Paul McGann Movie Gets 4K Restoration

The BBC has announced that a brand-new 4K restoration of Doctor Who: The Movie is coming, rebuilt from the original film reels of Paul McGann’s debut as the Eighth Doctor. 

In 1996, Paul McGann debuted as the Eighth Doctor in Doctor Who, a feature-length co-production between the BBC and the American Fox network, more commonly known as The TV Movie.

This 90-minute feature was shot on film, and now, for the first time, all 219 reels of original film (totalling almost 200,000 feet!) have been pulled from deep storage in the US and meticulously scanned over 21 days, then restored by Paul Vanezis to provide a definitive 4K experience.

The restoration has a 24-frame transfer to match the original film rushes, and immersive surround sound, rebuilt from the original raw sound elements.

Also starring Sylvester McCoy (the Seventh Doctor), Daphne Ashbrook (Grace), Eric Roberts (The Master) and Yee Jee Tso (Chang Lee),

The TV Movie sees the Doctor’s regeneration triggered on an operating table, with surgeon Grace Holloway accompanying the new Doctor on an epic adventure to prevent The Master from stealing the Doctor’s future lives.

This new release is available on 4K in a limited edition steelbook with exclusive artwork, as well as standard Blu-ray, and includes a host of special features including:

• The ‘uncensored’ UK version.
• The USA broadcast version.
• Soundtrack in Dolby Atmos, 5.1 and stereo.
• In Conversation with director Geoffrey Sax.
• Sylvester McCoy and Janet Fielding featurette.
• 3 New Featurettes with Daphne Ashbrook, Eric Roberts and Yee Jee Tso. 
• Two audio commentaries.
• Isolated music score.
• Production info text.
• The Seven Year Hitch making-of documentary.
• Paul McGann’s audition tape.
• Alternate takes.
• Electronic press kit and behind the scenes footage.
• TARDIS tour.
• BBC Trails.

And much more.

Doctor Who The TV Movie in 4K!

Doctor Who – The Movie. The ultimate new restoration is available will be available to pre-order on Friday 20th February midday, ahead of its release on 25th May 2026 in the UK.