September 5th, 2023
36 comments
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Big Finish Once and Future Episode Six Time Lord Immemorial
Available to order from www.bigfinish.com
The Time War. The Doctor has been injured and brought to a Time Lord field hospital. His body glows with energy, but this is no regeneration into a future form – instead, the Doctor’s past faces begin to appear as he flits haphazardly between incarnations…
Staggering to his TARDIS, the Doctor sets out to solve the mystery of his ‘degeneration’. Who has done this to him? How? And why? From the Earth to the stars, across an array of familiar times and places, he follows clues to retrace his steps, encountering old friends and enemies along the way. Tumbling through his lives, the Doctor must stop his degeneration before he loses himself completely…
Slipping between bodies, the Ninth Doctor finds his TARDIS caught between universes as the cosmos starts to break down. A Doctor from another reality arrives and they join forces with Liv Chenka and the Lumiat to find the cause. Someone has desecrated the mythical Hall of the Time Lord Immemorial, where the sands of time from the multiverse are held. And those sands are running out…
Categorised under: Big Finish, CD, Special Releases
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Alan Silvester
September 22nd, 2023 - 7:30pmI think this release is definitely cursed! More issues….
https://twitter.com/bigfinish/status/1705245379552285044
Doctor Mysterio
September 22nd, 2023 - 11:25pmGood on Big Finish for correcting the issue and communicating it clearly.
TheBrigadier@2013
September 15th, 2023 - 10:08pmReceived parts 2 and 3 on CD in the post today, as well as the missing slip case for part 1. I have to say, the slip cases are quite nice, with a silver-embossed logo on the front
The Fishmonger
September 16th, 2023 - 10:17amBrigadier, did you receive a notification that they had been shipped or did they just turn up?
TheBrigadier@2013
September 16th, 2023 - 7:34pmI got an email to say they’d been dispatched. The email mentioned parts 2 and 3 being dispatched, and they came together ❤️
AT
September 12th, 2023 - 7:43amNot impressed by the cover art. This whole series has become a mess. Ongoing Distribution issues, lack of communication from BF, controversial AI covers altered at the last minute, and underwhelming story’s. Much like the anniversary year so far it’s been very disappointing.
More then 2 alphabets
September 12th, 2023 - 10:31am1. Sorry you are not impressed by the cover, i suppose after 600+ different covers, big finish might sometimes not hit it out of the park…….
2. distribution issues – welcome to the post covid, ongoing Ukraine war, post brexit world we live in. Delays are being suffered as a nation, not just big finish
3. AI covers, not really a controversy, the CD’s look to be altered more out of uniformity then image and frankly, we live in a world of filters/air brushing.
4. keep hearing this no contact nonsense – Its been on social media, Its been on the podcast, Its been sent out in an email As of the time of writing I have had my dispatch email for disc 2 and 3 of the special editions, this brings us up to August 2023 for the backlog – not bad at all
5. Underwhelming story, your opinion but so far (and after multiple listens) this has been a great and different way to enjoy 60 years of Who, answers given later to questions asked earlier. Its been a solid ongoing issue, if this was a one release boxset i doubt anyone would complain. Not every big finish can be zagreus lol.
6. It is SEPTEMBER and the anniversary is NOVEMBER. We have had a range of FP doctor specific items, new sonic screwdriver, Dooms day event. 14th Doctors ongoing comic story, regular updates from the production team. trailers that actually TEASE THEN RUIN.
So much negativity – we had NOTHING during the chibnell era, just scraps.
Lets be grateful for what we get eh? a multi doctor story with eccleston. FINALLY the unbound doctor meeting the doctor after years of waiting. One more round from the legend that is david warner.
Hewy
September 16th, 2023 - 9:53amThough to be fair and balanced, the latest DWM has a negative review for #5 Planetiod 50 (and Once & Future in general) – it is very rare for any DWM review to be any less than glowing.
Alan Silvester
September 8th, 2023 - 1:39pmSpecial edition CD’s of Doctor Who “Once and Future” have made it to the BF warehouse Just seen a message on Twitter. It’s parts 2 & 3.
Their team will start sending these out immediately (along with the missing sleeve for episode one) – but, understandably, we need to bear with them as there are 3,000 copies to ship!’
Good news at last!
Lewis frisby
September 9th, 2023 - 10:34amSo what’s the difference between special edition the past lives cd and these onesies what ever they are I can’t wait to have the cds
More then 2 alphabets
September 12th, 2023 - 7:48amstandard edition has different artwork and less extras and no poster. Its not a huge difference really and was £3 cheaper then the S.E so wasn’t like anyone was getting ripped off
I ordered both versions and TBF, each are as good as each other, if you like your “classic doctor specific logo” on the front its the standard, if you like the artwork that matches when Big finish celebrated 40 years, its the special edition
its the same story either way
Timelord63
September 5th, 2023 - 9:21pmThis whole Once and Future release from Big Finish should of been one of the highlights of the 60th anniversary celebrations but so far has been an utter fiasco! Purchasers of the limited editions have so far only received the first part and it didn’t even come with the special packaging as advertised?
People have paid more for the limited editions which have worse covers than the standard editions and constant delays.
It’s frustrating as Big Finish take your money straight away unlike say Amazon who don’t until they actually dispatch to you.
Big Finish really needs to get its act together and address the constant delays?
Alan Silvester
September 6th, 2023 - 12:15pmAbsolutely agree with you Timelord63. I’m really regretting my purchase of these so-called “special editions”. It would have been much better if they had the standard edition covers, but with the special edition slipcases. Whilst the delays are very annoying (now about to be four releases behind the digital releases), what I find more frustrating is the lack of communication and proper explanation from BF. All you get is, “they’ve not been received at our warehouse”. Why? CD’s in other ranges being released are being received in a timely manner, so what is the specific problem with “Once and Future”? Like you say, paid £75 upfront and so far seen diddly-squat for my money. I won’t be doing that again. Very disappointed with BF at the moment.
Doctor Mysterio
September 6th, 2023 - 2:48pmThe stories are available to listen to on the app or for download, so you should still be able to enjoy them while we wait for the CDs. And to be fair to Big Finish they have been very honest about digital-first releases since before the Covid pandemic. I am sure they are doing what they can but some things may be out of their control. I trust they will come but I do understand the frustration.
Timelord63
September 6th, 2023 - 5:17pmHi Marc,
Response from Big Finish today –
Thank you for your email.
Please be advised we are doing everything we can to get the stock of all outstanding titles in as soon as we possibly can, but unfortunately there is no overnight fix.
We hope this will be rectify soon, it is just taking a little time.
We understand your frustrations and will of course have them re-packed and sent out to all customers waiting on pre-orders and soon as we physically can.
Although it’s something we would like unfortunately our website does not currently possess the functionality to provide different release dates for each CD and download releases. This is a suggestion we have put forwards and hope it’s something that can be implemented in the future.
We have been relying on our Customer Service team and repeated statement of operating on digital first to let customers know of the delays, but would like to assure you there’s no big secret or information being held regarding the delays in titles reaching us. Some titles, like the Nineth Doctor boxset have simply arrived quicker than others and the only difference that I know of is the artwork for the Once and Future Limited Editions has had to be double checked because of the mistake with Past Lives.
As I said previously the replacement artwork for Past Lives has now arrived in with us and this will be sent out with the next instalment of Once and Future.
Again, I can only apologise for the ongoing delays, but would like to remind you that you do have access to the downloads also If you’d like to listen to these sooner. We know this is not remotely ideal, but these are the only options we currently have.
Kevin225
September 6th, 2023 - 9:09pmYou are getting something if you are getting the download too. It isn’t as if you can’t listen to it if you want to. Comparing Big Finish to Amazon is a bit bizarre – Big Finish’s business model will no doubt work on Pre Orders helping to finance new productions. I suspect that they would struggle to stay in business if they only charged on dispatch of the product (download or CD). Yes, I am disappointed re the lack of the physical product too, but I HAVE listened to all of the releases to date via the Downloads so the opportunity is there if you want too!
Enough for 2 letters
September 7th, 2023 - 11:16amThis negativity towards Big Finish and the L.E of once and future is really starting to get stale. Really becoming a scenario of unfair fan demand.
I buy ALL doctor who BF CD’s – always want the physical media in my collection but I haven’t put a CD in a player for a good 10 years………….I use the BF App! It has everything ready to go! I have a audio jack for my phone in the car, headset for the office and Bluetooth to a sound bar. I totally understand the argument that people like their preferred way of listening but sadly, download is the future.
Physical media is very sadly a dying art and BF have stated whilst they will always supply to that audience, it is a minority of their buyers now. We are still in the receiving end of COVID and the war in ukraine effecting supply chains and thats before we put higher costs to produce.
Big finish is a SMALL company, this nonsense of comparing them to amazon/HMV etc etc is a total waste of time, amazon is the Ferrari of delivery and big finish is a space hopper by comparison……..sorry but its true, i love them but i NEVER expect fast service and I would blame the post for issues more then BF.
AND for the record, 99.9% of their CD’s are out and delivered very quickly, the ONE TIME they have big issues with suppliers, the fans turn on them like yesterdays jam……..
Maybe give the company a break eh? Download the app, or download it on a pc and stick it on a Disc, this is the first time I can think of that there has been a serious delay, its not a bad batting average and its not like they dont release 3-6+ discs a month!
Alex Oswin
September 7th, 2023 - 11:25amOne thing to add that no one has mentioned in this thread, is that Big Finish’s funding model is based on pre-orders. Pre-order sales help to cover the cost of future releases. That’s why there’s usually a discount on pre-ordering to entice listens to order in advance instead of waiting until it releases.
I don’t think that excuses the poor handling of the OAF Limited Editions but it is why they take the money at the point of pre-order.
DanWFA
September 8th, 2023 - 1:40pmBig Finish have the special edition copies now and are starting to send out all 3,000 of the ones already out. You didn’t have to wait too long Timelord63
RGB
September 5th, 2023 - 4:41pmWhats the dispatch like for the standard releases?
Timelord63
September 5th, 2023 - 9:11pmA lot better than those who have ordered the limited editions. People who ordered them have only received the first part so far and it didn’t have the special packaging as advertised!
Enough for 2 letters
September 7th, 2023 - 1:47pmall discs have been dispatched, all four parts. Minor delay but similar to the standard timeframe between download release to cd.
Timelord63
September 7th, 2023 - 8:57pmAll the discs have NOT been dispatched for the limited editions. Purchasers have only received the first of so far!
More then 2 alphabets
September 8th, 2023 - 6:12amI’m not talking about the Limited edition.
The question was regarding the standard edition.
More then 2 alphabets
September 8th, 2023 - 7:05amAlso the special packaging for part 1 has been confirmed as being sent with part 2. This has been stated on social media and direct email. It was an error and they have apologised for the mistake.
Let’s make sure we report all the info eh? Not just the negative
More then 2 alphabets
September 11th, 2023 - 4:55pmI note still a lack of positive comments after big finish quicm update, sad that fandom only speak if its negative…..
Just had my dispatch notice for discs 2 and 3 of my special editions.
This will bring big finish backlog up to 1 release for August 2023.
Brian Adams
September 5th, 2023 - 4:12pmI’m in the same position as Alan. The lack of contact from Big Finish is surprising and disappointing regarding the non delivery of the special editions. It’s the last time I will order directly from them…
Enough for 2 letters
September 7th, 2023 - 1:48pmNo contact?!?
Its been on social media
Its been on the podcast
Its been sent out in an email
How much more do they need to do?!?!??
LIGHT THE BEACONS OF GONDOR – ONCE AND FUTURE IS DELAYED!
FH
September 5th, 2023 - 2:25pmAh, the audio story that Eccleston’s been talking about for over a year that “WhoTubers” keep purposefully misinterpreting as him hinting at being in the 60th Anniversary.
w
September 5th, 2023 - 10:42pmWhotubers infuriate me. Taint on the fanbase
Doctor Mysterio
September 5th, 2023 - 1:52pmOnce again, the standard cover art is so much more impressive than on the special edition.
Alan Silvester
September 5th, 2023 - 2:55pmYep – and that’s assuming we ever get to see any of these “special” edition CD’s! About to be 4 months behind the digital releases, and the slip case for the one CD we have received still outstanding. Rather regretting my purchase of the special CD bundle.
Whofan44
September 5th, 2023 - 3:43pmTo be fair CD delays are not unexpected and they do say this on basket when you checkout. The CDs will come when they arrive at there warehouse.
Bob James
September 5th, 2023 - 1:01pmI am SO looking forward to this…………….
Jason
September 5th, 2023 - 10:39pmYeah and so what if it says they mite not arrive it’s the 60th anniversary this year and at this rate the cd of once and future 60th anniversary celebration will be out on cd next year priorities the 60th merchandise as it the year of it dam it disappointing
Enough for 2 letters
September 7th, 2023 - 1:54pmYeah its a shame its delayed but download the app and enjoy the story via download!
Im sure your shelves will survive waiting for the CD’s, mine certainly have……
Ive listened to the S.E’s day of release and its the same as a CD!