BBC Books Doctor Who Series

Friday, 25 May 2001 - Reported by Marcus

Compiled by:
Shaun Lyon

Story Arcs Continue: BBC editor Justin Richards revealed to DWM that "a shocking new series of twists and turns" is part of the current commission series of Eighth Doctor books for the latter half of 2001, leading up to the BBC's 100th DW novel released in January 2002.

Cover Redesign?: A redesign of the BBC books' covers in the near future is now inevitable. BBC Worldwide wants to revamp the covers to bring them more in line with the DVD covers (which, by reactions elsewhere on the web, are almost universally hated). This report is confirmed in Doctor Who Magazine #299, which states that the covers will be changing beginning with the April books, though we have received word that this is not the case, and instead will be featured later in the year. "Eater of Wasps" was supposed to feature the new book design, however, the regular artwork has been seen for it. Indeed, preliminary cover art sent to authors for books in release later in 2001 feature the same design as before, and our best information suggests that if it does happen, which seems likely, it wouldn't be until late in 2001 at the very earliest. We can also tell you that editor Justin Richards and associate editor Jacqueline Rayner have no input on this, so emails of complaint to BBC Books apparently will do nothing, sorry! Though other pages have stated that their sources claim that this is not happening, we have been informed by BBC Books that it is. Stay tuned.

The Five Missing Books: Five Doctor Who novels from BBC Books went unreleased in 2000 due to computer glitches at the North American distributors, London Bridge: "The Ancestor Cell," "The Burning," "Heart of TARDIS," "The Banquo Legacy" and "Prime Time". After repeated delays, London Bridge assured retailers that these books would be released in 2001. The impasse seems to be subsiding as "The Banquo Legacy" is now available to retailers and is being seen in shops across the US. Further rumors of delays -- including an error on Amazon.com that suggests that "The Quantum Archangel" is not available until December 2001 in the US and Canada -- are incorrect, as all BBC books to the February installments ("Escape Velocity" and "Archangel") have been released.
Meanwhile, author Dave Stone has taken the ball, so to speak. "Free the Fatal Five" T-shirts and other merchandise are now available via the CafePress website, with a logo created by Stone (the author of one of the five books in question, "Heart of TARDIS"). As of April 27, all five books are now widely available in North America.

And Welcome "The Near-Fatal Sixth": "The Shadow in the Glass", the April 2001 BBC Past Doctor novel by Justin Richards and Stephen Cole that was a last minute replacement for Gary Russell's delayed "Instruments of Darkness" has ended up caught in the paperwork crossfire in North America. London Bridge was informed by Ken Barr of Ambrosia Books that the novel's release had occurred in Britain; the London Bridge retail representative corrected the release date -- to a fashion. Retail outlets are now able to order the book as of April for a limited time; however, after early May, the book will be withdrawn and held to its new "proper" release date, July 2001. If you wish to receive this book in April, your local bookstore can order the book with the ISBN number: 0563538384; tell them it is not listed in Books in Print but is available for order from the London Bridge distributor.

New BBC Submissions Guidelines Online: BBC Books has shared with Outpost Gallifrey the latest version of the submission guidelines for prospective Doctor Who fiction. Check it out by clicking here. (Thanks to Jac Rayner.)

BBC Book Release Notes (Fiction) (Some information thanks to Justin Richards and Jac Rayner of BBC Books):

Author Paul Ebbs joins the BBC Doctor Who author stable with The Book of the Still, the May 2002 Eighth Doctor novel. Says author Ebbs, "Can't say too much about the contents, except to say that in part the synopsis describes itself as 'John Woo directs Hello Dolly.' Its set in a far flung decadent system where the imperative is partying. There'll be lots of bangs, flashes and musical numbers - I hope people will think its a lot of fun."
David Bishop, author of the long out of print Virgin 'sidestep' novel "Who Killed Kennedy," debuts in the BBC range with Amorality Tale in April 2002. Featuring the very seldom-used combination of the Third Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith (set during Pertwee's final season), the novel is set in London during December 1952.
Mark Clapham (co-author of "Twilight of the Gods," the final Bernice Summerfield New Adventure from Virgin), authors his first solo BBC Doctor Who novel, Hope, an Eighth Doctor novel due out in February 2002 (his first being co-authoring "The Taking of Planet 5" two years ago)
The prolific Christopher Bulis, whose last BBC Doctor Who book was "Imperial Moon" last year, makes his return to the novel range in March 2002 with Palace of the Red Sun. Originally reported to be a Fifth Doctor, Tegan and Turlough book, we have now received confirmation from BBC Books that this is a Sixth Doctor & Peri novel
Jonathan Morris ("Festival of Death") authors his first book in the Eighth Doctor series, Anachrophobia, set for March 2002.
Lance Parkin pens his second Eighth Doctor book, Trading Futures, in April 2002.
Paul Magrs returns for yet another BBC book with Mad Dogs and Englishmen, the January 2002 Eighth Doctor adventure. (We assume that this will be his first without his longrunning character Iris Wildthyme.) Says DWM, Magrs has made it a condition of his contract that a fluffy poodle with a pink collar should appear on the cover!
Two new authors have joined the BBC fold. Simon A. Forward (who wrote "One Bad Apple" in "More Short Trips") is the author of the February 2002 Past Doctor adventure, Drift, a Fourth Doctor story. And Mark Michalowski (author of "Digging Up the Past" in the short-story collection The Dead Men Diaries for Big Finish), has penned Relative Dementias, the BBC Past Doctor novel for January 2002. Michalowski told Outpost Gallifrey: "It's a 7th Doc/Ace story set in Scotland... The Doctor has to contend with mad aliens, something at the bottom of the sea, and some unpalateable truths about UNIT, whilst Ace takes things into her own hands and finds herself stalked by a shadowy figure."
Author Simon Bucher-Jones ("The Taking of Planet Five") returns once again with a co-author, first-time Who novelist Kelly Hale (an American), for Grimm Reality, the Eighth Doctor novel set for October 2001. The initial blurb is on our Forthcoming Releases page. The actual title of the book, which the authors hope will be on the interior front cover, is Grimm Reality, or The Marvellous Adventures Of Doctor Know-All
Jon de Burgh Miller, co-author of the final Virgin Benny Summerfield series novel "Twilight of the Gods," joins the BBC Books' contingent in October with his first solo sale, Dying In The Sun, a Second Doctor, Ben and Polly novel set in Hollywood in the 1940's (not 1930's as other press has stated), and featuring an "alien infiltration" plotline.
Steve Emmerson ("Casualties of War") has sold his second Eighth Doctor novel, Dark Progeny, set for release in August 2001.
Controversial author Lawrence Miles ("Interference") returns to the BBC Books fold (after a fairly publicized earlier departure) with an Eighth Doctor novel taking the November 2001 slot. The working title for this book was "The Napoleon of Beasts" but the actual title is The Adventuress of Henrietta Street. (The official BBC site reports it as "Adventures" but BBC Books editor Justin Richards gave us the correct title.) In a statement posted on the Jade Pagoda list, Miles commented on the name: "Streets don't have adventures. That would be silly." Furthermore, Miles said jokingly that, contrary to the comment on the back cover about his story "Vrs" in the volume being the 'last ever Doctor Who fiction by Lawrence Miles,' "feel free to complain to BBC Books, who are in this case the culpable party." Meanwhile, Miles has solicited questions for another interview on his website, www.menace.ndo.co.uk.
Gary Russell's Instruments of Darkness has been pushed back to November 2001 due to other commitments by the author (such as the hefty Big Finish schedule).
First time Who author Lloyd Rose (a female author) has penned the September 2001 Eighth Doctor novel The City of the Dead (note that the title does indeed include the first "The")
Dave Stone ("Heart of TARDIS") pens his first Eighth Doctor book for July 2001, entitled The Slow Empire
Keith Topping ("The King of Terror") has sold Byzantium!, a First Doctor, Ian, Barbara and Vicki novel, to BBC Books. The novel takes place in the month-long gap between the TARDIS landing in "The Romans" and the remainder of the story, and is confirmed for release in July 2001
Author David McIntee will indeed return in August 2001 with Bullet Time, a Seventh Doctor story, "a quasi-contemporary thriller set in Hong Kong and the Far East in which the Seventh Doctor, travelling alone prior to the TV Movie, shares the limelight with investigative journalist Sarah Jane Smith." (Actually, says McIntee, the book is more a Sarah novel with the Doctor rather than the reverse).
Kate Orman returns to the Doctor Who fold with June 2001's The Year of Intelligent Tigers, an Eighth Doctor book set on an Earth colony and featuring, as the title suggests, talking alien tigers. Meanwhile, Trevor Baxendale, as previously reported, pens Eater of Wasps, an Eighth Doctor book due for release in May 2001 and set in a quiet English village with mayhem, murder and wasps. "On 49th-century Earth, mankind has developed time-travel technology, and a government security force controls illegal time jumps. But a devastating weapon is accidentally sent back through time to Wiltshire 1934, if unrecovered, the consequences are unthinkable."
Novelist Nick Walters will write his third Doctor Who novel for BBC Books, Superior Beings (formerly "The Gardens of Rocosia"), a Fifth Doctor & Peri novel set for release in June 2001. The book "introduces a new race of aliens, the vulpine Valethske, and is set on the "garden planet" of Verde Alturas" according to Walters, who told Outpost Gallifrey: "The novel features some human characters - the story has changed a great deal from the initial synopsis. The main stars are, however, the Valethske - a race of vulpine, bipedal aliens on a quest to track down an ancient enemy of legend."
Gary Russell returns in November 2001 for "Instruments of Darkness", the 'third and final' part of the loose 'trilogy' of his books from the Sixth Doctor era (including "The Scales of Injustice" and "Business Unusual"), featuring Melanie and a special guest appearance by Evelyn Smythe, the new companion character created for the Big Finish Doctor Who audio line.

Author Updates: Some of the more interesting things happening with some of your favorite Doctor Who authors nowadays (some courtesy Henry Potts and other correspondents):

Gareth Roberts (Doctor Who novelist) and Rebecca Levene (former Doctor Who editor at Virgin) have penned "The New Gods," the first of Big Finish Productions' new Tomorrow People audio series
Paul Cornell's first original novel, "Something More," published in the UK by Victor Gollancz, will see release on June 21.
David McIntee was recently married to Lesley McIntee in a ceremony at the Redemption 2001 convention; actor Michael Sheard (many Who roles) was the best man. McIntee's first original novel "Knight Sky" will be out around Easter 2002. McIntee is also currently penning a BBV audio and a novel trilogy using the character Guy de Carnac from his Virgin Dr. Who novel "Sanctuary".
Peter Anghelides has just opened up his new website at anghelides.org, which features a section for each of his published books, the illustrated story of the Frontier Worlds cover, "How I Wrote My First Novel, Kursaal" and much more.
David J Howe has just finished putting the finishing touches to a new horror anthology based on the acclaimed Channel 5 series Urban Gothic which is due to be published in April. The book includes original stories by Graham Masterton, Simon Clark, Christopher Fowler and others as well as an introduction by Richard O'Brien. More info at www.telos.co.uk. David is also commissioning for the second volume of the Dark Fantasy anthology F20, due for publication in September. Authors this time include Storm Constantine, Jane Welch, Freda Warrington, Juliet E McKenna and Louise Cooper.
Keith Topping's revised section edition of "Slayer," the unofficial (but wonderful) guide to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" is now hitting bookstores; Topping has also sold a second edition of his "Angel" guide "Hollywood Vampire" due in December 2001 and a third edition of "Slayer" for early 2002. Also, "High Times," Keith's unofficial guide to "the hit TV series Roswell" is released in October in the UK and December in the US.
Terrance Dicks' latest children's book is "The Nazi Dagger Incident", published in Jan by Piccadilly Press.
Lance Parkin's second "Emmerdale" book, "Emmerdale: Their Finest Hour" (Granada Media), is due 4 Jun in the UK and set in WWII.
A revised and updated edition of Keith Topping's unofficial "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" guitde, "Slayer" (Virgin), is due 8 Mar in the UK.
Jac Rayner's "Pet Rescue: Horses Like Blaze" (Ladybird Books, edited by Steve Cole), due 31 May in the UK, is a children's book for the under-nines about keeping horses, a tie-in with the Channel 4 series "Pet Rescue". Justin Richards' "Knock! Knock! Joke Book: Blue Door" (Ladybird Books, edited by Steve Cole), due 1 Mar in the UK, is a children's joke book.
Martin Day continues to write for the Channel 5 (UK) soap "Family Affairs". Episodes so far this year are #1002 (broadcast 30 Jan) and #1018 (21 Feb).
Keith DeCandido ("Decalog 3") has written the third "Farscape" novel, "Farscape 3: House of Cards" (Boxtree), due 23 Mar in the UK and in May in the US. The previous "Farscape" novel, "Farscape 2: Dark Side of the Sun" (which has yet to be released in the US) was written by Jim Mortimore (under the pseudonym Andrew Dymond).

FILTER: - Books

People

Wednesday, 23 May 2001 - Reported by Marcus

Compiled by:
Shaun Lyon

Jack Watling, father of actress Deborah Watling (Victoria Waterfield) and Doctor Who guest actor (as Professor Jack Travers in "The Abominable Snowmen" and "The Web of Fear") died on May 22. Watling, a long-serving actor in British film and television, had been battling cancer. A family spokesman has asked that any condolence letters to Debbie Watling and their family be sent to debwatling@aol.com and that they will be passed on as soon as possible.

Norman Kay, opera composer, critic and music director -- and composer of Doctor Who scores during the William Hartnell era -- died on May 12 at age 76. The obituary is at www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,60-203018,00.html. (Thanks to Matthew Kilburn)

Tom Baker's brand new-look website recently relaunched. You can visit it at www.tom-baker.com. There's a fairly active message board, a fan area, merchandise and more.

Douglas Adams, former screenwriter for and script editor of Doctor Who and the author of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, one of the most prominent and best-loved science fiction satires in modern literature, died on Friday, May 11 of an apparent heart attack after collapsing at a gym near his home in Santa Barbara, California. The man who brought the very familiar concepts of "42" as the answer to Life, The Universe and Everything, the Infinite Improbability Drive, Milliways and Earth's status as mostly harmless, "was not ill," Elizabeth Gibson, a family friend, told the Associated Press. "This was completely unexpected." Adams' most famous creation began as a BBC radio series in 1978; twelve episodes were produced with the irascible Arthur Dent, ex-president Zaphod Beeblebrox and aloof Ford Prefect. The radio series later was adapted to television as well as into a novel, which sold 14 million copies around the world; four additional sequels were written by Adams -- "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe," "Life, The Universe and Everything" (which had started off as a concept for a Doctor Who proposal, "Doctor Who and the Krikketmen"), "So Long and Thanks For All the Fish" and "Mostly Harmless" -- as well as a best-selling Infocom text adventure for the computer in the 1980's and a plethora of media tie-ins. Earlier, Adams had penned the Doctor Who story "The Pirate Planet" starring Tom Baker which had opened doors for him at the BBC; he later joined the series as its script editor during the 17th season and wrote the screenplays for "Shada," the untransmitted story from the tail end of that season, as well as "City of Death," arguably one of the most popular stories of the entire run of the series (and also, according to viewing figures, its highest-rated ever.) Geoffrey Perkins, the BBC's head of comedy, told the Associated Press that Adams was "absolutely one of the most creative geniuses to ever work in radio comedy... He probably wrote one of the greatest radio comedy series ever, certainly the most imaginative." Adams was born in Cambridge, England in 1952 and worked both on many high-profile and long-forgotten serials. He followed "Hitchhikers" and his stint on Doctor Who with "Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency" and "The Long Dark Teatime of the Soul" featuring new characters (though parts of the stories were borrowed from his earlier Who stories); a book about endangered species, "Last Chance to See"; and with John Lloyd, the alternative dictionary "The Meaning of Liff". Adams also founded a multimedia company called Digital Village, for which he created a computer game, "Starship Titanic". Adams had been working on and off for several years on a "Hitchhikers" feature with director Jay Roach ("Austin Powers") and was a fervent supporter of the Macintosh computer, as he had become a spokesperson in later years. He is survived by his wife, lawyer Jane Belson, and six year old daughter Polly. Science fiction fans across the world -- including this editor, a huge fan of his works -- mourn his passing.

Sophie Aldred is opening her own website at www.sophiealdred.com - it's nothing but a title page now, but will feature all sorts of things in the months to come including the pilot trailer for "Death Comes to Time".

FILTER: - People - Obituary

Audio

Saturday, 12 May 2001 - Reported by Marcus

Compiled by:
Shaun Lyon

Forthcoming Who Audio Releases: BBC Audio has released "The Myth Makers," the audio track of the lost William Hartnell Season 3 story narrated by Peter Purves; and a CD rerelease of "Slipback," the Eric Saward-penned BBC Radio play from the 1980's starring Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, Valentine Dyall and Jane Carr. "The Celestial Toymaker" starring William Hartnell and narrated by Peter Purves (linking narration written by Michael Stevens), and "The Moonbase"starring Patrick Troughton and narrated by Frazer Hines (linking narration written by Sue Cowley) are slated for release in April 2001. Then in July 2001, "The Abominable Snowmen" starring Patrick Troughton, narrated by Frazer Hines from linking narration by Michael Stevens, will be released, as will a double set, "Genesis of the Daleks/Exploration Earth: The Time Machine", containing both the 1979 abridged version narrated by Tom Baker as well as the 1976 radio documentary about the origins of Earth starring Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen. Neither were expected to be released on CD. Then, the big one: October 2001 will see the release of "The Daleks' Master Plan", including all 12 episodes of the William Hartnell classic as well as the one-episode story "Mission to the Unknown," fully remastered with linking narration by Sue Cowley and read by Peter Purves, likely in a five-CD jumbo jewel case with a souvenir booklet (though this may change at any point before release). Finally, January 2002 will see the release of "The Savages" starring William Hartnell, likely narrated by Peter Purves, and "The Faceless Ones" starring Patrick Troughton, likely narrated by Frazer Hines. Also, later in 2002 will likely see the releases of "The Smugglers" starring William Hartnell and "The Underwater Menace" starring Patrick Troughton, both fully remastered and likely featuring linking narration by Anneke Wills (Polly); Ms. Wills confirmed this to fans at the Bluebox IV convention, but Outpost Gallifrey has been told that neither of these releases are as yet confirmed and no contracts have been signed. (Thanks to Michael Stevens, Stephen James Walker, Doctor Who Magazine, David Brunt, Andrew Meadows)

Australia Release Information: ABC Audio, distributors of the BBC Radio Collection range of audio CDs and cassettes have announced that "The Celestial Toymaker" and "The Moonbase" missing audios will be released in June. Based on past experience, this means that missing audios will be released every three months, with an average two month delay from the UK release dates. (Thanks to Jason Fraser & Dr. Who Club of Australia)

Possible 2002 Audio Releases: Additionally, according to the BBC's official website, the following stories are under consideration for release in 2002: "The Space Pirates," "Enemy of the World," "The Evil of the Daleks," "The Wheel in Space" and "Marco Polo" (which may be on the schedule for later in 2002; no official confirmation has been forthcoming).

A History of the Doctor Who Theme: Ayres has also presented a hefty research article on his website devoted to the history of the theme music. You can visit it at ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Mark_Ayres/DWTheme.htm.

FILTER: - Audio

Miscellaneous

Friday, 6 April 2001 - Reported by Marcus

Compiled by:
Shaun Lyon

Sladen Portraits: Artist Duncan Gutteridge -- well known for his many celebrity portraits including stars of Star Trek, Buffy and other SF shows -- has created a new art print featuring Elisabeth Sladen (Sarah Jane Smith). Sanctioned by Sladen, the print is limited to 100 copies signed by both the actress and the artist. More information is available at www.duncangutteridge.com.
Win A Dalek!: The online store BOL has launched a new science fiction section on their site, and as part of this they are running a competition to win a full size Dalek, supplied by This Planet Earth. The competition runs until 29 April.

Strictly Ink Card Release: The first in a series of trading cards from the Strictly Ink company was released on March 31. Retailing for Ј49.99 per box, it contained 36 packs of 8 cards (guaranteeing a full 120 card set), two signed cards and twelve foil cards in each box. The Series One Definitive Collectors Edition 1 contains: 6,000 numbered boxes worldwide (300 cases); 2 hand signed actors autograph cards in every box; 120 card basic super premium card set; 18 Radio Times Gold Foil Subset; Subset images & story cards, covering all of Patrick Troughton and William Hartnell's story Episodes; Unpublished BBC Archive Black & Whites; 15 Actors Autograph; trading cards including all the living TV doctors and many companions; 2 giant scarce Doctor and companion cards in each case of 20 boxes limited to 300; free Rare Uncut test Sheet with each case (Redemption form enclosed- worth up to Ј60); and Jumbo Doctor Who Collectors Postcard in every box, 9 to collect in series one. For more information, visit www.strictlyink.com. (Thanks to Gallifrey 5)

SF:UK Special: SF:UK, a Channel Four documentary series in Britain that features behind-the-scenes information on various science fiction and genre programs, will feature an entire episode devoted to Doctor Who on April 14. Some parts of the broadcast were filmed on location at the Llangollen Dr Who Exhibition in Wales. More details as available.

Vote For The Greatest TV Character: The UK's Channel 4 is conducting an online survey to determine who the "greatest TV character" of all time is. You can cast your vote (and we'd hope it would be for The Doctor, #94 on the list), at www.channel4.com/100_tvs/vote.cfm. (Thanks to a bunch of people for letting us know!)

Museum Curators Looking for Items: The Letchworth Museum & Art Gallery, a local authority museum in North Hertfordshire, is looking for Doctor Who display items. "Every summer we put on a popular exhibition for all the family, and this summer we intend to organize one on Dr Who. We are hoping to borrow all kinds of Dr Who items from collectors. Everything we borrow will be insured, and displayed in locked showcases, in a large gallery which is also covered by CCTV. The exhibition will run from mid-July through August. We also hope to have a really big opening day, with one of the Doctors, and lots of merchandise on sale. If you know anyone who might like to lend from their collection, I'd be really grateful if they could e-mail me at the museum." For information, email letchworth.museum@nhdc.gov.uk. (Thanks to Mark Campbell)

Doctor Who Magazine 303: Now in release, DWM 303 includes interviews with Sylvester McCoy (concerning his new BBV video "Do YOu Have a License To Save This Planet"?), authors Pip & Jane Baker ("Time and the Rani") and actor Prentis Hancock (various roles including "Planet of Evil" and "The Ribos Operation"; part four of "Ophidius," the current comic strip; reviews of "Rags," "Earthworld," "The Moonbase," "Sword of Orion" and "K-9 Unleashed"; the regular Time Team report; burning questions such as 'Is Benton a Murderer' and 'How Might a Sonic Screwdriver Work?' are investigated; and "The Ice Warriors" is featured in the Archive. (Thanks to Gallifrey 5 for the cover & details)

Doctor Who in the Dome?: BBC Worldwide, is in discussions with partners (thought to include the Tussauds group) to enter the race for the Millenium Dome, with plans to re-open the site as a visitor attraction based on the BBC's most popular television characters. Any financial input into the project would come from the corporations commercial arm, rather than out of license payers money. (Thanks to Doctor Who Shop)

Orbital To Do Second Who Theme: Orbital will be releasing a new version of the Doctor Who theme tune on their new forthcoming album. The Altogether is expected to be released on 16th April. (Thanks to Doctor Who Shop)

Own Your Own K-9: This Planet Earth, responsible for full scale Dalek and TARDIS products, have added K9 to their range, licensed by BBC Worldwide. Priced at a rather expensive Ј795 plus postage, the offer is currently only available in the UK. Says the press release: "As in the original, K9 is constructed mainly in fibreglass. In order to accommodate the remote control unit (planned for the second quarter of 2001) K9 is fitted with an MDF base and four small castors. This base is removable. K9's purchased now will be compatible with the add-on remote control kit which will be a base board with the motors and wheels etc fitted to the board. The lights etc on K9 are non-operational. The FUTURE REMOTE CONTROL ADD-ON will feature forwards, backwards, left and right motion only. This is for reliability reasons. We are selling large volumes of K9 and therefore wish to eliminate any potential problems with failure of additional features. The original BBC K9 was renowned for needing repairs very regularly on the set. However there is scope within the design of the K9 that we produce to enable the customer to fit their own additional features. A dog tag is supplied with K9. K9's head is in a fixed position." For more information, visit www.thisplanetearth.co.uk/. (Thanks to Doctor Who Shop)

Dalek Rolykins: Product Enterprises have announced some new Rolykins toys for 2001. Included will be a movie Dalek released this summer, and a seven-inch talking Dalek which will make use of new chip technology; both will come available in three different colours, with classic voice commands and flashing lights. The company will also feature a new website in the coming months to advertise their products. (Thanks to Doctor Who Shop)

Dead Ringers Update: The BBC's official Doctor Who site has put up a new page dedicated to the parodies from this radio series at www.bbc.co.uk/cult/doctorwho/deadringers/index.shtml. The popular radio comedy series returns this week in the UK, and, as before, features a wickedly accurate impression of Tom Baker making strange phone calls to unsuspecting members of the public and celebrities. The series airs on Fridays at 6.30pm on Radio 4, and is repeated on Saturdays at 12.30pm. (Thanks to the official BBC website, and to James Goss at BBC Cult for the link information)

First Day Covers: More new stamps were released recently. Two new ones, "UNIT ReUnited" features images of Benton, Yates, the Brigadier and the Fourth Doctor, with their original signatures; the other features Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor with his signature. Both are limited to 1500 copies and are seen below. Others have included: Tom Baker and artist Chris Achilleos, featuring Achilleos' his first new montage design since 1983; "The Assistants United" featuring signatures from seven former companions; one with all seven Doctors; one featuring Sylvester McCoy; and one focusing on Tom Baker. A launch for the UNIT cover is planned for 12th April when Tom Baker, John Levene and Richard Franklin will be present at the Stamp Centre. Information is available at http://stamp-centre.co.uk. The following is the artwork for two recent stamps, followed by five previous issues below that; click anywhere to enlarge them. (Special thanks to Nigel Potter at Gallifrey 5)

Porcelain Figures: Classic Sheercast have issued the first in a BBC licensed series of limited edition porcelain figures - William Hartnell as the Doctor. All seven BBC Doctors will eventually join the range. There's a website for more information at http://www.doctorwhofigures.co.uk. They've also got a limited edition set of busts out as well, go to http://www.doctorwhofigures.co.uk/busts.html for those.

FILTER: - Merchandise

Other Spinoff Audio & Video

Friday, 6 April 2001 - Reported by Marcus

Compiled by:
Shaun Lyon

Dalek Empire: At last, long-rumored "Dalek Empire" audio plans from Big Finish appear to be true. Four new Dalek Empire audio plays are set to be released next year. Although linking into this year's three Dalek adventures these new plays "will be completely Doctorless and promise to evoke some of the spirit of the fondly remembered Dalek annuals and strips of the Sixties and Seventies." Nicholas Briggs will be directing and writing all four plays "so expect them all to be closely linked with many of the same characters appearing in each story." The new Dalek Empire plays will be released in June, July, October and November 2001.

Kaldor City: A new audio adventure series spun off from both "Blake's 7" and the world of the DW story "Robots of Death" (and its novel sequel, "Corpse Marker"). Currently in production, Chris Boucher (author of "The Robots of Death" and two BBC novels with the Fourth Doctor and Leela) and Alistair Lock (sound engineer for Big Finish) are involved with the project, which is being put together by Alan Stevens (who was responsible for The Mark of Kane, The Logic of Empire and Travis: The Final Act). The first story, called Occam's Razor has been written by Alan Stevens and Jim Smith. The second story is entitled Death's Head and is writen by Chris Boucher. Stars Paul Darrow (Kaston Iago), Scott Fredericks (Carnell; the actor reprises this role from "Blake's 7"), Russell Hunter (Captain Uvanov, reprisal of role from "Robots of Death"), Trevor Cooper (Rull), Brian Croucher (Cotton), Peter Miles (Landerchild), Peter Tuddenham (Strecker) and Patricia Merrick (Justina). Release is expected in early 2001. For more info visit www.hermit.org/Blakes7/news/Kaldor.html. (Thanks to Chris Sutor and DavrosDW)

Layton's Mission: A new audio production starring Anneke Wills (Polly), Michael Wade and Bryonie Pritchard, "Layton's Mission" is a science fiction story with intrigue and suspense. For more information, visit www.whap.fsbusiness.co.uk.

Travelwise: Now available on video in the UK (PAL format only), "Travelwise" features five Doctor Who celebrities among many other well-known faces. This four-part educational drama is "aimed at secondary schools and provoking many debates, and deals with the many issues around our methods of travelling." Colin Baker (as Jonathan Pike), Nicholas Courtney (as Alistair Singleton), Nicola Bryant (Laura), Sarah Sutton (Sharon Singleton) and Peter Miles (Mr. Reise) star. (It is especially noteworthy in that this is the first time Nick Courtney and Nicola Bryant have worked together on camera.) This soap-style video with a streak of comedy, is exclusively available from MJTV, producers of the "Soldiers of Love" series. For more information, visit www.ghostlands.demon.co.uk.

FILTER: - Big Finish

Big Finish Spinoff Adventures

Friday, 6 April 2001 - Reported by Marcus

Compiled by:
Shaun Lyon

BF Welcomes Iris Wildthyme: Big Finish will debut a third series of Who-related merchandise in 2001, as announced on their website. Iris Wildthyme, the popular character featured in several BBC books written by author Paul Magrs, will feature in her own book and audio series from BF. Wildthyme, a fellow renegade Time Lord who has enjoyed a long-standing tryst with the Doctor (and has encountered him in several incarnations), will debut in a book written by Magrs, along with an audio play written by Stephen Cole. No casting or release date information has yet been posted.

A New Beginning for the Benny Summerfield Adventures: Paul Cornell, who owns the rights to the character, advised on an anthology that kicks off the new publishing foray; all books and audios will now have the moniker "Professor Bernice Summerfield And..." before the name of each production. They will not be called New Adventures, however, as BF only has the rights to certain individual characters and not many of the other creations in the earlier Virgin book range. Says the new website: "And so, we now prepare to pick up the story of her life, and those around her, some time later- at the dawn of the twenty-seventh century in fact. Benny has now set up home on The Braxiatel Collection, a small planetoid that her old chum and fellow academic Irving Braxiatel has created to house what is, probably, the biggest and best collection of... well things that people with money collect, in the galaxy. Scholars, researchers and interested parties the cosmos over flock to The Braxiatel Collection to see the art, literature, history and science on display there. Or they will, when Irving gets around to actually finishing it." Meanwhile, a new series of Benny audio plays will be issued bi-monthly, alternating with the novels. These new stories will not be adaptations from Virgin Books. Paul Cornell may be editing a second anthology in 2001, with an open submissions policy.

The new website for the releases is located at www.bernicesummerfield.com.

Forthcoming Releases
(Note: all blurbs have been moved to the Forthcoming Releases page...)

The Squire's Crystal by Jacqueline Rayner (Novel): Release scheduled for April 2001.
The Stone's Lament by Mike Tucker (Audio): Directed by Ed Salt; stars Lisa Bowerman with Harry Myers and James Lailey. Release scheduled for May 2001.
The Extinction Event by Lance Parkin (Audio): Release scheduled for June 2001.
The Infernal Nexus by Dave Stone (Novel): Release scheduled for July 2001.
The Skymines of Karthos by David Bailey (Audio): Release scheduled for September 2001.

FILTER: - Big Finish

Additional Doctor Who Books

Friday, 6 April 2001 - Reported by Marcus

Compiled by:
Shaun Lyon

Regeneration: The long-delayed "Regeneration" hardcover book by Philip Segal and Gary Russell is now in release from HarperCollins Press. A soft-cover version is being planned for release in July; we have been told that the authors are attempting to correct small bits of incorrect information in the earlier release. Non-UK international release is currently planned; this is a correction to earlier reports that only import shops could get the book. "Regeneration," a book about the production of the 1996 Doctor Who movie (Segal was the executive producer and driving force behind the film), was originally scheduled to be printed in 1999 by Virgin Publishing, but Virgin shelved it after the final draft of the book was turned in. (Thanks to Richard Bignell, Philip Segal and Gary Russell)

Campaign: Jim Mortimore's now-canceled Doctor Who novel is available as a fan-published, bound volume direct from the author. The book, which was canceled by BBC Books due to contractual reasons, is available priced UK 5.99 (paperback) or UK 12.99 (hardback) plus UK 3.00 postage from Jim Mortimore, 27 Colston Rd, Easton, Bristol, BS5 6AA. "Add 5.00 P&P for overseas," says Mortimore, "and if it's any different I'll sort 'em out on an individual basis when I go to the post office." Says online rep John Parkinson: "If people aren't sure I'd suggest getting an NA and weighing it, then add a bit extra weight for packaging and use some method (I think the RoyalMail website has details) to work out how much it should cost to ship to the country of your choice." A thumbnail of the cover art is available on the Forthcoming Releases page. Further information on ordering this volume can be obtained directly from Jim Mortimore at jimmortimore@jimbo98.freeserve.co.uk (email address given with permission of Mr. Mortimore). Additionally, Ambrosia Books in California has this book in stock, signed by the author.

The Doctor Who Scripts: BBC Books will be publishing the first of what is hoped to be an ongoing series, "Season 12: The Scripts"; Justin Richards is contributing editor, Barnaby Harsent is co-editor and Andrew Pixley is the book consultant. According to Richards, the book will be "heavily illustrated in both black and white and colour. There will be complete camera scripts (not the camera instructions though) for each of the season 12 stories, plus 'front matter' consisting of a review, background production notes, transmission, cast & crew details, etc. Each script will be heavily annotated to show deletions, additions and specific production details". The book was to be published in November 2000, but has been delayed due to clearance delays and other, more recent, publishing delays. According to Justin Richards, the book is to be released in the Autumn of 2001, not in April as the BBC Worldwide press release says. (It also says the background info is all coming from In-Vision, and that isn't true either, though IN-VISION will be one of the major sources.)

I, Who 2 On Horizon: After the success of the first volume, author Lars Pearson has announced "I, Who 2," the sequel to the original "I, Who: The Unauthorized Guide to Doctor Who Novels". The reference work is expected sometime in 2001 and will include books published after the ones in the first volume, as well as additional adventures (such as "The Masters of Luxor," the unfilmed Hartnell story), the realm of DW comic adventures, and even covering some of the charity fiction anthologies of late.

The Doctor's Effects: Author Steve Cambden's follow-up book to "The Doctor's Affect" is now complete and at the printers, and will be available in mid-2001. Says correspondent Richard Bignell: "Steve had hoped to make this a large format book, but he's had to scale this down somewhat, so it will now be the same size as his previous book, 'The Doctor's Affect' - only with more illustrations and photographs." To preorder the book, visit www.alphawaves.net/doctor/.

Doctor Who Location Filming: Author Richard Bignell is currently finishing a licensed book on Doctor Who location filming for Reynolds & Hearn, which will be available by the end of 2001; details forthcoming.

Looking for Sarah Jane Smith: Australian author David Franklin -- also a Doctor Who fan -- has penned his fourth novel, Looking for Sarah Jane Smith. It's "a brutally cynical comedy about three blokes in their late 20's, the scrapes they get into and the s**t they talk to each other. It is a long way from being politically correct." There is little Doctor Who content in the book, also the series is referred to routinely (and therefore is of interest to fans); "Sarah Jane is simply used by Marty as a symbol of the harmony, beauty and inner contentment that he is looking for."

FILTER: - Books

Fandom, Fan Projects & Productions

Thursday, 5 April 2001 - Reported by Marcus

Compiled by:
Shaun Lyon

Missing Pieces: As noted in Doctor Who Magazine, "Missing Pieces" is a large-format Doctor Who fiction anthology, sold as a charity fundraiser equally divided for the Downs' Syndrome Association and the Foundation for the Study of Infant Death. Edited by Mark Phippen (creator & co-editor of "Perfect Timing") and Shaun Lyon (editor of Outpost Gallifrey), the book features an introduction by Peter Davison, an afterword by Sylvester McCoy and original fiction by Colin Bakerand Wendy Padbury. Over 30 professionally-published Dr. Who authors have participated in the collection, including Peter Anghelides, Trevor Baxendale, Arnold T. Blumberg, Colin Brake, Simon Bucher Jones, Jonathan Blum, Daniel Blythe, Stephen Cole, Martin Day, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Steve Emmerson, Craig Hinton, David J. Howe, Paul Leonard, Steve Lyons, Paul Magrs, David A. McIntee, Jon deBurgh Miller, Jonathan Morris, Jim Mortimore, Lance Parkin, Lars Pearson, John Peel, Gary Russell, Rob Shearman, Cavan Scott & Mark Wright, Dave Stone, Keith Topping, Mike Tucker and Nick Walters, as well as many prominent fan authors and illustrators. 380 pages, full color cover art by artist Nathan Skreslet, perfect bound. Ordering information is now available, visit http://www.gallifreyone.com/pieces.htm. The book was launched at the Gallifrey 2001 convention; the first group of 250 orders has been fulfilled, and the second batch is due in late April/early May. A third batch is planned for the summer.

"Tales from the Solar System" Distribution Problems Solved : After repeated struggle behind the scenes, the Unregenerate, a fan group in England whose account was originally used to receive checks for the project, has stepped in to solve the problems surrounding "Tales of the Solar System," a charity fiction fanzine originally solicited in 1999. The editor was unable to fill numerous orders which resulted in repeated controversies online but recently offered to help with the mailing of the books. The Unregenerate group has stressed that while they had no involvement in the production, funding or PR for this fanzine, they have acquired the mailing list and are currently fulfilling orders. Those who placed orders and have not received books are requested to contact Ian Carter with their order details, and they will be contacted with posting information. No new or further orders of this book, however, are being solicited. (Our thanks to Dominique Boies for his tireless work in getting this situation brought to attention, and to Ian Carter for his diligence.)

Lifedeath: Another anthology collection is being gathered to raise money for Amnesty International. Doctor Who: Lifedeath will feature contributions from fans as well as Doctor Who and comics authors. For more information, visitwww.geocities.com/lifedeathcharity.

The Cat Who Walked Through Time: Alryssa Kelly edits a cat-themed Who charity collection called 'The Cat Who Walked Through Time' which has been released. Featuring stories from Lance Parkin, Diane Duane, Paul Cornell, Simon Bucher-Jones, Stephen Cole, Peter Anghelides and a foreword by Kate Orman, the collection is set to raise money for the O'Bryonville Animal Rescue Shelter. Mary Tamm provides a brief introduction. For more information visithttp://www.crosswinds.net/~alryssa/fundraising.html#fanzine

Myth Makers 10: An anthology of Who fan fiction distributed by the Doctor Who Information Network (DWIN) and edited by Matt Grady, "Myth Makers 10" features stories of the third, fourth, sixth, seventh and eighth Doctors, with companions Liz, the Brigadier, Peri, Ace and Sam. Includes illustrations by Fan Q award winner Mary-Ellen Sandahl and nominee Pat Degan. Visit http://www.csc.uvic.ca/~mgrady/drwho.html.

Nine Lives:: Another cat-themed anthology, this time non-Who related, is being edited by Helen Fayle (co-editor of Perfect Timing). Features stories by (so far) SF author Charles de Lint, Ian Watson and (commitments permitting) hopefully Dr. Who authors Stephen Marley and David A. McIntee, and diverse others. Visit http://www.innotts.co.uk/~raven/ninelives.htm

Walking In Eternity: Author Jay Eales (co-editor of Perfect Timing 2) is putting together a new anthology. Says Eales: "It's a collection of Doctor Who stories with a difference. Fans of deeply traditional (and oh, so familiar) corridor runarounds are probably going to be disappointed with the mix of stories here. It will focus very much on the experimental side, taking the motto "Originality over continuity." One of the new authors is Steve Gallagher ("Warriors' Gate," quot;Terminus"), in his first Doctor Who piece in a long while. More information soon.

Friends of Doctor Who Shuts Down, 800-TREKKER Sold: The US national fan organization Friends of Doctor Who (sanctioned by the BBC) has closed with the mailing of their final issue this month, as 800-TREKKER, the merchandise group that owns FDW, is being sold. All subscribers have received a note in the mail concerning the status of the group.

Who3D: A new fan project designed to digitally recreate lost episodes of the show utilising CGI programming and surviving audio and photos. More information is available at the new web location at www.who3d.com. The group made screening debuts of its preliminary footage at the Whovention convention in Australia and the Gallifrey convention in Los Angeles during February.

Regeneration Campaign: A new web-based campaign has been started to bring Doctor Who back to television. For more information visit www.regeneration-campaign.com.

Fan Produced Documentaries:

"The Making of Fury From the Deep" by Richard Bignell is currently available with the reconstruction of this classic story. The documentary contains all available color footage from the story (shot on small camera) as well as commentary by cast and crew Hugh David, Michael E. Briant, Margot Hayhoe, John Abineri and Roy Spencer, along with Peter Day (who worked on Visual Effects) and excerpts from "The Slide," author Victor Pemberton's 1966 radio play which was originally submitted to the DW production office in 1964 and which was eventually reworked into "Fury". The final duration of the documentary is 51 minutes and is circulated on telesnap reconstruction tapes with the story.
Already in production is "The Making of Marco Polo" also by Bignell, which will be on tapes of a new version of the reconstruction and will include more 'moving footage' than the "Fury" documentary. In addition, the documentary will feature interviews with series regular Carole Ann Ford and guest stars Mark Eden (Marco Polo), Zienia Merton (Ping-Cho) and Philip Voss (Acomat). It will be available later in 2001 along with a new reconstruction of the story. (Thanks to Richard Bignell and Robert Franks)
The Loose Cannon Reconstructions team has re-united actors Edward DeSouza, Barry Jackson and Jeremy Young after 35 years to reminisce about the making of "Mission to the Unknown," the one-off story that acted as a prologue to the 12-part "The Daleks' Master Plan". The interview will be included on Loose Cannon's upcoming 'Mission To The Unknown' reconstruction. The reconstruction of Mission includes many previously unpublished photos including the rocket ship interior (some of which you can see in the photos provided by Derek Handley to the Outpost's First Doctor Guide, used for the reconstruction.) (Thanks to Rick Brindell)

FILTER: - Fan Productions

DVD

Wednesday, 4 April 2001 - Reported by Marcus

Compiled by:
Shaun Lyon

Doctor Who DVDs in North America in September 2001: Further to our exclusive announcement of the onset of Doctor Who DVD in North America last week, we have now received official word from BBC Worldwide Americas that, in conjunction with Warner Home Video, they are finally bringing Doctor Who onto DVD in North America on September 11, with the simultaneous triple-release of "The Five Doctors", "The Robots of Death" and "Spearhead from Space" (contrary to earlier reports that they were being released months apart). The two releases will match their UK DVD counterparts in features very closely; commentaries, photo galleries, trailers, model footage and the UNIT Recruitment Film on "Spearhead" will definitely be included. All three DVDs are expected to retail for US $24.99. (Thanks to BBC Worldwide Americas for the final confirmation, as well as Brian Burkart, Jennifer Kelley, Michael Sliger, Kenneth Parker, Patrick Neighly and others)

Doctor Who 1960's Films on DVD and Video: Australia video buyers have received word that Universal Australia is releasing a special DVD package in May 2001 -- the two Dalek movies of the 1960's, "Dr. Who and the Daleks" and "Daleks: Invasion Earth 2150 AD,"along with a special bonus feature, the "Dalekmania" documentary. The retailer's suggested price is $AUS 39.95. Part of the advertising being distributed suggests that it is being released in Australia before the rest of the world. The package is also being released as a double VHS package on the same day as DVD release. (Thanks to Grant Watson, and to Doctor Who Shop for the image!)

Cover Changes: The Doctor Who DVD covers are set to feature a new look with the release of Caves of Androzani later this year in June. The photograph on the front cover will be replaced with artwork from the people responsible for the latest book covers. This decision is likely to please a large number of fans who are disappointed with the current covers, so much so that the debate has even reached the letters page of Doctor Who Magazine! (Thanks to Doctor Who Shop)

BBC DVD Release Strategy Reexamined: Due to the amount of delays, due both to production as well as packaging, the BBC is reexamining its DVD release strategy for 2001. To that end, The Caves of Androzani has been pushed back from its April 2001 release date to June. In addition, the 1996 TV Movie, originally due in the summer (by early reports), will be released in the autumn.

Australia DVD Troubles: Village Roadshow's releases of Doctor Who DVDs have apparently stopped after the release of "The Five Doctors" late in 2000. Further releases are "on hold until official notice" according to Village Roadshow, though no reason for the stoppage is forthcoming. We're currently investigating. (Thanks to Reid Withnell)

DVD Release Notes
These releases are only currently in PAL format (for UK, Australia and New Zealand & compatible DVD players); NTSC format (US/Canada) are expected from BBC Worldwide in late 2001. Special thanks to Steve Roberts of the Restoration Team and our other correspondents for this information.

Previously Released (in UK or abroad):

The Five Doctors: Now in release in UK and Australia/New Zealand. This is the 'special edition' remastered originally for video release. Dual-layered with Dolby Digital soundtrack; the soundtrack was remixed using full multi-channel sound and the disc includes the full music soundtrack. Includes subtitles in six languages. Intended for US/Canada release in late 2001.
Robots of Death: Now in release in UK. Includes a commentary by author Chris Boucher and producer Philip Hinchcliffe; 10 minutes of shots and model footage ("unused footage, ex-monochrome Shibaden tape"); an image stills gallery; production notes; and a floor plan from the production. Australia/New Zealand release delayed; scheduled for US/Canada release at the end of 2001.
Spearhead from Space: Now in release in UK. Includes commentary by actors Nicholas Courtney and Caroline John. Musical cuts were made, including digital removal of a Fleetwood Mac track in part two and replacement of a Led Zeppelin track from the trailer for part three. Includes Kevin Davies' five-minute spoof "UNIT Recruitment Film"; a photo gallery with rare or previously unseen photos; two BBC trailers from the 1999 repeat season; a specially shot 35mm trailer for the 1999 Doctor Who night; and a bonus hidden feature (Easter Egg). Also included is the option to display production information via on-screen subtitles, which gives the viewer details of the locations used and other points of interest throughout the story.
Remembrance of the Daleks: Now in release in UK. Includes commentary by actors Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred; a four-minute extra including deleted scenes, bloopers and outtakes; two original BBC1 trailers (one of which was reconstructed specially for this disc); two multi-angle sequences featuring Ace's baseball attack on a Dalek and subsequent escape, and the gate explosion sequence; and an isolated music track provided by musician Keff McCulloch including a couple of unused music cues. Two pieces of music by the Beatles were removed digitally. An error in production has allowed a couple of small scenes to be released on the disc without requisite effects, using earlier takes for the scenes. Among them is a sequence in the scrapyard where a soldier is shot by a Dalek beam; the ray is not added to this version. The Restoration Team are hoping to correct this for future pressings including overseas releases, but cannot guarantee that any work will be able to be done to fix it.
Forthcoming:
The Caves of Androzani: Release date moved to June 13, 2001. As the master tapes have seen some decay, the Restoration Team is busy doing some much-needed work for its DVD release. Director Graeme Harper has been liaising with the RT on some of the work, which includes remaking the planet surface matte shots in episode one to remove movement between the foreground and background elements. Harper, Peter Davison and Nicola Bryant recently taped commentary audio in the studio for the release. In addition, a number of special items will be included on the disc, including a BBC-1 trailer for part one (remade in broadcast quality); three news items including the announcement of Davison's departure on the One O'Clock News, a Kate Adie interview with Davison on the same day, and an interview with Davison and producer John Nathan-Turner from the following day's "Southeast at Six"; a photo gallery; and a subtitle 'text commentary'. Says Steve Roberts: "A 75-minute isolated camera recording from the last studio session exists (an 'iso' recording is generally designed to capture alternative angles that are not always being covered by the main cameras and provide additional shots for the director to use in post-production) and includes the shooting of the regeneration from Peter Davison into Colin Baker. An eight-minute featurette is being prepared which will include some of this material and will be accompanied by a commentary. An audio interview with the late Christopher Gable, who played Sharaz Jek in the story, has been loaned to us and forms the basis of a separate four minute featurette entitled 'Creating Sharaz Jek', which also includes previously unseen photographs from Gable's own collection, rehearsal and iso camera material from the last studio recording session, and extracts from the finished show." Musician Mark Ayres is working on the isolated soundtrack which will be presented in its entirety. Roberts also explains: "Nearly two hundred tape dropouts and scratches were repaired over the four episodes. Several technical errors in the original editing were spotted and corrected. The most noticeable of these were a one-frame zoom into the picture just prior to a cut near the end of episode three, which was corrected by repeating the previous frame, and a sideways hop halfway through a shot in episode two. The latter was quite tricky to fix, as the entire shot moved to the right halfway down one field and then stayed in this position for the rest of the shot. There is another occurrence of this in the same episode, but unfortunately it has the holographic communications screen superimposed over it, so it was impossible to fix the displacement of the background without affecting the superimposed foreground element."
The 1996 TV Movie: Release scheduled for autumn 2001, likely August. This DVD will contain the complete, uncut print of the film as well as many extras including the Electronic Press Kit produced for the FOX network and television trailers (including a caption tribute to the late Jon Pertwee which was broadcast with the movie on BBC1 in 1996). Film producer Philip Segal (who spearheaded the 1996 film) taped a 10-minute interview with Steve Roberts at the Gallifrey 2001 convention, which will be included on the DVD release (an earlier announced introduction was not used). Among other comments, Segal notes some of the changes he'd have made if he had not been strongarmed by FOX, such as the romantic aspect and the "Americanisation" of the program. Additionally, director Geoffrey Sax has taped the first single-person commentary for a Doctor Who DVD release; according to the Restoration Team, he gave "great insight into the technical complexeties of making the show." Paul McGann was asked to do the commentary track but declined.
Vengeance on Varos: Release scheduled for October 2001. Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant and Nabil Shaban (Sil) taped a commentary on March 29 for this release, which will (unlike previous releases) not include an isolated music soundtrack. "This was purely because the music was used so sparsely throughout the story that we felt it did not work in the synchronous-use form for which we held the rights," says the Restoration Team website, which also notes the reconstruction of a particular scene in episode one. "There is a technical fault with some shots of the gun used to torture Jason Connery. Inside the gun is a red light, which was too bright and caused an illegal video signal... To overcome this, a Philips VS4 noise reducer was put into a mode which severly blurs the video in both horizontal and vertical directions.... The uneveness was then removed by locking onto that particular shade of red using the Pogle secondary colour corrector and then turning the saturation up so that the red went into clipping and removed any level variations." A one-inch studio recording spool for the story still exists, which will be used as the basis for a small feature which shows a problem scene and how the director used multiple retakes to give him the shots he needed. Early 71 edits of both episodes exist on timecoded U-matic dubs (of the director's VHS copies) in Ian Levine's collection, which Ian has kindly loaned to the Restoration Team; these will provide a number of extended and deleted scenes for inclusion on the disc.
The Tomb of the Cybermen: Due in January 2002. No further information available.
Future Releases: BBC Video wants to run the gamut through all seven TV Doctors for DVD releases first. Releases of one Hartnell and one Troughton story are likely for 2002 along with more Tom Baker releases. One website, the Wolves of Fenric, reported that "Pyramids of Mars" and "The Ark in Space" might be on the schedule sometime soon, but both have been denied.
Doctor Who Films on DVD: Doctor Who comes to DVD in North America on an unexpected avenue: the two 1960's Doctor Who films, "Dr. Who and the Daleks" and "Daleks: Invasion Earth 2150 AD" will be released in 2002 on DVD by Anchor Bay. Actors Jennie Linden and Roberta Tovey recently were in studio recording commentary for the releases, just one of the extras that will be included. Release info can be found on the Anchor Bay website (http://www.anchorbayentertainment.com) as being released in 2002. (Thanks to Steve Hill)
Australia DVD Update: Despite of previous announcements that it wouldn't be releasing Doctor Who on DVD in Australia, Sydney-based Roadshow Entertainment (the company that currently releases Who videos down under) has begun releasing them. But the 1960's films will be released; see above! (Thanks to Rob Irwin)

FILTER: - Blu-ray/DVD

Doctor Who Audio Adventures - Big Finish

Wednesday, 4 April 2001 - Reported by Marcus

Compiled by:
Shaun Lyon

Doctor Who Continues on Audio: Big Finish Productions is currently releasing monthly Doctor Who stories starring members of the series' original cast. The BBC has renewed Big Finish's current contract for an additional year, through 2002.

A Second Season for McGann Confirmed: Big Finish Productions has confirmed that a second season of adventures with the Eighth Doctor and Charley, starring Paul McGann and India Fisher (right). McGann was recently in the studio taping six stories for release in January to June of 2002. There is also a linking story in the adventures: the first three "sees the Doctor and Charley attempting to get to New Year's Eve, 1930, to keep Charley's appointment with her gentleman friend Alex Grayle in Singapore the journey that led to her being aboard the R101 in the first place." More details on the forthcoming adventures below.

McGann, who played the Eighth Doctor in the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie (and whose only subsequent return to the Who fold was to read stories for an audio release, "Earth and Beyond"), taped four audio plays in 1999 for Big Finish's first four months of 2000, reprising his role as the Doctor. McGann taped those four stories on 15-19 May 1999 in sequence after extensive negotiations with Big Finish and did so in secrecy until the story was sent to Doctor Who Magazine for their exclusive release in the June issue. Joining McGann for his return visit was actress India Fisher (who previously had a guest shot in the Peter Davison story "Winter for the Adept"), playing the role of new companion Charlotte "Charley" Pollard, a 1930's teenager teenager from 1930 who stows away aboard the R101 airship on its maiden voyage, seeking a life of adventure away from the humdrum society world of her rich stockbroker father. Says Gary Russell: "Her only soapbox is that she's a Mrs. Pankhurst fan, but she isn't obsessive about it. And although she thinks the Doctor is a wonderful, funny, dear man, she has no romantic feelings for him!" Also making a return visit is Nicholas Courtney as Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. (Photo courtesy Big Finish Productions. Thanks to SFX for some information.)

Casting Updates:

Eleanor Bron, popular UK stage & screen actress who appeared twice previously in Doctor Who (in a cameo with John Cleese as an art lover in "City of Death" and more visibly as villainous Kara in "Revelation of the Daleks"), portrays Ileana de Santos in the forthcoming "Loups Garoux".
Joining Bron is actor Burt Kwouk, the popular character actor best known for his role as Cato in the "Pink Panther" movies alongside Peter Sellers, and who has appeared in such films as "Empire of the Sun," "Rollerball" and "Goldfinger" as well as in the Doctor Who story "Four to Doomsday" as Lin Futu; and actor Nicky Henson, a versatile TV character actor in Britain.
Nicholas Courtney returns for a second guest shot as Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart in "Minuet in Hell," completing the circle and making Courtney the only actor in Who history to star opposite all nine television Doctors (the first seven, McGann, and Richard Hurndall in "The Five Doctors")
Actor Michael Sheard, who appeared in many Doctor Who stories including "Pyramids of Mars," "Remembrance of the Daleks" and "The Mind of Evil," is a confirmed guest for the forthcoming "The Stones of Venice" as Count Orsino.
Lalla Ward again reprises her role as Romana in "NeverLand"; Anthony Keetch (Vansell) returns for a third go in the same story.

Forthcoming Releases. Confirmed upcoming stories from Big Finish include:

"The Stones of Venice" (March 19, 2001): Written by Paul Magrs, directed by Gary Russell. Stars Paul McGann and India Fisher as the Eighth Doctor and Charley, with guest star Michael Sheard as Count Orsino. The Doctor and Charley become embroiled in the decadent court of a tired Duke and his search for his beloved wife. The curse of the long since dead Duchess has finally come to pass and the enchanted city of Venice is sinking beneath the canals. Also starring Nick Scovell (Churchwell), Barnaby Edwards (Pietro), Elaine Ives-Cameron (Ms. Lavish), Mark Gatiss (Vincenzo).
"Minuet in Hell" (April 17, 2001): Written by Alan W. Lear and Gary Russell, directed by Nicholas Briggs. Stars Paul McGann and India Fisher as the Eighth Doctor and Charley, with special guest star Nicholas Courtney as Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. The twenty-first century has just begun, and the newly-formed state of Malebolgia is seceding from the rest of the United States of America. After his successful involvement with Scotland's devolution, Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart has been invited over to Malebolgia to offer some expertise. However, there's someone held in a lunatic asylum who interests him, someone who believes he travels through space and time in the TARDIS. It is not, however, his old friend the Doctor... Also stars Robert Jezek (Brigham Elisha Dashwood), Helen Goldwyn (Becky Lee), Maureen Oakeley (Dr. Dale Pargeter) and Nicholas Briggs (Gideon Crane).
"Loups-Garoux" (May 21, 2001): Written by Marc Platt, directed by Nicholas Pegg. Stars Peter Davison and Mark Strickson as the Fifth Doctor and Turlough. "Germany, 1589: the townspeople of Cologne pronounce the death sentence on a mass-murderer who has stalked the countryside in the guise of a ferocious wolf. Russia, 1812: retreating from Napoleon's invading forces, a merchant's daughter is rescued from bandits by a handsome partisan with a ravenous appetite. Brazil, 2080: the Doctor and Turlough arrive for the Rio de Janeiro carnival. Wealthy heiress Ileana de Santos is not all she seems - and what sinister ailment afflicts her invalid son, tended by the mysterious Dr Hayashi? And who exactly is Rosa, engaged on a secret quest to fulfil the destiny of her extinct tribe? Time is running out for Rosa, Ileana and the Doctor, as the fearsome shadow of an ancient werewolf moves ever closer..." Also stars Eleanor Bron (Ileana de Santos), Burt Kwouk (Dr. Hayashi), Nicky Henson (Pieter Stubbe), Sarah Gale (Rosa Caiman), Jane Burke (Inez), David Hankinson (Anton Lichtfuss) and Derek Wright (Jorge). Music by Alistair Lock. Recording 9-10 December. (Originally called "The Werelings")
Dalek Empire I: Invasion of the Daleks (June 4, 2001): Written and directed by Nicholas Briggs. The largest Dalek fleet ever assembled begins its invasion of the galaxy, heading straight for the Vega System. On planet Vega VI, Suz and Alby take their first, delicate steps towards romance, whiling away a lazy afternoon on the Marsh Lakes. But the Dalek onslaught is already under way. Who is the mysterious stranger Suz finds amongst the devastated remains of Vega VI? What is Alby's secret? Can the Daleks' relentless advance across the galaxy ever be stopped?
"Bloodtide" (June 18, 2001): Written by Jonathan Morris, directed by Gary Russell. Stars Colin Baker and Maggie Stables as the Sixth Doctor and Evelyn. "The prehistoric Earth is dying. Thunderclouds roll across the skies, cloaking the land in darkness. The seas crash and boil as the rain turns to acid. The remnants of the Silurian race place themselves in suspended animation, deep below the surface. One day they will awaken and reclaim their world... The TARDIS has landed on the Galapagos Islands, a desolate outcrop of rocks shrouded in mist and fear. In the settlement of Baquerizo Moreno, there are rumours that prisoners have been mysteriously disappearing from the gaolhouse. A fisherman has been driven insane by something he saw in the caves. And the Doctor and Evelyn are not the only new arrivals; there is also a young natural philosopher by the name of Charles Darwin..." Also stars Miles Richardson (Darwin), George Telfer (Captain Fitzroy), Julian Harries (Governor Lawson), Daniel Hogarth (S'Rel Tullock), Helen Goldwyn (Shevak) and Janie Goddard (Greta). Features the Sixth Doctor and Evelyn with the return of the Silurians from the television series, and... Charles Darwin! Music by Alistair Lock.
"Dust Breeding" (July 23, 2001): Written by Mike Tucker, directed by Gary Russell. Stars Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred as the Seventh Doctor and Ace. "On nineteenth Century Earth artist Edvard Munch hears an infinite scream pass through nature. Centuries later his painting of that Scream hangs in a gallery on the barren dust world Duchamp 331. Why is there a colony of artists on a planet that is little more than a glorified garage? What is the event that the passengers of the huge, opulent pleasure cruiser 'Gallery' are hoping to see? And what is hidden in the crates that litter the cargo hold? The Doctor's diary indicates that the painting is about to be destroyed in 'mysterious circumstances', and when he and Ace arrive on Duchamp 331, those circumstances are well underway."Originally this slot was filled by a story called "Dark Rising" though we are told by Big Finish that Tucker was dissatisfied with his own progress on the script, and so he submitted a completely different story that Big Finish accepted.
Dalek Empire II: The Human Factor (August 6, 2001): Written and directed by Nicholas Briggs. Alby Brook and Gordon Pellan are following the best information they have to locate Suz in Dalek-infested space. But what is it the Daleks want with her? On the slave planet Guria, Alby discovers Suz is already gaining a reputation as something of an angel of mercy. Could it be that she is now working for the Daleks? But as Suz and Kalendorf travel from planet to planet a murmur of defiance is growing… 'Death to the Daleks… death to the Daleks…'
"Project Twilight" (August 20, 2001): Written by Cavan Scott & Mark Wright, directed by Gary Russell. Features the Sixth Doctor and Evelyn, and is a vampire story set in modern day London. Says DWM: "a gritty tale of vampirism in modern-day London, the story promises gore, gambling and garlic galore."
"The Eye of the Scorpion" (September 17, 2001): Written by new author Iain McLaughlin. A Fifth Doctor & Peri pseudo-historical romp through ancient Egypt.
Dalek Empire III: Death to the Daleks (October 3, 2001): Written and directed by Nicholas Briggs. Suz decides it is time to take control of events. But when she is summoned to an audience with the Dalek Emperor, she begins to fear that all her efforts have been in vain. Meanwhile, Earth Alliance Security commander-in-chief Tanlee is intent on locating Alby. The Dalek advance across the galaxy seems unstoppable and the only possibility of salvation for the human race lies in the Lopra System. But how can Alby help, when no one will tell him the purpose of 'Project Infinity'?
"Colditz" (October 22, 2001): Written by Steve Lyons. A Seventh Doctor and Ace story set in Colditz, Germany.
Untitled story (November 2001): No information
Dalek Empire IV: Project Infinity (December 3, 2001): Written and directed by Nicholas Briggs. The Seers of Yaldos have a sad story to tell, but Alby and Kalendorf know they must listen. Meanwhile, the Daleks seem unconcerned by their recent defeats. They have their sights firmly fixed on Project Infinity. In the hands of the Daleks, the human race's only hope of victory could signal the destruction of the entire universe.
"The One Doctor" (December 17, 2001): Written by Gareth Roberts and Clayton Hickman, directed by Gary Russell. Features the Sixth Doctor and Mel in their first audio together. ("A frantic romp around the galaxy in the company of some rather surprising characters," according to DWM.)
"Invaders From Mars" (January 2002): Written and directed by Mark Gatiss. The second 'season' of Eighth Doctor & Charley adventures starring Paul McGann and India Fisher begins. "The TARDIS misses the date by a few years and miles, arriving instead in New York, 1938. While the Doctor assumes the guise of a local gumshoe and helps out a dame searching for her missing uncle, Charley is kidnapped by hoodlums trying to break into another gangster's 'patch'. Meanwhile, in the studios of CBS Radio, Orson Welles is transmitting his ground-breaking War of the Worlds radio drama, blissfully unaware that New York has indeed been visited by aliens..." Also stars Ian Hallard (Mouse), Mark Benton (Ellis), Jonathan Rigby (John Houseman), David Benson (Orson Welles), Paul Putner (Bix Biro), Simon Pegg (Don Chaney), Jessica Stevenson (Glory Bee) and John Arthur (Cosmo Devine).
"The Chimes of Midnight" (February 2002): Written by Rob Shearman, directed by Barnaby Edwards. "Still unable to reach 1930, the TARDIS places the Doctor and Charley into a Victorian household, in 1906. There they meet the servants of Edward Grove who seems to keep his workers in a constant state of bewilderment and terror. When the scullery maid is found murdered, it falls to the famous amateur sleuth known as the Doctor to solve the mysteries. The only trouble is, the household keep shifting into different moments in time." Also stars Louise Rolfe (Edith), Lennox Greaves (Mr. Shaughnessy), Sue Wallace (Mrs. Baddeley), Robert Curbishley (Frederick) and Juliet Warner (Mary).
"Seasons of Fear" (March 2002): Written by Paul Cornell and Caroline Symcox, directed by Gary Russell. "The TARDIS finally gets Charley to Singapore in time for the festivities. However, while she enjoys her young man's company, his Grandfather, Sebastian Grayle, taunts the Doctor. Apparently, they are old and bitter enemies and Grayle has finally succeeded in killing the Doctor. With time running out, the Doctor and Charley must embark on a journey through history to discover how Grayle received the 'gift' of immortality and just how he has managed to destroy the Time Lord..." Also stars Stephen Perring (Sebastian Grayle), Stephen Fewell (Marcus and Richard Martin), Robert Curbishley (Lucillius), Lennox Greaves (Edward the Confessor), Sue Wallace (Edith), Justine Mitchell (Lucy Martin).
"Embrace the Darkness" (April 2002): Written and directed by Nicholas Briggs. "The Doctor and Charley travel to the remote Cimmerian System to unravel the mystery of its sun. But darkness has already embraced the scientific base on Cimmeria IV in more ways than one. In a fight for survival, the Doctor must use all his wits against a deadly artificial life-form and an ancient race whose return to the Cimmerian System threatens suffering and death on an apocalyptic scale." Also stars Nicola Boyce (Orllensa), Lee Moone (Ferras), Mark McDonnell (Haliard) and Ian Brooker (ROSM).
"The Time of the Daleks" (May 2002): Written by Justin Richards, directed by Nicholas Briggs. "The Daleks are back and face the Eighth Doctor for the first time. As the Dalek Empire continues to spread through the galaxies, they seek, once again, to conquer the fourth dimension and travel back to the post-apocalyptic twenty-first century Earth to find a particular leader who can aid them in their quest. To the Doctor, their time device is crude and unworkable. And yet it does lead him to wonder if the Daleks know more than they are letting everyone else believe." Also stars Learman Dot Smith (General Mariah), Nicola Boyce (Viola), Julian Harries (Major Ferdinand), Jem Bassett (Kitchen Boy), Mark McDonnell (Priestly), Lee Moone (Hart), Ian Brooker (Professor Osric) and Nicholas Briggs & Alistair Lock (Dalek Voices).
"NeverLand" (June 2002): Written by Alan Barnes, directed by Gary Russell, featuring special guest star Lalla Ward as President Romana. "Why are the Time Lords so keen to track the Doctor down? Exactly what lengths will the Celestial Intervention Agency go to in their efforts to retrieve something important from within his TARDIS? Who is the mythological destroyer Zagreus? And what has caused Imperiatrix Romanadvoratrelundar to declare war on the rest of creation? The Doctor seeks the answers deep within an entirely new universe and must face up to the actions not only of himself but the hundreds and thousands of Time Lords who have gone before. NeverLand is set to end this run of adventures for the Eighth Doctor on an explosive high and it is true to say that nothing will ever be the same again!" Also stars Anthony Keetch (Vansell), Peter Trapani (Kurst), Holly King (Levith), Lee Moone (Under-Cardinal), Mark McDonnell (Rorvan), Nicola Boyce (Taris) and Dot Smith, Jonathan Rigby and Ian Hallard (Matrix Voices).

Big Finish Audio Online Ordering: Big Finish has opened its online store, allowing secure ordering from its website. Big Finish's website can be found at http://www.doctorwho.co.uk.

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