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October 14th, 2019 77 comments

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Doctor Who Magazine Issue 544

DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE CELEBRATES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY!

The celebratory issue comes with:

  • A 100-MINUTE DOCTOR WHO DVD including exclusive and previously unseen material.
  • A 32-PAGE SUPPLEMENT featuring an index of DWM and its sister publications, from 1979 to the present day.
  • A DOWNLOAD CODE for 11 complete hour-long audio adventures from Big Finish.

Other highlights of this issue include:

  • Exclusive interviews with showrunners Chris Chibnall, Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat.
  • Doctor Who Weekly’s founding editor Dez Skinn and its original features writer Jeremy Bentham reunite to discuss the magazine’s earliest days.
  • Doctor Who writer Paul Cornell pays tribute to his friend and mentor Terrance Dicks.
  • A previously unpublished interview with Terrance Dicks, in which he remembers his working life away from Doctor Who.
  • Highlights from the original, unpublished manuscript of The Eight Doctors, Terrance’s first commission for BBC Books’ range of original Doctor Who novels.
  • Professional Doctor Who fiction writers select highlights of Terrance’s Target novelisations and other books.
  • A look back at how readers’ views of Doctor Who episodes, as expressed in DWM’s Season Survey results, have evolved over the last four decades.
  • The Fact of Fiction explores the 1979 story The Creature from the Pit.
  • A fiendishly difficult quiz, all about the first 40 years of Doctor Who Magazine.
  • Part Two of Mistress of Chaos, a new comic-strip adventure featuring the Thirteenth Doctor and her friends.
  • Audio reviews, previews, news, prize-winning competitions and much, much more!

On sale from Thursday 17 October 2019

£9.99 (UK)


Categorised under: Doctor Who Magazine, Magazine

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77 comments

  • simonhanlon77

    October 18th, 2019 - 1:46pm

    INSIDE THE DWM FOR THE BF DOWNLOAD. IT SAYS EITHER SCAN QR CODE OR GO TO bgfn.sh/544free and use CODE RUBY when prompted to unlock your FREE download of the complete DESTINY OF THE DOCTOR box set. hope that’s any help to those who asked 🙂

    Reply
    • John

      October 18th, 2019 - 3:03pm

      Brilliant, that worked – thanks very much!!

    • Anne R

      October 19th, 2019 - 9:28am

      That didn’t work for me at all.
      There is no way for me to input the code at all.
      Funnily enough there is no problem for the 50% off stories.

  • John

    October 18th, 2019 - 10:57am

    All sold out near me, gutted, really wanted to read the Uncle Terry tribute.

    I wasn’t really bothered about the DVD as I already have the blu ray sets and will be getting S26, but I missed the Big Finish download as well – is this a generic code printed in the magazine or is there a unique one in each mag? If it’s generic would some kind soul please be able to show it here? Many thanks

    Reply
  • Jim Pickinson

    October 18th, 2019 - 6:25am

    Since I have no intention of ever buying a copy of this magazine, it never feels like it was written by genuine fans due to all the airbrushing. Can some provide the site and code for Destiny Of The Doctor download, since I was only going to be buying the issue for that and the DVD (which turns to be just extras from the Blu-Rays)

    Reply
  • Tardis7k

    October 17th, 2019 - 11:58pm

    Does anyone know what supermarket sells it tried 3 Tesco’s and still no luck

    Reply
    • The Flying Shark

      October 18th, 2019 - 8:03am

      WH Smith and all four major supermarkets stock it, so maybe the Tescos in your area have distribution problems or something?

  • Anonymous

    October 17th, 2019 - 7:03pm

    Only bought this for the dvd and Chris Chibnall interview. I was disappointed with both.

    Reply
  • Timelord63

    October 17th, 2019 - 5:50pm

    Very disappointed with this as it didn’t seem very special seeing as it was celebrating 40 years. The 500th issue was much better. DVD whilst nice had nothing to do with anniversary so didn’t see the point and don’t think the £9.99 price was justified just for a free DVD and really index guide as magazine was no bigger.

    Reply
    • The Flying Shark

      October 17th, 2019 - 7:07pm

      I agree-whilst I don’t have this yet, there isn’t that much very special looking about it. I will get it for the DVD, but the supplement looks DULL, the comic isn’t doing anything to mark the occasion by the looks of it (unlike The Stockbridge Showdown in Issue 500) and even the Fact of Fiction is Creature from the Pit. The showrunner interviews and Terrance Dicks tributes do interest me, but knowing DWM’s style as of late, these will be restricted to six pages each! Remember in Issue 539 when a cover feature David Tennant interview was two pages! Two pages on David Tennant! They missed a big opportunity there!

  • BtsR

    October 17th, 2019 - 4:16pm

    If anyone wants the magazine minus the dvd for £5 it’s yours. I only bought it for the disc have no interest for the magazine personally.

    Reply
    • Jim Pickinson

      October 17th, 2019 - 5:51pm

      Do you happen to have the Destiny Of The Doctor code?

  • Anonymous

    October 17th, 2019 - 1:23pm

    Kind of wish the Behind the Sofa was for one of the c***er episodes, Genesis of the Daleks isn’t a story you can have that many funny reactions too.

    Reply
  • Anonymous

    October 16th, 2019 - 6:16pm

    Also guys, there’s a code for a free BBC Audio audiobook in the issue as well: I got The Invisible Enemy for free with my issue…

    Reply
    • SamWho

      October 16th, 2019 - 10:44pm

      I don’t understand how to access this it’s a bit confusing

    • MJS

      October 17th, 2019 - 10:17am

      It’s pretty rubbish. I had to reactivate my audio books account to claim it, then it took 7.99. Not happy

  • Anonymous

    October 16th, 2019 - 5:51pm

    Why was my comment regarding the download code deleted?

    Reply
    • booboo

      October 16th, 2019 - 6:00pm

      It wasn’t , its right Below this one?

  • Anonymous

    October 16th, 2019 - 5:32pm

    Ive just recieved my issue however i dont understand where the code is for the big finish download? Is it supposed to be on a leaflet or in the mag?

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      October 16th, 2019 - 6:15pm

      It’s in the magazine (page 21), along with a code to get 50% off the following:

      – The 2nd Doctor Companion Chronicles Volume 1

      – The War Doctor: Infernal Devices

      – The First Doctor Lost Stories boxset

      – The Mega

      – The Worlds of Doctor Who

      – Time Reaver

      – Ravenous 1

      – Return of the Daleks

      – Philip Hinchcliffe Presents Vol.1

    • Anonymous

      October 16th, 2019 - 6:35pm

      Sweet deal

  • BtsR

    October 16th, 2019 - 4:59pm

    The disc is all I’m interested in so im not going to pay £10 just for it so hopefully I can find one on ebay or if anyone here doesn’t want it and is up for selling it. Let me know.

    Reply
  • Gordon

    October 16th, 2019 - 9:06am

    Apparently the dvd is:

    It’s highlights from the forthcoming season 26 collection (and earlier), and an exclusive 20 minute programme ‘message from space’ made and unused season 18’s set.

    Reply
    • kevin225

      October 16th, 2019 - 11:47am

      My subscription copy has arrived. The DVD is some trailers/extracts from Season 26 Blu Ray, some extracts from other Blu Ray sets and a new thing called Messages From Space which should have been in the Season 18 Blu Ray.

    • Anonymous

      October 16th, 2019 - 1:07pm

      Good to know, means I don’t need to buy the mag now.

    • TIM M

      October 16th, 2019 - 5:55pm

      At 10 pound, I’m not buying it either. I only occasionally buy the magazine now and don’t buy it on a regular basis. Chibnall’s vision of Doctor Who isn’t for me, so I’m not as invested in the merchandise.

    • Anonymous

      October 16th, 2019 - 6:29pm

      Nothing to do with chibnall, just not interested in the DVD now. Haven’t bought the monthly magazine for 7 years now. Just to expensive. Rather buy stuff I want like the books.

  • Anonymous

    October 15th, 2019 - 11:36pm

    I think showing one cover from every year of its run is pretty clever.

    Reply
    • The Flying Shark

      October 16th, 2019 - 8:08am

      Not quite, is it? I can see a few years missing.

  • The Flying Shark

    October 15th, 2019 - 8:20pm

    My one worry for this issue is that the Terrance Dicks tribute will be rushed. In amongst all the celebrations of DWM itself, the interviews with former editors plus RTD, Steven Moffat and Chris Chibnall as promised on Twitter, I’ve a feeling his tribute will amount to six pages or something, when he deserves far greater. It’s bad enough in my opinion he isn’t getting a cover, so please don’t let Terrance’s tribute be a quick job. Make it magnificent.

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      October 15th, 2019 - 8:56pm

      A future special in my opinion

    • The Flying Shark

      October 16th, 2019 - 8:09am

      I thought it was confirmed his main obituary would be in this issue?

    • Gareth Pugh

      October 16th, 2019 - 1:13pm

      Flying Shark, not to worry- the obit is here but so are a good few TD articles – 14 or 15 pages (at a rough reckoning) dedicated to him overall.

    • The Flying Shark

      October 16th, 2019 - 5:47pm

      That’s better, thanks for the info. Whilst I would have preferred a big special tribute like Nicholas Courtney or Lis Sladen got, I’m just relieved he’s not been lost in all the celebrations.

  • Anonymous

    October 15th, 2019 - 8:06pm

    Have to say I agree with some comments here about why people are complaining. Thing is if you already have the stories on offer for the download, then you have them, you haven’t lost out and if you don’t have them and want them. great! It seems odd to be ungrateful for something that is free!

    Reply
  • Anonymous

    October 15th, 2019 - 6:33pm

    Err, guys. I just saw that this appeared: https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/doctor-who-destiny-of-the-doctor-the-complete-adventure-dwm-544-promo-2163

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      October 16th, 2019 - 7:21am

      Was really hoping it wasn’t this.

    • Anonymous

      October 16th, 2019 - 6:59pm

      Don’t worry, I was as well. The good thing is that DWM now don’t have any other opportunities to give away stuff from this series for free, so the next deluxe DWM will probably have normal audios in it…

  • David Havers

    October 15th, 2019 - 3:56pm

    Why all the moaning for. You getting loads for 10 pounds.

    Reply
  • simonhanlon77

    October 15th, 2019 - 2:40pm

    I DON’T THINK IT WILL BE ‘MISSION TO THE UNKNOWN’ BECAUSE IT SAYS IT ‘100MINS’. I THINK IT WILL BE STUFF THAT MOST OF US HAVE ALREADY SEEN..AND QUITE FRANKLY BORING. AS FOR THE ’11 BIGFINISH DLOADS’ THAT COULD BE THE ‘DESTINY OF THE DOCTOR’. BUT IS A SLIGHT POSSIBILITY IT MAY NOT AND JUST ’11’ RANDOM STORIES.

    Reply
    • Master of M

      October 15th, 2019 - 3:50pm

      Wow, you are a regular ray of sunshine!

    • Anonymous

      October 15th, 2019 - 4:23pm

      Though destiny of the doctor was BBC not big finish

    • Anonymous

      October 15th, 2019 - 5:25pm

      Definitely won’t be destiny of the doctor, just checked and they were BBC productions not big finish.

    • booboo

      October 15th, 2019 - 5:34pm

      They were produced and sold by Big Finish https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/doctor-who-destiny-of-the-doctor-the-complete-adventure-1489

      But they were sold as BBC products during the anniversary.

    • Anonymous

      October 15th, 2019 - 5:37pm

      My mistake, thanks for the clarification boo boo!

    • booboo

      October 15th, 2019 - 6:10pm

      as far as i remember Big Finish were never really mentioned as far as the original releases were concerned but something seemed to change when audio go went bust, they started to sell them under their own label in a box set, they were probably never paid so the material defaulted back to them as they produced it.

      Some time later loads of the “rare” silver Tardis sets appeared out of nowhere as well.

    • Anonymous

      October 15th, 2019 - 6:29pm

      I have a feeling it won’t be Destiny of the Doctor: after all, they gave away CDs of various Destiny of the Doctor adventures with DWM 530, so why would they give their customers a download of a CD that they already have? I have a hunch that the 1-hour audios that premiered during the Big Finish 20 years livestream will be given away (specifically Celestial Intervention (from Gallifrey: Time War 1), One Enchanted Evening (from the Lives of Captain Jack), The Revolution (from the New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield) and Stolen Goods (from Jenny: The Doctor’s Daughter)), as the audios that had been given away previously with deluxe DWMs were played during the livestream. Also, just because they say 11 audios doesn’t mean that the range that only has 11 audios will be given away for free…

    • booboo

      October 15th, 2019 - 6:44pm

      looks like it is https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/doctor-who-destiny-of-the-doctor-the-complete-adventure-dwm-544-promo-2163

  • Mrs Croot

    October 14th, 2019 - 10:23pm

    Everybody say you haven’t seen Mission to the Unknown and it’ll become unseen footage and magically appear on the DVD! ;o)
    I really want Mission

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      October 15th, 2019 - 7:43am

      I don’t like the sound of including it as a bonus feature on another story

  • Anonymous

    October 14th, 2019 - 7:17pm

    Will subscribers get this deluxe issue?

    Reply
    • bryan

      October 15th, 2019 - 12:51pm

      Yes. Marcus and peter, said this one will be for subscribers. I am not sure if there are even a stand-alone edition.

  • Dalek Bumps :)

    October 14th, 2019 - 6:13pm

    I need to know what’s on the DVD first, a magazine all about the history of that magazine sounds rather dull and pricey at £9.99.
    I bought the last £9.99 one but that came with a cool vinyl record this one I’ll probably miss.

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      October 14th, 2019 - 6:31pm

      Hopefully there’ll be a subscriber out there who’ll tell all of us about what the DVD is and what those 11 Big Finish audios are (I’m hoping for at least one complete boxset)…

  • David

    October 14th, 2019 - 5:33pm

    I know this sounds ridiculous being a DVD and not a Blu ray, but the disc looks like it has the word “collection” written on it… I can make out that the bottom writing will be DWM 40th anniversary or something like that but yeah I’m very intrigued to see what’s on it!

    Reply
  • DWS

    October 14th, 2019 - 3:46pm

    Will subscribers get the DVDs etc?

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      October 14th, 2019 - 4:05pm

      We will. Don’t worry.

  • Kevin225

    October 14th, 2019 - 3:17pm

    Does anybody know the revised date for the latest Special Edition/The Twelfth Doctor Companion – I have heard 16th October, but have not seen that confirmed anywhere?

    Reply
  • Jen

    October 14th, 2019 - 12:13pm

    Just a thought. Anyone know what is on the DVD?

    Reply
    • Daniel

      October 14th, 2019 - 12:14pm

      Guesswork: The Myth Makers DWM special and Mission to the Unknown remake?

    • Anonymous

      October 14th, 2019 - 4:29pm

      It appears to be called “Doctor Who Tales”: sounds pretty good…

    • Anonymous

      October 14th, 2019 - 4:34pm

      Apologies for the error: had a closer look at the HD image on Twitter, and I’m guessing it’s called “Doctor Who Gallery”…

    • Gordon

      October 14th, 2019 - 4:40pm

      Don’t think it’s mission. Surely they would have advertised it as it would be a major selling point

    • Anonymous

      October 14th, 2019 - 4:44pm

      Hope we get Mission on DVD, and not as a special feature

  • David Havers

    October 14th, 2019 - 12:11pm

    Will it be in all newsagents or just WH Smith’s

    Reply
    • Mrs Croot

      October 14th, 2019 - 5:09pm

      Newsagents

  • Jen

    October 14th, 2019 - 12:09pm

    This looks cool, however I reject the fact that it’s a box set if it is a download.

    Reply
    • Jack Oates

      October 14th, 2019 - 1:19pm

      It will be, Destiny for the Doctor, the 11 part 50 year special

    • Jen

      October 14th, 2019 - 2:03pm

      Apologies, but I’m afraid you catch me at a misunderstanding.

      I was just saying how I don’t believe it can be called a “box set” if it isn’t physical.

    • Anonymous

      October 14th, 2019 - 2:24pm

      Yep it’s a download not a boxset

    • Bobby Davros

      October 14th, 2019 - 2:54pm

      Sky and I-Player call their series box-sets too. It’s silly but its a normal thing these days.

  • Anonymous

    October 14th, 2019 - 12:03pm

    i wonder if it will be out this thursday

    Reply
    • Daniel

      October 14th, 2019 - 12:06pm

      Yes it will be, the 17th

    • booboo

      October 14th, 2019 - 12:11pm

      think they are referring to the recent delays

    • Anonymous

      October 14th, 2019 - 1:20pm

      yes i am

    • Daniel

      October 14th, 2019 - 1:30pm

      Sorry, I wasnt aware there were any recent delays as I get mine digitally through Pocketmags. I do think Anniversay issues are very good value for money though and look forward to this.

    • booboo

      October 14th, 2019 - 1:37pm

      no worries many people wouldn’t know, the last 2 issues have been delayed for several days or more in many newsagents

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