Doctor Who: The Beginning (DVD)

Starring: William Hartnell, Carole Ann Ford, William Russell, Jacqueline Hill
Contributors: Verity Lambert
Studio: BBC
Genre: Television
Main Language: English
Region: Region 2
Release Date: 30 Jan 2006
Originally Issued: 1964
No of Discs: 3
BBFC Cert: (12) Suitable for 12 years and over.
Run Time: 325 minutes

Description

The first three adventures for the Doctor (William Hartnell) from the classic BBC television sci-fi series, including all 13 episodes. In the 'An Unearthly Child' episodes, the Doctor takes schoolteachers Ian (William Russell) and Barbara (Jacqueline Hill) back to the dawn of human history after they discover his TARDIS time machine. There, they become embroiled in a dangerous conflict between groups of cavemen who have lost the secret of making fire.

In 'The Daleks' episodes, the team travel to the ravaged planet of Skaro, where the meet the pacifist race of Thals, and the evil mutant Daleks. When the Doctor interferes, the Daleks learn information vital to their survival and hatch a plan to wipe out the Thals. But, with the Doctor's help, the Thals start an attack that wipes out the Daleks completely.

In the 'Edge of Destruction' episodes, the TARDIS is hit by a massive explosion and at first the Doctor suspects Ian and Barbara of sabotage. As it becomes clear that a mechanical fault has caused the problem and is sending the TARDIS hurtling towards destruction, the time machine itself is able to communicate with the crew and warn them of danger. The Doctor finally accepts Ian and Barbara as proper members of his crew.

Episodes are: 'An Unearthly Child'; 'The Cave of Skulls'; 'The Forest of Fear'; 'The Firemaker'; 'The Dead Planet'; 'The Survivors'; 'The Escape'; 'The Ambush'; 'The Expedition'; 'The Ordeal'; 'The Rescue'; 'The Edge of Destruction'; and 'The Brink of Disaster'.

Special Features

• Interactive Menus
• Bonus Footage
• Interviews: William Russell, Carole Ann Ford
• Other Documentary: Pilot episode, designing the Daleks