Audio Roundup

Sunday, 15 April 2012 - Reported by John Bowman

AudioGo:

The Doctor is well and truly in the dark in two May releases from AudioGO.

The classic-era audio release Doctor Who: The Sensorites, which was novelised by Nigel Robinson, is read by William Russell, who played Ian Chesterton in the original TV serial.

The TARDIS materialises on board a dark and silent spaceship. As the Doctor, Susan, Ian, and Barbara penetrate the craft's eerie gloom they come across what appear to be the bodies of two dead astronauts.

But the astronauts are far from dead - they are living in mortal fear of the Sensorites, a race of telepathic creatures from the Sense-Sphere.

When the lock of the TARDIS is stolen, the Doctor is forced into an uneasy alliance with the aliens. And when he arrives on the Sensorites' planet he discovers that it is not only the humans who have cause to be afraid ...

Written specially for audio by Steve Lyons, Day of the Cockroach features the Eleventh Doctor, Amy, and Rory and is read by Arthur Darvill.

The TARDIS materialises in a pitch-dark tunnel, where the Doctor, Amy, and Rory discover the corpse of a soldier.

When they are questioned by his superior officer, Colonel Bowe, they learn that they are inside a British nuclear bunker in the middle of an atomic war – in 1982.

Amy and Rory weren't even born then but they know the bomb didn't drop that year, and so does the Doctor. The friends also know they had nothing to do with the soldier's death – so who, or what, was the killer? And why does the Doctor's psychic paper not work on the colonel?

The Doctor, Amy, and Rory soon learn that something else is lurking in the shadows. Something deadly ...

Both Doctor Who: The Sensorites and Day of the Cockroach are released on 1st May in download form and on 3rd May as CDs. The Sensorites CD release can be pre-ordered here and the Day of the Cockroach CD release pre-ordered here.

From stories to sound effects, and AudioGO has teamed up with Discovery Records for a limited-edition reissue of two 1970s vinyl LPs featuring the work of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.

Out of This World and Doctor Who Sound Effects have been digitally remastered for re-release on coloured vinyl on 21st April to coincide with Record Store Day.

Doctor Who Sound Effects, first released in 1978, features the ambience of seven alien worlds as well as some extraordinary and extra-dimensional occurrences encountered on Earth. Add to these an audiogram of the Doctor's own mind processes, TARDIS operations, plus some weapons for self-defence and your galactic safety is ensured.

Out of This World, first released in 1976, includes tracks of memorable sound effects created for a wide range of BBC radio and TV programmes in three categories: Outer Space, which includes elements from Doctor Who; Magic and Fantasy, and Suspense and the Supernatural. Many of them are designed to evoke supernatural soundscapes rather than specific activities or locations, with titles such as Galactic Travel, Magic Carpet Flight, and Phantoms of Darkness.

Both albums are being reissued with their original sleeve artwork and notes.

Martin Cobb, of Discovery Records, told Doctor Who News:

Record Store Day is an event where participating indie stores have access to a number of exclusive releases, mainly on vinyl.

The exclusivity lasts for about six weeks and they are only allowed to start selling on Record Store Day itself. Customers have to queue up on the day - they cannot reserve items in advance.

People will only be able to get these records from participating stores on 21st April and thereafter - if any are left. If the titles sell through the limited-edition coloured-vinyl quantity of 1,000 copies we may consider pressing them on black vinyl - it depends on interest.

The Scarifyers:

Philip Madoc can be heard in his last acting role in the forthcoming new Scarifyers audio play The Horror of Loch Ness.

The Cosmic Hobo Productions drama, to be released on June 4th as a double CD and download, also stars David Warner and Terry Molloy.

Celebrated speed ace Sir Malcolm Campbell (Alex Lowe) is carrying out speed trials on Loch Ness when a bank of fog suddenly descends. When it lifts, Sir Malcolm and his boat have mysteriously vanished . . .

MI:13's Harry Crow (Warner) and Professor Dunning (Molloy) are soon shaking up the sleepy loch-side village of Inverfarigaig. Aided by kindly local GP Dr Pippin (Madoc), they discover a connection to the erstwhile Laird of Boleskine and Abertarff - occultist, bon vivant, and occasional nudist Aleister Crowley (David Benson).

Crow and Dunning swiftly realise that there's more to Inverfarigaig than meets the eye: fraudulent Nessie-hunters, demonic bed sheets, Caledonian witches, and things that go bump in the night. Joined by Crowley, their investigations into Sir Malcolm's disappearance will lead them into terrible danger, as an old foe threatens to unleash ... The Horror of Loch Ness.

Simon Barnard, of Cosmic Hobo Productions, said:

This is the seventh adventure of The Scarifyers and The Horror of Loch Ness is a sequel of sorts to The Devil of Denge Marsh. Recorded in late 2011, it was, sadly, the last acting role of esteemed Welsh actor Philip Madoc, who died last month. It will be broadcast as part of a special Philip Madoc tribute season by BBC Radio 4 Extra later this year.

Planet Skaro:

Planet Skaro Audios has released its Season Four finale, The Next Universe - a three-part adventure by Si Hunt and Simon Hart.

The Clear Waters Appreciation Society is on the hunt for its nemesis: he who caused the society's show to be cancelled! The society has acquired a time machine and vowed to track him down but there's just one problem - the Doctor is nowhere in time and space! Has someone else beaten the society to the destruction of its oldest enemy?

A trailer for the story is available here.

Episode 1: Why is the Doctor disappearing out of all his time streams? And what is wrong with time?

Episode 2: Can the two Doctors and his companions survive the deadly game of Rassilon?

Episode 3: Far in the future a deadly trap waits for the Doctor, but who's really behind it?

Planet Skaro Audios was started six years ago, and spokesman Richard Brinck-Johnsen said:

It's been a long journey, from Massanicassa and Ice Warriors to Tor Garane and Father Christmas! Friends have been lost and enemies made but now, at last, the story is at an end. Featuring many returning characters, running right through all of the previous 22 Planet Skaro audio productions, this is a watershed moment for the series, but for the Doctor the end is only the beginning!

Following on from the climactic events of The Next Universe, the fifth season of Planet Skaro audios is due to begin next month. For the latest updates and to find out more about all the earlier releases visit the Planet Skaro discussion forum.

FILTER: - Merchandise - Arthur Darvill - Fan Productions - Audio

BBC Books: Classic Target Novelisations (Wave 2)

Monday, 19 March 2012 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Following on from their successful re-launch last year, BBC Books are to release a further six reprints of the classic series Target novelisations in May, based upon a reader poll via Doctor Who on Facebook. The novelisations will once again feature their original cover artwork, plus a new introduction from 'modern' day authors.

Doctor Who and The Day Of The Daleks (available for pre-order)
by Terrance Dicks
introduced by Gary Russell

UNIT is called in when an important diplomat is attacked in his own home - by a man who vanishes into thin air! The Doctor and Jo spend a night in the 'haunted' house and meet the attackers, who have 'time-jumped' back from the 22nd century in the hope of changing history. Travelling forward in time, the Doctor and Jo find themselves trapped in a future world where humans are slaves and the Daleks have already invaded. Using their ape-like servants, the Ogrons, to maintain order, the Daleks are now the masters of Earth. As the Doctor desperately works to discover what has happened to put history off-track, the Daleks plan a time-jump attack on the 20th century.

Featuring the Third Doctor as played by Jon Pertwee, with his companion Jo Grant and the UNIT organization commanded by Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, this novel is based on a Doctor Who story which was originally broadcast from 1-22 January, 1972.

Originally released in April 1974

Doctor Who and The Ark In Space (available for pre-order)
by Ian Marter
introduced by Steven Moffat

The survivors of a devastated future Earth lie in suspended animation on a great satellite. When Earth is safe again, they will awaken. But when the Doctor, Sarah, and Harry arrive on the Terra Nova, they find the systems have failed and the humans never woke. The Wirrrn Queen has infiltrated the satellite, and laid her eggs inside one of the sleepers. As the first of the humans wake, they face an attack by the emerging Wirrrn. But not everyone is what they seem, and the only way the Doctor can discover the truth is by joining with the dead mind of the Wirrrn Queen. The price of failure is the Doctor's death, and the end of humanity!

Featuring the Fourth Doctor as played by Tom Baker, and his companions Sarah Jane Smith and Harry Sullivan, this novel is based on a Doctor Who story which was originally broadcast from 25 January - 15 February, 1975.

Originally released on 10th May 1977

Doctor Who and The Loch Ness Monster (available for pre-order)
by Terrance Dicks
introduction by Michael Moorcock

Centuries ago, a Zygon spaceship crash landed in Loch Ness. Now, with their home planet destroyed, the alien creatures plan to take over Earth. Their most powerful weapon is a huge, armored, dinosaur-like creature of terrifying power that they brought to earth as an embryo - the Loch Ness Monster! The Doctor, Sarah, and Harry soon discover that the Zygons have another weapon. They can assume the identity of any human they capture. Who knows which of their friends might really be a Zygon? UNIT faces one of its toughest battles as Broton, Warlord of the Zygons, puts his plan into action and the Loch Ness Monster attacks!

Featuring the Fourth Doctor as played by Tom Baker, with his companions Sarah Jane Smith and Harry Sullivan and the UNIT organization commanded by Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, this novel is based on a Doctor Who story which was originally broadcast from 30 August - 20 September, 1975.

Originally published on 15th January 1976, the novelisation retitled the story Terror of the Zygons.

Doctor Who and The Tenth Planet (available for pre-order)
by Gerry Davis
introduced by Tom MacRae

The TARDIS brings the Doctor and his friends to a space tracking base in the Antarctic - and straight into trouble! A space mission is going badly wrong, and a new planet has appeared in the sky. Mondas, ancient fabled twin planet of Earth, has returned! But, once the inhabitants used to be just like the humans of Earth, they're very different now. Devoid of emotions, their bodies replaced with plastic and steel, the Cybermen are here! Humanity needs all the help it can get, but the one man who seems to know what's going on is terminally ill. As the Cybermen take over, the Doctor is dying...

Featuring the First Doctor in his very last adventure as played by William Hartnell, and his companions Ben and Polly, this novel is based on a Doctor Who story which was originally broadcast from 8-29 October, 1966.

Originally published on 19th February 1976

Doctor Who and The Ice Warriors (available for pre-order)
by Brian Hayles
introduction by Mark Gatiss

The world is in the grip of a second Ice Age. Despite a coordinated global effort, the glaciers still advance. But they are not the only threat to the planet. Buried deep in the ice, scientists at Britannicus Base have discovered an ancient warrior. But this is no simple archaeological find. What they have found is the commander of a spaceship that crashed into the glacier thousands of years ago. Thawed from the ice, and knowing their home planet Mars is now a dead world, the Ice Warriors decide to make Earth their own. Can the Doctor and his friends overcome the warlike Martians and halt the advance of the glaciers?

Featuring the Second Doctor as played by Patrick Troughton, and his companions Jamie and Victoria, this novel is based on a Doctor Who story which was originally broadcast from 11 November - 16 December, 1967.

Originally published on 18th March 1976, the novelisation has also been released on audio read by Frazer Hines.

Doctor Who and The Three Doctors (available for pre-order)
by Terrance Dicks
introduction by Alastair Reynolds

A mysterious black hole is draining away power from the Universe. Even the Time Lords are threatened! The Doctor is also in trouble! Creatures from the black hole besiege UNIT Headquarters. The only person who can help the Doctor is... himself. The Time Lords bring together the first three incarnations of the Doctor to discover the truth about the black hole and stop the energy drain. The Doctors and their companions travel through the black hole itself, into a universe of anti-matter. Here they meet one of the very first Time Lords - Omega - who gave his race the power to travel through time. Trapped for aeons in the black hole, he now plans to escape - whatever the cost!

Featuring the first three Doctors as played by William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, and Jon Pertwee, together with Jo Grant and the UNIT organization commanded by Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, this novel is based on a Doctor Who story which was originally broadcast from December 30, 1972 - January 20, 1973.

Originally published on 20th November 1975, the novelisation has also been released on audio read by Katy Manning.

The books are due to be published on 10th May.

FILTER: - Merchandise - Books

IDW Comic Sale

Wednesday, 29 February 2012 - Reported by Chuck Foster

A back catalogue of some 56 Doctor Who comics featuring both the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors from publisher IDW are currently available to purchase in a special 99c sale from ComiXology.

The sale runs until 11pm EST tomorrow (1st March).

In addition, a few of the comics are available to read online for free as an introduction to the series:

Adventures of the Fourth Doctor in issue one of Classics
The Tenth Doctor needs to recover memories of his earlier selves in part one of The Forgotten
The beginning of the final adventure for the Tenth Doctor in the Doctor Who Annual 2010

(with thanks to Jim Spivey)

FILTER: - Merchandise - USA - Comics

Forbidden Planet release 9th Doctor Costume T-Shirt

Friday, 24 February 2012 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Forbidden Planet have announced the release of the 9th Doctor Costume T-Shirt, finally completing their set of exclusive t-shirts representing the distinctive costumes of the eleven television Doctors (so far). The t-shirt is available for pre-order, available from 30th March.

FILTER: - Merchandise

The Collectable Art Company launches ‘Sixth Doctor’ costume design

Thursday, 23 February 2012 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The Collectable Art Company is to publish a series of Limited Edition Fine Art prints of the original Doctor Who costume designs.

The officially licensed range will be launched on 1st March with Pat Godfrey's final design of the distinctive, multi-coloured Sixth Doctor's costume. 'Totally Tastless' will be limited to 1500 high quality individually numbered A2 prints, and will also be autographed by both the costume designer and the eventual wearer himself, Colin Baker.

Each print will also be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and a special 28 page Script to Screen booklet which describes the making of the iconic costume, plus an interview with Godfrey and introduction by Baker.

Grahame Flynn, Managing Director of The Collectable Art Company, said:

We are delighted to have secured the rights to reproduce costume designs from this flagship BBC series. We are committed to bringing world-class, museum quality reproductions of the production designs to collectors. The range will expand to include the images from the classic and new series.

The print is now available for pre-order.

(with thanks to Grahame Flynn/The Collectable Art Company)

FILTER: - Merchandise - Colin Baker

IDW announce Doctor Who/Star Trek crossover

Tuesday, 14 February 2012 - Reported by Chuck Foster

IDW Publishing have announced the first official cross-over between the Doctor Who and Star Trek franchises, with the publication of comic book Assimilation² in May.

The story, by Star Trek Infestation authors Scott and David Tipton with Doctor Who author Tony Lee, will feature the Next Generation crew meet up with the Eleventh Doctor as the universe is threatened by a Borg/Cyberman alliance.

The eight issue series has been produced in conjunction with BBC Worldwide Consumer Products (Americas) and CBS Consumer Products, with the latter's Executive Vice President and General Manager Liz Kalodner saying: "by joining these two sci-fi powerhouses, fans will be taken on the ultimate adventure through time and space."

Soumya Sriraman, Executive Vice President Home Entertainment and Licensing, said: "We are excited about this new adventure for the Doctor and the fact that he will be travelling with Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his iconic crew. This is a perfect partnership for not only Doctor Who’s incredible fans, but also for the brand. We have just celebrated our most successful year yet. Doctor Who’s latest season delivered record ratings for BBC AMERICA and it was most downloaded full TV seasons of 2011 in the U.S. on the iTunes Store."

The comic book will be illustrated by J.K. Woodward; a limited edition wraparound photo cover version will also be available.

FILTER: - Merchandise - USA - Comics

Merchandise roundup

Thursday, 9 February 2012 - Reported by Harry Ward

A roundup of some of the merchandise due to be released over the next couple of months.

Action Figures Collectors Sets

Attack Of The Cybermen
Released: 24th February 2012
Pre-order from Forbidden Planet

Contents:
1 x Peri action figure.
1 x Rogue Cyberman action figure (with detachable faceplate).
1 x Cybergun accessory.

Remembrance Of The Daleks
Released: 9th March 2012
Pre-order from Forbidden Planet

Contents:
1 x Dalek Emperor Davros action figure.
1 x Destroyed Imperial Dalek action figure.

The Seeds of Doom
Released: 2nd April 2012
Pre-order from Forbidden Planet

Contents:
1 x Fourth Doctor action figure
1 x Krynoid action figure
1 x Cutlass accessory
1 x Open Seed Pod accessory
1 x Closed Seed Pod accessory

Character Building

The Lego-compatible Character Building collection sees the release of a new Army Pack of Cybermen, featuring a Cyberleader and three Cybermen as seen in A Good Man Goes To War, plus the damaged "sentry" version from The Pandorica Opens. The set is due for release on 17th February.

The new figures join the existing "Cybus" Cybermen army released last year; other packs include red "Drone" Daleks and the Weeping Angels.

Masterpiece Collection

Titan Merchandise have announced a new addition to their Masterpiece range of sculptures:

After months of demand, Titan Merchandise are proud to debut the first in our limited edition, high-quality Doctor Who Masterpiece Collection Dalek range: the super-iconic "Genesis of the Daleks" design from the classic 1975 adventure (starring Tom Baker's Fourth Doctor) that introduced the Dalek's creator: Davros!

Taken from the original plans for this design, this 8" sculpt is exact in every detail and is a must-have item for all serious Doctor Who collectors.

The sculpture is due to be released on 30th April, and is available for pre-order.

Big Chief Studios

Big Chief Studios are to release a new, 9" vinyl figure of the 10th Doctor under their Dynamix Ultra Stylised Figures range:

Taking inspiration from the Doctor Who IDW comic series, Dynamix Ultra-Stylised Vinyl Figurines offer unique interpretations of your favourite characters from the world’s longest-running sci-fi TV show.

From his spikey hair, to his trademark flowing trench coat and pinstriped suit, the Tenth Doctor strikes a confident pose ready for his next time-travelling adventure.

Produced in a Worldwide Collectors Limited Edition of 3000, each figurine comes with a Doctor Who logo base and is packed in a window display box.

The figure is due to be released on 27th May, and is available for pre-order.

Zeon Ceramics

Zeon are to release two new ceramics based upon the TARDIS, with a money box expected for 19th March , followed by a tea pot on the 2nd May.

FILTER: - Merchandise - Character

Star Cutouts launch Classic cut-out range

Friday, 3 February 2012 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Star Cutouts have launched the first of their Classic Doctor Who range of life-sized cut-outs, kicking off with arguably the most famous and recognisable in the form of the Fourth Doctor as played by Tom Baker. The new range celebrates the upcoming 50th anniversary year of the series, with more releases in the coming months - next up will be his successor the Fifth Doctor, as played by Peter Davison.

Meanwhile, the modern series range continues with the release of two figures of Rory, as played by Arthur Darvill, in both his "Rory the Roman" guise and in an initial Forbidden Planet exclusive of the character in his familiar bodywarmer.

The figures will be available to order online in the next week or so.

FILTER: - Merchandise - Arthur Darvill - Tom Baker - Peter Davison

Fantom Book Updates

Wednesday, 1 February 2012 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Fantom Films are to release the autobiography of Jacqueline Pearce, who played Chessene in The Two Doctors but probably most recognisable as the elegant baddie Servalan in Blakes's 7! From Byfleet to the Bush will be published in both paperback and hardback formats, with a book launch event to take place on 11th March at the George IV Public House, Chiswick. More details can be found via their website.

From Byfleet to The Bush

The actress Jacqueline Pearce is best known to television audiences as the villainous Servalan from the fondly remembered Blake’s Seven (BBC 1978-1981). But her career has taken her from RADA to Hollywood, via starring roles in international comedy films, Hammer Horror, BBC Shakespeare, and London’s West End. So how did she end up living in the African bush with her belongings in black bin-bags? Find out with this gripping memoir of an extraordinary life – from Byfleet to the Bush.

Jacqueline’s motherless upbringing in suburban Byfleet was unconventional and her education at the hands of nuns left her emotionally scarred. Through the course of her erratic career, she found love, laughter, heartache, breakdowns, fame, obscurity, and sex drugs and rock and roll. On the way, she encountered such stars as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Sammy Davis Jr, Jerry Lewis, Alan Bates, John Hurt, Dervla Kirwan and Rupert Penry-Jones. Candid, vivid, mordant and funny, this is an unusual and enchanting memoir.

Also out in March is a book written by Valentine Palmer, best known in Doctor Who circles as the rebel Monia in Day of the Daleks. In TITANIC: The Strange Case of Great Uncle Bertie, the actor, producer and screenwriter sets out to write the definite account of the Titanic’s sinking. As the 100th anniversary of that terrible day approaches Palmer follows up innumerable conflicting stories and theories that still, to this day, surround the doomed liner... with a new unique perspective through the eyes of Valentine's family and Charles Lightroller – his great uncle, the highest ranking officer to survive the sinking.

Deborah Watling's autobiography, Daddy's Girl is to have an audio release this month, with the actress herself recounting her memoirs.

FILTER: - Merchandise - Audio - Books

Doctor Who Experience: Cyber Hoodies!

Wednesday, 1 February 2012 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The Doctor Who Experience have announced a new item of merchandise, now available from their shop:

Kid's Cyberman Hoody

SCARE your friends by impersonating one of the Doctor's most persistent enemies with this exclusive Doctor Who Experience hoody! Available in cotton-rich light grey and featuring the iconic Cyberman face imprinted on a breathable mesh sewn into the hood, this limited-run hoody sports the Doctor Who Experience logo on the left chest and incorporates a clever 'hidden' full-length front zip to complement the design. The mesh face even allows the wearer to see out whilst wearing it, so unlike the Daleks your vision won't be impaired!

The Cyberman hoody is machine washable and available in the following sizes:

Small – up to 26" Chest
Medium - up to 28" Chest
Large – up to 32" Chest

FILTER: - Merchandise - Exhibitions

Previous 10 Stories

Audio Roundup

AudioGo:

The Scarifyers:

Planet Skaro:

BBC Books: Classic Target Novelisations (Wave 2)

IDW Comic Sale

Forbidden Planet release 9th Doctor Costume T-Shirt

The Collectable Art Company launches ‘Sixth Doctor’ costume design

IDW announce Doctor Who/Star Trek crossover

Merchandise roundup

Action Figures Collectors Sets

Character Building

Masterpiece Collection

Big Chief Studios

Zeon Ceramics

Star Cutouts launch Classic cut-out range

Fantom Book Updates

Doctor Who Experience: Cyber Hoodies!

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