November 28th, 2023
614 comments
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The 14th Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver Chrome Edition
Please be aware that counterfeit Sonic Screwdrivers are being sold on online market places.
The Fourteenth Doctor’s essential accessory is available now as an online exclusive!
Character Options is delighted to announce a brand-new exclusive for its iconic Doctor Who Collection, as the Fourteenth Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver.
Heading into the 60th Year of Doctor Who it seemed entirely fitting that the Fourteenth Doctors Sonic Screwdriver was given an exciting exclusive unveiling to fans on the Doctor Who Booth at the San Deigo Show!
The limited-edition version boasts an exclusive ‘electro plated’ finish making it look like real polished steel and brass. It also boasts two modes of operation, Open and Closed, as well as five brand new and totally unique sound and light effects, with each accessed by a different button sequence. The Sonic comes in Regeneration style packaging with a sturdy mailer box.
Ensuring all fans have the chance to own this special piece, Character Options is delighted to confirm the latest Online Exclusive and for this Anniversary year, is this very same Special Edition of the Fourteenth Doctor’s new sonic device and is available for sale and immediate delivery now.
Al Dewar, Head of Product Development, commented: “Since the announcement of David Tennant’s return as the Fourteenth Doctor, I think it’s safe to say fans have been a wee bit keen to know much more about this as yet unseen iteration of the Sonic. Its look and function have been (rightly) entirely shrouded in mystery, and now with this Doctor’s essential accessory is officially unveiled, it’s a pure delight for us to confirm that in partnership with the BBC and Wolf Studios, we have been able to produce a really different and special version of this absolutely beautiful sonic.
“Having it ready for the start of the new series, I think is a genuine first in our history with the Doctor Who Brand and once again it’s with huge thanks to all involved that we’ve been able to achieve this.”
Categorised under: General toys, Toys
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Judooning
July 21st, 2023 - 10:15amDo we know how many were made in this first run?
booboo
July 21st, 2023 - 10:27amits not been said so far
Anonymous
July 21st, 2023 - 10:12amHi, boo-boo – I’m slightly concerned how limited edition gets used nowadays? If a second run has been ordered, is it really limited edition?
Im not complaining, but it never made sense to me to reissue a second edition of the season 12 as limited edition due to the availability – when they were going to release standard editions anyway? I really don’t think limited edition should be used, if it’s not… limited
booboo
July 21st, 2023 - 10:25amI sort of agree, this an age old problem, this and season 12 were complete underestimated, in the days when people talked to us we said season 12 wasn’t enough at the time, also people are pulled in to buy “urgently” because of the Limited edition bit, but this can back fire.
They can do it however as no quantity is mentioned, if it had been numbered as “a limited edition of only x1000s” then that is very different
Anonymous
July 21st, 2023 - 10:30amI completely agree, and it’s good for people who missed out but Its not limited then if they are doing a second run? They shouldn’t label something as limited and then do a rerun within days… that’s quite misleading to collectors on character options part. A bit of false advertising too really; but they do have a history of falsely claiming features on products so you could say it’s a bit expected
booboo
July 21st, 2023 - 10:40ami think on this occasion its best to acknowledge they got it wrong, and to be honest i can see how, selling out of something this quickly is positive for the brand and could encourage more products.
I was once ask by someone at character just before the Big Finish exclusive Daleks went live how long they would last, i said half an hour, i got it wrong, it was actually 20mins
Anonymous
July 21st, 2023 - 10:39amIt is being advertised as an “online exclusive” and limited edition.
I think there is a misinterpretation in fandoms that “limited edition” must mean, numbered and super rare and expensive, but that’s not always the case with certain items.
This one is a limited edition aimed more towards the collectors and cosplayers, the 2nd edition which will not be a online exclusive and will have distinct difference is more towards children. Most parents wont pay £30 for 1 toy that will be banged/smashed about so I totally understand 2 waves – why pay out for more stock to sit on shelves that will end up in the forbidden planet 99p sales!
It is in no way a lie to say that this is “limited edition” as subsequent versions are different or “variants” as is trendy these days.
The subject of “season 12” is a controversial one, the BBC clearly misunderstood the level of interest, the volume was low and they had a lot of negativity that the subsequent releases had larger volume, the season 12 v2 was to boost volume to be in line with the others and there is a minor difference that it says “2nd edition” on the bottom so doe not negate the limited edition volume.
Ultimately if a company tells you its a limited edition, you either trust & jump to get the “premium” content or hold out in hope that the “standard” is almost as good – the “thin case” season box sets are the best show of this, disc content is identical so if you aren’t bother by “limited edition” package, you wait a little longer and save a few quid.
Its just smart business
booboo
July 21st, 2023 - 10:46amThe new order just placed is for a restock of this exclusive online product.
The other cheaper version you mention is available to any retailer and has already solicited in previews world and has no connection to this.
Anonymous
July 21st, 2023 - 10:46amNo, but this is a limited edition version because of the “metal” coating. The standard edition won’t have that, it will just be painted. The point is, a standard edition is getting released anyway. This was a limited edition, and now they are doing more of them? So it’s not limited edition – especially if they also have a standard edition due out, they are literally falsely advertising this as a limited edition collectors version before the standard version releases. So there will be a mass market standard version anyway.
Anonymous
July 21st, 2023 - 10:49amI also welcome a return to “sold out” doctor who stock.
Im sorry to say it but the Later moffatt & chibnell era gave no regard for merchandise and what we did get was sub par – please see 3.75 inch figure range before anyone comments a defence for S.M.
RTDv2 knows what he is doing, his hand extends far, im not saying we will see the RTD era of walls of figures in a ToyRus, but this metric is exactly what C.O’s & RTD2 can use to leverage more budget from those stuff shirts saying “theres no demand”
Anonymous
July 21st, 2023 - 10:55amOh dear, think we are in some kind of space time trap or recursive occlusion.
I dont want to be that person but:
Limited edition – an edition of a book, or reproduction of a print or object, limited to a specific number of copies.
So any subsequent versions with ANY change no matter how minor are a different edition so YES this is a limited edition!
booboo
July 21st, 2023 - 10:59amWell then we will just have to wait and see what those differences are.
No doubt a tiny “2nd edition” on box will keep everyone happy.
prototype dalek
July 21st, 2023 - 10:59amLimited has been used with the other Character online set’s, at least when it come to the Mechanus set and Abominable Snowman TARDIS set, the numbers were just right with what they ordered and was a 1 run order and that sold in 2 weeks. Though a lot of people at the time said the numbers were never enough with these set’s being limited to 4000. Warriors of the deep was then increased to 5000 and is still available now. Maybe it has bit to do with what is in demand but safe to say the sonic was underestimated.
Anonymous
July 21st, 2023 - 11:38amAs long as there is a difference then that separates this limited edition to the second batch, then I can understand – though I highly doubt character options will take the time to do that, my gut says they are just straight up re producing them exactly. As I say, if the second batch is the same – then this isn’t really limited edition but more “flexible production quantities until we run out of customers” edition
booboo
July 21st, 2023 - 11:50amIf it is “different” that gets extra sales as the “completist” would want both. Does add fuel to the fire on ebay though as many collectors would only want the “original” as in a first edition book.
booboo
July 21st, 2023 - 12:52pmSo the official word is they have “ordered a new batch” which may take several months to arrive.
Joe
July 21st, 2023 - 9:38amI know it gets asked a lot, but has anyone received their confirmation email from Character? It worries me that, even though the money has gone out of my bank, Character don’t acknowledge it unless you check your order status through their website…
Anonymous
July 21st, 2023 - 9:46amThis is standard for C/O’s
If you have the paypal email then that is your proof.
You wont get a dispatch email either
Anonymous
July 21st, 2023 - 8:55amOne thing I find a little ironic is the level of hate this being sold out is getting………….but they are commenting on a website that gave us AT LEAST 16 hours notice that there was going to be a CO announcement which also happened to be announced when the new screwdriver was announced.
Dont pay the ebay prices – all those charging £79.99 will quickly drop their prices to £39.99 when no one is watching them and interest dwindles in a couple of days
Anonymous
July 21st, 2023 - 9:44amThat’s the risk, either you wait and chance it reducing or… season 12/series 9 steelbooks (and they increase over then next couple years…)
Judooning
July 21st, 2023 - 8:45amI wonder what retailers will be carrying the standard version…would be interesting if Smyths got back in the Doctor Who game. Or The Entertainer
Tom Williams
July 21st, 2023 - 9:51amDon’t forget forbidden planet the most my local always had the 13th Doctor sonic and the 13th figure wave
TardisLover1963
July 21st, 2023 - 10:07amAs someone who works in Smyths. Highly unlikely will get any Doctor Who merchandise
Judooning
July 21st, 2023 - 10:14amAh, that’s a shame
Tom Williams
July 21st, 2023 - 10:39amThat’s correct tardis lover I ain’t worker but know smiths is highly unlikely same as Argos themselves as more saying same for the limited blu rays
Anonymous
July 21st, 2023 - 10:56amSmyths have never been in the Who game, it was always ToysRus.
Martino
July 21st, 2023 - 2:14pmAh, I remember the happy feeling finding Smyths Greenwich had the Eleven Doctors set in stock, whilst checking the nearby TK Maxx for Product Enterprise stock (how long ago was that?)
MJS
July 21st, 2023 - 8:19amI have heard there were going to be two versions of this. There were were two versions of Jodie’s. One with a revolving crystal and the other static.
booboo
July 21st, 2023 - 8:24amthere is as second version, most likely the same but without the posh chrome finish and available eveywhere
Jodie’s were 2 different manufacturers, Characters and seven20. this one will be all Characters
Anthony Fagn
July 21st, 2023 - 7:18amPeople complained about the price yet are quite to and have paid 3 times the amount on feebay just ti get one. So much for thier policy on price gouging..
Flo
July 20th, 2023 - 11:53pmRemenber Doctor Who Collection Series 12 Blu-ray ? Well… here we go again. Hopefully this time an other version of this will come with regular packaging.
prototype dalek
July 20th, 2023 - 11:41pmSonic Screwdriver page only comes up on the direct link, no longer shows on the Character Options Doctor Who page at the moment
Cymon
July 20th, 2023 - 10:18pmSomeone on eBay is actually asking £800.00 plus £3.45 postage!!!
Loobop
July 21st, 2023 - 7:35amI think some just make ebay listings with ridiculous prices to rub it in peoples faces as if to say ha ha they own it and you don’t.
pupbenny
July 20th, 2023 - 10:01pmWOW! Just saw one of the reviews of it on YouTube. 17K views in 11 hours!?!? I had no clue there was such a big interest in Sonics!! They always seemed so niche to me. Seems there’s a way bigger market for them than the action figure range. No wonder they’ll probably make another new one for Ncuti in a few months lol.
booboo
July 21st, 2023 - 6:12amThey were always the biggest sellers because they cover a much wider market than just figures, such as collectors and cosplayers.
The doctor
July 20th, 2023 - 8:47pmDoes anyone know if/when it will be back in stock???
HS
July 21st, 2023 - 12:47amI dont think it will be back in stock. This was an exclusive limited edition item. They will however release a standard version of it at some point.
pupbenny
July 20th, 2023 - 8:29pmI’ve seen a few comments here disappointed at it not being a figure announcement. Well, I’ve heard that we’ll probably be getting the announcement for the B&M figures at the weekend. I wonder if this rumour will also turn out to be true.
booboo
July 21st, 2023 - 8:37amA weekend would be unusual to announce something.
The Outcast
July 21st, 2023 - 9:41amIf they were announcing the B&M stuff this week, I imagine it’d be today – unlikely though, since they’d have said to stay tuned in their PR emails.
Suspect we’ll get B&M wave 1 announced next week – tends to be about the typical time.
pupbenny
July 23rd, 2023 - 8:58pmA shame this rumour turned out to not be true, but I guess it was a bit too soon after and too early for the figures in general.
NathC
July 20th, 2023 - 7:39pmJust wondering has anyone else payed with PayPal and still having order not yet payed for on there order page or is it just me
Zak
July 20th, 2023 - 7:55pmAh I have a similar issue.
PayPal recognises the purchase but not my bank. Since I have nothing in PayPal and paid with debit card through the PayPal checkout, it’s strange that it hasn’t registered in my Barclays transactions. Nor have I received an email. I took a photo of the order number, I definitely have confirmation of something but not everything. Guess we’ll just have to see. Busy day for Character Options.
Bob James
July 20th, 2023 - 7:28pmWell, not quick enough to order and I missed out. Bummer. Of course, the eBay prices are already insane.
Tom Williams
July 20th, 2023 - 7:27pmI remember this back in the old days was another time off the 11th doctors sonic was one off a hard find in toys rus but in the end managed too get it hopefully some other shops get this esp the bbc one
Nathan
July 20th, 2023 - 6:47pmHope this comes back into stock. Been at work and went online got the payment screen and the country option wouldn’t change. Here’s hoping
The Outcast
July 21st, 2023 - 9:42amThey seem to be looking at getting more stock, yeah. This isn’t the only version of this sonic coming though, there’s a general release version which will be mostly the same, minus the chrome finish.
Elena
July 20th, 2023 - 6:19pmWell that stinks! Before we on the other side of the pond we’re informed, they sold out. Hopefully I can get one at October’s com con
Martino
July 20th, 2023 - 6:02pmFirst World problems …
Sam
July 20th, 2023 - 5:26pmAny guesses on a standard edition? one that comes to other retailers? I really, really REALLY want it, but would like to buy from someone else at a less expensive price.
booboo
July 20th, 2023 - 5:35pmguess is the same but at a standard finish, dont see the appeal for mass retail for something that only does half the job.
They did a budget non opening 11th however so we will have to wait and see
TardisLover1963
July 20th, 2023 - 5:21pmI really hope they come back in stock ASAP
Judooning
July 20th, 2023 - 5:05pmI hope for the sake of people who haven’t got one yet, that there is more stock to add.
However, if it really has sold out in a matter of hours then its a cracking success.
booboo
July 20th, 2023 - 5:07pmso busy on here didn’t even get to order one myself
Judooning
July 20th, 2023 - 5:24pmSeems mighty unfair that someone such as yourself with this site, hasn’t got one. And I don’t just mean by having to order one yourself.
Fingers crossed more are put up.
D
July 20th, 2023 - 5:42pmIf it really has sold out, Judooning. I might go for the standard retail addition, I really hope the only difference between that version & the CO Exclusive is just the lack of the chrome paint and that all the other features are still there like the opening claw mechanism. Good on you for getting an order.
D
July 20th, 2023 - 4:46pmWell…might need to get the retail-release ver. since the online variant has sold out…
Nath
July 20th, 2023 - 4:41pmWell that was a bit crap already sold out eh? Like did they not limit it was going to get it tomorrow so that’s crazy if they are gone
booboo
July 20th, 2023 - 4:47pmStock has to manually input i suspect and CO may have gone home for the day
This has has massive exposure however so who knows.
Anonymous
July 20th, 2023 - 6:23pmThe first batch has completely sold out. They’re waiting to hear if there’ll be a second batch . Obviously allow time for that to be decided
booboo
July 20th, 2023 - 6:31pmI would wait until tomorrow to see if its def gone, a second batch could take months to manufacture and arrive probably.
Anonymous
July 20th, 2023 - 7:44pmI asked character and got that very reply I posted above ^^ .
TheDrumsTheNeverEndingDrumBeat
July 20th, 2023 - 4:38pmBit peeved I had it in my basket had a little trouble with PayPal sorted it out now is sold out :\
Josh
July 20th, 2023 - 5:40pmThat’s literally the same for me. I was very disappointed when it was out of stock after I went through PayPal
Pertwee’s Pyjamas
July 20th, 2023 - 4:31pm‘Sorry – this product is no longer available’
Martino
July 20th, 2023 - 4:29pmSold out!
ThisJustinOnline
July 20th, 2023 - 4:27pmNo luck for those of us on the West Coast. I only heard about the pre-order this am at 8am PST and already gone. That bites.
Anonymous
July 20th, 2023 - 4:29pmIt seems to be coming and going. Have another go
Adrian Thomason
July 20th, 2023 - 4:20pmI’ve not had a confirmation email yet only PayPal saying they’re taken the money out
I’m Batman
July 20th, 2023 - 4:02pmHas anyone else ordered but not received a confirmation email? I just got the Paypal email after making the purchase.
Anonymous
July 20th, 2023 - 4:12pmI ordered mine this morning and still haven’t had a confirmation email
booboo
July 20th, 2023 - 4:14pmthis happens last time it took few days for some.
Dengabill
July 20th, 2023 - 4:14pmYep me too. Imagine their servers are very busy.
Zak
July 20th, 2023 - 7:57pmYeah thank God it’s not just me. Guess we’ll just have to wait.
Born2time89
July 20th, 2023 - 8:54pmHad the same thing rang and spoke to character and the lady on the phone said its an issue with their servers but assured me the order had gone through