BBC Worldwide have provided clarification on how to get replacements for the faulty discs within the recently released Season Twelve Collection can be requested.

We will be offering replacements for the errors on Disc 3 (The Sontaran Experiment) and Disc 5 (Revenge of the Cybermen) in the Doctor Who The Collection Season 12 Blu-ray release.

In order to obtain a replacement, please email your name and address and proof of purchase to the appropriate DVD Support line in the form of a receipt from the retailer. If you do not have a receipt from the retailer, then please email a picture of the product with your full name and postal address in view in the picture. This is for fraud prevention reasons.

• If you have the UK version, please email DVDSupport@bbc.com.
• If you have the US version, Region A replacements, please email DVDSupport.NA@bbc.com directly.
• If you have the Australian version and are based in Australia, please email ConsumerCare@roadshow.com.au directly.

The estimated time frame for the replacement to be available is 2-3 weeks.
Please allow some time for the replacement disc to reach you.
We have a high volume of emails and customers to deal with, please bear with us.

Replacement requests and proof of purchase emails should only be sent to these email addresses and not the DVD Enquiry line.

If you have sent your proof of purchase already we will not respond to your email unless there is an issue with your proof. Please await the replacements as outlined above.

Please be assured that we have logged every proof and will get around to replacing all customers discs.

Owing to an administrative issue, some customers erroneously did not receive the correct replacement of Revenge of the Cybermen; DVD Support have apologised for the error, and advise:

If you have received the incorrect Disc 5, we will re-send it when available please re-email the DVD Support line only once with your postal address only. You do not need to resend your proof of purchase.

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A roundup of competitions now open for entry - all competitions are open worldwide with a closing date of Sunday 3rd December 2017.

BBC Worldwide: Shada [order from Amazon UK] 

"Delicate matter, slightly. It's about a book..." Chris Parsons is happily engrossed in studying post-graduate physics at Cambridge, when one day he finds an old book, sitting on a dusty shelf in an ageing professor's library. Written in a language nobody can read and made of a paper that can't be torn, this is no ordinary book. And when it enters his life, everything changes for young Chris Parsons. Soon finding himself aboard an invisible space-ship, chased by monsters made of molten rock; aboard an alien prison on a distant planet and attacked by a horde of mind-control zombies. Chris also meets a strange man with a very long scarf who claims he can travel through time and space... in a police box. It's going to be a busy day for Chris Parsons. An abandoned Doctor Who classic is brought to life. Starring Tom Baker and written by Douglas Adams, this is “Shada” for a modern audience, with footage upscaled to high definition, and incomplete footage now completed using high-quality animation.

To be in with a chance to win the story on Blu Ray, simply answer the following question:

This release isn't the first time Shada has been animated, but what was the main difference between the original and the 2003 online version of the story?

Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-shada@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "It's just a Gallifreyan Nursery Book". Open to readers within the United Kingdom. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

BBC Audio: The Five Doctors [order from Amazon UK] 

Jon Culshaw reads this classic novelisation of Doctor Who's special 20th Anniversary TV adventure, featuring the Doctor in each of his first five incarnations. Each one has been removed from his time-stream and - with one unfortunate exception - brought to the Death Zone on Gallifrey. There they, along with an array of their loyal former companions, encounter numerous deadly obstacles including Daleks, Cybermen, Yeti, the Master and a fiendish set of puzzles. Who is the ultimate enemy they must all unite to defeat? Based on Terrance Dicks's epic TV adventure, first broadcast in 1983, The Five Doctors offered readers a chance to turn the clock back and meet some old friends – and some old enemies.

To be in with a chance to win the audiobook courtesy of BBC Audio, simply answer the following question:

What was unusual about the publication date of the original Target novelisation of The Five Doctors?

Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-fivedoctors@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "Above, Between, Below". Open to readers worldwide. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

BBC Audio: The Classic TV Adventures Collection Two [order from Amazon UK] 

Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker and Peter Davison star as the Doctor in these narrated full-cast TV soundtracks of classic Doctor Who TV serials. Each one is enhanced with linking narration by a member of the original cast, including Frazer Hines, Caroline John, Richard Franklin, Louise Jameson, Lalla Ward and Janet Fielding. The six stories included in this volume are The Krotons, The Ambassadors of Death, The Mind of Evil, Horror of Fang Rock, City of Death and Warriors of the Deep, and they feature encounters with crystalline monsters, lost aliens, an alien mind parasite, a Rutan scout, Scaroth of the Jagaroth, and the combined might of the Silurians and the Sea Devils.

To be in with a chance to win the audiobook courtesy of BBC Audio, simply answer the following question:

Which of these stories has yet to be scheduled for release as an audiobook (book adaptation)?

Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-classictv@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "Sound Invasions". Only one entry per household will be accepted.

Galaxy 4: Return to Devil's End Signed Print [order from Galaxy 4] 

Personally signed by RICHARD FRANKLIN and JOHN LEVENE with facsimile printed signatures of JON PERTWEE and NICHOLAS COURTNEY. This image taken during the RETURN TO DEVIL'S END video shoot in Aldbourne has never before been released. A4.

To be in with a chance to win one of the prints courtesy of Galaxy 4, simply answer the following question:

Which real-life village represented Devil's End during filming for The Daemons?

Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-galaxy4@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "Fancy a dance, Brigadier?". Open to readers worldwide. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

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This Christmas will see the Doctor Who Christmas Special shown in cinemas around Australia on Boxing Day:

BBC Worldwide Australia and New Zealand and Sharmill Films are giving Doctor Who fans a special gift this Christmas with an event screening of this year’s Christmas Special Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time. The epic finale to the Peter Capaldi era of Doctor Who will be coming to Australian cinemas on Boxing Day, featuring the return of Pearl Mackie and special guests Mark Gatiss (Sherlock) and David Bradley (Game of Thrones). The event will also introduce the Thirteenth Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker (Broadchurch), who is the first woman to take on the role.

The cinema event will also feature two exclusive bonus pieces, taking audiences behind the scenes to the filming of this holiday special and celebrating the tenures of Peter Capaldi as the Doctor and Steven Moffat as showrunner and lead writer.

Fans throughout Australia will be able to enjoy the event in select cinemas through Sharmill Films. Information on participating cinemas and purchasing tickets for Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time can be found here.

Louise Hill, Live Entertainment Executive, BBC Worldwide ANZ, said:

Doctor Who fans love watching the show on the big screen and with Peter Capaldi regenerating into the first female Doctor, this promises to be an iconic episode.

Jacinta Palmer, Marketing Manager of Sharmill Films, said:

There’s nothing quite like the big screen experience, and we’re thrilled to give fans the opportunity to bid farewell to the fantastic Peter Capaldi in cinemas nationally, and to usher in Jodie Whittaker’s hugely anticipated debut as the 13th Doctor.

As well as this great chance for fans to come together and watch Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time on the big screen, the episode will also be available on ABC iview immediately after the UK broadcast and will air on ABC at 7.30pm December 26th. Straight afterwards fans can join Rove and his guests for a special regeneration episode of WHOVIANS, 8.30pm ABC COMEDY.

Related Articles: The Return of Doctor Mysterio (22 Nov 2017)

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BBC Worldwide are looking for people to work at the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff this summer.

Fixed term Summer contracts are being offered to support the core team at the Experience during peak periods over the holiday period before the Experience closes its doors later this year.

Successful candidates will be expected to deliver excellent customer service and interact with guests at every opportunity. They will need to be able to answer visitor questions and deal with queries as well as assisting visitors who have special requirements, as well as assisting with large groups and school parties. You must be able to work on a rota basis including weekends, Bank Holidays and evenings.

The BBC is looking for people with a personable and friendly manner with the ability to work within a fast paced team environment. Fluency in a second language is useful as is enjoyment and knowledge of Doctor Who, including the classic series.

The closing date for applicants is 7 July 2017.

Full details can be found at BBC Career Search

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BBC Worldwide has announced that the BBC Store website and apps will be closing on 1st November 2017.

The BBC Store was launched in the UK in November 2015, giving users the ability to download programmes from the extensive BBC archive. It was the platform chosen to launch the animated version of The Power of the Daleks last autumn. However, the service has struggled to compete with the established streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime and BBC Worldwide have taken the decision to close the service.

Users who have purchased items from the site will be able to download and watch them until the site closes in November. The items will then become unavailable and users will be able to request a refund. From 1st June you will no longer be able to watch programmes you purchased from BBC Store on BBC iPlayer.

Refunds can be processed earlier than November, but you will lose the ability to access your programmes once the refund has been issued. Refunds will either be credited to the user's bank account or can be taken as Amazon Video vouchers. Those who opt for vouchers will receive 10% more than they are owed, as a goodwill gesture. For full details logon to the BBC Store website.

A statement on the BBC Store website says the BBC will continue to find new ways of making BBC archive content available.

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BBC Worldwide have issued a press release indicating that the entire catalogue of Doctor Who related shows will be made available in China via Shanghai Media Group Pictures, which includes a first look at Doctor Who up to its fifteenth series!

BBC Worldwide today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with leading Chinese media company, Shanghai Media Group Pictures (SMG Pictures) that will see expansion of the Doctor Who brand in China.

The MOU was inked yesterday evening at a signing ceremony at BBC Worldwide’s Television Centre in London, with Mr Chen Sijie, GM of SMG Pictures and Jaclyn-Lee Joe, Chief Marketing Officer, BBC Worldwide. Madam Wang Jianjun, Director General President of Shanghai Media Group, Tim Davie, Chief Executive of BBC Worldwide and Kelvin Yau, GM, Greater China, BBC Worldwide witnessed the event.

The agreement will see BBC Worldwide working with SMG Pictures to increase the Doctor Who fan base in China, exploring future opportunities as well as exchanging expertise between the two teams.

The MOU comes on the back of a content deal that BBC Worldwide also signed with SMG Pictures yesterday evening. The deal will see the entire catalogue of Doctor Who including spin-offs, Torchwood and Class available on popular TV channels and on-demand platforms all over China.

The deal not only covers Showrunners Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat’s Series 1- 10, but also incoming Showrunner Chris Chibnall’s yet-to-film Series 11, well as a first look for Series 12-15.

Jaclyn-Lee Joe, Chief Marketing Officer, BBC Worldwide, said:

This marks the start of a longer and even more fruitful partnership with SMGP,” said . “Doctor Who already has a substantial fan base in China. Now, Chinese fans will be able to access the entire catalogue of Doctor Who and its spin-offs thanks to this agreement. The MOU is an affirmation of both parties’ commitment to build the Doctor Who brand and grow its fan base in China.

Chen Sijie, General Manager, SMG Pictures, said:

China is going through a time of tremendous growth and rapid market development. Everyone here is curious about popular cultures around the world. At the same time, they want to share their Chinese culture and values. Doctor Who, with its long television history and iconic place in popular culture, is a great representative of British pop culture. We hope that this partnership with BBC Worldwide will enable both parties, as well as Chinese and British fans to share and exchange ideas and learnings to grow the universe of Doctor Who in China.

BBC Worldwide and Oriental Pearl Group previously worked together on the theatrical release of Sherlock – The Abominable Bride as well as the upcoming launch of One Amazing Day a co-production with SMG Pictures. The entire catalogue of Top Gear, Top Gear UK and all the UK specials, as well as five series of Top Gear USA, six series of Top Gear Korea and both series of Top Gear China has also recently launched on BesTV, SMG’s linear television service. There has also been a CBeebies programming block on BesTV since 2014.

• Shanghai Media Group Pictures is the film business unit of Oriental Pearl Group, held by Shanghai Media Group.
• Doctor Who is a BBC Studios production for BBC One and a BBC AMERICA co-production.

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BBC Worldwide have released details on the forthcoming DVD/Blu-ray sets for the current series of Doctor Who:

Series 10, Peter Capaldi’s final series as the Doctor, will be available to buy in two parts on DVD and Blu-ray, as well as a complete version releasing later this year. Both Parts 1 and 2 are now available for pre-order from Amazon, iTunes and HMV.

Released on the 29th May, Part 1 will cover episodes 1-6 of the Doctor’s latest adventures. The Doctor is keen to show his new friend, Bill Potts, the wonders of the universe, but loveable android Nardole reminds him of an oath he has taken to guard the contents of a mysterious vault.

Part 2, released on 17th July, features episodes 7-12 in which the Doctor’s travels bring him face-to-face with Ice Warriors and Cybermen. His adventures draw to a terrifying conclusion as a long lost face from the past returns.

Both Parts will also include six, exclusive art-cards, which are themed to each episode.

Bonus material for both Parts 1 and 2 will include an Inside Look feature for each of the twelve episodes. The episodic features will include behind the scenes footage; cast interviews and the inside story.


Full details of bonus material for the Complete Series DVD & BD will be announced in due course and will include the Binaural Sound edition of episode 4, Knock, Knock. Binaural Sound gives an immersive spatial sound experience for headphone listeners.

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BBC Worldwide and Skype have today announced the launch of the first ever Doctor Who Bot. The Doctor will open the TARDIS doors and invite players to help him save the Universe in an exciting interactive digital experience titled The Saviour of Time. The brand new bot uses the latest technology to deliver a unique experience between the Doctor and the player.

In a world first, users get the thrilling opportunity to be the Doctor's companion as the bot immerses them in a specially-written six-part Doctor Who adventure. Players will experience the Doctor communicating with them directly and setting them challenges that can only be solved by the best companions.

Launching across multiple territories today, 3rd May, the bot includes challenges, logic puzzles, and quizzes, revolving around the search for a mysterious artefact known as the Key To Time. Scattered throughout time and space, users must locate all six segments of the Key and restore it, in order to save the Universe.

Following the launch today, a new Chapter will be released every Sunday at 6 PM (BST), shortly after episodes of Doctor Who series 10 air on BBC One, BBC AMERICA (USA), Space (Canada), ABC (Australia) and in other key international markets.

Jaclyn Lee-Joe, Chief Marketing Officer at BBC Worldwide said:

It’s hugely exciting to be launching a Doctor Who Bot on Skype - which gives us the opportunity to deliver a new form of digital story-telling with our cutting-edge brand. Through this new innovation we get to experience first-hand how bots can help deliver digital first content, and immerse audiences, old and new, in the Doctor Who universe like never before.

Steven Abrahams, Group Product Manager, Studios and Strategic Partnerships for Skype said:

Our goal is for everyone in the world to experience the best Skype has to offer and the Doctor Who bot with BBC Worldwide brings a range of new features and functionality. We’re excited to see the bot bring users and fans one step closer to meeting the iconic Doctor.

The bot will feature exclusive voice-over from Twelfth Doctor Peter Capaldi, and is creatively developed by writing talent Joseph Lidster (The Sarah Jane Adventures, Torchwood).

The Doctor Who Bot builds upon existing relationships between BBC Worldwide and Skype, working together to uncover exciting new ways to reach audiences. In 2015 Skype launched the shareable, movie and TV clips initiative, Skype Mojis – featuring exhilarating short-form content from Top Gear, Doctor Who, and Sherlock.

To add the Doctor Who Bot manually, users need to search for “Doctor Who Bot” in the Skype Bot Directory, read the bot’s profile and terms, and then click “Add to Contacts”. To see new updates as they begin to roll out, users need to be on the latest Skype app for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or Web.


The Doctor Who Bot will be available from the Skype Bot directory in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Italy, Spain, France, Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Czech Republic, Estonia, Portugal, Russia, Mexico, and Brazil.


Click here to add the Doctor Who bot to Skype and start saving the universe! Visit the Skype blog for more information on the bot and click here for a step-to-step guide on how to use the bot.

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BBC Worldwide and Fathom Events have sent further details on their plans to show the new series premiere, The Pilot on cinema screens around the United States:

Tickets are now available for the Fathom Events presentation of BBC AMERICA’s Doctor Who: Season 10 Premiere, playing in movie theaters nationwide for two nights only on Monday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. local time, following BBC AMERICA’s television premiere on Saturday, April 15 at 9/8c.

In addition to the feature content, audiences will enjoy the premiere episode of the Doctor Who spinoff series Class, featuring a guest appearance by the Doctor himself, Peter Capaldi, and the never-before-seen bonus feature Becoming the Companion, in which fans will travel with new companion Pearl Mackie from the London stage through the doors of the TARDIS to a once-in-a-lifetime role, or as Pearl says, “the most insane thing that's ever happened to me.” The bonus feature includes exclusive interviews with Pearl Mackie, Peter Capaldi, and Steven Moffat, and is narrated by Ingrid Oliver.

With as the official retail partner of the Doctor Who: Season 10 Premiere cinema event, attendees can bring in their ticket stub or proof of purchase to Hot Topic retail locations for 25% off Doctor Who merchandise, valid March 10 – May 6, 2017.

In addition, fans who purchase tickets through Atom Tickets will receive three free Doctor Who digital comic books from Titan Comics and ComiXology, delivered to purchasing email address on event date.

These partnerships along with Fathom Events presentation is all brought together through licensing deals with BBC Worldwide North America.

Tickets can also be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 550 select movie theaters. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Related Articles: US Cinema outing for series premiere (2 Mar 2017)

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BBC Worldwide ANZ and Sharmill Films have announced that they will be presenting a special event screening of the first episode of the new series, The Pilot over Easter Sunday and Monday.

The episode sees the introduction of new sidekick Bill, as played by Pearl Mackie: Louise Hill, Live Entertainment Executive for BBC Worldwide ANZ, said:

With Bill, the new companion, making her on-screen debut we’re happy to give audiences the chance to experience the new duo on the big-screen for the first time.

Natalie Miller AO, Sharmill Films Executive Director, added:

The introduction of a new companion is a time(lord)-honoured event in the Doctor Who universe, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with the BBC once again to present this very special cinema event to Australian fans.

Full details on the event can be found on the Sharmill Films website, including cinema venues and ticket information once available.


The Pilot will premiere in Australia on ABC iview immediately after the UK broadcast on 16th April, and will air simultaneously on ABC (in HD) and ABC ME at 7.40pm.

Australian Cinema Trailer (via YouTube)


Doctor Who: The Pilot, sees Peter Capaldi embark on his thrilling final chapter as the Twelfth Doctor as well as the introduction of brand new companion Pearl Mackie as Bill Potts and the return of Matt Lucas as Nardole. Cinema-goers will also get an exclusive chance to travel with Pearl from the London stage through the doors of the TARDIS to a once-in-a-lifetime role, or as Pearl says “the most insane thing that’s ever happened to me.” Featuring exclusive interviews with Peter Capaldi and Steven Moffat and narrated by Ingrid Oliver.

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Fathom Events are planning to show this year's series premiere of Doctor Who in cinemas across the United States on the 17th and 19th April, including additional features:

Come together with fellow fans to celebrate the return of Doctor Who to the airwaves when the Doctor Who Season 10 Premiere returns to the big screen! Join Peter Capaldi (World War Z, In the Loop) as the Doctor, Matt Lucas (Bridesmaids, Alice in Wonderland) as Nardole, and Pearl Mackey (Svengali) as the new Companion, Bill, for two nights only including exclusive bonus features to be announced soon. The Doctor Who: Season 10 Premiere is written and executive produced by Steven Moffat, executive produced by Brian Minchin, produced by Peter Bennett, and directed by Lawrence Gough. The season was shot in Cardiff at BBC Wales Roath Lock Studios. Doctor Who is produced by BBC Studios Wales in co-production with BBC AMERICA.

Doctor Who Fans - We want you to have fun at these cinema events – but safety is paramount. Please note that attending in costume is fine, however masks, face-concealing make-up, fake weapons as well as any costumes that conceal what you are carrying, your natural body shape or face are strictly prohibited.

More details are expected shortly, with tickets going on sale via the Fathom website from the 10th March.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A spokesman for Cardiff council said:

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

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

Related Articles: Doctor Who Experience to Close (7 NOV 2016)

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BBC Worldwide have confirmed details for the forthcoming blu-ray release of the 1996 Doctor Who Television Movie, starring Paul McGann.

Unlike the blu-ray release of Spearhead from Space the TV Movie hasn't been re-scanned from its original film elements to create a high definition version, but is instead presented as a 1080/50i upscaled image. Also, whereas Spearhead featured new supporting features, this release ports across those featured on the "Special Edition" version, previously only available as part of the Revisitations boxed set released in 2010. In addition, the 2013 mini-episode The Night of The Doctor - in which McGann reprised his role as the Doctor for the 50th Anniversary of the show - has also been included.

Full details below:

Doctor Who - The Movie
Release date: 19 Sep 2016 UK (available for pre-order)
Running time: 85 mins

Starring Paul McGann as The Doctor, with Daphne Ashbrook as Grace and Yee Jee Tso as Chang Lee
With Eric Roberts as The Master
Written by Matthew Jacobs
Directed by Geoffrey Sax

Broadcast: 27 May 1996

The Doctor is returning home to Gallifrey with the remains of his arch-nemesis, the Master. Forced off course, the TARDIS arrives in San Francisco on New Year’s Eve 1999, where the Doctor is critically wounded in a gangland gun battle. At the local hospital, Dr Grace Holloway fights – and fails – to save his life. Later, in the morgue, the Doctor wakes up a new man. But he is not the only one – the Master has also found himself a new body. As the clock counts down to the start of a new millennium, can the Doctor stop his oldest enemy destroying all life on Earth?

Special Features: Disc One (blu-ray)

• Commentary 1 - with director Geeoffrey Sax (recorded 2001)
• Commentary 2 - with Doctors Paul McGann and Sylvester McCoy, moderated by Toby Hadoke (recorded 2009)
• The Seven Year Hitch - documenting the return of Doctor Who to the screen. Narrated by Amanda Drew.
• The Doctor's Strange Love - writers Joe Lidster and Simon Guerrier discuss The TV Movie with comedian Josie Long.
• The Night of the Doctor - the mini-episode released in 2013 in the run-up to the show’s 50th anniversary special, marking Paul McGann’s second on-screen appearance as the Eighth Doctor.
• Isolated Score - the option to view The TV Movie with the isolated music soundtrack.
• Music Tracks - tour tracks from the production presented in full: In a Dream, All Dressed Up, Ride into the Moonlight and Auld Lang Syne.
• Production Subtitles
• Photo Gallery

Special Features: Disc Two (DVD)

• Electric Press Kit - used by Fox in 1996, this includes a short documentary and interview segments to allow other broadcasters to put together their own packages about the TV Movie.
• Behind the Scenes - on set and on location in Vancouver, Canada during the filming of The TV Movie.
• Philip Segal’s Tour of the TARDIS
• Alternate Takes
• VFX Tests June 1994 - early video effects tests by Amblin Imaging in 1994, featuring the ‘Spider Dalek’ design.
• VFX March 1996 - video effects presented as mute time-coded ‘work in progress’ shots from the CGI department.
• Paul McGann Audition
• BBC Trails
• The Wilderness Years - in the years between the end of the classic series and the broadcast of The TV Movie, Doctor Who survived in print, video and audio, kept alive by fans who were determined not to let it die.
• Stripped for Action – The Eighth Doctor - looking at the Doctor’s adventures in comic-strip form.
• Tomorrow’s Times – The Eighth Doctor - a look back at the contemporary coverage of The TV Movie in newspapers and other publications. Presented by Nicholas Courtney.
• Who Peter 1989-2009 - the second part of this documentary, exploring the special relationship between Doctor Who and Blue Peter. Presented by Gethin Jones.

Competition

To be in with a chance to win a copy of the Television Movie on blu-ray, simply answer the following question:

The TVM is set in 1999 San Francisco, but where was it actually filmed?

Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-tvm@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "Right, where to next?". The competition is open to UK readers only, closing date 30th September 2016. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

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The BBC have posted a teaser for a forthcoming announcement at midnight tonight via their Facebook page:

Visit Doctor Who News after midnight UK time for more details.

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

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

Related Articles: Moments in Time [USA/Canada] (14 May 2016); Moments in Time [UK/Worldwide] (27 May 2016)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(with thanks to BBC Worldwide Australia & New Zealand)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DVD Commentaries:

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

All The Doctor Who Extras from Series 9:

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

Doctor Who Documentaries:

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

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

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

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

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


The press release in full:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BBC Store’s Simon Farquhar said:

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

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

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

Relates Articles: BBC Store launches (5 Nov 2015); BBC challenged over ownership of TARDIS (10 Nov 2013)

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