To 3D Or Not To 3D, That Was The Question…

The Answer Is Very Simple…

Having only ever seen the fourth episode previously, I was eager to view this new animation. Although I found the promotional clips a little unappealing, I purchased it anyway. When I first opened the case, I was thrilled to find that the cover insert was reversible. The new-style artwork on one side, and traditional-style DVD artwork on the other side. I immediately swapped it for the more appealing traditional version.

I started viewing the Colour version with the 3D Animation, then looked at the Photo Reconstruction version, which included some 2D-style animation. While I appreciate the attempt at a more 3D Animation style, I was not sold on it overall, and I far prefer the usual 2D style. My biggest problem is that they made the massive mistake of allowing the final version of the main cast’s faces to look so ugly! They are just unattractive, particularly Steven and Dodo, and it makes the entire show difficult to watch. I also found the reworking of the “Celestial Toyroom” episode looked too weird and made for an all too “psychedelic” experience. When compared to the Photo Reconstruction version of this episode, I found that far better, and the small bits of 2D-style Animation much more watchable.

I liked episodes 2 and 3, the new “bigger” perspective of the scenes, and the “clues” between episodes. I loved the Queen and King of Hearts referring to Steven and Dodo as “peasants” and being “not amused”! Also liked the TARDIS within a TARDIS idea. Great to see that Russel T Davis didn’t get to “cancel” the name of this story and remove “Celestial” from it as he did with the character in the 60^th Anniversary Specials!!! (Such absolute idiocy!)

Some interesting Extras are included in this set:

 The Doctor Who Collection Escape Room: Team First Doctor was both fascinating and frustrating. Obviously, the first in a series of these, we find Maureen O’Brien, Peter Purves, and Lisa Bowerman experiencing this Doctor Who themed Escape Room… My, some people are getting grumpy in their old age!  😉  It is a great idea, which I suspect is designed to replace the wonderful “Mini Episodes” that were previously done to promote the Blu-ray Box releases. Nice to see K-9 trying to advise them as well.

The other “Extra” that I looked forward to was the Rare Audio Interview from1986 with actress Carmen Silvera, who I have adored for decades as the gullible Edith “You Stupid Woman” Artoir in the British comedy series ‘Allo, ‘Allo:

Edith:  “Rene! What are you doing with that Serving Girl in your arms?”

Rene:  “You stupid woman! Can you not see that she is feeling faint from exhaustion? You overwork these poor girls!”

Edith:  “Oh, my. Sit down here, child, and rest a while. What has made you so tired?”

Rene:  “Too much of the flying helmet and the wet celery with the Colonel, I would think.”

Yvette:  “Not to mention the egg whisk, too.”

Edith:  “No, best to not mention the egg whisk in mixed company…”

Unfortunately, the original recording of the interview was so bad that, even with today’s technology, it was hard to listen to. They could at least have adjusted the sound levels between the loud and soft sections!

The remaining Extras include New Commentaries moderated by Toby Hadoke, with Peter Purves, Dudley Darby (Camera Operator), Delia Lindon (Dancer), Sylvia Kames (Make-up), and David Devjak (Animation Producer/Director). The Making The Animation documentary is an all too unjustified self-congratulation session by the Australian team responsible for this not-so-brilliant outing. Also, the full original The Final Test episode, Sylvester McCoy’s introduction to that episode from The Hartnell Years video and the usual Production Subtitles and PDF materials.

Overall, it was fascinating to see the other episodes for the first time.

However, DO NOT use this style of animation again! Please!!!

I give it 2.5 out of 5!

It’s great to have Christmas Specials back again; the New Year Special idea never really worked for me. Also a little sad that it wasn’t free on ABC iView anymore.

As the first full Ncuti Gatwa/15^th Doctor episode, it focussed on establishing his version of the Doctor and introducing the new companion, Ruby Sunday, along with her adoptive family and nosey (or is it knowledgeable) neighbour, Mrs Flood. Some of this episode skated dangerously close to turning the Doctor into some kind of Marvel Superhero and the new Sonic Screwdriver was more Star Trek Tricorder than a logical adaptation of a Sonic Screwdriver.

Early on, we find the Doctor dancing in a nightclub, in a scene that looked straight out of RTDs big gay hit series from 1999, Queer As Folk. No question that this is the sexiest Doctor ever! He can sing and dance as well as save the Universes, but I desperately hope that we won’t be assaulted with song-and-dance numbers in EVERY new episode!

Ruby’s mother, who left her on the steps of the Church on Ruby Road at Christmas, appears to be someone of future significance, as does Mrs Flood and her strange familiarity with TARDISes. However, on another viewing of the episode, Flood could easily have Googled “Disappearing Blue Police Box” in her reality and found out all the info she now knows. We fans have a tendency to imagine and expect much more than is currently being delivered; the once so-mysterious Anniversary Second Special is a perfect example of us being led to believe for great and amazing things and ending up with none of what we hoped for.

Cherry was just fabulous, and she knows how to fight hard for a good cup of tea. Davina McCall was also a great and fitting addition to the story. I find Ncuti’s performance very moving at times, giving it a tangible emotional sincerity.

The big problem, for me, was the Goblin Song. Not in any universe is it acceptable to have evil Goblins singing about stealing and eating babies, definitely not in the Whoniverse, and adding insult to injury by making it a Charity Single for BBCs Children In Need! There is nothing funny or charming about any of it, including the painfully weak lyrics, and I found it just sick, offensive, and vile.    

Overall, this episode served other purposes, but it was so not Christmassy for me – a long way from most of the old Christmas Specials. A bit of tinsel, a few stars, and a Christmas tree do not automatically create a Christmas feeling! Overall, the whole thing felt too complicated and dark. Will I buy it on Blu-ray or DVD? No. Will I watch it again? NO… because of all the stuff that offended me. Has RTD lost his old Magic? Ask me after the first three episodes of the new season.

I keep watching these new BBC/Disney+/Wolf created episodes and wanting desperately to like them, but… Minus 1 for the un-Christmassy-ness of it. Minus 2 for the “Goblins eating babies and singing about it for charity” insanity. That leaves 1 for Ncuti’s great performance, and 1 for the amazing CGI and all that stuff.

2 out of 5 Jelly Babies from me.

The Jellyfish, The Prawn and the Tax Man!

Tom Baker, Louise Jameson, and John Leeson take on a season that pushed the limits of what could be done with new technology and limited time and money, but fans usually remember it fondly.

All six episodes are beautifully upgraded in visual quality for Blu-ray. Horror Of Fang Rock gets the best treatment with a 5.1 Surround Audio mix and new updated SFX, which were excellent, particularly Ruben the Rutan in Episode Four and the Rutan Ship, apart from the Rutan climbing up the side of the lighthouse and the Doctor hanging from the window, which were still crap. A beautiful new Making Of called Inside The Lighthouse, featuring Louise and Toby Hadoke at Belle Tote Lighthouse in Beachy Head, shows why we love Louise and her time on Who was too short. It focuses on their time filming the episodes at Pebble Mill in Manchester. New Audio Commentary by Tom Baker (with Matthew Sweet) on episodes 2 & 4, and a hilarious Denys Fisher Toys Advert with a reaction from Louise.

Other new shining lights on this set are Louise Jameson in Conversation with Matthew Sweet, another Tom Talks, The Final Battle where Leela finally meets the Daleks on screen (in Dolby 5.1 and Atmos), new Audio Commentary from Tom on episodes 4 & 6 of Invasion Of Time, the rushes for Tom’s Greetings for fans at the first Doctor Who Exhibition at Longleat, The Panopticon Archive interview with Louise and John, a 50^th Anniversary Interview with John, and the magnificent and moving Graham Williams Documentary, Darkness And Light, from Moon Balloon Productions.

Behind the Sofa is again a highlight of this Collection featuring Louise Jameson, Colin Baker, Katy Manning, Janet Fielding, Sarah Sutton, Matthew Waterhouse, Pennant Roberts’ wife Betsan, and Toby Hadoke. All are in fine form and often hilarious.

Other notable inclusions were the “Making Of” documentary on the Underworld disc which is old but fascinating, and the idiotic and appalling Doctor Who Dustbin Skits by Emu Broadcasting Company on Image Of The Fendahl disc.

A treasured addition to the Who-ray Collections!

 

Topics Discussed in Interviews:

Tom Talks. On the Image Of The Fendahl disc, Tom looks older and frail but soon lights up with that youthful joy and devious tongue-in-cheek humour. Tom discusses… being in the Merchant Navy, serving on a passenger ship, serving in the Medical Corps. The Medics series, visiting Children’s Wards, being a patient. Being in his own head, being admired, dabbling, being phony. Shakespeare, Sir Laurence Olivier, Magie Smith. Revolution, Malcolm Tierney and political actors, Bertrand Russell, being arrested. Taxes, Banks, power, death. Being younger, saying goodbye.

Louise Jameson In Conversation. On The Sunmakers disc. Delightful, magnificent, moving! Louise (Leela) discusses with Matthew Sweet… Playing Blanche Summers in Tenko, Pennant Roberts. Who I want to be, accents, class. Childhood spent in theatre wings, mum, family, private school, Mrs Tipping. Drama school, RADA, Royal Shakespeare Company, John Barton, do the ‘text’ work to make it flow as fresh. Ambition, auditions, Leela, fame. Tom Baker, Paddy Russell, Tom’s eye contact and charisma, Graham Williams, Tom’s attitude to the text. Sexism in the BBC and showbusiness. Stuart Fell, Feminism, psycho-dynamic therapy. Theatre after Who, Bergerac, Lavinia Warner series and the Christmas scene, lack of older female characters, Coronation Street. Paparazzi, press office secrets. Offer to return for Tom’s departure, working with Peter Davison, Tom’s apology. Big Finish, working with Tom now, writing for Leela. Back to 1976, major movie role.

Darkness and Light. The stunning new Graham Williams documentary on the Bonus disc featured everyone they could find: Tom Baker, Louise Jameson, John Leeson, Phillip Hinchcliffe, Lalla Ward (old interview), Jackie Williams (wife), Katie Williams (daughter), Rick Williams (eldest son), David Williams (younger son), Richard Astbury (school friend and college), June Hudson (Costume Designer), Eric Saward (Script Editor), Ann Davies (Production Secretary), Anthony Read (Script Editor), Robert Shearman (Writer), James Goss (Writer), Colin Mapson (VFX), Darrol Blake (director), Maev Alexander (actress), Norman North (Agent), Paul Seed (Actor/Director), Jeremy Bentham (DWAS).

Tom’s New Commentary on Horror of Fang Rock.

Part 2:  Working with Terrance Dicks, Pebble Mill, meeting Sue Gerard there in Birmingham. Acting styles, criticisms, enjoying the madness of it all. Hypocrisy of the current world compared to the 70s. Louise, Graham Williams, and the perfect companion.

Part 4:  More about meeting Sue Gerard. Delivery, Beryl, Sir Laurence Olivier, pronunciation. Joan Plowright, Colin Douglas (Ruben), one line in George Of The Dragon in 1968. Acting is anxiety, Alan Roe and Geoffrey Bayldon. Agents, ratings, family response, character development. Watching Who with a family by accident.

Tom’s New Commentary on Invasion Of Time.

Part 4:  Keeping it interesting, lodging with Andred, recommending an actor for a part. Everything changed, living with other actors, Max Faulkner. To speak or not to speak, cutting room floor performances. Breaking the fourth wall, alternate takes, the Benevolent Alien. Changing opinions.

Part 6:  March 1978, Louise, Derek Deadman, Inside the TARDIS. Reconnecting with Louise, Big Finish. The obsequious Milton Johns, John Arnatt as Borusa. Playing a horse with Derek Godfrey, whistling for variety. McBeth, The Solution, directing. Thank you from all of us. Goodbye, Savage.

Behind The Sofa. 

Three teams: Colin Baker, Janet Fielding, Sarah Sutton. Louise Jameson, Betsan Roberts, Toby Hadoke. Katy Manning, Matthew Waterhouse. It was good that at least one from every “team” knows the story and what is going on.

“Evil green blob. Evil maniacal prawn, cook him up and eat him.” By Image Of The Fendahl, Colin, Janet and Sarah had started to go stir crazy. “Rock salt! Rock salt!”

Sunmakers was acknowledged as a partly accurate prediction of what was to come. All three “teams” were saying the same things about this story. Colin’s comments about the censorship of his episodes in the 80s compared to all this violence and murder were very valid.

Matthew started mirroring Katie’s responses a bit too much as it went on. “The Quest Is The Quest!” All were underwhelmed by Underworld. “The season of oppression.” There was great excitement when the Sontarans appeared.  Katie and Matthew had gone a stir crazy by the last few episodes and needed “a nice cup of tea and a good lie down.”

Louise confirmed Sunmakers as her favourite story of this Season, and all found good in each story.

OVERALL… it felt like a Warm Hug from an Old Friend!  🙂

The Jellyfish, The Prawn and the Tax Man!

 

Tom Baker, Louise Jameson, and John Leeson take on a season that pushed the limits of what could be done with new technology and limited time and money, but fans usually remember it fondly.

All six episodes are beautifully upgraded in visual quality for Blu-ray. Horror Of Fang Rock gets the best treatment with a 5.1 Surround Audio mix, new updated SFX, new Making Of featuring Louise and Toby Hadoke at Belle Tote Lighthouse in Beachy Head, new Audio Commentary by Tom Baker (with Matthew Sweet) on episodes 2 & 4, and a hilarious Toy Advert with a reaction from Louise.

Other new shining lights on this set are Louise Jameson in Conversation with Matthew Sweet, another Tom Talks, The Final Battle where Leela finally meets the Daleks on screen (in Dolby 5.1 and Atmos), new Audio Commentary from Tom on episodes 4 & 6 of Invasion Of Time, Tom’s Doctor Who Exhibition Introduction rushes, The Panopticon Archive interview with Louise and John, a 50^th Anniversary Interview with John, and the magnificent and moving Graham Williams Documentary.

Behind the Sofa is again a highlight of this Collection featuring Louise Jameson, Colin Baker, Katy Manning, Janet Fielding, Sarah Sutton, Matthew Waterhouse, Pennant Roberts’ wife Betsan, and Toby Hadoke. All are in fine form and often hilarious.

A treasured addition to the Who-ray Collections!

During my five years of Creative Fire focussed on SONIC SCREWDRIVER MAGAZINE, from 2008 to 2012, I also created a range of Giveaways that went out with Sonics and other Promo Items through Vistaprint.  I became quite an expert at their products as a result.  This was at a time when their prices were more affordable and they offered a lot of “Buy one, get one free” options as well.    NOTE: All contacts are now Invalid except for DWCV.org.au ones.

They are, in order of appearance: 

Big postcards (A5) front and back | Notebooks | Bookmarks | Caps | Desk calendars | Keyrings |

Large magnets (A6) | Postcards (A6) front and back | Membership postcards | Rack cards (DL) |

Small magnets | Wall calendars | Window decals

Click one Image to view as Gallery:

BACK to SONIC SCREWDRIVER Magazines

30th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

It was then, and still is now, overwhelming to see a Doctor and his Companion looking at the magazines that I created… what an astounding cover for this issue!  This was the first of two issues that we released at the same time because of all the content we suddenly had from the 30th Anniversary Celebration of DWCV and the Peter Davison event.

DOWNLOAD the Magazine to View as Two Page View with Show Cover Page Separately for best viewing experience:

Previous Issue of SONIC SCREWDRIVER:  #171    Next Issue of SONIC SCREWDRIVER:  #173

THE GREAT BREAK EDITION

Was I talking about the show, or was I talking about Sonic? Turned out to be about both, although I was intending to keep going at the time. Thankfully, after a break, Sonic Screwdriver managed to survive without me and is still going strong today! A return to the usual format here.

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News Insert for #185 – Stop Press! New companion revealed:

SONIC SCREWDRIVER #185 also included MANUEL BOUW’s Original Fan Comic 2.1 ~ Back and Forth:

 

 

 

Previous Issue of SONIC SCREWDRIVER:  #184 

View the Amazing Collection of Giveaway and Promo Material I created HERE!

The Next Generation of SONIC SCREWDRIVER after Me ~ coming soon!

BREAKING NEWS EDITION

Another wrap-around news section and the second edition of Theta Morbius Times.  More brilliant work from JAMES GARDINER.  As this was the end of his Year 11 studies, he sadly had to stop making them when he began Year 12 in 2012. He should have gone on to edit Sonic Screwdriver after me! 

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Second edition of Theta Morbius Times created by JAMES GARDINER. 

Here are also the Renewal Cards created for this edition:

 

Previous Issue of SONIC SCREWDRIVER:  #183  Next Issue of SONIC SCREWDRIVER:  #185

EXTRA! EXTRA! EDITION

And now, for something completely different… With a lack of contributions from members, I decided to throw our support behind the incredible creative explosion that was JAMES GARDINER. The Year 11 high school student had created an online Doctor Who magazine called Theta Morbius Times and, because I love to encourage creativity and get people’s work published for them (I now do that as my job), I decided to do it for him.  It is amazing work.

DOWNLOAD the Magazine to View as Two Page View with Show Cover Page Separately for best viewing experience:

 

 

Here is also a Renewal Card created for this edition:

 

Previous Issue of SONIC SCREWDRIVER:  #181/182  Next Issue of SONIC SCREWDRIVER:  #184

END OF AN ERA EDITION

What an amazing issue this is. With the tragic death of Elisabeth Sladen and Nicholas Courtney so close together, it certainly was the End Of An Era, so we did this double edition for farewell SARAH JANE SMITH and the BRIGADIER. We also have Exclusive Interviews with Colin Baker and John Leeson.    

To top it all off, we have an interview with… Me!  I was interviewed by our regular contributor Jack of All Trades, and for those who were “on the inside” they know how miraculous that was. This section also includes a page of all the amazing free giveaways and other items I created through Vistaprint… when they used to be inexpensive.  

DOWNLOAD the Magazine to View as Two Page View with Show Cover Page Separately for best viewing experience:

 

SONIC SCREWDRIVER #181/182 also included MANUEL BOUW’s Original Fan Comic 1.7 ~ The Shroud Ultimatum:

 

The Giveaways and other stuff so far…

 

This was included as well, but sent out EARLY with the Original Fan Comic:

 

And this Convention announcement also sent out early with the Original Fan Comic, and this was the Convention where we interviewed Colin Baker and John Leeson:

 

Previous Issue of SONIC SCREWDRIVER:  #180    Next Issue of SONIC SCREWDRIVER:  #183