November 13th, 2021
89 comments
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Doctor Who Galaxy 4 Steelbook
Available to order from www.amazon.co.uk, www.hive.co.uk, www.zavvi.com and other selected retailers.
BBC Studios have announced the new Doctor Who: Galaxy 4 animation starring William Hartnell as the Doctor and can reveal artwork alongside a sneak peak of what’s included in the release. The new animated release will be available online and in store on DVD, Blu-ray and a Limited Edition Blu-ray Steelbook.
Galaxy 4 (alternatively spelled Galaxy Four) is the mostly-missing first serial of the third season of the British series Doctor Who, which originally aired in four weekly episodes from 11th September to 2nd October 1965.
Following the success of the existing animations, Galaxy 4 fills another gap in the missing Doctor Who content lost from the BBC’s archive soon after the programme’s original transmission. However, audio-only recordings of all four episodes have survived and have been used here to create a brand new fully animated presentation of the entirety of this lost classic, alongside the original surviving Episode 3 and over five minutes of original footage from the otherwise lost Episode 1.
The Doctor (William Hartnell) stars alongside his travel companions Vicki (Maureen O’Brien) and Steven (Peter Purves) which sees the TARDIS landing on a planet on the verge of total annihilation as it drifts too close to the three suns which it orbits. Trapped on the planet with them are the Drahvins, a race of warrior women, and the reptilian Rills. The Drahvins want to steal the Rill spaceship to escape the planet’s death throes, and enlist the Doctor’s help, which he is forced to give when Maaga, the cunning Drahvin leader, keeps first Vicki and then later Steven as her hostage. Even though the Doctor is determined to broker a peace deal between the two sides in this conflict and help everyone escape safely, Maaga doesn’t trust him, or the Rills…
The two disc release gives fans the opportunity to enjoy the four new animated episodes of Galaxy 4, in either colour or black and white.
The release will also include:
- Remastered Surviving Original Episode 3
- Remastered Surviving Clip from Episode 1
- Telesnap Reconstructions of Episodes 1,2 and 4.
- Audio Commentaries
- Making Of Documentary
- Finding Galaxy 4 Documentary
- Photo Gallery
- Production Subtitles
Gary Russell, Executive Producer from Big Finish Creative of the 2021 production said “After a gap of many years, it is very exciting to bring the era of the First Doctor back into the animation world. Galaxy 4 is one of the most traditional adventures of 1960s Doctor Who and it’s been a real honour to work on this alternative version which hopefully reflects those technicolour thrills that sci-fi moves of the ’60s had but which Doctor Who’s monochrome TV limitations couldn’t yet achieve.”
BFI Southbank will host a special screening of all 4 episodes of the newly animated story Galaxy 4 on 7th November 2021; tickets go on sale on 16th September at 11:30 to BFI Champions and Patrons, at 12:30 to BFI Members and at 16:00 to the general public.
DOCTOR WHO: GALAXY 4
Written by William Emms
Directed by Chloe Grech (2021 Production)
Directed by Derek Martinus (1965 Production)
Executive Producers for Big Finish Creative – Gary Russell, Mark B.Oliver and Jason Haigh-Ellery (2021 Production)
Executive Producer for BBC Studios – Russell Minton (2021 Production)
Produced by Verity Lambert (1965 Production)
Starring William Hartnell, Maureen O’Brien, Peter Purves, Stephanie Bidmead, Marina Martin, Susanna Caroll, Lyn Ashley.
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I’m Batman
November 18th, 2021 - 11:27amMine arrived earlier but it was broken. The spine broke off the left side (side of steelbook with the Doctor’s back showing).
I can try fixing it with Glue but it’s a shame.
There was no indication of damage with the box from Amazon.
Rory
November 18th, 2021 - 4:34pmSend it back. Amazon still have it in stock, so take a couple of pics and raise a return. It won’t cost you anything, so why settle for a broken product?
D84
November 19th, 2021 - 9:43amI quite agree get it returned and exchanged for another that would hopefully arrive in top notch condition.
I’ve had all of my Steel books (all of the animations thus far) from Amazon and have not had an issue with any of them (constantly touching wood of course in the hope that continues)
I’m Batman
November 23rd, 2021 - 1:58pmI think I’m too late now. Seems to not be in stock officially at least.
I suppose it could be worse. It’s still good to look at.
Coleman
November 17th, 2021 - 5:27pmDon’t know why it’s never been mentioned before. But that Rill ship doesn’t look very space worthy. (Original episodes). Years ago we used to have a Greenhouse in the back garden made out of plastic sheeting, that I’d sooner go into space with than in their ship?
Children of davros
November 18th, 2021 - 5:54pmNot sure if that is the original design as as far as I’m aware their are no photographs of it from the original production. I think it’s a mock up design for the reconstruction
Coleman
November 18th, 2021 - 8:49pmHello Chidren of davros, the Rills ship that the 1st Doctor enters in the 3rd Episode, Airlock?
Children of davros
November 18th, 2021 - 9:46pmThat’s not the ship itself its the temporary building attached to the ship coleman.
Auton
November 16th, 2021 - 7:11amAnother great animation. Galaxy 4 is such a fun story and it’s nice to finally have it animated. Hopefully the amount of animations for William Hartnell stories will now increase in chance after this. The making of is amazing and fun as well. Looking forward to watching everything else and looking forward to the next animation which is most likely the abominable snowmen due to being rumoured
Auton
November 16th, 2021 - 9:21amIf they didn’t include the mission to the unknown scene then it would be disappointing when mission is animated and they don’t flow into each other
Prof Horner
November 15th, 2021 - 8:19pmWell I enjoyed Galaxy 4. I was surprised that they did the lead in at the end to Mission to the unknown. I expected it to end with just the shot of the planet.nice bonus. But I wonder how long before we see the rest. Overall a nice production. Can’t get the running around right though, looks very silly.
Tim M
November 15th, 2021 - 6:45pmGreat steelbook! Lovely artwork. Very colourful. Really enjoyed the colour animation. Let’s hope we get some more missing Hartnell stories animated.
Neill Stringer
November 15th, 2021 - 9:19amMine came on Sat, watched first two. I usually watch the Black and White version first but the colours seem so vibrant and rich I thought I would do the colour first this time.
Coleman
November 15th, 2021 - 10:49amUsually what I do, watch first in Black & White but the colours are so rich in this animation I’m tempted to watch first in Colour.
Watched Evil first in Colour, still havnt Watched the black & White version or the Extras.
Coleman
November 14th, 2021 - 11:11amI’ll have to start ordering merchandising any old time. I always order literally the second items go on pre-order but it doesn’t do any good. Everyone and their Grandmother seems to get stuff before I do. (So what’s the point). If I wait weeks and weeks before I order in future I’ll get it just as quick.
Book collector
November 14th, 2021 - 11:54amColeman I ordered web, evil and galaxy the day there were announced. Web wasn’t sent so I ended up cancelling and going to a shop. Evil came on the day of release. And galaxy came yesterday. It’s just one of those things. Hopefully you should get yours soon. It’s good. I’ve watched the first disc, b&w plus reconstruction. I’m hoping to get the second disc done today. Really enjoyed it so far. Hope yours turns up tomorrow!
Coleman
November 14th, 2021 - 12:05pmHello book Collector. Yes same thing happens to me everytime I order a video. Whether I’m reading comments on this site or Facebook or Forums. People comment on watching the Black & White version of their new Discs then the colour version then maybe the day after some of the Special features then maybe day after that the rest of the special features, but I havnt even recieved the discs yet. To say I’m annoyed is an understatement.
Gordon
November 14th, 2021 - 12:13pmMine hasn’t turned up early either. I ended up just cancelling mine as I’m going to be away and will be in hmv/fopp long before I will next be at home
Coleman
November 14th, 2021 - 3:50pmHello Gordon, if theirs is a set release date for any Merchandise, I don’t know why all the company’s don’t stick to it and concentrate on getting any stock out to people for the release date?
booboo
November 14th, 2021 - 3:56pmit should be that way, shops are not allowed i believe to put stock until Monday but with postal issues its inevitable some people may get it early, its just the luck of the drawer, Amazon prime tend to use their own drivers so the vast majority will get this tomorrow. others use post which for some is next working day, as Saturday is not a working day in many people eyes 1st class sent Friday means many will get it Saturday which seems to be the case here.
Rob W
November 15th, 2021 - 11:53amAlso depends on where the Amazon distribution centre is. We have Sheffield and Doncaster so tend to get items pretty quickly. Hope you all get yours today.
Coleman
November 15th, 2021 - 12:37pmYeah, you wouldn’t believe I live between Doncaster and Sheffield.
Probably why ergon got his copy so early.
The ergon
November 15th, 2021 - 4:17pmBest thing to do in future is to avoid reading comments until your copies have arrived. That just adds to the frustration. I say the same thing when the sets start arriving. Just look and join in when you get them.
Coleman
November 15th, 2021 - 4:58pmYes ergon, I think that’s what frustrates me the most is the comments on the sets that have arrived early.
The ergon
November 15th, 2021 - 6:48pmIts happened to me in the past. Its tempting to read these comments and when you realise what someone has that you feel you should have it starts to get to you because you are unable to have your say but you cant because you dont have them in hand. With blurays or dvds i dont read. Its sometimes harder with the sets because youre looking to locate and need the info. I just concentrate on sightings in the sheffield or roundabout areas and help out and comment when i have mine.
rich
November 13th, 2021 - 4:19pmOne day the animation might be competent.
Prof Horner
November 14th, 2021 - 11:51amHave you seen Evil of the Daleks? Gold star animation.
Children of davros
November 14th, 2021 - 3:01pmThe animation here is excellent
J45ON96
November 14th, 2021 - 6:47pmAnd one day, Doctor Who fans might not complain over something.
They aren’t Disney. If you want to fund an alternative animation that will surpass the (in your opinion) meagre one on this release, please, keep us all informed.
simon.ss1
November 14th, 2021 - 8:27pmIncluding, perhaps, not complaining about someone else’s opinion, J45ON96…?!
J45ON96
November 16th, 2021 - 6:53pmAnd maybe, one day, the festering negativity that’s seeped through over the years will go away.
That was my point.
Robert Watkins
November 13th, 2021 - 2:23pmNew trailer up
https://youtu.be/jxmgqgWeZkA
Gordon
November 14th, 2021 - 12:17pmIt looks a little cheap in places but it fits in as the original 1965 production was a pretty cheap story anyway. Looking forward to seeing it at some point.
The ergon
November 13th, 2021 - 1:31pmThe inside of the rills spaceship is more realistic in animation form than the one seen in airlock.
The ergon
November 13th, 2021 - 1:33pmThe distant long shots are very effective as well.
The ergon
November 13th, 2021 - 2:31pmThe animation team have done a brilliant job with this release. You actually feel for maaga when the planet starts breaking up at the end of the exploding planet and captured the essence of what it should have looked like rather than what it looked like on screen. I just imagined maagas terrified face and then a cut to exploding stock footage in the original. The cut to the start of mission to the unknown as made me want that as a single release more now with possibly the uclan version on a separate disc, possibly a 3 disc set with extras.
MJS
November 13th, 2021 - 12:21pmAw how disappointing!! Mine was showing as dispatched, and due today. Now checked and it says Monday.
Coleman
November 11th, 2021 - 6:41pmHi guys, my Galaxy 4 steelbooks showing as dispatched today by Amazon.
Shouldn’t be long.
The ergon
November 13th, 2021 - 12:36pmJust started on the b/w episodes first with four hundred dawns and it pans down on the planet to start with and then into animated studio shots so that scene with the spaceships firing at each other must be the flashback sequance. Just doing episode 1 for now.
The ergon
November 13th, 2021 - 12:49pmThe beauty of the animation is that they have made the clone drahvins the same unlike the different actresses in the episode available though maaga they have kept distinctive from the others.
The ergon
November 13th, 2021 - 12:55pmThe sequance of the spaceships is explained by maaga in episode 1. The animation is superb as are the effects. Keep your experimental 3D. I much prefer it this way.
Coleman
November 13th, 2021 - 1:28pmMine was despatched way back on Thursday but it’s showing as delivery on Monday.
Don’t know why it takes so long.
Are they using 3rd class post.
I’ve only heard of 1st and 2nd Class?.
The ergon
November 13th, 2021 - 1:38pmMight just be the steelbooks thats a day late coleman. Havent seen any other dvd reviews as yet. Its a postcode lottery who gets them first. Thought you might have got yours today especially given you live in south yorkshire like me.
Whorules
November 13th, 2021 - 4:23pmI received my DVD from hmv today. Loved the black and white animation. Although I see people are already complaining… but that seems to be standard these days. Have to agree with you ergon the set design is great and I like the way they’ve made the drahvins physically more imposing by making them taller. Great stuff.
Coleman
November 13th, 2021 - 4:40pmWhat did you order ergon, Steelbook, Bluray or DVD?
The ergon
November 13th, 2021 - 6:17pmDvd coleman to match the rest. That is until all the complete standard bluray collections are out. I too ordered from hmv. Its really good coleman. Saying nothing more.
Jamie Fletcher
October 28th, 2021 - 12:48pmI wonder if we are going to get another trailer for this release? Since it was announced it’s been pretty quiet.
Coleman
October 30th, 2021 - 3:18pmProbably no. I was hoping for a full Trailer for Evil of the Daleks but all we ever had was the original Teaser. I don’t think the BBCs really bothered about over promoting these items, they know they always sell.
Prof Horner
October 18th, 2021 - 4:56pmLooking at the pictures of the animation of Galaxy 4in the latest issue of DWM. The first Doctor doesn’t look much the first Doctor to me. More the old TV comic version, I wonder if father Christmas is going to turn up! As for the future I can see The Myth Makers working well as animation,lots of colour.
Robert Watkins
October 17th, 2021 - 5:13pmThe pictures in DWM are variable, it looks like the same animation team as Fury from the Deep. Hartnell looks nothing like he’s suppose to be
Auton
October 17th, 2021 - 7:46pmIt is the same team
ChrisP
October 30th, 2021 - 12:34pmFor me the deal breaker will be the giant wavy arms. If the arms are like Fury I’ll skip this one.
(And I’ve loved all the other recent animations, especially Evil. And Web was ok for what it was)
Auton
October 17th, 2021 - 10:48amDo we know who’s in the commentary and making of for this story?
Gordon
October 17th, 2021 - 12:23pmFrom the current doctor who magazine
For the making of:
Peter Purves (Steven) (filmed at his house with a chumbley)
Maureen o Brian (vicki)
Lyn Ashley (dhraven 3)
Brian Hodgson (radiophonic workshop)
Clive Doig (vision mixer)
Mike Pinfield (son of director Mervyn Pinfield)
Doesn’t say who is on the commentary. I suspect we probably won’t know till copies turn up
Auton
October 17th, 2021 - 2:21pmThank you
Nick Rich
November 14th, 2021 - 9:33pmI did get my eveil ofvthe daleks in the end if its from zavi it comes from jersey so tuesday my copy will come never had a pre order before relise date 2 days after for me.
belz
September 27th, 2021 - 4:37amWow. I am across the pond. First time since COVID that I’ve been able to order from amazon UK as they haven’t been shipping to USA. I’ve had to get my fix for these past many months from ebay sellers, at hefty markups. Not only that, I’m 2 weeks late to the party and still got my order in! Really delighted and it will arrive I hope in time for Thanksgiving.
Paul Wilcox
September 18th, 2021 - 3:16pmZOOM gonna get this or are they still struggling with licences ???
booboo
September 18th, 2021 - 3:30pmthey have the others but no real track record yet on the new owners
Gordon
September 19th, 2021 - 9:57amHeard nothing but bad things about their preorders with the standard editions. Turned up over a week late and that’s if it turns up. I ordered an item to try them which didn’t turn up. I contacted them 5 times and never got a response. Eventually I had to contact PayPal themselves to get my money back
Anon
October 17th, 2021 - 1:55pmI pre-ordered Evil of the Daleks DVD to try them out. Not received or even despatched by release date. I sent email to chase up after a week but no reply received. DVD finally delivered on Tuesday 05/10 in strong cardboard envelope. Wouldn’t buy from Zoom again will be going back to HMV or Amazon.
Coleman
November 11th, 2021 - 7:02pmHello Paul, just wondering if you are SomefunnyDrWhoReference on the Collections page as I noticed you had the same Avatar?
Savo79
September 16th, 2021 - 1:18amNo extras on the steel book version over standard? More difficult to justify the price without a little bonus. Who am I kidding I’m gonna order it now.
The Fishmonger
September 16th, 2021 - 9:46amA little peak inside a Dr Who fan’s brain there.
Coleman
September 16th, 2021 - 11:09amAh, ah, I’m the same Savo79, I always like a good view extras over the normal version to justify the price, because they are quite expensive. Then I just look at the gorgeous steelbook and think oh well.
The Fishmonger
September 15th, 2021 - 10:03pmWonder why there is such a large discrepancy in the release dates? Amazon November 15th, Zavvi December 31st
Gordon
September 16th, 2021 - 4:07am31 December is a provisional date that most DVDs go by until they get the official date. Zavvi will update it when they get told of the real date which shouldn’t be too far away
The Fishmonger
September 16th, 2021 - 9:45amThank you Gordon
Lee D
September 15th, 2021 - 9:36pmThe steel book looks fab.
Prowl 1701
September 15th, 2021 - 9:13pmReally love the look of the Steelbook. Colors really seem to pop in the pictures. Got it pre ordered!
funkadelicish
September 15th, 2021 - 5:46pmThis looks amazing but I do also hate myself for being disappointed that the TARDIS on the front of the steel book looks to be a Matt Smith box rendered as a Hartnell TARDIS, as opposed to the correctly proportioned Hartnell TARDIS in the interior design of the steel book. Is there a word for this kind of nerdy self loathing?
The_TARDISman
September 15th, 2021 - 8:31pmi can confirm to ya thats the Brachacki altered Box just textured and coloured wrong to attemptivly match the hartnell Brachacki Box , Nowhere near close to the smith box at all
funkadelicish
September 19th, 2021 - 8:16amAh ok, I knew something was off but that makes more sense. Thinking about it, the roof isn’t like the Smith box etc.
Tim M
September 15th, 2021 - 5:07pmGreat to see ‘Galaxy 4’ has been animated. Underrated gem of a story in my opinion. Here’s hoping for more Hartnell animations in future. I think ‘The Savages’ would be a good choice for next Hartnell.
Gordon
September 15th, 2021 - 7:10pmI’d be happy with savages though any 4 parter from season 3 I’d welcome. I kind of want myth makers or massacre to give us a historical but I can see toymaker or savages being more of an appeal as they are sci fi based stories
Prof Horner
September 15th, 2021 - 8:16pmThe problem with the toymaker is The Doctor is missing for the two middle episodes. Personally I would love to see The Smuggler’s done ,a favorite of mine.. Which then would leave only The Highlanders and underwater menace to complete season 4.
Lee D
September 15th, 2021 - 9:32pmThe steel book looks fab.
Coleman
September 15th, 2021 - 4:52pmGorgeous, gorgeous design, another instant purchase for me
D84
September 15th, 2021 - 8:32pmIndeed instant pre order for me – very happy.
We now have 2 animations to come before Christmas with Evil late Sept and now Galaxy 4 mid Nov I can’t help thinking what next and when …….
Frankly – anything is great and I will be pre ordering them all. Let’s hope the animations keep coming over the next few years until we have all stories restored.
We are over half way now I think with the “lost” episodes being animated.
scotel
September 16th, 2021 - 2:28pmWith Galaxy 4, we’ll be 40% of the way through. Still a bit to go to get to halfway done.
D84
September 16th, 2021 - 4:39pmAh fair enough, at 40% I wasn’t far off at a guess.
Almost half way is good though.
And to get 3 releases this year is great stuff.
Anyone else hoping we get another 3 releases next year? I’m not hopeful and I doubt it but you never know I guess
Coleman
September 16th, 2021 - 5:28pmD84, I think it depends alot on both the Brexit and covid situation next year.
But if we can cope with them much better next year, we may well get another 3 animations.
scotel
September 16th, 2021 - 5:31pmI would certainly hope they can maintain three releases a year, they have the capacity to do it now (two in the “traditional” style and a third from the mo-cap studio) but we’ll have to wait and see how that works out.
D84
September 16th, 2021 - 8:18pmYes i was thinking that, now that they have more than 1 team working on them and in different styles i do hope the releases A – keep coming, and B – speed up a little for fear of the beeb pulling the plug before the range gets finished off.
I so hope we see those “hard to do historicals” one day, doesnt have to be soon – just eventually. Fingers crossed
JL
September 15th, 2021 - 3:29pmBeautiful, so excited for this and I wonder how they’ll colour the first doctor titles, like how they started doing with the macra terror title sequence onwards
Markyboy!
September 15th, 2021 - 3:28pmThe Amazon link isn’t working.
AlbertoFrog
September 15th, 2021 - 4:06pmWorking now
booboo
September 15th, 2021 - 4:09pmyes just changed it as they added it
Markyboy!
September 15th, 2021 - 4:18pmAwesome, thanks!