chirpy personality would be an excellent temperance to his brashness and this play is a great reminder of that.

Bolstered by an excellent supporting cast The Wrong Doctors is a demanding but fun listen.

'An Adventure In Space And Time' Casting Announced

As part of the BBC’s blockbuster celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, David Bradley (Harry Potter) is set to play the first ever Doctor, the iconic William Hartnell in the BBC Two drama ‘An Adventure in Space and Time’.

An Adventure in Space and Time' will tell the story of the genesis of Doctor Who - first aired on 23 November 1963 - and the many personalities involved. The BBC’s Head of Drama Sydney Newman, credited with the creation of the show, will be portrayed by Brian Cox (The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Identity) and the producer, Verity Lambert, by ‘Call the Midwife’ star Jessica Raine. The director of the first ever episode, ‘An Unearthly Child’, Waris Hussein, will be played by Sacha Dhawan (History Boys, Last Tango In Halifax).

Commenting on his upcoming role, David Bradley, said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled. I first heard about this role from Mark [Gatiss] while watching the Diamond Jubilee flotilla from the roof of the National Theatre. When he asked if I would be interested, I almost bit his hand off! Mark has written such a wonderful script not only about the birth of a cultural phenomenon, but a moment in television’s history. William Hartnell was one of the finest character actors of our time and as a fan I want to make sure that I do him justice. I’m so looking forward to getting started.”    

The one-off 90-minute BBC Cymru Wales produced drama is written by Mark Gatiss who will also act as executive producer alongside Steven Moffat and Caroline Skinner.

Mark Gatiss, executive producer and writer, said:

“What a cast! I'm utterly delighted that everyone's favourite Time Lord will be in such brilliant and stellar company. We have a terrific team who can't wait to tell the fascinating and surprising story of how the Doctor began his journey through Space and Time.”

Filming begins at the beginning of February at Television Centre before moving to Wimbledon Studios. It is produced by Matt Strevens (Misfits, Skins) and directed by Terry McDonough (Breaking Bad, The Street).

Cast List:

William Hartnell - David Bradley
William Russell - Jamie Glover (confirmed 8th February 2013)
Carole Ann Ford - Claudia Grant (confirmed 6th February 2013)
Jacqueline Hill - TBA
Sydney Newman - Brian Cox
Verity Lambert - Jessica Raine
Waris Hussein - Sacha Dhawan

DWO
have learned from several sources that Jamie Glover (son of Julian Glover) *may* have been cast as William Russell. We will report on further casting confirmations as we get them.

[Source: BBC]

Doctor Who And The Tomb Of The Cybermen - CD Cover & Details

AudioGO have sent DWO the cover and details for the forthcoming Doctor Who CD release of Doctor Who And The Tomb Of The Cybermen.

Product Synopsis: 

The Cybermen – silver, indestructible monsters whose only goal is power – seem to have disappeared from their planet, Telos. When a party of archaeologists, joined by the Doctor, Jamie and Victoria, land on the Cybermen’s barren, deserted planet, they uncover what appears to be their tomb. 

But once inside it becomes clear that the Cybermen are not dead, and some in the group of archaeologists desperately want to re-activate these monsters! How can the Doctor defeat these ruthless, power-seeking humans and the Cybermen? 

Michael Kilgarriff, who played the Cyber Controller in the original BBC TV serial, reads Gerry Davis’ complete and unabridged novelisation, first published by Target Books in 1978.

+  Doctor Who And The Tomb Of The Cybermen is released on 7th March 2013, priced £13.25 (CD) / £10.99 (Download).

+  Compare Prices for this product on CompareTheDalek.com!

+  Check Out the DWO Release Guide entry for this product! 

[Source: AudioGO]

Doctor Who At Toy Fair 2013

DWO attended the 2013 Toy Fair at London Olympia, and got the chance to sample some of the exciting Doctor Who products due out this year.

This year's range of Doctor Who products from Character Options were a joy to behold, with a real focus on the 50th Anniversary.

Past Doctors, Daleks and other monsters all feature in the 2013 product line-up, with a special Union Jack covered Anniversary Dalek (pictured-right). We're gonna dub this the 'Marmite' Dalek, as it will no doubt divide some sections of fandom with a more purist nature.

DWO grabbed 5 Questions with Mark Hunt (Character Options' Brand Manager) regarding the range:

1) 2012 was a fantastic year for the Doctor Who Character Options range, especially with the further development of the Character Building products. What does 2013 hold for the range and do you have any teasers we can look forward to?

After huge popular demand from fans, 2013 will see the launch of a range of new series 3¾ inch figures and playsets. The new collection will succeed the incredibly successful 5 inch figures portraying both characters and storylines from the new series including The Eleventh Doctor, his new companion Clara as well as many of the foes he has met over the past 50 years.

To travel from one adventure to another, no new series would be complete without a TARDIS. The new 3¾” scaled Spin and Fly TARDIS has motion-activated interactive sound effects to bring the action to life. We also have some very special 50th Anniversary product for later in the year…but that is top secret!

2) What was the catalyst behind the decision to reduce the size of the figures from 5" to 3¾?

This is the 50th anniversary year of Doctor Who and we wanted to create something that was new for the brand and refresh our product offering, and create some demand amongst both avid collectors, fans and children. 

Our market research showed that many children today are collecting smaller figures and boys action figures across the market are moving to this size.

The new size also allows us to bring a more affordable price point that we would not be able to at this time with a 5-inch figure. This again is reacting to the market conditions and makes the figures more accessible to more fans. Again in such a special year it was important that we cater for as many as possible. 

3) Do you have a particular favourite Doctor Who product since you joined the company?

I’m a massive Tenant Fan! 10th Doctor all the way!

4) Will Character Options continue to produce Exclusives through Forbidden Planet and Toys R Us, and if so can we continue to expect a mix of classic and new series exclusives?

We have some very exciting 50th Anniversary product that should please all fans as they will be available across all retailers. Overall our product range will have a good mix between classic (5-inch) and Series 7 Part 2 (3 3/4-inch).

5) Finally, if you could have one round trip in the TARDIS, anywhere in time and space, where would you go and why?

After our trips to Hong Kong and London Toy Fair...my bed!

* * *

With so many great products coming out, DWO have compiled a list of upcoming products for 2013 from Character Options, below:

Character Options 3¾" Action Figure Range

- Series 7 Action Figure Assortment, new action figure size (3¾").
6 to collect, including; Weeping Angel, Dalek, Clara Oswin, The Doctor & Cyberman.

- Series 7 Action Figure Playsets, each comes with an exclusive accessory and can be interconnected.

- Doctor Who 'Spin & Fly TARDIS', in-line with new 3¾" range.

Character Options - Other Doctor Who Products

- Sound FX Daleks (Wave 2), (5").
Supreme Dalek (The Dalek Invasion of Earth) (1964), Guard Dalek (The Chase) (1965), Supreme Dalek (Planet of the Daleks) (1973), Supreme Dalek (Resurrection of the Daleks) (1984), Supreme Dalek (Remembrance of the Daleks) (1988) & Ironside Dalek (Victory of the Daleks) (2010).

- 50th Anniversary 'Iconic Scenes Collector's Sets'. Includes; The Invasion (2nd Doctor), The Invasion Of Time (4th Doctor) & Asylum Of The Daleks (11th Doctor) sets. (5").

- 11 Doctor's figure pack re-issue. (5").

- Sonic Screwdriver re-issues; 3rd, 4th, 10th & River Song sonics.

- Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Collector's Dalek. Features Lights, Speech and Sound FX.

- Doctor Who Mashems. Launchable, twistable, squishable character heads, foil packaged in a blind bag. 4 to collect; Weeping Angel, Silurian, Dalek & 1 other Monster TBC.

- Doctor Who Q.L.A Device, Cleric Wars Gun & App.

Character Building Doctor Who range

- Character Building 50th Anniversary, 11 Doctors blind packs.

- Character Building 11 Doctor's figure pack re-issue (variation).

- Character Building 'Monsters' Micro-Figure Multi Pack.

- Character Building 'The Ponds In New York' Micro-Figure Multi Pack.

- Character Building 'Cyberman Speeder' Mini Set.

- Character Building 'Dalek Skimmer' Mini Set.

Before Character Options came out with their Character Building range, DWO contacted Lego on numerous occasions to recommend Doctor Who Lego sets, owing to the demand we get from our visitors - in fact, it's one of the most popular merchandise requests we get on the site.

We paid Lego a visit at this year's Toy Fair and spoke to Emma Owen (Lego PR & Promotions Manager) and asked her about Lego's position on Doctor Who product:

"Obviously we realise the popularity is massive in the UK for Doctor Who and as I've heard as well it's popular overseas but it doesn't have that complete global appeal, which obviously we have to have when developing a product. We don't develop products that are just one country specific. It has to have mass appeal because obviously the investment that goes behind a product business-wise, we're operating on a complete business sense"

You can also listen to our brief Lego interview with Emma Owen below:

Look out for some other great products this year too. Paul Lamond Games will be releasing the first Doctor Who DVD game, which promises to challenge even the most dedicated fan! Star Cutouts will be releasing some fantastic new cutouts and masks, featuring characters from both the New Series and the Classic Series. Zeon have a rather extensive range of products coming out this year, including, USB devices, Mugs, Teapots, Cookie Jars, Money Boxes, Watches, Alarm Clocks, Keychains, Mint tins, Keychains and Pens (to name just a few).

More on all of these products as and when we receive more details. 

[Source: DWO]

Obituary: Bernard Horsfall (1930-2013)

It is with deepest regret that DWO announces the passing of Classic Series Doctor Who Actor, Bernard Horsfall.

Bernard was perhaps best known to Doctor Who fans for appearing in four, Classic Series adventures:

The Mind Robber as Lemuel Gulliver
The War Games as a Time Lord
Planet of the Daleks as Taron
The Deadly Assassin as Chancellor Goth

DWO would like to extend our sympathies to Bernard's family and friends.

[Sources: Alan Pulverton]

BBC Audio Drama Awards - 2013 Winners

The winners of the BBC Audio Drama Awards 2013 were announced at a special event hosted by actor David Tennant in the Radio Theatre at BBC Broadcasting House.

The awards are a celebration of audio drama, on air and online, and are about giving recognition to the actors, writers, producers, sound designers, and others who work in the genre.

Speaking at the awards, Tennant had the following to say:

"The quality of our radio drama is one of the things that makes me proud to be British. Acting on the radio is challenging, inspiring, delicate and always a privilege. Radio drama is often overlooked and undervalued next to its showier younger siblings on the television and in the cinema, and yet it is on the wireless that so many important and brilliant talents have been discovered and nurtured. I am delighted radio drama is being celebrated in this way."

The Doctor Who related winners of the BBC Audio Drama Awards 2013 were:

Best Supporting Actor in an Audio Drama, presented by Maxine Peake
David Troughton in Singles and Doublets

Tinniswood Radio Drama Award 2012 for Best Radio Drama Script, presented by Andrew Davies
Kafka the Musical by Murray Gold

[Source: BBC Media Centre]

SciFi style 'Tractor Beam' Created By Scientists

A team of scientists have created a real-life miniature "tractor beam" in another displaying of Science Fiction becoming Science Fact.

The microscopic beam, created by scientists from Scotland and the Czech Republic, allows a source of light to attract objects.

Light manipulation techniques have existed since the 1970s, but researchers say the experiment is the first instance of a beam being used to draw objects towards light.

Researchers from the University of St Andrews and the Institute of Scientific Instruments (ISI) in the Czech Republic say development of the beam may be an aid to medical testing, such as in the examination of blood samples.

Normally, when matter and light interact, a solid object is pushed by the light and carried away in a stream of photons.

However, in recent years, researchers have realised that there is a space of parameters when this force reverses.

The scientists have now demonstrated the first experimental realisation of the concept.

Professor Pavel Zemanek of the ISI said:

"The whole team have spent a number of years investigating various configurations of particles delivery by light. I am proud our results were recognised in this very competitive environment and I am looking forward to new experiments and applications. It is a very exciting time."

Dr Oto Brzobohaty, also of the ISI, said:

"These methods are opening new opportunities for fundamental phonics as well as applications for life-sciences."

Doctor Who itself has seen several instances in its 50-year history, where tractor beams have been used.

In the 1977, 4th Doctor adventure 'The Creature From The Pit' the TARDIS tractor beam is used to tow a neutron star and reverse its direction.

In the 2006, 10th Doctor adventure, 'The Satan Pit' the TARDIS tractor beam is used to save the Sanctuary Base 6 rocket.

[Source: Sky News]

BBC Worldwide Launches Official 50th Anniversary Website

BBC Worldwide have today launched the new 50th Anniversary Doctor Who website at doctorwho.tv.

The site is a commercial venture with some fantastic factual sections too. Fans can browse guides to the Doctors, Companions and Monsters, as well as News and links to the Doctor Who Events, TV Episodes, Games and the BBC Doctor Who Shop.

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

Silva Screen Records To Release Classic Series Soundtracks

Silva Screen Records have announced plans to release Classic Series Doctor Who Soundtracks in celebration of the show's 50th Anniversary.

The company have set up a new website at www.doctorwhomusic.com with a teaser cover for 'The Caves Of Androzani' Soundtrack which will be released on 25th March 2013.

Further titles are yet to be confirmed, but DWO have just heard from Silva Screen that there will be 7, possibly 8 Doctor Who titles this year.

In the meantime, you can subscribe to the Doctor Who Music Mailing List via their website.

[Source: Silva Screen Records]

New Zealand Coins For Doctor Who 50th Anniversary

In an exciting collaboration through time and relative dimension in space, BBC Worldwide Australasia and New Zealand Mint are offering a legal tender coin, and a series of collectible coins as a celebration of Doctor Who’s 50th Anniversary.

To celebrate the world’s longest running sci-fi series, New Zealand Mint will launch a one-ounce silver .999 coin which features an engraved picture of the iconic TARDIS, as well as a unique 50th Anniversary logo. The coin comes packaged in a 3D model replica of the TARDIS, which opens with the iconic TARDIS “vwarp vwarp” sound. The coins themselves are issued by New Zealand Mint as legal tender, under the authority of the South Pacific Island nation Niue, making them a must-have item for fans to collect. 

Later in the year New Zealand Mint will also release collectible coins featuring all 11 Doctors, from the first Doctor played by William Hartnell, to the current incarnation - Matt Smith. Further Doctor Who coin releases are also planned for 2014 and 2015. 

“We are thrilled to be partnering with New Zealand Mint on this global deal. It is an historic year for the Doctor Who brand, and we are pleased to be able to bring this unique product to Doctor Who fans and coin collectors alike,” said Rachael Hammond, BBC Worldwide’s Senior Licensing Executive, Consumer Products.

Simon Harding, NZ Mint Chief Executive added: “I grew up watching Doctor Who as a child in New Zealand which, coincidentally, was the first country outside the UK to screen the show. It’s a great honour to now be asked to produce these coins to celebrate the 50th anniversary. Fans are going to really like what we’ve come up with.” 

The coins will officially launch at the World Money Fair in Berlin on 1st February 2013 and will be available for pre-order at the New Zealand Mint website www.newzealandmint.com from 24th January 2013 or via selected international coin distributors. 

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

Doctor Who Misses Out at the 2013 National Television Awards

Doctor Who failed to win any of the categories it was nominated in at this years National Television Awards.

Doctor Who was nominated in the Drama category, but lost out to Downton Abbey.

Matt Smith was nominated in the Drama Performance: Male category, but lost out to Melin star, Colin Morgan.

Karen Gillan was nominated in the Drama Performance: Female category, but lost out to Call the Midwife star, Miranda Hart.

Doctor Who wasn't totally ignored though, as I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here - (featuring Colin Baker - The 6th Doctor) - won the Entertainment Programme category.

This marks the second year in a row since the show's return in 2005 where Doctor Who has failed to pick up any awards at the NTAs. On a more positive note though, how many shows featured at this years awards will ever claim to celebrate a 50th Anniversary :)

MSN UK Entertainment have released a video (which you can watch below) with stars chatting about Doctor Who and Sherlock:

Doctor Who Screenings Come To Chicago

The Ultimate-TV, BBC Home Entertainment, and Columbia College are bringing Doctor Who screening to Chicago beginning Saturday 26th January 2013.

The screenings will be held at Columbia College Chicago, 600 South Michigan Avenue from 1pm – 4pm in the Ferguson Lecture Hall, on the first floor. 

To kick off the 50th anniversary celebration of Doctor Who, there’ll be a special screening of the very first episode; 'An Unearthly Child' starring William Hartnell, Carole Ann Ford, Jacqueline Hill and William Russell

Immediately following the screening, there will be a Q&A, trivia quiz; costume contest and special prizes will be given away, courtesy of BBC Home Entertainment

This event is FREE to the public and will be held on the last Saturday of the month.

+ To register, go to http://theultimatedrwho2.eventbrite.com/ - seating is limited, first come, first seated. 

[Source: The Ultimate-TV]

Series 7 Returns Easter Saturday

BBC One have contacted DWO to let us know that Doctor Who will return to our screens on Easter Saturday (30th March 2013).

W = Written By / D = Directed By:

7.6: The Bells Of St.John - [W: Steven Moffat / D: Colm McCarthy] - Rumoured Title
7.7: Untitled - [W: Neil Cross / D: Farren Blackburn]
7.8: Untitled - [W: Mark Gatiss / D: Douglas Mackinnon]
7.9: Phantoms Of The Hex - [W: Neil Cross / D: Jamie Payne] - Rumoured Title
7.10: Journey To The Centre Of The TARDIS - [W: Stephen Thompson / D: Mat King] - Confirmed Title
7.11: The Crimson Horror - [W: Mark Gatiss / D: Saul Metzstein] - Rumoured Title
7.12: Untitled - [W: Neil Gaiman / D: Stephen Wolfenden]
7.13: Untitled - [W: Steven Moffat / D: TBC]

[Source: BBC One]

David Tennant leads new RSC season as Richard II

This morning, the Royal Shakespeare Company's new artistic director, Gregory Doran, confirmed that David Tennant is to return to the company in the title role of Richard II

The production, will also be directed by Doran, who previously directed Tennant in Hamlet and Love's Labours Lost. The show will transfer to the RSC's original London home of the Barbican after its run in Stratford between 10th October-16th November 2013.

A video interview with David Tennant has be posted on YouTube by the RSC, which DWO viewers can watch below:

[youtube:fs55s8990OA]

+  Ticket information will be available in the coming weeks.

[Source: RSC]

The Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special - The Facts

In light of the recent news reports which appear to be evolving from an original report from the Birmingham Mail story, DWO decided to put together a definitive guide to the 50th Anniversary Doctor Who special, separating fact from fiction, and getting down to the original sources of some of the recent rumours.

What are the rumours?

According to the Birmingham Mail report, all 11 Doctors are set to feature in the 50th Anniversary special. Christopher Eccleston is said to be reconsidering his earlier decision not to take part.

David Tennant, interviewed on a radio show, claimed that he had yet to be invited – but gave the presenter a knowing wink, thus hinting at his possible involvement in the special.

DWO contacted Paul Cole; the writer of the article in question who had the following to say:

"The article in question was a speculative piece based on all the available information, recent interviews with the five Doctors taking part in the 50th anniversary audiobook, comments made by Eccleston. I would be amazed if the 11 doctors are not featured in some form, be it surviving actors, film footage, storyline, plot device or online."

What is the likelihood of past Doctor's returning for the Anniversary special?

This is a difficult question to answer without adding our own flame to the fire surrounding the rumours, but going on what the BBC have done for previous anniversary specials, it would be odd if at least one past Doctor didn't turn up.

- 10th anniversary special was titled 'The Three Doctors' and featured all 3 incarnations of The Doctor.
- 20th anniversary special was titled 'The Five Doctors' and featured all 5 incarnations of The Doctor.
- 30th anniversary featured a short two-part adventure titled 'Dimensions in Time' as part of Children in Need and included performances from 5 of the surviving Doctors (3-7).

All of the surviving actors who have played The Doctor have been asked questions from press and fans regarding their involvement in the 2013 Doctor Who Anniversary special. Here are some of their responses and the original sources:

Tom Baker (The 4th Doctor) - speaking at Collectormania 18 - (June 2012)

"I think if they ask me nicely or I can see what they want me to do, I'd consider it. I think the fans have been so good to me, they'd expect me to at least make an appearance."

Peter Davison (The 5th Doctor) - speaking at New York Comic Con - (October 2012)

“Every day I check the phone to see if Steven Moffat has called me. I don’t know what’s happening next year, I have nothing to report. I’m sure it will be something fantastic! But I don’t know what. I think if [the classic Doctors] aren’t invited, I’m going to make my own rival video. I’ll do my own 50th anniversary special. Colin Baker’s prepared to work for nothing!”

Colin Baker (The 6th Doctor) - speaking via Twitter - (22nd January 2013)

“Alas apart from The Big Finish plans I am not aware of any 50th stories nor have I been approached." When probed further by fans on whether he was double bluffing, Colin then tweeted: "There's no point in me tweeting if you don't believe me".

Sylvester McCoy (The 7th Doctor) - speaking at DragonCon - (2012)

"No. Nothing whatsoever. The only thing I've heard about, and I'm sure you've all heard about is that Mr Moffat and Mr Gatiss are going to write a play about the beginning of Doctor Who. But I haven't heard anything about us, no nothing. Nothing whatsoever."

Paul McGann (The 8th Doctor) - speaking to The Independent - (July 2012)

"I mean, I know it's imminent but no, there's been no invites to or sounding out taking place but maybe it will happen, we don't know."

Christopher Eccleston (The 9th Doctor) - several sources mentioned below - (2011-2012)

In April 2011, Eccleston was famously quoted on Graham Norton's BBC Radio 2 show as saying “No, I never bathe in the same river twice.” when asked if he would ever return to Doctor Who.

In July 2012, Eccleston attended a Q&A at National Theatre. A fan in the audience noted his Doctor Who related comments:

"[He] felt that one series isn’t enough to get under the skin of the character and that if he’d had two or three series he’d have developed the role considerably. He said that if you looked at the other Doctors (with the exception of Tom Baker) you can see them working out how to play the character through their first series because it’s such a complex and challenging role. He said several times that there was more for him to do with the character... "

In November 2012, RedCarpetNewsTV grabbed a very brief interview with Eccleston asking about his involvement in the 50th Anniversary, to which he replied: "Would I like to be involved? If I told you that, I’d have to shoot you”.

David Tennant (The 10th Doctor) - several sources mentioned below - (2012-2013)

In July 2012, Tennant was interviewed on Attack Of The Show. When asked about his 50th anniversary plans, Tennant stated:

"I cannot be drawn on anything. Who knows what will happen next year. I'm sure there are lots of plans being discussed in quiet rooms by men with long beards and great power. I am confirming nor denying anything." When asked if he still has his suit on standby, Tennant added: "I do have it in a very secure location. Yes!"

In November 2012, RedCarpetNewsTV interviewed Tennant at the world premiere for Nativity 2. When asked if he would like to be involved in the 50th anniversary celebrations, Tennant said:

"I can't imagine there even are going to be any anniversary celebrations are there? Look at my agent getting twitchy!"

In January 2013, Tennant was interviewed on The Jonathan Ross Show, and when asked by Ross if he would be returning, Tennant simply stated: "No-one has spoken to me. I know nothing." 

What are the facts for the 50th Anniversary Doctor Who Special?

- The story will be written by Steven Moffat.
- The duration will be 60 x Minutes to be broadcast in Autumn of 2013 (most likely the actual anniversary).
- Matt Smith will be The Doctor in the adventure (but hopefully not the only one). 

[Sources: DWO; Birmingham Mail; New York Comic Con; The IndependantCollectormania 18; Twitter; RedCarpetNews TV; BBC Radio 2; Attack Of The Show; The Jonathan Ross Show]

Review: The Companion Chronicles - [7.07] The Flames Of Cadiz - CD

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Marc Platt

RRP: £8.99 (CD) / £7.99 (Download)

Release Date: January 2013

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 19th January 2013

The TARDIS materializes in Spain in the late sixteenth century. The country is at war with England – and the travellers find themselves on the wrong side of the battle lines.

When Ian and his new friend Esteban are captured by the Inquisition, the Doctor, Susan and Barbara plan to rescue them.

But these are dark days in human history. And heretics face certain death...

* * *

It makes sense that the first release from Big Finish for the Fiftieth anniversary year would be a First Doctor story. What makes The Flames of Cadiz an extra special release is that it is a four part adventure which is magnificently performed by two of the original TARDIS crew.

The Flames of Cadiz deals with the perils of time travel and interference in the course of history. It is also a study of opposing sides. In the story we have Catholics against Protestants and the warring factions of Spain and England. Both of the opposing sides are not shown to be positive as one is just as ruthless and fanatical as the other. Platt uses our heroes to examine this in relation to time travel when The Doctor accuses Ian and Barbara of sabotaging the timeline to provide a positive outcome for their country in the upcoming battle with the Spanish Armada.

Marc Platt has crafted a story which very much echoes the historical stories of Doctor Who’s early years whilst being both entertaining and thought provoking. Platt knows The First Doctor well, having written many incarnations of the character in different media. He gets the grumpiness and the distrust between him and his companions spot on. The Doctor is flawed, making mistakes and getting things wrong, setting off a catastrophic set of events into motion out of anger. It harks back to those early years when we didn’t know just who The Doctor was and what he wanted.

William Russell and Carole Ann Ford deliver excellent performances as Ian and Susan, both picking up the narrative parts of their story with ease but for me it is Russell who is the star of the show. I have said in past reviews that we are lucky to have William Russell continuing to play Ian Chesterton and as we head into this Anniversary year I stand by this even more so.

The story is a little long and it could quite easily have been edited down into two parts but the thoughtful pace and the comic and reflective moments would have been a casualty.

The Flames of Cadiz is well worth your time and a lovely example of that era fifty years ago.

Review: [4D 2.01] The Auntie Matter - CD

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Jonathan Morris

RRP: £10.99 (CD) / £8.99 (Download)

Release Date: January 2013

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 19th January 2013

England in the 1920s.

Whilst K9 is off in the TARDIS leading the Black Guardian on a wild goose chase, the Doctor and Romana are enjoying a leisurely lifestyle as the Lord and Lady of a London townhouse. But trouble never stays away from them for long, and before they know it a chance discovery of alien technology leads them deep into the heart of the English countryside where a malign presence lurks.

As the Doctor dodges deadly butlers and ferocious gamekeepers, Romana is faced with a malevolent Aunt and an even deadlier peril - marriage.

* * *

The first series of Fourth Doctor Adventures were a fun and varied set of stories featuring a brilliant return to the role of The Doctor by Tom Baker with the excellent Louise Jameson reprising her role as Leela.

This new series of adventures finds The Doctor with Romana as played by Mary Tamm, taking place after the epic Key to Time stories - and what better way to kick off things than this rather fun little romp.

As soon as The Auntie Matter begins it becomes clear that the story is heavily influenced by P.G. Wodehouse. Taking inspiration from the Jeeves and Wooster stories, Jonathan Morris has littered the story with Wodehousian tropes, plot devices and even his characters names are directly lifted from the writer’s work. For a Wodehouse fan like me this is an added joy but it requires no prior knowledge to enjoy this story as it is.

Tom Baker gives a rather subdued performance in this story, but not so that you wouldn’t know it was The Fourth Doctor. Over the course of his work for Big Finish it seems Baker has found a way of keeping his more outlandish Doctor performance, which he used in the AudioGo stories, in check. There were moments in the first series where he was clearly finding his way back into the part and he seems now to be rather comfortable back in the role.

It is sad that a fun adventure such as this is marred by sadness as this was one of the last pieces of work recorded by Mary Tamm before her untimely death last year. It is even sadder to write this review as Tamm’s return to Romana is just wonderful. That this series will be the only time we hear her and Baker perform together again is a tragedy as they play off each other and slip back into that sparkling relationship they both had in Season 16. While The Doctor and Romana do not share many moments together in this story, their opening and closing scenes are just perfect. 

The Auntie Matter is bolstered by a fantastic supporting cast that includes Julia McKenzie as the eponymous Auntie and the brilliant Alan Cox as Grenville. Robert Portal is superb as the Bertie Wooster–esque Reggie and Lucy Griffiths puts in a lovely performance as the Doctor’s companion for the story Mabel.

Mary Tamm herself is commemorated by a special segment in the C.D. extras featuring interviews with Producer David Richardson and a very moving tribute by Tom Baker.

Both funny and entertaining The Auntie Matter is a great beginning to a new season of adventures with The Fourth Doctor and Romana and what better way to celebrate the sad passing of Mary Tamm than by reminding ourselves of her incredible talent in a story full of mad joy.

Limited Edition Doctor Who ValenTime Cards

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

Tom's Doctor Who inspired 'ValenTime' cards allow you to tell your 'companion' how you feel with Who-themed Valentines cards from Tom Kurzanski's Etsy shop.

The cards cost just $10 for Limited Edition sets of eight 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.

You can find other offerings from the artist on Facebook and Redbubble. Cards ship worldwide.

[Source: Tom Kurzanski]

Review: The Reign Of Terror - DVD

Manufacturer: BBC Worldwide Consumer Products

Written By: Dennis Spooner

RRP: £20.42

Release Date: 28th January 2013

Reviewed By: Dale Who for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 13th January 2013

When The Doctor lands the TARDIS back on Earth with the express intention of putting Barbara and Ian off the Ship, the original crew find themselves caught up in the tail end of the infamously bloody and grisly French Revolution. In 1794 Paris, crawling with ne'er-do-wells, jumped up "citizens" and people who'd sell their own grandmother, the time travellers must not only reach the safety of the TARDIS once more, they must avoid losing their own heads to the guillotine. Separated from each other, stranded in a different time, and heading for the chop, things are looking bleak for the team...

Episodes Four and Five of The Reign of Terror are missing from the archive; however using the same ingenuity previously shown in The Invasion release with Patrick Troughton, the missing episodes have been animated, and then matched to the extant soundtrack to complete the story for release. The animated instalments may not have the polish of the Cosgrove Hall episodes from the Troughton release, but the work here is top notch, intricately detailed, and doesn't detract at all from the story being told. The artwork for the characters and sets is beautiful - and showcased later in the DVD.

So without any further ado, let's Carry On...

Don't Lose Your Head - The de rigeur "making of" featurette. Carol Ann Ford, still with that mischievous twinkle in her eye, and William Russell lead the talking heads discussing green directors, walking to France, buckets to catch rain in, and the curse of Lime Grove studios.

The documentary touches on some less than happy subjects - such as nervous breakdowns on set - and it's sadly here where the featurette gets bogged down and somewhat less than glowing in review. Thankfully, however, eventually it all has a happy ending; mostly down to TV Centre, and people recovering from illness. An honest look back, warts and all, as it were.

Robespierre's Domain Set Tour - An animated extra, no less!  It's basically a look around the set design of the Prison from the story, set to lots of really annoyingly echo and reverbed sound bites.

It's all beautifully done, and very short; and if you can tune out the mucked-around-with sound, a stunning, brief look at what's basically some lovely artwork.

Commentary - Toby Hadoke chairs the discussion once more; in attendance are Tim Combe (Production Assistant), Carol Ann Ford (Susan), and various guest cast members take the third seat in each episode. Toby and guests have a lot more issues when it comes to talking about the animated episodes; they hadn't been done when the commentary was recorded, so full marks to them from trooping bravely onwards! Lots of gentle behind the scenes nattering with nothing new or earth-shattering to impart, but it's nice to hear anecdotes from people who filmed this story nearly fifty years ago, and are still happy to talk about the time they spent on Doctor Who.

Photo Gallery/Animation Gallery - Yup, there's two of 'em! The first is the usual stills gallery of publicity and behind the scenes shots; with some rather nice candid snaps in there. The second gallery however is much more interesting, showing the design schematics for animating the main cast members - and they look superb. From William Hartnell and his walking stick and ring, to an incredible shot of Barbara going from photo to artwork, this is a little gem of a library.

Info Text - Four episodes only of the fun facts and trivial tales this time. From the historic first time the full sized TARDIS prop had been filmed landing onwards, the usual array of information and career information on the stars meanders happily on until we reach the end of episode three, at which point it states it will return in episode six. There's no info text for the two animated episodes at all.

Coming Soon Trailer - It's another special edition release: Tom Baker's second story gets another look in, as The Ark In Space gets a makeover edition. It's Time Lord versus Wirrn, and an amazing story to boot. One thing though: if the adult Wirrn have six legs, why do they all shuffle/hop about on their bum?

With the usual Subtitles and Audio Navigation available, and the PDF Radio Times clippings should you view the DVD on your computer, The Reign Of Terror is a wonderful treat for fans who never thought they'd see this story released. The quality and sound are optimal as always, and the animation is sublime. The extras  aren't huge in quantity, but are certainly of outstanding quality. A real treat of a DVD, with a strong story, Hartnell on perfect form, and a rare quality historical piece that all too quickly vanished from Doctor Who.

+  Compare Prices for this product on CompareTheDalek.com!

A Big Hand For The Doctor - eShort Cover & Details

The first instalment in a sensational series of stories celebrating the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who is written by Eoin Colfer, best-selling author of Artemis Fowl.

Doctor Who is the longest running sci-fi TV show in the world and celebrates its 50th anniversary on 23rd November 2013. To celebrate, Puffin – in partnership with BBC Worldwide – is publishing an exclusive series of eleven ebook short stories each based on one of the Eleven Doctors, priced at £1.99 and to be released on the 23rd of each month starting in January 2013. Each story is written by a different author, bringing together some of the most exciting names in children’s fiction, from commercial blockbusters to literary award-winners. These authors will each bring their own interpretation and reimagining of their chosen Doctor to create a unique Doctor Who adventure in their own inimitable style. 

The authors of the subsequent eshorts will be unveiled on the BBC Worldwide Doctor Who Facebook page on the first Tuesday of every month throughout the year.  A promotional video featuring the author will be released on the 11th of each month on the BBC Worldwide Doctor Who YouTube channel.

Puffin is thrilled that Eoin Colfer will be launching this unique series with his story about the First Doctor. The author commented:

“As a boy I had been reading the Doctor Who books for years before I ever saw a single episode and I found that the on-screen version of the First Doctor was almost identical to the version in my imagination.” 

Synopsis:

London. 1900. The First Doctor is missing his hand and his granddaughter, Susan. Faced with the search for Susan, a strange beam of soporific light, and a host of marauding Soul Pirates, the Doctor is promised a dangerous journey into a land he may never forget...

+  A Big Hand For The Doctor is released on 23rd January 2013, Priced £1.99.

+  Preorder this eBook from iTunes.

[Source: Puffin Books]