July 28th, 2022
117 comments
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Doctor Who The Abominable Snowmen DVD
Available to order from www.amazon.co.uk, www.zavvi.com and other selected retailers.
The Abominable Snowmen will be released in 2022 on DVD, Blu-ray and as an exclusive Steelbook this year, filling another gap in missing Doctor Who episodes.
Doctor Who: The Abominable Snowmen is a six-part story based on audio recordings of the original episodes. Most of the six-part adventure story was lost soon after the programme’s original transmission in 1967 and only the audio recordings of the episodes survived. in missing Doctor Who episodes.
In the 17th century, an old Tibetan friend of the Doctor’s reached out and touched the mind of an alien disembodied energy, giving it a conduit to Earth. 300 years later, the Doctor returns to the Himalayas to return the Holy Ganta, an ancient relic he was given many centuries ago by the grateful monks at Det-Sen Monastery.
On arriving however, the Doctor is treated as a villain – blamed for a series of brutal murders in the area. Jamie and Victoria meanwhile discover the true culprits – the previously peaceful Yeti that live in seclusion on the mountainside have apparently turned violent.
The Doctor must convince the monks that not only is he not their enemy, but the real foe – and the power controlling the Yeti – is living amongst them. Their ancient Master, Padmasambhava, is being controlled by an alien entity known only as the Great Intelligence.
INCLUDES
- Episodes 1-6 (Animated Black & White)
- Episodes 1-6 (Animated Colour)
- Restored Surviving Original Episode 2
- Photographic Reconstructions of Episodes 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6
- Making-of Documentary
- Audio Commentaries
- 8mm Home Movie Footage
- Archive interview with writer Mervyn Haisman
- Photo Gallery
- Teaser Trailer
- PDF ROM Content
Written by Mervyn Haisman and Henry Lincoln.
Directed by Chloe Grech and Gary Russell (2022 Production).
Directed by Gerald Blake (1967 Production).
Executive Producers for Big Finish Creative Jason Haigh-Ellery, Mark B. Oliver and Gary Russell (2022 Production).
Executive Producer for BBC Studios Russell Minton (2022 Production).
Produced by Innes Lloyd (1967 Production).
Starring Patrick Troughton, Deborah Watling, Frazer Hines, Wolfe Morris, Norman Jones and Jack Watling.
Categorised under: Doctor Who DVDs, DVD
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The ergon
August 30th, 2022 - 3:49pmIs this released at the end of this week or next?
booboo
August 30th, 2022 - 4:00pmShould be Monday 5th September
The ergon
August 30th, 2022 - 7:11pmThanks.I wonder which online retailer sends them out the quickest. I got galaxy 4 early but im not sure if it was with Zavvi or HMV. Some Amazon customers got theirs early but there was a bit of an outcry for a fair few last time. I,m with Zavvi, hope its not later as theirs that postal strike on the 8th and 9th september.
Duncan
August 1st, 2022 - 11:07pmI guess I’ll buy this (Of course I will) but that cover is something else . Think this will be the last Who bit of merchandise I’ll be buying, unless any missing episodes turn up. Not into the blu rays and I’m done with nu Who. Seems odd after being a fan since 1967 but it’s time to let the young enjoy it. It’s not for me anymore. Hell, my DVDS are even packed away and in the attic. Enjoy guys x
Anon
August 2nd, 2022 - 11:03amBye bye, we will continue to enjoy new who
Richard
August 2nd, 2022 - 1:18pmI don’t buy the animations and Nu Who seems to have lost the plot. Although I did enjoy ‘Eve’ and ‘Legend’, it will be interesting to see where it goes next after Jodie. I sold my classic DVDs when the blu-rays were announced, but I am now wondering if I am that interested in re-watching them. I think I’ll just buy the seasons that interest me rather than buying them all in a OCD way.
Alzie Who
July 28th, 2022 - 11:05pmI like the cover and can’t wait for the release of this DVD. Like everyone else, would love for this story to be found. Any news as to who is doing the audio commentaries?
GARY VERNON
July 28th, 2022 - 10:46pmI maybe wrong here but I seriously believe all the animated covers have been very basic,almost childlike as the Beeb don’t want to give the impression to the casual purchaser (which they’re arn’t any, surely only fans buy these???) that these are live action recordings.It says clearly on the covers they are animated so why the covers are always poor after such good DVD and Bluray art is a mystery to me.I hasten to add I love the fact they are filling the gaps of missing stories and bar Web 3 have been happy with the releases.
Doug Who
July 29th, 2022 - 12:03pmI think you’re right and also they probably can’t look any more sophisticated than the animation style itself as that might be construed as misleading.
RPG74
July 29th, 2022 - 10:45pmI don’t know. Galaxy 4 has a pretty good cover and the animated Hartnell doesn’t look anything like that.
James17
July 28th, 2022 - 9:49pmAnyone know why this is £18 on HMV compared to £15 everywhere else? Is it just yet to be updated or have HMV put up their prices? Normally they’re all roughly the same in terms of prices.
ellesse
July 28th, 2022 - 9:49amLooking forward to what this turns out like as I’ve heard it before, the cover will look much better once its been flipped inside-out and reversed to match the rest. Another 3 discer, wowza, ah commentaries.. happy news.
Lewis
July 28th, 2022 - 8:01amPersonally not a fan of the cover
Anon
July 28th, 2022 - 9:16amNot bothered as I’ll keep my custom version and use that instead of this one. Besides it’s the content I’m interested in.
the Ergon
July 28th, 2022 - 9:17amNo. I,m not that impressed by that cover either. Better detailing is required. Still its the content
we are mostly here for.
Lewis
July 28th, 2022 - 3:59pmYeh true it is the content
Gordon
July 27th, 2022 - 7:34pm5th September according to amazon
the Ergon
July 27th, 2022 - 10:59pmI,m with Zavvi so we,ll see how quick that one arrives.
Gordon
July 28th, 2022 - 2:45amSteelbook Cover and extras up
INCLUDES
Episodes 1-6 (Animated Black & White)
Episodes 1-6 (Animated Colour)
Restored Surviving Original Episode 2
Photographic Reconstructions of Episodes 1, 3,
4,5&6
Making-of Documentary
Audio Commentaries
8mm Home Movie Footage
Archive interview with writer Mervyn Haisman
Photo Gallery
Teaser Trailer
PDF ROM Content
GuyTheZygon
July 26th, 2022 - 7:48ambfi.org.uk have premiere screening advertised on 3rd September!
bfs.org.uk
blurb says BBC will be releasing the DVD/Blu Ray soon after…
Padmasambhava
July 4th, 2022 - 12:10pmIs this even still coming out?
Gordon
July 4th, 2022 - 1:36pmYes. The US has a date of 6th of December so probably august/September/October time
Jack
February 1st, 2022 - 3:28pmA bit off topic but has anyone heard any update regarding the supposed cancellation of the future animations?
I read about it online a few weeks back and apparently it came from the Daily Mirror whose articles I always take with a pinch of salt. Especially as they claim it came from an “unnamed source.”
Gordon
February 1st, 2022 - 4:53pmI doubt we will get any official confirmation that it’s the last one. We just won’t get anymore. Considering Nicola Methven who reported on it has been pretty much spot on with the animation announcements (she reported the animations for power, macra, faceless, evil, g4 and abominable first) it could very well be the case.
Ian Cotterill
July 28th, 2022 - 7:53amI doubt this will be the last ever animated reconstruction. The real question is, how long will we have to wait before the BBC can afford to do any further animations?
Zepp104
January 29th, 2022 - 4:23pmKind of disappointed it appears North America isn’t getting this and Galacy 4 on DVD, just bluray.
Rockyweird
March 17th, 2022 - 2:39amI’m wondering why that is. Is it because of low sales from the DVD versions or does BBC think it’s all Blu-Ray here in North America?
simonhanlon77
January 17th, 2022 - 7:22pmlooking forward too this release….although this is the last of them for awhile! just read that the other planned releases have been cancelled dew too bbc america pulling out,and now looking for another sauce off funding. the animation looks the same style as used for ‘fury from the deep’. i’m guessing the release will contain the original b&w ep plus the option too watch in b&w.
The 14th doctor
January 7th, 2022 - 10:10amAny more news on this? Cover art, release date exetra
Gordon
January 7th, 2022 - 10:48amMore info will be announced when it’s pretty much ready to go. There is a 30th of may release date on zavvi but that could be just a placeholder
Pete X
January 8th, 2022 - 10:11amReceived an update email from HMV: Release date 30th May 2022.
Pete X
January 11th, 2022 - 12:56pmHad a further update from HMV, release date is now TBC (advised by manufacturers, as was the 30/05 release date).
Steve Parkin
June 30th, 2022 - 10:04amAs of 30th June, Google says The Abominable Snowmen DVD will be released on 6th December. The wait continues!
the Ergon
June 30th, 2022 - 10:54amAbominable snowmen just before xmas. The perfect present.
Gordon
June 30th, 2022 - 12:05pmThat’s the US release date. The U.K. date has yet to be announced
David Goldsworthy
July 22nd, 2022 - 5:01pmThere’s a BFI screening of ‘The Abominable Snowmen’ (BBC, 1967/2022) is scheduled for 3rd September according to the BFI website.
“With five of the original episodes missing, except for their audio, this new animated version presents the complete story of The Doctor’s Tibetan adventure 55 years after its first broadcast.”
David Minter
December 2nd, 2021 - 10:31pmSorry to take this a bit off topic, but it is slightly related. When The Abominable Snowmen animation is released, how many stories with missing episodes will be left to animate? I know there’s Mission To The Unknown, The Daleks’ Master Plan, and The Wheel In Space still left to go, but, beyond those, I’m uncertain of what’s left.
And from what the BBC says, Mission and Master Plan will probably never be animated. Mission is pretty much joined at the hip with Master Plan, and Master Plan would require 12 episodes to animate on its own. Even though I think there’s a market for it and just save up production budgets for a year or 2 to do it, Master Plan seems destined to never be animated. Although I don’t see why BBC doesn’t attempt crowdfunding for it. I’d think it could easily achieve production if it were.
Thanks!
Auton
December 3rd, 2021 - 9:12amMarco Polo, the crusade, mission to the unknown, the myth makers, the dalek’s masterplan, the massacre, the celestial toymaker, the savages, the smugglers, the highlanders, the underwater menace, the wheel in space and the space pirates are all left to animate
Gordon
December 3rd, 2021 - 11:22amMasterplan is at least a 2 year job at the bear minimum. Evil alone took 18 months and had 15 characters 16 costumes and 13 sets. Masterplan has 48 credited characters 52 costumes and over 30 sets. because of how money is allocated they have to spend that money each year. They can’t just save it for a couple of years. As for crowdfunding. It’s a strict no no as it would break bbc charter rules.
Prof Horner
December 3rd, 2021 - 12:21pmWell that’s interesting Gordon ,if it took 18 months do. Will that rule out seeing The Wheel in Space next year. Or maybe we will get a four parter next year instead? Just over two weeks to go till we will get season 17 .
Gordon
December 3rd, 2021 - 2:49pmIt’s 1 less episode plus the locations in wheel are a lot more basic than evil. I think it could be done by the end of next year if they are working on it
David Minter
December 3rd, 2021 - 3:23pmI forgot about The Celestial Toymaker! Funny, as that’s one of my favorite incomplete stories. 🙂
Is it because the BBC is government funded that it can’t accept crowdfunding? You’ll have to forgive me. I’m an American Doctor Who fan 🙂 so the intricacies of its broadcasting in its home country are beyond my scope of knowledge.
Thanks!
Somewhere… the tea is getting cold
December 9th, 2021 - 9:22pmI think celestial Toymaker & underwater menace are the next safe bets to be honest
Coleman
January 24th, 2022 - 9:53pmDavid, when you go on this Merchandise site, first click on “Lists” then onto “DVD Lists”.
I’ve been using this page for years, it’s very useful.
Theirs Thumbnail pictures of all the Classic Dr Who Covers apart from those that have yet to be Animated.
JR
July 28th, 2022 - 1:58pmGiven the rumours circling the 60th Anniversary about the Celestial Toymaker making a return, which I think is true given the set pieces, The Celestial Toymaker should be the next one to be animated, so people could be prepared for it.
bob hellier
November 29th, 2021 - 1:33pmi wonder which william hartnell and or patrick troughton episodes will be animated next hopefully all missing episodes will available soon as animations
Sausage
November 26th, 2021 - 2:59pmGordon: Any idea on what else is coming for 2022? Look’s like I’ll have to re-arrange my shelves again..
Auton
November 26th, 2021 - 3:49pmI’m not Gordon but the savages, the underwater menace and the wheel in space or mission to the unknown are my bets for what’s next after the abominable snowmen. It is Just a guess due to no rumours about what’s next as far as I know but these four seem more likely and easier to animate
Rory
November 26th, 2021 - 5:00pmAuton, I’d put UWM as next 3d animation. Another story with a few missing episodes, so they can can keep working on the process.
Wheel seems like an obvious choice as they’ve already done some of the character designs for the 10 minute recon. Also, it completes a 60s season, which they have been working towards form a while.
Savages would be a good call for the next Hartnell. It’s pretty small scale so not a lot to develop, and they can work on the designs for Hartnell and Purves.
Book collector
November 26th, 2021 - 5:45pmMy guess for the rest of this year would be underwater in the 3d style to continue the development process, this is likely to be the extra release rather than a full release so just the two episodes done and I think we will get another hartnell most probably savages although toymaker would be option.
Gordon
November 27th, 2021 - 6:06pmThis is all speculation on my mind so I might be completely wrong. Originally I had in my head bbc studios doing abominable and big finish creative doing savages and shapeshifter doing underwater menace however that obviously isn’t happening as big finish creative are doing abominable. I do think this opens the possibility that bbc studios are doing wheel in space instead.
Going by recent interviews that both Anne-Marie Walsh and Gary Russell have said about the soundtracks quality for cinema screenings being one of the main criterias on the recent run of releases it only leaves a couple of choices for the next couple of releases (masterplan (it’s large cast and sets might push it to the back of the que) savages,the smugglers (I think) underwater menace and wheel). That doesn’t mean the likes of myth makers, massacre, toymaker and the highlanders. Mark ayres was quoted as those would be trickier to do but never say never on those titles on a recent doctor who magazine article.
On a side note I was at doctor who time fracture today and absolutely loved it. If you are in the London area for whatever reason it’s worth going.
Colrman
November 28th, 2021 - 12:47pmWho started animating Wheel, because it would make sense for them to finish it off when the time is right?
Auton
November 28th, 2021 - 2:38pmBBC studios did wheel, I wonder if those recent Randolf tapes mean that the massacre and highlanders soundtracks are better now than before
Book collector
November 28th, 2021 - 2:49pmThe wheel animation was done to be shown at the bfi if I remember correctly. It was never intended to be finished so it doesn’t particularly matter which team does it as I image they will start from scratch anyway
Prowl 1701
November 28th, 2021 - 4:41pmDoes The Space Pirates have good audio? I know it’s reputation isn’t good, but I’m curious what the audio quality is as it’s the only story we need to complete season 6 for the collection set.
the ergon
November 28th, 2021 - 6:07pmThe Space Pirates audio is of good quality unlike The Massacre of St.Bartholemews eve Which is of warped and poor quality towards the end of the story.
Gordon
November 28th, 2021 - 6:36pmI do suspect if bbc studios do wheel in space they probably will start it from scratch as the minisode was done by an extremely small team on a pretty small timeframe and budget. Mark ayres didn’t point space pirates out as 1 of the harder audio to do but I have heard mixed things. Some have said it’s good but some has said it’s bad. It’s worth noting that it’s the same audio source as invasion 1 and 4
Book collector
November 29th, 2021 - 12:35amSpace pirates is not a great story but the troughton, Hines, padbury combo make their scenes fun. The audio is decent enough. It’s probably one the weakest of troughton’s stories but I’d love it to be animated anyway
Dalek Eye Stalk
November 24th, 2021 - 5:57pmClearly the same team that did ‘Fury from the Deep’. Which I think it’s fair to say had a mixed reaction. For me personally the style of animation has grown on me, so I’m really looking forward to seeing ‘The Abominable Snowmen’.
the ergon
November 24th, 2021 - 6:43pmThe only problem i,ve had with any of these animations was The Web of Fear animation which was terrible to say the least. Hope they correct this for The inevitable season 5 collection release.
Coleman
November 26th, 2021 - 11:26amAs you say had a mixed reaction, but nowhere near as bad a reaction as the Web of Fear single episode had.
Rory
November 26th, 2021 - 5:05pmI thought the Web episode looked fantastic for what it was.
There were a fair few moments where it suffered from the video game issue of people constantly moving for no reason, but when you look past that it is effective and works well.
This was a first effort. I’m keen to see what they can do as they learn.
Book collector
November 26th, 2021 - 5:49pmI agree rory. For a first effort it’s fine. I wasn’t keen on a first watch but on subsequent watches it does what it needs to do and tells the story. I’d like underwater done in this style to continue the improvements of the process. 3d is the only practical way to get certain stories and if that’s the case then I’m fine with it.
Somewhere… the tea is getting cold
December 9th, 2021 - 9:26pmThe way they made Victoria in the episode 3 animation was traumatising.
Coleman
November 24th, 2021 - 11:27amI wonder where all the snows come from? The animators can t have seen any of the original clips.
The ergon
November 24th, 2021 - 11:43amEnhancement again coleman. Although as been mentioned before north wales could easily stand in for the himalayas.
Whorules
November 24th, 2021 - 6:15pmI was hoping for full on Himalayan snows like in the uncle Terrance target book. The animation looks great so I’m happy
Coleman
November 25th, 2021 - 11:04am(True story). ergon, it’s funny you should mention North Wales standing in for the Himalayas.
Was in the local barbers last week and I was listening to the guy in the next chair from me.
He was complaining to the barber that he’d just come back from two weeks working in Wales and it had rained every single day (and of course was freezing). He said he was glad to get back home.
Apparently he’d been their many times due to work and everytime it had rained.
Never been myself so I can’t comment.
Auton
November 25th, 2021 - 11:08amI been to wales a few times and most of the time it never rained so Wales isn’t as bad as everyone makes out it to be
Coleman
November 25th, 2021 - 11:24amNever been my self Auton so I can’t comment. But was a true story of what happened just last week. That was the Censored version of what was said, the bloke looked truly fed up. I gather he’d just come back that morning and was having an haircut to cheer himself up. Lol.
the ergon
November 26th, 2021 - 11:35amThe snowy scenes might seem a tad incongruous to the existing episode. That is depending how far Detsen Monastery is from the TARDIS, the snow must have melted.
Anonymous
November 24th, 2021 - 9:08amThere are some off-air photos that actually show he’s dressed as a clown
Hi
November 24th, 2021 - 9:00amI think these will be the release order for future animations
2022-The Abominable Snowmen, The Underwater Menace Special Edition, The Savages
2023-Marco Polo, The Smugglers, The Highlanders, The Wheel In Space
2024-The Crusade, The Celestial Toymaker, Space Pirates
2025-Mission To The Unknown, The Myth Makers, The Massacre
2026-The Daleks Master Plan
Themaster
November 24th, 2021 - 7:06pmMission to the unknown will be put with Masterplan Will it not if they do it as it’s only one episode otherwise,
Prof Horner
November 23rd, 2021 - 7:15pmGiven we have trailer of this story with images , I hope it won’t be long before it is released.
Whorules
November 23rd, 2021 - 5:12pmlooking forward to this one as I think it will benefit immensely from being able to watch it. I like the audio but as the yeti don’t roar their presence in the audio is somewhat underwhelming! And just think… this means we can watch all of Victoria’s stories now. I hope we get underwater (special edition with two animated episodes) and a hartnell. My personal choice would be myth makers but I think it’s more likely to be the savages. Although I’ll be happy with anything
Lee D
November 23rd, 2021 - 6:33pmWould love the Myth Makers next but any Hartnell would be lovely.
Anon
November 23rd, 2021 - 5:07pmHighly doubtful it will ever be done but when the missing episodes have all been animated I would love to see The Pescatons LP animated.
Acefan2005
November 23rd, 2021 - 8:59pmOmg yesssss! And Slipback, Paradise of death & ghosts of n-space (bc the 3rd doc ones are expensive as hell)
Chris ALDRIDGE
November 23rd, 2021 - 4:13pmI usually wait but have pre ordered this already. Zavvi has the release date as 31st December 2021 but Amazon has 31st December 2030…bit of a wait there. I’d love to see more Hartnell animations but I really want to see the Wheel in Space animated next.
booboo
November 23rd, 2021 - 4:44pmthere is no firm release dates, they are just defaults, they have to put something
Chris Aldridge
December 14th, 2021 - 5:12pmI see Zavvi has now changed the release date to 30th May. Makes us wonder which will be released before the end of the year.
Lewisfrisby
November 23rd, 2021 - 4:08pmIt says on Amazon that the dvd is 19.99 why is it that much usually its 14.99
booboo
November 23rd, 2021 - 4:46pmAmazon generally start with RRP then reduce overtime, you always pay the lowest price and this will end up at £14.99 before its released. Amazon have worked liked this for years now on many items
Rob W
November 24th, 2021 - 5:30pmZavvi have £14 99 so no doubt Amazon will match this.
The ergon
November 23rd, 2021 - 3:57pmI was actually expecting this today. The animation looks reliably good in this form. Ordering soon.
Sausage
November 23rd, 2021 - 3:37pmGlad it’s now been confirmed by the BBC for 2022. I’ve added it to my wish list.
Mac
November 23rd, 2021 - 3:33pmI know a lot of effort goes into the animations…but I love seeing how the remastered surviving footage looks with today’s technology.
Callum
November 23rd, 2021 - 3:32pmSo looking forward to this. Same animation style as fury of the deep. Bring on more 2nd please.
Mac
November 23rd, 2021 - 3:35pmOnly four to go now.
The ergon
November 23rd, 2021 - 4:01pmI want more hartnell.
Whorules
November 23rd, 2021 - 4:38pmI’m just happy with anything… I expect there will be a hartnell next year as well
Callum
November 23rd, 2021 - 5:44pmI think now as theres only 4 of Troughtons they will start rolling out hartnells but that all depends on the sales of galexy 4. But would love to have all of the 2nd doctor by the 60th.
the ergon
November 23rd, 2021 - 7:22pmIts not a firm fan favourite but i really like The Wheel in space, so i m wanting that as the next troughton.It would be interesting to see how they do The feast of steven with no telesnaps when they finally get around to Masterplan and how they animate Bing Crosby. I always envisaged him in some sort of clown or Vauderville outfit. The Doctor obviously didn,t recognise who he was.
David Minter
December 6th, 2021 - 3:10pmThe BBC appears to be pretty firm that The Daleks’ Master Plan will probably never be animated. Which is a shame. I’d buy it, even though it would probably be like 5 to 6 discs if you include the color version along with the black and white.