DVD News - Seeds of Death Revisited

Monday, 25 October 2010 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who: Seeds of Death2|entertain have confirmed that the third story in the Revisitations 2 Box Set will be the Second Doctor Story The Seeds of Death.

DVD commissioning editor Dan Hall gave the news in an interview with Radio Free Skaro. The Seeds of Death stars Frazer Hines as Jamie McCrimmon and Wendy Padbury as Zoe Heriot alongside Patrick Troughton as the Doctor. It was first released on DVD in February 2003.

The story joins The Carnival of Monsters with Jon Pertwee and Resurrection of the Daleks with Peter Davison, on the box set expected to be released mid 2011.

Hall confirmed that The Resurrection of the Daleks will contain a documentary fronted by Tenth Doctor David Tennant (mentioned here). He said the story will be released in both the four episode and two episode edition.

He confirmed that the missing Tom Baker Story Shada is in production and at present the plan is to release it with another title.

In the wide ranging interview Hall also talked about his plans for the range and his hopes and desires for the remaining classic stories which still have to be released.




FILTER: - Classic Series - Blu-ray/DVD - Patrick Troughton

Sarah Jane Ratings - The Nightmare Man

Monday, 25 October 2010 - Reported by Marcus
Sarah Jane AdventuresThe Sarah Jane Adventures topped the weekly ratings for CBBC with both parts of the series opener getting a confirmed rating of over half a million viewers according to figures released by BARB.

The Nightmare Man Part Two topped the charts with 0.67 million viewers with Part One getting 0.59 million watching.

The score is the highest rating for the channel since January and the third highest of the year so far, beaten by Tracey Beaker Returns.

The two episodes were repeated later in the week on BBC Two where overnight figures give the story an additional 0.21 million for Part One and 0.31 million for Part two. Final figures for these broadcasts will be out later this month.

The ratings are slightly higher than the series opener last year although are split over two showings.




FILTER: - Ratings - UK - Sarah Jane

Blue Box 2

Monday, 25 October 2010 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who: Blue BoxThe second issue of the fanzine Blue Box is now available.

In this issue
  • 10 Films Every Doctor Who Fan Should Watch by Ian Wheeler
  • Escaping Sunbeams (Fan Fiction) by Robin Bell
  • Horror of Fang Rock Review by Richard Farrell
  • Season Fnarg Reviews by William JP Turner, David MacGowan and Jez Strickley
  • Paul Cornell Interview Part 2
  • Art by Nathan Lindsell
  • Prom Review by Tim Drury
  • Rumours of Death by Jez Strickley

The Fanzine, which comes with a cover from Draculasaurus costs £1.50 in the UK and £2.50 for the rest of world. It can be ordered by PayPal from dalek82@hotmail.co.uk. Email for other options.




FILTER: - Fan Productions

Sylvester McCoy wins role in The Hobbit

Saturday, 23 October 2010 - Reported by Marcus
Sylvester McCoySylvester McCoy has told fans he has been cast as Radagast the Brown in the upcoming film The Hobbit.

Rumours of the Seventh Doctor's involvement in the Peter Jackson film have been around for a while but this is the first conformation from the actor that he has been offered a role in the movie.

McCoy was speaking at the Armageddon Expo in Auckland yesterday, It is understood that McCoy had meetings in Wellington with Jackson and co-producer and co-writer Philippa Boyens last week, where he was offered the role, but that no contracts have yet been signed.

The Hobbit is slated for release in two parts, the first due in 2012. Production is currently delayed due to a dispute involving the New Zealand branch of Actors Equity.




FILTER: - Sylvester McCoy

New Eighth Doctor costume revealed

Saturday, 23 October 2010 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Paul McGann is currently in New Zealand, a guest at the Armageddon Pop Culture Expo (Auckland, New Zealand) this weekend. On Saturday he appeared on a panel and revealed what is to be the 'new' costume for the Eighth Doctor.

The costume consists of a double-breasted black Naval jacket, with gold buttons. Part of of the ensemble is a courier pouch bag. However, the shirt and trousers were actually McGann's own and not part of the costume.

Also revealed is a new sonic screwdriver, courtesy of Weta Workshop, the wizards behind the effects on The Lord of the Rings. The screwdriver is similar to the one used by the current Doctor, Matt Smith, but has a wooden handle.

The revision comes some fourteen years since the original Eighth Doctor image was established for the 1996 TV Movie; this is now felt to be a little out of date and the new costume - still a work in progress - is said to be used for future promotional purposes.

No other information in known at present, other than this is an unofficial costume - but it is believed to have the blessing of the BBC.








FILTER: - Special Events - Paul McGann

TARDIS crew to light up Cardiff for Christmas

Friday, 22 October 2010 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill together at the BBC Prom


Cardiff Winter Wonderland in previous years


David Tennant and Billie Piper turning on the lights in 2005
The TARDIS crew will be materialising in Cardiff in order to mark the city's annual start to the Christmas festivities, with Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill all expected to be on-hand to switch on the Christmas Lights.

The ceremony takes place at King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff Civic Centre, from 7:40pm on Wednesday 10th November.

Matt Smith:
It’s a real honour to be asked to switch on Cardiff’s Christmas lights because the city has become like a second home to not only me, but the rest of the Doctor Who production team.

We love filming here in Wales and we even managed to get into the festive spirit extra early this year when filming the Doctor Who Christmas special in August.

Cardiff is a great city and I’d like to thank all of its residents for being so welcoming and accommodating.

Nigel Howells, Cardiff Council’s executive member for sport, leisure and culture:
The Christmas lights switch-on has become the traditional start of the festive season in Cardiff, and this year, to celebrate the 10th Winter Wonderland, we welcome another three stellar names from BBC Cymru Wales’ Doctor Who, which has such a strong connection with the city, to help us launch the lights, shopping and attractions.

This isn't the first time the show has been honoured in such a way; David Tennant and Billie Piper turned on the lights for the city back in 2005.




FILTER: - Special Events

Doctor John Smith's Cottage

Friday, 22 October 2010 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor WhoA holiday cottage, designed as a tribute to a long term Doctor Who fan, has opened in the South East of England.

Doctor John Smith's Cottage has been set up in memory of David Bannister who died suddenly last year at the age of 51, leaving a large collection of Doctor Who memorabilia.

Bannister had been a fan of the series since childhood and shared many happy moments watching the series with his brother Tony, who decided to refit a cottage in Kent in memory of his brother.

The property houses Bannister's extensive library of DVDs, CDs and books all of which are available for the use of the tenants. There is a Dalek in the living room and the private Courtyard features a blue Police Box.

The property is based at Lydd, one of the larger towns on the Romney Marsh in Kent. Bookings can made via the website.




FILTER: - Special Events

Radio Times Companion Poll

Thursday, 21 October 2010 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The current issue of the Radio Times (23rd-29th October) includes an article with Matt Smith discussing who is his favourite companion in Doctor Who, plus the run-down on the Doctor's former companions appearing in next week's The Sarah Jane Adventures story Death of the Doctor, Elisabeth Sladen and Katy Manning.

On the Radio Times website you can find an exclusive photo gallery to accompany the story.

Plus, you are also invited to vote for your favourite companion, with the chance to win a limited edition Doctor Who Series Five Steelbook in either standard DVD or Blu-ray versions.

The closing date for the competition is the 1st November.




FILTER: - Radio Times

The Ark/The Mutants DVD details

Thursday, 21 October 2010 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine (#427) has confirmed details on the following DVD releases due in early 2011:

The Mutants, a Pertwee story by Bob Baker and Dave Martin, will be a two disc release, with features including:
  • commentary by Katy Manning (Jo), Garrick Hagon (Ky), Christopher Barry (director), Terrance Dicks (script editor), Bob Baker (co-writer), Jeremy Bear (designer), Broan Hodgson (special sound)
  • Mutt Mad, a documentary on the making of the story
  • Race Against Time, examining the representation of black actors on British television
  • Dressing Doctor Who, A discussion with James Acheson on his work in Doctor Who
  • Blue Peter, an item featuring Peter Purves on Doctor Who monsters
 
The Ark, a Hartnell story by Paul Erickson and Lesley Scott, will include:
  • commentary by Peter Purves (Steven), Michael Imison (director)
  • All's Well That Ends Well, a feature on the influence of writer H.G. Wells on the series
  • One Hit Wonder, on what makes a successful monster
  • Riverside Story, touring old production haunt Riverside Studios

Both stories feature the usual production notes, photo gallery, and Radio Times PDF listings.




FILTER: - Classic Series - Blu-ray/DVD

Graham Crowden 1922-2010

Wednesday, 20 October 2010 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The actor Graham Crowden has died at the age of 87.

Graham Crowden has had an expansive career in film, television and theatre. He has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and appeared in variety of films such as The Amazing Mr Blunden, Jabberwocky, For Your Eyes Only, The Company of Wolves, Out of Africa, and Calendar Girls. On television he is probably best remembered for two major roles, alongside Peter Davison as head of medical department Jock McCannon in the series A Very Peculiar Practice, and as Tom Ballard in the comedy series Waiting for God.

He was one of the actors considered to take on the role of the Fourth Doctor in Doctor Who in 1974, but felt he couldn't commit to many years in such a role. However, he did get to appear in the series in 1979 for the Season Seventeen adventure The Horns of Nimon playing Soldeed, the leader of the planet Skonnos and ally of the titular Nimon - his death throe has been considered one of the most 'memorable' in the classic series! The story was released earlier this year as part of the Myths and Legends boxed set, and featured the actor on the commentary.

Graham Crowden (30 November 1922 – 19 October 2010)

Reported by: The Times (subscription only), BBC News, Scotsman, What's on TV. STV, Gonzo Media, Daily Mail, The Guardian, The Mirror, Press Association, Post Chronicle, British Comedy Guide, Inverurie Herald





FILTER: - Obituary