Humble Bundle deal on IDW Comics

Wednesday, 14 May 2014 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Humble Bundle Inc. - an initiative to sell digital collections on a limited timescale at a price the purchasher wishes to pay - is currently running a bundle of Doctor Who comics from IDW Publishing:

Over 60 brilliant issues. The Humble Doctor Who Comic Bundle features 14 collections of graphic novel storytelling, allowing you to travel with The Doctor as he adventures through all of space and time. Name your price for Fugitive, Tesseract, and Final Sacrifice featuring the 10th Doctor, David Tennant, alongside Doctor Who: Series 2 Vols. 1-4, featuring the 11th Doctor, Matt Smith. As an added bonus, we’re throwing in the Android-based puzzle game Doctor Who: Legacy, which includes 10 pre-unlocked Doctors! Grab your sonic screwdriver and fight alongside quite a few recognizable companions as you battle Cybermen, Daleks, and more on episode-based levels!

Need even more wibbly wobbly, timey wimey...stuff? Beat the average and you will receive four more volumes! From Series 3, this collection includes The Hypothetical Gentleman, The Eye of Ashaya, Sky Jacks!, and Dead Man’s Hand, giving you even more of the fishstick and custard eating 11th Doctor.

This bundle is definitely bigger on the inside. Pay $15 or more and you’ll also receive the 3 volume series The Prisoners of Time. Released in 2013 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, this 12-issue story features all 11 past Doctors, from William Hartnell to Matt Smith, and culminates in a multi-doctor issue! Wrapping up the bundle (much like a bowtie): the 50th anniversary celebration issue and 2014 Hugo Award-nominee, The Girl Who Loved Doctor Who - a meta-story in which the 11th Doctor travels to the present day to discover an actor, Matt Smith, playing him in a TV show!

Fugitive (Series 1 Vol 1) (Credit: IDW) The Ripper (Series 2 Vol 1) (Credit: IDW) Hypothetical Gentleman (Series 3 Vol 1) (Credit: IDW) Prisoners of Time (Vol 1) (Credit: IDW) The Girl Who Loved Doctor Who (Credit: IDW)

Pay what you want. Purchased separately, these comic books would cost more than $70, but we’re letting you set the price.

DRM-free. Compatible with computers and mobile devices. These comics are available in multiple formats including MOBI, PDF, PDF (HD) and EPUB, so they work on your computer, eBook readers, and a wide array of mobile devices! Instructions and a list of recommended reading programs can be found here.

Support charity. You can choose exactly how you want your purchase to be divided: to Doctors Without Borders or The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. You may also thank IDW Publishing or even us with a few coins in the tip jar.

The offer is available until the 28th May; full details are available from their website.




FILTER: - Comics - Online - Special Offers

Germany DVD/Blu-ray update

Tuesday, 13 May 2014 - Written by Pascal Salzmann
Written by Pascal Salzmann
Pandastorm Pictures, a German media distributor, is planning to release "classic" Doctor Who on DVD. The distributor posted an appeal to fans on several German online forums, asking if there are people out there who had recorded the original German-dubbed broadcasts of Seasons 22-26, which aired on RTL Plus (1989/1993) and VOX (1995).

As the German-dubbed language tracks of some of the episodes are missing in the archives, Pandastorm is especially searching for the following episodes:

Since its appeal, Pandastorm sent out an email to anyone who has contacted it so far:
Liebe Doctor Who Fans,
für das überwältigende Feedback möchten wir uns sehr herzlich bedanken, damit haben wir nicht gerechnet. Wir haben als erstes den Luxemburg-Hinweis aus dem Forum aufgenommen und lassen gerade prüfen, ob sich die fehlenden Folgen dort im alten RTLplus-Archiv befinden. Einige von euch haben uns auch den Kontakt zum damaligen Verantwortlichen der Synchronisation geschickt, den wir danach angehen werden. Je nachdem was sich aus dieser Suche ergibt, werden wir uns dann bei einigen von euch melden, was die noch fehlenden Tonspuren angeht.


Dear Doctor Who fans,
Thank you very much for your overwhelming feedback, we did not expect this at all. We will first follow your advice on the forums to have a look at the RTLplus Archives in Luxemburg. Some of you sent us the contact details of the dubbing director back then. Whatever comes out of these options, we will then contact some of you for the still missing language tracks.

Pandastorm also posted on its Facebook page that it is still at the beginning stages and will have further news on the releases in 3 to 4 months. It cannot say yet if it is going to release season boxed sets or single story releases but it is trying to get the rights to every bonus feature available.


Meanwhile, the previously reported German (and right now the only European) Blu-ray release of An Adventure in Space and Time is now up for pre-order on Amazon DE. It contains all the bonus features of the British DVD release and the original English language track. A DVD version is also available.

An Adventure In Space and Time (German cover)Ein Abenteuer in Raum und Zeit (available for pre-order)

„Ein Abenteuer in Raum und Zeit“ reist zurück in das Jahr 1963, zurück zur Geburtsstunde eines Phänomens, zur Entstehung der bis heute laut dem Guinessbuch der Rekorde erfolgreichsten und am längsten laufenden Science-Fiction-Serie der Welt: DOCTOR WHO. Der BBC-Klassiker feierte am 23.11.2013 sein 50. Jubiläum. Großbritannien, 1963: Der neu berufene BBC-Drama-Chef Sydney Newman (Brian Cox) ist auf der Suche nach einem halbstündigen Samstag-Abend-Format, das sich an Kinder richtet, aber auch Erwachsene unterhält. Es wurde die Idee für eine Science-Fiction-Serie rund um einen mysteriösen Außerirdischen namens Doctor Who geboren. Kurzerhand befördert er seine ehemalige Assistentin Verity (Jessica Raine) zur Produzentin und betraut die junge, noch unerfahrene Frau mit dem ebenfalls noch jungen Regisseur Waris Hussein (Sacha Dhawan) mit der Produktion. Innerhalb der BBC glaubt anfangs niemand an die Idee des neuen Drama-Chefs. Die Einschaltquoten sind enttäuschend, aber Verity hat noch ein As im Ärmel ...





FILTER: - WHO50 - Classic Series - Germany - Blu-ray/DVD

Twelfth Doctor Radio Times cover debut

Tuesday, 13 May 2014 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Radio Times (17-23 May 2014) (Credit: Radio Times)The new Doctor, as played by Peter Capaldi, makes his debut as a Radio Times front cover this week - the second Doctor Who related one this year (so far) as the show once again promotes the BAFTA Television Awards, which take place live on BBC One this coming Sunday 18th May at 8:00pm. It is one of the nominees in the Radio Times Audience Award that is open to a public vote - The Day of The Doctor is up against Broadchurch, Breaking Bad, Educating Yorkshire, The Great British Bake-Off and Gogglebox. Voting closes at midday, 15th May.

There is a 16 page guide to this year's BAFTA TV awards, and the magazine also includes a feature on Doctor Who, with lead writer/executive producer Steven Moffat discussing writing The Day of the Doctor, revealing how it was the most "difficult" and "terrifying" thing he has ever written!

Speaking about how Capaldi came to be chosen as the new Doctor, he said:
When you choose a Doctor, you want somebody who is utterly compelling, attractive in a very odd way. None of the Doctors are conventionally attractive, but they’re all arresting. Handsome men don’t quite suit. Matt Smith’s a young, good-looking bloke from one angle but is actually the strangest looking man from another. You need that oddity; you need somebody who is carved out of solid star, really. Doctor Who is a whopping great star vehicle, despite the fact it changes star every so often.

The Radio Times is on sale from today.

(with thanks to the Radio Times)




FILTER: - Steven Moffat - Peter Capaldi - Radio Times

Hermione Norris announced for new series role

Monday, 12 May 2014 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Hermione Norris (Credit: BBC)The BBC today announced that Hermione Norris has been cast in the new series of Doctor Who. The actress will appear in the latest episode to be filmed, written by Peter Harness and directed by Paul Wilmshurst, which will also see filming undertaken at a location previously seen in the fifth Doctor adventure, Planet of Fire.

Lead writer/Executive Producer Steven Moffat said:
It's a testament to the quality of Peter Harness's intense and emotional script, that we've been able to attract an actress of the brilliance of Hermione Norris. And for the first time since 1984, the Doctor Who production team is heading to Lanzarote. The Doctor is returning to the scene of an old adventure - but there have been sinister changes since his last visit.
Norris said:
It's exciting to be part of such an iconic show, and one that my kids can watch!!!

The actress has had a number of memorable roles on television, including Ros Myers in Spooks, Beatrice in Kingdom, and DCI Carol Jordan in Wire in the Blood; her sci-fi credentials include playing Stella Isen in Outcasts. She can currently be seen in the BBC drama The Crimson Field.

Also announced for this episode is Tony Osoba, joining the relatively small 'club' of actors to appear in both the 'classic' and new series of Doctor Who. This will be his third appearance (and Doctor!) in the series: the actor previously appeared as the Movellan Lan in fourth Doctor adventure Destiny of the Daleks and as Kracauer in seventh Doctor tale Dragonfire.





FILTER: - Guest Stars - Production - Series 8/34

People Roundup

Sunday, 11 May 2014 - Reported by Marcus
Matt Smith has been cast in a new Terminator film. The actor will play a new character with a strong connection to the leader of the anti-machine resistance, in the long running franchise.

Speaking at at Wizard World Minneapolis, Smith said he was very excited to be in the movie.
All I can say about Terminator is that I'm very excited to be part of the Terminator franchise because those movies – those first two movies, particularly – are brilliant.
The fifth Terminator movie will be directed by Alan Taylor and sees Arnold Schwarzenegger return to the role that made him famous.

Karen Gillan's ABC pilot Selfie has been commissioned for a full series.

The American sitcom is based on My Fair Lady, with Gillan playing Eliza Dooley, a 20-something who pays more attention to her online persona than professional image. Written by Suburgatory’s Emily Kapnek, the comedy also stars John Cho as marketing expert Henry.

Meanwhile the Warner’s horror film Oculus, which stars Gillan, will be released in the UK on Friday, 13th June. The official UK trailer can be viewed on YouTube.

Arthur Darvill recently appeared on BBC Radio 1 where he performed The Ballad of Arthur Darvill, lamenting, life after Doctor Who.



Bob Baker co-creator of K9, is currently working on Marti, the amazing adventures of the World’s most unlikeliest of Superheroes. Marti is a creator-owned cartoon character series about a Superhero Meerkat and his friends. The concept began life after seeing the Meerkat Manor natural history series.

The new Cartoon Superhero is being funded via Kickstarter, with an exclusive bonus K9 DVD being given free alongside pledges of £15 and upwards. The DVD features the complete story of K9, with exclusive footage never seen before.

Full details here.

A new project called Contradiction - The Interactive Murder Mystery Game is in production, also funded by a Kickstarter campaign.

The game stars Paul Darrow, who played Avon in Blakes 7 as well as appearing in two Doctor Who stories. Also appearing is John Guilor, who provided the voice of the First Doctor in the 50th Anniversary story The Day of the Doctor.

Full details here.




FILTER: - People - Arthur Darvill - Karen Gillan - Matt Smith

Lost in the Dark Dimension

Sunday, 11 May 2014 - Reported by Marcus
Lost in the Dark DimensionA new fan made animation of the unmade thirtieth anniversary story Lost in the Dark Dimension is being released on YouTube.

The story was originally written in the early 1990's, by journalist and long-time Doctor Who fan, Adrian Rigelsford and commissioned by BBC Enterprises as a direct to video release. The production was intended to be released to celebrate Doctor Who's thirtieth Birthday in November 1993.

The project was abandoned after it encountered a number of problems including issues on actor availability and problems with rights to the series which resided with Philip Segal who was attempting to interest American producers in a co-production.

A team of professionals and amateurs are now working together to try to complete an animated version of the story. Part One has now been released on YouTube and features Big Finish veteran Paul Jones as the Fourth Doctor, with theatre performer Jennifer Knighton and video game actor Graydon Schlichter also appearing alongside a complete cast of other semi-professional actors. The animation is being produced and directed by James Walker and Jay Hale.

Part One is now available on YouTube.

Lost in the Dark Dimension Lost in the Dark Dimension Lost in the Dark Dimension




FILTER: - Fan Productions

Silva Screen: Eleven Disc edition pre-order period extended

Thursday, 8 May 2014 - Reported by Chuck Foster
50th Anniversary Collection: CD Edition (closed) (Credit: http://www.doctorwhomusic.com/)Silva Screen have extended the pre-order period for their 'standard' Eleven Disc edition of the 50th Anniversary Collection, citing the late announcement of the product for their decision. The closing date for ordering is now 10:00am BST on the 16th May.

The closing date for the TARDIS edition remains unchanged, i.e. 10:00am tomorrow.





FILTER: - Music - Merchandise

Doctor Who Adventures - Issue 345

Thursday, 8 May 2014 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who Adventures 345
The latest issue of BBC Doctor Who Adventures magazine is out now.

Inside you’ll find out how to get money off all Doctor Who goodies available at bbcshop.com.

The issue is packed with monster scares – including facts about the Slitheen.

Also this issue
  • A FREE monster stationery set!
  • Fun with the Alien Babies!
  • Interview with a sinister Silurian.
  • Win loads of goodies – including a 32inch TV, PS4, Doctor Who Series 7 DVD box set and Lego Ninjago sets.
  • Find out if your mate is a monster. (This could save you life!)
  • Strax’s guide to the Doctor’s friend Clara.
  • Make a Dalek!
  • Secrets about the Eleventh Doctor.
  • Things get chilly in an exciting comic strip featuring an unseen adventure with the Eleventh Doctor and Clara.
Issue 345, on sale 7 – 20 May 2014, priced £2.99.




FILTER: - DWA

New Doctor Who theme version to preview at Myth Makers convention

Thursday, 8 May 2014 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The Doctor Who Appreciation Society have announced a preview of a new version of the Doctor Who theme by composer Dominic Glynn at their forthcoming Myth Makers convention in June:

Next month, composer Dominic Glynn will release a new version of the Doctor Who theme (in four different mixes) via Amazon and iTunes. This new version was initially premiered at the 'Gallifrey One' event in Los Angeles earlier this year.

DWAS is very pleased to announce that the new version will also be previewed at its forthcoming 'Myth Makers' event at Riverside Studios in London on 1st June, prior to its official release on June 16th at which Dominic is a guest. On this occasion only, attendees will be able to see the theme set to a brand new video made by Doctor Who documentary maker Brendan Sheppard. This will be a once only screening!

As well as Dominic other guests confirmed are: Colin Baker, Derrick Sherwin, Terrance Dicks, Andrew Cartmel, Mike Tucker and Philip Hinchcliffe.

For more information on Dominic Glynn please visit his website.

For more details please visit the event website.

(with thanks to Paul Winter/DWAS




FILTER: - Music - Conventions

Win a Weeping Angel Costume

Tuesday, 6 May 2014 - Reported by Marcus
Weeping Angel (Credit: Rubies Costumes)Doctor Who News, in association with Jokers' Masquerade, is offering you a chance to win a brand new Weeping Angel costume.

Officially endorsed by the BBC, the Weeping Angel fancy dress costume is brand new for 2014 and designed & manufactured by official license holder Rubies Masquerade.

The Doctor Who costume includes robe, soft EVA wings, EVA face mask and a pair of gloves. It's available in two sizes. We have one standard size costume to give away.

To enter answer the following question
What is the UK name for the children's game on which the Weeping Angels are based?
Entries should be sent to comp-angel@doctorwhonews.net. Please include your name and location.

Closing date is Friday 16th May 2014.

Only one entry per person. The winner will be selected at random from the correct entries. The editors decision is final.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Congratulations to Ellie Cook of Cambridge, who wins the costume. Correct answer was Grandmother's Footsteps
(with thanks to Jokers' Masquerade)




FILTER: - Doctor Who - Competitions