Doctor Who Petition Gets Over 11,000 Signatures

Wednesday, 22 February 2017 - Reported by Marcus

A petition to try to prevent the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff from closing, has received over 11,000 signatures.

The petition was launched after it was announced that the exhibition on Cardiff Bay is due to close this summer, when the five year lease expires.

The petition was the idea of Bex Ferriday, who lives in Cardiff. She told Wales Online

I set it up just expecting friends and family to sign it. I was pretty shocked and terrified by the popularity it garnered pretty quickly. I know the land was only leased for five years but surely anyone can see that... to knock this on the head, when we have got Doctor Who being filmed here and the studios here, seems like a really stupid thing to do.

The Doctor Experience opened in London in 2011, before moving to a purpose-built building in the Welsh capital. It is currently situated at Porth Teigr, Cardiff Bay, near the BBC studios where Doctor Who is made.

The site is owned by Cardiff City Council, who issues a five-year lease to BBC Worldwide to host the Experience.

A spokesman for Cardiff council said:

The land currently occupied by the Doctor Who Experience is owned by the Welsh Government and their development partner, Igloo Regeneration. It was leased to the city council for five years to enable the relocation of the Doctor Who Experience from Olympia to Cardiff on a temporary basis. It has always been the intention for the site to be developed as part of the ongoing Porth Teigr regeneration project. The agreement was always intended to be for five years only, reflecting the nature of the attraction. The decision to close the Experience at the end of the lease next summer has been mutually agreed by all parties involved, including the operators BBC Worldwide.

The petition will be presented to the Doctor Who Experience next Saturday.

FILTER: - BBC Worldwide - Doctor Who Experience

TV Movie to be released on Blu-ray

Tuesday, 2 August 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Paul McGann as the Doctor (publicity for The TV Movie) (Credit: BBC)

BBC Worldwide have confirmed that the 1996 television movie starring Paul McGann will be released on Blu-ray in September. Further details will be available nearer the release date as the sleeve and extras are still being finalised, but according to Amazon UK's pre-order entry it will comprise of two discs.

The TV Movie celebrated its 20th anniversary in May this year.

FILTER: - BBC Worldwide - Blu-ray/DVD - Paul McGann

LEGO TARDIS at Sydney Royal Easter Show

Monday, 14 March 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

LEGO TARDIS at the Sydney Royal Easter Show (Credit: BBC Worldwide)

A full-size LEGO® replica of the TARDIS will feature at this year's Sydney Royal Easter Show, which takes place in the Australian city every year.

The item will be installed outside of Showbag Hall on Riverina Avenue to promote the first ever Doctor Who showbag at the event. The exclusive showbag, licensed by Bensons Trading, will contain a variety of merchandise, including a TARDIS design back pack, tin case, beanie hat, notebook and lanyard, and a Doctor Who tote bag. The showbag will be available to purchase for $26 (normal retail value $64.70).

Doctor Who Showbag (Credit: Bensons Trading)

Brigid Roberts, Business Manager, Licensing and Sponsorship, BBC Worldwide ANZ, said:

We’re delighted to able to offer Whovians in Australia another chance to see the LEGO® TARDIS, and get their hands on a showbag full of treats for aspiring Time Lords.

Rebel Ruby, Product Development, Bensons Trading Co, said:

Bensons are very excited to release the brand new Doctor Who showbag at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show. We have worked closely with BBC Worldwide ANZ to come up with a fantastic pack that will have Doctor Who fans flocking to the show.

The LEGO replica, previously seen at last year's Doctor Who Festival, will be in place throughout the whole of the Royal Easter Show, which takes place between the 17th and 30th March at Sydney Olympic Park. Fans are encouraged to share their photos with the TARDIS on social media using the #legotardis hashtag.

(with thanks to BBC Worldwide Australia & New Zealand)

FILTER: - Australia - BBC Worldwide - Special Events

Doctor on Demand in South Korea

Monday, 29 February 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Worldwide have announced a new deal to provide Doctor Who via video-on-demand in South Korea. The series will be provided by SK Broadband through their IPTV service B TV.

Doctor Who forms part of a package that will include a number of dramas like the recent War and Peace, and documentary series like Africa and Life Story. Soojin Chung, GM of BBC Worldwide in Northeast Asia said:

We are committed to bringing great quality programming to viewers in Korea. SK Broadband is a valued partner and we are excited to be working with BTV to bring award winning and the best programmes from the BBC to their VOD subscribers, to watch them at their convenience.

Doctor Who is currently available to watch in the country in English via BBC Entertainment, and in Korean through KBS.

Editorial: details on broadcasts from around the world can be found via This Week in Doctor Who; however, whilst we monitor a wide variety of broadcasters we know there are more out there that we don't currently include. If you are aware of Doctor Who or one of its spinoffs, or any other documentary, feature or interview relating to the shows that aren't being covered, please do let us know at twidw@doctorwhonews.net.

FILTER: - Asia Pacific - BBC Worldwide - Broadcasting - International Broadcasting - Online

The Complete Ninth Series: Blu-ray/DVD details announced

Monday, 21 December 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Worldwide have released details for the forthcoming on The Complete Ninth Series, due out in the United Kingdom on Blu-ray/DVD from 7th March 2016 and in North America from 5th April 2016.

The Complete Ninth Series (DVD) (Credit: BBC Worldwide)

The Complete Ninth Series (Blu-ray) (Credit: BBC Worldwide)

Doctor Who: The Complete Ninth Series
Released 7th March 2016 (UK), 5th April (USA/Canada)

Peter Capaldi returns as the Doctor alongside Jenna Coleman with guests including Game of Thrones’ Maisie Williams. Now that the Doctor and Clara have established a dynamic as a partnership of equals, they’re relishing the fun and thrills that all of space and time has to offer. Tangling with ghosts, Vikings and the ultimate evil of the Daleks, they embark on their biggest adventures yet. Missy is back to plague the Doctor once more, the Zygons inspire fear as they shape-shift into human clones, and a new arrival moves in cosmic way.

The DVD and Blu-ray contains all twelve episodes from Peter Capaldi’s second series in the role, with guest star’s Maisie Williams and Rufus Hound as well as the brilliant Missy (played by Michelle Gomez). The Complete Boxset also contains the 2014 Christmas Special, Last Christmas and this year’s highly anticipated The Husbands of River Song and more than four hours’ worth of VAM, including:

DVD Commentaries:

Under the Lake and Before the Flood: actor Sophie Stone, writer Toby Whithouse, producer Derek Ritchie
The Woman Who Lived: actor Maisie Williams, producer Derek Ritchie
Sleep No More: actor Reece Shearsmith, writer Mark Gatiss

All The Doctor Who Extras from Series 9:

Doctor Who Extra: The Magician’s Apprentice & The Witch’s Familiar
Peter Capaldi reveals all, and shows off his guitar riffs, as we get the inside story on this stunning two-parter. Featuring additional interviews with Michelle Gomez and Steven Moffat.
Doctor Who Extra: Under the Lake & Before the Flood
Go backstage and meet some very ghastly monsters! Discover the secret of a special celebrity appearance as Paul Kaye welcomes us on location, and we reveal how to make a big splash on set. Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman, writer Toby Whithouse and production designer Michael Pickwoad.
Doctor Who Extra: The Girl Who Died & The Woman Who Lived
Maisie Williams talks about crossing fandoms, celebrates her birthday with an impromptu quiz, and generally everyone has a lot of fun, as Rufus Hound gives us a unique view of what it’s like to make Doctor Who. Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi and Maisie Williams.
Doctor Who Extra: The Zygon Invasion & The Zygon Inversion
The Zygons are back! We discover how a Zygon keeps fit, and Ingrid Oliver tells of her delight at once more playing the Doctor’s biggest fan, Osgood! Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman and Ingrid Oliver.
Doctor Who Extra: Sleep No More
Mark Gatiss reveals the story behind the horror, Reece Shearsmith reviews the importance of space glasses, and we look at the challenges of making this unique episode. Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman and Steven Moffat.
Doctor Who Extra: Face the Raven
Joivan Wade (Rigsy) is shocked to be back, but he’s not the only character to return for this unforgettable adventure, as we discover the perils of thinking you are invincible. Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman and Steven Moffat.
Doctor Who Extra: Heaven Sent & Hell Bent
Steven Moffat and director Rachel Talalay reveal the challenges of creating the puzzle-box that is Heaven Sent, we get wind-blown in Fuerteventura, and we witness the departure of a companion as we go on set for Jenna Coleman’s last day of filming. Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman, Steven Moffat and Rachel Talalay.
Doctor Who Extra: The Husbands of River Song
Matt Lucas is our guide as we join River Song, the Doctor and a star-liner full of supervillains for this festive Christmas special. We get the heads-up on the Hydroflax from Greg Davies, reveal Alex Kingston’s favourite Sonic, and we find out what Peter Capaldi is getting for Christmas. Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi, Alex Kingston, and Steven Moffat.

Doctor Who Documentaries:

Writing Who
The definitive guide for a would-be Doctor Who scriptwriter. We follow Sarah Dollard on her intricate journey to create her episode, Trap Street. From the highs of pitching her original idea to Steven Moffat, to the challenges of writing her first draft – faced with a blank page and typing Int. TARDIS Day - to seeing her episode becoming reality.
Dalek Devotion
Peter Capaldi and Steven Moffat reveal the inspiration for the return of the Daleks to the incredible season opener of series 9, how their earliest memories have shaped their devotion to the ultimate killing machine, and the journey to the Dalek homeland of Skaro.
The Adventures of River Song
Join Alex Kingston and Steven Moffat as we look forward to River’s return in The Husbands of River Song. Find out how River’s character came to be created, why Alex just had to play the role, what happened when the cast discovered who River really is. Narrated by Nina Toussaint-White.
Doctor Who: Sublime Online
A video selection box of the funniest, most insightful and engaging online treats from behind the scenes of Series 9. With interviews and magical moments from Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman and Steven Moffat, and featuring a host of guest stars, including Maisie Williams, Michelle Gomez, Rufus Hound, Ingrid Oliver and Slipknot.
Clara’s Journey
In 2012, Jenna Coleman joined Doctor Who and took her place in television history as the Doctor’s newest companion, Clara Oswald. Having become the longest serving companion since the revival of the show, Clara’s time on the TARDIS has now come to an end, so we can now look back at just what made the Impossible Girl, well, possible. Featuring interviews with Peter Capaldi, Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman. Narrated by Colin McFarlane.
The Fan Show’s Finest
Christel Dee gives a whistle-stop guide to Doctor Who: The Fan Show the online series that celebrates Doctor Who and the amazing creativity of the show's fans. We get a peek inside Steven Moffat’s writing lair, take a look into the Old Monster’s Retirement Home and step into the amazing world of Minecraft to find out how fans are celebrating their love for the show online. We even get face to face with the Doctor and Missy to ask them all the questions the fans want to know.
Other VAM includes the Series 9 US prequel - The Doctor’s Meditation, deleted Scenes, Series 8 recap and all Series 9 trailers and prologue, the 2015 San Diego Comic Con Panel and an interview with Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman hosted by Wil Wheaton.

The Complete Series Nine will be available to pre-order from our Amazon Shops in the UK (Blu-ray/DVD), USA (Blu-ray/DVD) and Canada (Blu-ray/DVD), and can also be purchased from the BBC Shop and other retailers. (please note that at the time of writing only Amazon in the USA have the item up for pre-order, the others are expected to have it available shortly)

FILTER: - BBC Worldwide - Blu-ray/DVD - Jenna Coleman - Peter Capaldi - Twelfth Doctor

BBC Entertainment to wind down in Central/Eastern Europe

Tuesday, 8 December 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Worldwide have announced the closure of BBC Entertainment for a number of countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The standard definition channel, which replaced the former BBC Prime in the region in 2009, is itself being phased out in favour of the high definition BBC First which is being steadily rolled out across global markets.

Doctor Who has been shown on the channel across Europe almost without a break since its rebranding (with Love & Monsters being the first under the new banner), and as other local channels slowly ended contracts BBC Entertainment became the place to see the programme in those countries that received it - its widespread accessibility across the continent contributing over a third of the Guinness World Record broadcasting achievement for The Day of the Doctor on the show's 50th Anniversary! The final scheduled broadcast for this year will be The Time of the Doctor in the early hours of Monday 28th December (the episode also being the channel's Christmas Day choice).

The launch of BBC First in those regions has yet to be announced. It is unclear whether the European channel will broadcast older series of Doctor Who in the same way as BBC Entertainment, or whether it will just broadcast current series such as Series Nine has been in the Benelux and South African regions this year (with the latter showcasing the show on its launch in October).

The press release in full:

BBC Entertainment will close across Central & Eastern Europe from 1 January 2016.

We would like to thank the BBC Entertainment audience for their support, but as the roll-out of our new BBC channels gathers pace and certain carriage agreements come to an end in some markets, the channel is not sustainable across CEE markets. BBC Worldwide’s focus is on our new genre brands - BBC First, BBC Earth and BBC Brit.

Central and Eastern Europe remains a priority market for BBC Worldwide. We are continuing to invest in our presence across the region and recently launched our premium factual brand BBC Earth as a linear channel in Romania, Hungary and Slovenia.

BBC Worldwide has strong partnerships with local free to air broadcasters, Pay TV networks and digital platforms in the region. Many BBC programmes will continue to be seen through these providers in Central & Eastern Europe.

The channel will close in the following regions: Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. Viewing of BBC Entertainment in UAE, Turkey, Israel and Western Europe remains unaffected.

BBC Entertainment in Latin America ceased broadcasting Doctor Who earlier this year, with the rights to broadcast Doctor Who passing to SyFy next year.

FILTER: - BBC Worldwide - Broadcasting - International Broadcasting

BBC Store: The Beginner's Guide To Doctor Who

Friday, 4 December 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Store: The Beginnners Guide to Doctor Who (Credit: BBC Worldwide)

The BBC Store has organised a new collection of Doctor Who stories, The Beginner's Guide to Doctor Who, with the aim to introduce the series to new fans of the show. The collection is a selection of stories from throughout the show's history:

From the new era, fan favourite Blink starring Carey Mulligan introduces the terrifying Weeping Angels, Doctor Who’s return to BBC One in Rose with Billie Piper and Christopher Eccleston, and many of the much loved classic stories including Spearhead from Space, Genesis of the Daleks and Earthshock are all packaged together to give new fans an introduction to the longest running Sci Fi drama in the world.

BBC Store’s Simon Farquhar said:

Some people might feel a bit overwhelmed by Doctor Who and not know where to start exploring it. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about the history of the Whoniverse and how it evolved, then our Beginners’ Guide is here to help audiences navigate time and space across the most imaginative world television has ever created. We’ve tried to select stories that exemplify the different eras the show has gone through, from the eerie black and white beginnings to the Gothic horror of the mid-Seventies and the fast-paced furore of today’s series . It’s been difficult with so many episodes and Doctors to choose from, but this collection is a fun way to begin exploring Doctor Who.

The complete list of stories in the package are: The Tomb of the Cybermen, Spearhead from Space, Genesis of the Daleks, The Talons of Weng-Chiang, Earthshock, Rose, Blink, The Day of The Doctor, and Mummy on the Orient Express. Keen-eyed readers will note that the very first story An Unearthly Child isn't available either in this set or on the BBC Store in general at present, which has been down to ongoing rights issues; BBC Worldwide told us:

The first story is a regrettable omission but yes, it still is not cleared.

FILTER: - BBC Worldwide - Online

Doctor Who Festival Australia

Sunday, 22 November 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Doctor Who Festival, Sydney Australia: Ingrid Oliver, Peter Capaldi and Steven Moffat on stage (Credit: BBC Worldwide)

BBC Worldwide have released a number of photos taken on the first day at the Doctor Who Festival taking place in Sydney, Australia this weekend; guests on stage included current Doctor Peter Capaldi, former Doctor Sylvester McCoy, lead writer Steven Moffat and the human (or Zygon!) half of the Osgoods, Ingrid Oliver.

(with thanks to BBC Worldwide)

FILTER: - Australia - BBC Worldwide - Special Events

Doctor Who - The Ten Christmas Specials

Thursday, 1 October 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Worldwide have announced a new boxed set of Doctor Who adventures, this time featuring the Christmas Specials that have aired so far...

Doctor Who: The Ten Christmas Specials (Credit: BBC Worldwide)

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Doctor Who! Doctor Who - The Ten Christmas Specials marks the tenth anniversary of the Timelord’s return and this special limited edition boxset contains all ten Christmas Specials, plus a set of five graphically illustrated Christmas Cards, an exclusive bonus feature fronted by Rufus Hound which features personal reflections from Peter Capaldi and Steven Moffat and a souvenir booklet.

In this action-packed box-set, featuring Christmas specials starring Tenth Doctor David Tennant, Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith and Twelfth Doctor Peter Capaldi, the Doctor must save the world from an array of monsters including Killer Santas, The Sycorax, Rachnoss, The Wooden King & Queen and The Dream Crabs.

The set is out in the United Kingdom on DVD and Blu-Ray from 19th October.

FILTER: - BBC Worldwide - Blu-ray/DVD - Christopher Eccleston - David Tennant - Matt Smith

Germany: Series 9 available with German subtitles on iTunes

Tuesday, 1 September 2015 - Reported by Pascal Salzmann

The official Doctor Who Facebook site announced today that German fans will be able to see Series 9 sooner than expected. From 20th September on, every Sunday, iTunes will make the episode that was broadcast the day before in the UK, available.

Not long from now and the Doctor will return - in his 9th Series for the first time in English with German subtitles! Pre-order your season pass now and don't miss any episodes from the 20th September on.

You can pre-order the season pass for the German subtitled episodes here: http://apple.co/1PIoaHe

More international season passes:

UK: iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play

US: iTunes, Amazon Instant Video

CA: iTunes

Series 9 will be broadcasted dubbed in German on FOX in December.

FILTER: - BBC Worldwide - Germany - International Broadcasting

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