September 2nd, 2022
267 comments
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Doctor Who The Abominable Snowmen Steelbook
Available to order from www.amazon.co.uk
Also available to order from www.zavvi.com, HMV via www.ebay.co.uk 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, known only as the Great Intelligence, giving it a conduit to Earth.
300 years later, the Doctor revisits the Himalayas because he wants to return the Holy Ghanta, an ancient relic he was given many centuries ago by the grateful monks and their Master, Padmasambhava, 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.
Most of the original 1967 master recordings of the six-part adventure ‘The Abominable Snowmen’ were lost soon after the programme’s original transmission. However, audio-only recordings of all the episodes have survived and have been used here to create six brand new fully animated presentations of this lost classic, as well as the one surviving segment, Episode Two.
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.
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Bookcollector
September 6th, 2022 - 7:05pmWatched all of disc 1 and 2 now. The animation is very good. Not perfect but very good. I like the choice to make the characters more ethnically accurate in the animation although it does mean the existing episode does look out of place in the animation but I don’t mind to much. I was disappointed there wasn’t much snow added but hearing Gary Russell’s explanation it makes perfect sense and I’m fine with it. Disc three tomorrow as my head is hurting and I don’t think I’ll be able to concentrate enough tonight. Such a shame it is the last animation as it is very good. We might well see more in future but it won’t be anytime soon, probably at least two-three years and very possibly more. Still I’m so pleased with what we have.
In 2016 on January first I listened to power of the daleks. Then I watched/listened to all of troughton’s era in order. Part way through they announced the power animation and so I finished watching war games in October 2016 in time for the animation coming out in November. Out of 119 troughton episodes I watched 73 episodes prior to the power release and listened to 46 missing episodes. Thanks to the animations if I did the same next year I would be watching 104 episodes and listening to just 15 missing episodes. How amazing is that! I’m so grateful to all the animation teams and all of the people involved. To be able to watch versions of these stories (and galaxy 4) is a joy. Here’s hoping we do get more in the future.
Billy Hatnell
September 6th, 2022 - 11:12pmVery strange. They’ve changed the monks look and they don’t resemble the actors. It’s odd to go from episode one with the new look monks to the original episode 2 actors and episode 3-6 with the new look monks.
D84
September 7th, 2022 - 10:12amI watched the full story in colour animation last night – and am impressed, its very very good
A clear improvement over FFTD although I actually found that ok and never moaned about it
The characters are all drawn well, scenes and backgrounds are excellent and movement doesn’t look odd to me
Such a shame this is the last one for now,
Gordon
September 7th, 2022 - 11:52amIt’s not strange at all. They changed the look of the monks as they wanted to make them look more Tibetan and Gary thought they should have hired more culturally appropriate people. The animation is a 2022 production not a 1967 production . Going by Gary Russell’s commentary on the animated episode 2 he never showed any of the animation team the surviving episode so I don’t think they were trying to make the surviving episode fit in. Its 2 different productions using the same soundtrack.
If they ever animated crusade or Marco Polo I would be expecting the cast to look more Arab or Asian. Also I no way expect the n word to be used (it’s an easy word swap with tigger according to mark ayres) on the celestial toymaker. These animations are modern productions.
Dave
September 6th, 2022 - 11:47amstill no delivery from zavvi grrrr
Gordon
September 5th, 2022 - 11:32pmReally enjoyed this animation. Its not 100 percent perfect but it’s really good. Best one from the big finish creative team. Really feel they have fixed the issues from the previous animations from them. Shame it’s ending just as they have really hit their stride. Really hope if there is another go around on the animations they get brought back.
Also really liked the making of. Stunning drone shots and good mix of new and archive interviews. Even if there isn’t any more animations I do hope there are more making of’s for missing stories for the collection sets. Marco Polo and masterplan are musts. Plus how can you say no to having Anneke Wills wondering around Cornwall talking about the smugglers and Frazer Hines doing the same at for the highlanders at frensham common.
Prof Horner
September 5th, 2022 - 10:12pmWell I got my copy from hmv here in Leeds this afternoon. Watch it tonight and really enjoyed it. Some interesting creative choices made regarding the likenesses of actors playing the monks. Going for authentic Tibetan than likenesses of the actors. Not sure the look of Padmassambhava works though. We do we all think? If we don’t get an other for a while,at least they have gone out on a high.
Nick
September 14th, 2022 - 10:26pmOverall the animation looks great but agree, Padmassambhava’s appearance is weak. Not enough detail and the mouth looks odd. Such a shame because he needs to look good as he is key to the climax of the story. His appearance is bit of a let down, too Scooby Dooish. Otherwise, the scenery is excellent and I like the depiction of the other main characters.
Anonymous
September 5th, 2022 - 7:45pmReally loving watching this so far. It’s a shame it’s likely to be the last one made but I saw that the BBC is actively seeking another finance partner. What do we think of the chances of us setting up some sort of crowd funding page to fund another release?
J45ON96
September 5th, 2022 - 10:47pmNo likely at all. Crowdfunding is against the BBC charter, as the BBC is itself, publically funded, and can’t be taking specific funding for specific projects, by my understanding.
It’s a shame, because I would absolutely back them to fill the remaining gaps.
Gordon
September 5th, 2022 - 11:48pmBbc can’t do crowdfunding due to the charter unfortunately. I think if someone set up a crowdfunding for animation independently it would have to be strictly not for profit and even if it was there is no guarantee that the bbc wouldn’t step in and demand it’s removal which would be well within their right as it is their copyright.
Rex Farrel
September 7th, 2022 - 7:23amBBC Studios could probably find a way around that, as an effectively separate commercial organisation. Or I could buy the rights to do Marco Polo or whatever and then set up the crowd funder (I’m not going to.) There are ways around it, but I doubt anyone thinks it’s worth the effort because you’re unlikely to raise all the money needed. If disc sales alone would cover the costs then I would have thought that Big Finish might have been prepared to obtain a licence and go it alone.
Timelord 1944
September 4th, 2022 - 5:37pmFor some reason amazon used Royal Mail on a sunday to deliver this. So got it a day early. Watched first 2 episodes. My favourite animated release so far. The restorarion of the film elements in episode are incredible. I live near the location and its amazing to see it look so clear.
Timelord 1944
September 4th, 2022 - 5:42pmMeant to say film elements in episode 2
Deano
September 5th, 2022 - 2:52pmPre ordered this way back in November last year and once the release date went live on Amazon for delivery on day of release and funds taken this Saturday I then didn’t expect the date to be pushed back to next Monday the 12th and showing temporary out of stock but now stating delivery 1-2 months ?
Wouldn’t let me cancel as it said it had entered dispatch process but still saying the 12th ?.
So called customer services and they cancelled it there end.
Obviously over subscribed on orders and awaiting more stock which is what I thought preordering was for to know exactly how much stock is needed ?.
So went to my local hmv store 10 minutes away and was fortunate to acquire a copy which is perhaps what I should have done and will do in the future.
What a shame Zoom are no more.
Anon
September 5th, 2022 - 5:07pmMy hmv order arrived today. Watched first five episodes and the animation and film clean up are very impressive. The story is good but I still find it a bit slow. I do prefer web.
Timelord 1944
September 5th, 2022 - 11:32pmThats terrible. Amazon are too hit and miss. I used to order everything from zoom with lots of discounts and delivery the friday or saturday before release date. Pleased you managed to get it from hmv otherwise that would have been a big disappointment.
Coleman
September 4th, 2022 - 4:44pmMy Amazon account this morning now says this item as been shipped, but it also says expected delivery on Monday. Im used to Amazon using their own Vans on day of release, but I wonder if there using Royal Mail this time?
D84
September 5th, 2022 - 12:48pmAmazon logistics are bringing mine – its been despatched – delivery is showing as scheduled for later this afternoon
Coleman
September 5th, 2022 - 1:44pmMines just arrived D84. Don’t know who brought it though. It came in a small cardboard sleeve that they posted through the letterbox. By the time I got to the door they had gone.
D84
September 6th, 2022 - 8:37amYea mine arrived the same – small cardboard sleeve, it turned up about 17.30 – happy days
Amazon drivers are the same for me – usually at least half way down the drive or driving off by the time I get to the door.
Gordon
September 4th, 2022 - 2:29pmJust saw the reversible dvd cover on twitter. The spine has a PG logo covering wm on snowmen so it now reads the abominable snoPGen. How did no one notice that?
Auton
September 5th, 2022 - 3:44pmYes this minor thing is also annoying me, however I have switched the cover and will just have to live with the pg logo on the side so it matches the other dvds as best as possible
Anon
September 5th, 2022 - 6:10pmYes you do wonder why it wasn’t noticed. I’m still using my custom cover anyway so I’m not bothered really.
Erato
September 5th, 2022 - 6:22pmJust seen it on a YouTube unboxing video. No way could a mistake that glaringly obvious go unnoticed or be missed… Someone’s not done their job properly and simply couldn’t be bothered to resize the title on the spine. Shoddy and embarrassing.
Anonymous
September 3rd, 2022 - 5:05pmI was at the BFI event today. Gary Russell declared with no shadow of a doubt that there are NO NEW ANIMATIONS currently being worked on from either team. I know there had been rumour and presumption, but this is absolute confirmation for now. Pity as Abominable Snowmen is GREAT!
D84
September 3rd, 2022 - 9:53pmAlthough that’s what we knew – it’s still upsetting to read. Such a shame as we have been spoiled and had so many over the past few years – they were making such progress.
I hope one day, we will see something new in the animation space to re create another lost story
Gordon
September 3rd, 2022 - 11:29pmCan’t see us getting anything for the 60th anniversary then. Unless it’s rushed.
D84
September 4th, 2022 - 9:12am“Indeed” sadly
Billy Hatnell
September 4th, 2022 - 4:21pmI think that’s all for animations. Shame Wheel was not down to be worked on rather than the Faceless Ones.
Prof Horner
September 4th, 2022 - 6:17pmYes indeed, it is a shame we got so close to completing a sixties season, if The Wheel in Space had been animated. we should be grateful for all the wonderful animations (and in the case of The Web of Fear episode 3, not so wonderful !)and hope in the future we may get more animations. I have my doubts we will ever get a full set of stories animated.
D84
September 5th, 2022 - 8:21amYea I’m not sure we will ever get a full set of reconstructions for everything currently missing.
It was already doubtful that a number of stories would receive the animation treatment due to the team’s comments around harder to do historical type stories with lots of characters or scene locations.
I am hopeful the animations will start again in some form – but maybe we wont see the same quality or treatment (only recreating the missing parts) – and if that happened i would be very grateful
For now guys and girls – I hope we all keep supporting the range
Gordon
September 5th, 2022 - 12:04pmI wouldn’t say that’s all for the animations. They could always find an alternative form of funding that could make more animations possible. It’s just going to take time. Perhaps years. It’s a marathon not a sprint. It’s been said more than once that we weren’t getting more animations (after 2006 and 2014) and we got more. There is nothing to say we won’t get another cycle of releases. Assuming there is another backer the next company helping to fund things may have deeper pockets so it may make some of the trickier stories possible.
As for getting wheel instead of faceless the whole reason for choosing faceless was to a) have a continuous run of episodes from macra terror to evil of the daleks and b) evil starts with a bit of a cliffhanger from faceless ones with the tardis stolen. You kind of need both stories for context especially if the plan was to broadcast it on bbc america.
If the animations do start up again I suspect wheel will be the obvious first choice out of the remaining stories. I’m not too worried if it doesn’t get done in time for season 5 though. The best bits of the story either already exist or was animated as part of the minisode. The loose cannon reconstruction of wheel is fantastic. Tons of movement and actually uses a fair bit of cgi models. Its the reconstruction I point to as an entry point to loose cannon. If they can work off that version it should turn out very good. Derek handley from loose cannon has done great recons of macra faceless,power fury, web 3 and galaxy 4 on the official releases so I’ve got a feeling that wheel will be another good reconstruction.
Deano
September 5th, 2022 - 3:02pmRegarding Gordon’s comments about reconstruction of wheel in space loose cannon etc…
The Britbox recon of Wheel in Space is excellent so I expect there use that for any future season release as it was the Dr Who restoration team behind it
Anonymous
September 5th, 2022 - 5:34pmI might be reading something from nothing, but despite Gary Russell’s statement, the rest of the conversation was made in the current tense, as though they are still working as a team. Do Big Finish animate non-Doctor Who material? If the team haven’t disbanded, then it would be easier for them to pick up where they left off?
Gordon
September 7th, 2022 - 1:24am@deano the britbox recon is fine enough but it’s mainly static images with very little movement no cgi and no surviving footage from eps 4 and 5. The lc version is far superior. Watching the new abominable snowman recon gives me hope that wheel will be more like the loose cannon version than the britbox version. They use a fair bit of cgi for the yeti based upon what I’ve seen in eps 1 and 3 of the recon.
the ergon
September 2nd, 2022 - 4:34pmJust had the Zavvi Email despatch. Due to arrive between 7-9 September. Preferably the 7th for postal reasons. Looks like i will have to avert my eyes from this site for the next week to avoid all spoilers unless it comes early.
Pete X
September 3rd, 2022 - 2:02pmI had an email yesterday from HMV advising of despatch. I thought delivery will be Wednesday at the earliest because of the planned strike, but received a delivery notification for Monday morning. It seems no one at the Post Office has told their automated systems.
MDS
September 3rd, 2022 - 7:59pmI had the same Email for the HMV dispatch. Great surprise when I got in from work as it had arrived today.
Rob W
September 3rd, 2022 - 8:12pmPostal strikes are 8 and 9 September, you might get your discs)s on Monday or Tuesday. On days when strike action is taking place, Royal Mail currently says it will deliver as many special delivery and tracked 24 parcels as possible
Mutant
September 4th, 2022 - 10:38amPleased that mine arrived this morning (Sunday)
Shaun
September 4th, 2022 - 2:27pmAnd mine had arrived when I came in from Church! Can’t wait to start watching later!
Anonymous
September 2nd, 2022 - 2:21pmVery pleased from whats shown. All the backdrops and the main characters are beautifully animated. No elongated or disproportionate body parts and the movement looks more natural. I hope they can go back and tweak some of the previuos releases for the collections boxsets
Mark N
September 2nd, 2022 - 3:07pmSteel, dvd, bluray arrived this morning, so no need to see a bfi screening, or watch YouTube trailers etc. But will have plenty to watch over the weekend. Shame the project is now on hold. I don,t think the bbc will cancel this indefinitely, they will find a way to obtain extra fundings, it is their material and copyrights afterall.
Harold Shand
September 3rd, 2022 - 7:57amMark N, your arrived on Fri 2nd? Wow that’s quick. Who do you order it with?
Mark N
September 3rd, 2022 - 2:45pmHarold shand, got mine from hmv direct, not the ebay store, but from them directly. Hope this helps.
Mark n.
Mark N
September 4th, 2022 - 3:27pmI found the bluray very enjoyable, but wont spoil on those yet to get it or see it. Simply to say they look more life like. The animations look more real.
The steel, the cover artwork, what gives its edge.
While i give credit to all the xtras for the dvd.
Shame thats the last in the series . But makes good collectors sets between all the other releases down the years, steel, blu, or dvd.
Scott
September 2nd, 2022 - 1:01pmThis looks superb! Probably the best animation yet i’d say. Zavvi have taken payment for mine and I can’t wait to dive in 🙂
Such a shame it’s to be the last one for now.
D84
September 2nd, 2022 - 1:46pmAgreed, on both counts
Gordon
September 1st, 2022 - 11:14pmhttps://youtu.be/OkWbDEMbISU
New trailer.
Have to say it looks like being the best out of the big finish creative trilogy (fury/g4/abominable)
D84
September 2nd, 2022 - 11:55amWow, looks great.
The look and feel seems a little more refined than previous BFC animations – I hope this sells well
In the future if we were to get more BFC animations i would not complain at all this one looks great
Gordon
August 18th, 2022 - 1:53amDisc One:
The Abominable Snowmen Episode Two
Restored version, with the following optional audio commentaries:
● Frazer Hines (Jamie) and film camera assistant John Walker, with Toby Hadoke.
● Deborah Watling (Victoria) with Gary Russell, from 2004.
The Abominable Snowmen Animated reconstructions of all six episodes in black and white.
Audio commentaries Moderated by Toby Hadoke and featuring:
● Episode One: Production assistant Judy Shears.
● Episodes Two and Six: Animation producer and director Gary Russell.
● Episode Three: Cameraman Bernard Newnham.
● Episode Four: Frazer Hines and John Walker.
● Episode Five: Special sound designer Brian Hodgson and make-up designer Sylvia James.
8mm home movie footage Location filming during September 1967, as captured by Frazer Hines, and also by director Gerald Blake.
The Abominable Snowmen Episode Four
Existing material featured in Late Night Line-Up, broadcast on 25November 1967.
31 Who Host Shyama Perera and former Doctor Who producer John Nathan-Turner interview co-writer Mervyn Haisman about the Yeti serials for the BSB programme 31 Who, broadcast 23 September 1990.
Disc Two:
The Abominable Snowmen Animated reconstructions in colour, with the same optional audio commentary as Disc 1.
Disc Three:
The Abominable Snowmen Restored version of Episode Two, with reconstruction of the other episodes from off-screen telesnaps and soundtrack recordings. This has an optional narration by Frazer Hines, originally recorded for BBC Worldwide and released in July 2001.
Troughton in Tibet: Making The Abominable Snowmen
Frazer Hines and Toby Hadoke present new recollections from Sapan actor Ray Llewellyn and Yeti performer John Hogan; production team members Sylvia James, John Walker and Bernard Doe (floor assistant); location visitor Alison Pagent; and Giles Watling (brother of Deborah Watling and son of Travers actor Jack). Other contributors include Mervyn Haisman (recorded in 1990), Deborah Watling (recorded in 2011), Jack Watling (recorded in 1995), David Spenser (Thonmi; recorded in 1987) and production assistant Judy Shears (recorded in 2006).
Photo Gallery Images from the BBC Photo Library accompanied by sound effects and music for the serial by Brian Hodgson.
Teaser Trailer The trailer for the animated version of the adventure, as released on 23 November 2021.
Scripts A full set of camera scripts and Radio Times cuttings for The Abominable Snowmen in PDF format accessible via a computer DVD or Blu-Ray ROM drive.
Auton
August 18th, 2022 - 7:35amThanks for the list Gordon, sounds like another jam packed release. I always look forward to the new making ofs on these and I’m sure this one will be amazing
DalekPrime
July 30th, 2022 - 12:27amAll these comments about this being the final animated story makes me wish we had gotten the Daleks’ Master Plan. I personally think Evil was the best of the animated stories, and it would have been great to see that team do the Daleks’ Master Plan.
Who knows, maybe a fundraiser could be started or something
Richard martin
July 30th, 2022 - 7:33amYes would love daleks master plan and mission to the unknown to be animated hope we hear something soon about the animations
Gordon
July 30th, 2022 - 2:48pmFundraisers like kickstarter and indegogo go against the bbc charter so they are non a non starter.
Regarding news on future animations unless they planning to go it alone it could be a months or even years before we hear anything. Before the new backers signs a contract they will have to agree on how much they are funding, how many stories, which ones they want to do, who is animating it,timetable for releases the list goes on and on. Could take months or even years to agree to all that. Once they have signed a contract and the ball can start rolling they need to hire staff and do preproduction work which is at least a couple of months work then the animation can start which could be a year -18 months depending on the project. Could be another 2 years minimum before we see the next animation.
Prof Horner
July 30th, 2022 - 5:48pmGood insight as always Gordon. Question is would we get season 1,5and 6. Each with only one missing story on season blu ray boxset before any theses missing stories are animated. I certainly think it is possible with season one and six maybe season 5 with a cyberman story which would be first in line for animation and the fact several animated stories from that season have been released recently could mean we will have to wait a few years for that season. I know we seem to think season 2 is coming out soon which is a big milestone for the blu ray boxsets.. I personally would like to see season 6 with only five episodes missing. Released in the next couple of years. Of course maybe the six missing episodes that are supposed to be in private hands could be returned in for next year’s big anniversary.we live in hope.
The ergon
July 30th, 2022 - 6:47pmI dont think missing episodes are the problem. Theres nothing holding back any of the black and white seasons. If any animation is done in the interim they can return to certain boxsets with a revisitation as they did with the DVDs in future.
Rex Farrel
July 30th, 2022 - 10:49pmSix episodes in private hands now? It was only two last year… (With no actual evidence for those, just a man telling Paul V that he had them but that he wouldn’t let anyone look – exactly like the hoaxer from Taiwan…)
Gordon
July 31st, 2022 - 12:00amThey have said they have always planned to do all 26 seasons regardless of whether or not animations complete seasons or not so I don’t think it’s an issue. Telesnaps will help with reconstructions of the non animated episodes as will other appropriate clearable photos. Galaxy 4 doesn’t have telesnaps but it’s recon worked quite well.
I doubt they would do revisitations for the collection sets. The revisitation dvd range was to give new restorations of some of the early releases (as restoration techniques had improved from the early 2000’s) and give some of those stories that don’t have many extras making ofs etc. The collection sets will most likely have extras like making of’s commentary’s pdf files etc for the missing stories so I don’t think revisited version would be required. I think it’s more likely they will just rerelease a repackaged version of the season set but with the original disc swapped out for the animated disc/s with the label having collection branding
the Ergon
July 31st, 2022 - 10:16amThats what i meant Gordon. Repackaged but maybe with the inclusion of something new, an upscaled picture and/or any mistakes corrected.
Bobby Fackrell
August 1st, 2022 - 10:01pmDalek Masterplan is overrated anyway it’s just a better version of The Chase which is terrible, Terry Nation’s Dalek well was running dry after his first two efforts which are both brilliant. Power and Evil are much better than Masterplan, Evil is my all time favourite Doctor Who as well and I think if you offered most fans Power or Evil over Masterplan at the start of the range they would snatch it from you
Gordon
August 1st, 2022 - 11:53pmWhile we are talking about overrated doctor who I think the first dalek story is overrated. Though I get the historical aspect of it It’s a 4 parter stretched to 7 parts.
As a 12 parter I think masterplan is overrated but if you took out parts 7-10 and have masterplan as an 8 part story it is one of the best dr who stories ever. Real stakes and consequences that makes a massive impact. Fun fact: Masterplan ep 3 was also the last time till day of the daleks ep 2 (about 7 years later) that the show topped 10 million viewers
The ergon
August 2nd, 2022 - 12:52amThe feast of steven was a mistake and incongruous and had nothing to do with the main story, but It was fun having peter butterworth back as The meddling monk back up to his old tricks and that worked as light relief which was just what was needed to get to those thrilling but quite dark final two episodes. I like this as a slow burn on audio in the same way as Marco Polo Its just a shame we only have those 3 episodes to view.
Prowl 1701
August 2nd, 2022 - 2:15amI’m with Gordon on “The Dalek”. It’s far too long at 7 parts and just plods along. I much prefer the 4 parter Dalek invasion of earth, better paced, great location work, great companion send off. I’ve talked about my issues with the Daleks on a few YouTube videos.
John
August 2nd, 2022 - 9:47amProwl – DIOE is 6 parts not 4. the first 4 part Dalek story was Day.
Anon
August 2nd, 2022 - 11:05amThe feast of Steven episode wasn’t really a mistake. It was a traditional Christmas episode of a popular BBC show. It was perfectly in keeping with the TV landscape of the era.
The ergon
August 2nd, 2022 - 2:01pmIt was out of place in masterplan and had little to do with the plot at least episodes 7-10 had more connection even if it was a more comical diversion having the monk on board. I agree with Gordon in that it would have been a tighter story had it been 8 episodes and the meddling monk return could have been a separate sequal to The time meddler.
The ergon
August 2nd, 2022 - 2:26pmSorry that should have read episodes 8-10.
Prowl 1701
August 6th, 2022 - 10:22pmJohn you are correct about DIOE, not sure where my brain was, maybe its just so well paced it feels shorter, where as the Daleks just drags for me. Saw it for the first time just this year as a subscriber kindly sent it to me. I think the location work really sells it for me. I’m looking forward to seeing Snowmen, I’ve read the target novel (another subscriber gift) and really enjoyed it.
I hope the BBC gets a backer for at least one more animation for the 60th, though unless it’s being done in secret now there probably isn’t time. I know Evil took like 18 month to make.
Doctor Mysterio
September 2nd, 2022 - 2:08pmNo reason they couldn’t spread DMP out over two or three releases if this would help with the funding.
David Nations
September 6th, 2022 - 12:14amThe Dalek Master Plan is one of the best stories of Doctor Who I have ever seen. A Dalek Masterpiece to me. I would be ecstatic to have this.
Gordon
September 7th, 2022 - 1:51amI was re listening to gary Russell’s appearance on the doctor who panel to panel podcast today and he said back in 2017 that he had agreed to animate masterplan but changed their mind 6 days later as the soundtrack wasn’t broadcast standard for tv and cinemas (which would have been a requirement). He also described it as the worst sound quality episodes of them all and not even high enough quality to be used for animation and mark ayres couldn’t improve it any further than the 2001 cd soundtrack.
I suppose they could animate it for dvd/blu ray only and have a notification about using the best possible sound quality but I doubt sales would be anywhere near high enough without outside help.
rich
July 29th, 2022 - 1:01pmMore terrible animation
D84
July 29th, 2022 - 1:18pmBit harsh don’t you think?
Whilst I appreciate everyone has different views on animation styles with some called out as superior to others – should we not be grateful for anything at all?
How many other TV shows receive this level of ongoing of care and investment?
Coleman
July 29th, 2022 - 1:36pmYes, Bit harsh. The alternative is nothing at all and I know what I prefer.
Gordon
July 29th, 2022 - 2:59pmIn your opinion. I bet if they delivered Pixar quality animation you would still have an issue with it. Considering Bbc america could have just told them to stop and we wouldn’t have gotten this release at all I think we are very lucky to get this at all
The ergon
July 29th, 2022 - 3:16pmThe animated episodes whyll not always perfect (as in the case of the web 3D episode) i dont have a problem with at all
In fact the varying styles of animation keep me coming back. Theses are the beginnings of what can be improved on in future in some instances but for now these are the best alternates to missing episodes we may never get to see.
The ergon
July 29th, 2022 - 3:23pmHands down to date, The Invasion is still my favourite style and thats 15 years old. Thankyou the late cosgrove hall.
The ergon
July 29th, 2022 - 3:25pmSorry 16 years old.
Erato
July 29th, 2022 - 6:35pmC’mon Rich, it’s hardly Episode 3 of The Web of Fear.
Anon
July 29th, 2022 - 7:25pmWell at least rich will be happy now that no more animations are being done. Guess it won’t take long for him to find something else to complain about. Probably the lack of new animations!
Bobby Fackrell
July 29th, 2022 - 8:10pmHe must be fun at parties
Dalek Eye Stalk
July 29th, 2022 - 9:27pmThe animations are really only an alternative visual version of the story. Any animation however good will never replace the original episodes. I think only ‘The Moonbase’ came closest.
Anon
July 29th, 2022 - 10:10pmDalek, the animations have never been intended as replacements for the original episodes. They are purely a representation of what the episodes could have been. It’s now highly unlikely that we’ll see any episodes returned (we can live in hope though) and so I was over the moon with the animations. I hope funding can be found for some form of continuation, even if it just means black and white animations of specific episodes such as 1 and 4 of the underwater menace without animations of the existing episodes for instance. That way we may be able to get a few more done but we’ll just have to wait and see and be grateful for all the stories we did get.
Peter C
August 1st, 2022 - 5:09pmPersonally I don’t mind the varying animation styles and as has previously been mentioned on here would prefer that to nothing at all and fewer available stories.
Robert Watkins
September 6th, 2022 - 6:52amActually it’s quite good compared to day Web 3, Reign or the Ice Warriors. Animations serve well, as they keep view watching with movement. Where as recons do not. But at least you have a choice to watch either.
Season 3 is going to be very hard release as missing stories, less animations and no tele snaps existing.
Joe 90
July 28th, 2022 - 1:40pmDoes anyone know if this is the final animated release?
If I recall funding was pulled earlier in the year but I haven’t seen anything to suggest that a new Company had picked up any further releases.
Will be such a shame as we nearly had all of Troughton’ seasons.
D84
July 28th, 2022 - 1:46pmI have been looking too, and cannot see anything which suggests alternative funding has been secured. Certainly not which has been announced widely anyway.
I sincerely hope this is not the final ever animated reconstruction we will see, although it may take some time for further routes to present themselves as viable.
In terms of the current efforts so far – whilst they very in style – I genuinely like them all and have indeed purchased them all including this one (pre order)
One day………..
Gordon
July 28th, 2022 - 1:56pmBoth Gary Russell and rob Ritchie have said they haven’t been commissioned to do any more. I suspect there will be more once they find an alternative or cheaper way to make them. It may take a few years to find that way though.
Bobby Fackrell
July 28th, 2022 - 5:10pmWe’ve got Evil of the Daleks and it was better than I could have dreamed of!
Anything else is a bonus for me
Evil and Power if you offered me animations for those 10 years ago I would have bitten your arm off
Dalek Eye Stalk
July 28th, 2022 - 8:15pmFirst, no more animations, then Eaglemoss in administration. I suppose we are extremely lucky to get what we have got from both. But I would dearly like to see more. Ah well.
Philip Shaw
July 29th, 2022 - 9:06amWith rumours of Disney wanting to acquire the new series streaming rights lets hope they can find a way to fund the rest of the missing story animations. Disney have a few quid going spare I’m sure.
Alan Silvester
July 28th, 2022 - 11:42amAre there no production information subtitles on this release?
AxC
July 28th, 2022 - 11:34am“Most of the six-part adventure story was lost soon after the programme’s original transmission in 1967”
Well, it wasn’t lost. It was wiped. And the film copies hung around for quite a while too.
The BBC are so dainty with the wording on their press releases.
Here’s a £20 DVD of something which we clearly stated has no further commercial value.
Coleman
July 29th, 2022 - 11:31amYes, I noticed that little sentence, “lost”.
I thought to myself more like foolishly Wiped.
John
August 2nd, 2022 - 11:54amAxC context sir, context. It had no further value at the time. The initial contracts were 1 viewing and 1 repeat. Nothing else was envisaged back then. So your last sentence is unfair 50 years on.
Coleman
July 28th, 2022 - 11:30amOh yeah, Very nice.
Bobby Fackrell
July 28th, 2022 - 10:05amI know I’m in the minority but I don’t care!
Abominable Snowmen over The Web of Fear
Anon
July 29th, 2022 - 7:22pmActually Bobby I do like this one. Yes, I prefer web but I’m looking forward to the animation as for me, the biggest problem this story has on audio is the yeti. On audio they have no presence in the animation the fact they make no noise won’t matter as we’ll be able to see them. I’m looking forward to being able to reacess this story. I like it anyway but I’m hoping the animation will make it even more enjoyable
Bobby Fackrell
July 28th, 2022 - 6:07amLove the artwork
I’d forgotten all about this one – can’t wait now
D84
July 28th, 2022 - 7:23amBeautiful artwork as always – can’t wait
Gordon
July 27th, 2022 - 7:35pm5th September according to amazon
Prowl 1701
July 28th, 2022 - 2:46amThe listing shows the steelbook art too!
David Goldsworthy
July 22nd, 2022 - 5:02pmThere’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.”
Gordon
July 22nd, 2022 - 2:57pmFrom the BFI website:
Doctor Who: The Abominable Snowmen (BBC, 1967/2022) will be screening on 3 September; 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.
probably means the dvd/blu ray/steelbook is due a couple of weeks after
Prof Horner
July 22nd, 2022 - 3:51pmThat’s great news, released on the 26th of September, perhaps?
Prof Horner
July 28th, 2022 - 10:15amOn we have finally gotten a date for this release it won’t be long before we here about the release of the next Blu ray season box set.
Auton
July 18th, 2022 - 7:38pmChris Chapman has just said on Twitter that he has given some photos of a new who ray doc to doctor who magazine which will hopefully mean an announcement before the August issue of the mag for either the next collection boxset or what I think it is, a making of for abominable with an announcement of when it’s going to be released
D84
July 18th, 2022 - 10:48pmExcellent, at this point with only this 1 animation on pre order – I’ll take anything
Dunc
May 13th, 2022 - 2:21pmDoes anyone know what’s going on with this release? I’ve read somewhere that it’s been delayed indefinitely.
Robert Watkins
May 13th, 2022 - 8:01pmLast I heard from Gary back in April was the animation wasn’t finished and hopefully would be by the end of that month. But then it’s got to have the sound aligned and also commentaries recorded with the episodes.
Where did you hear it’s been delayed indefinitely?
D84
May 30th, 2022 - 11:37amAnymore news on this one guys?
Seems to have gone very quiet around this one?
If previous releases took approx. 8 months to complete the animation – would we expect this one to come out in the autumn this year? Given it was announced last November?
Pete X
May 30th, 2022 - 12:54pmAccording to Radio Free Skaro (podcast 29th May) the North American release is on 6th December, but there is no date yet for the UK release.
Gordon
May 30th, 2022 - 1:13pmIt’s been listed for release on an Australia website for the first week of august. Hopefully that means July sometime.
D84
May 30th, 2022 - 1:35pmOh excellent thanks guys
Usually we see Australia release around a month ish after a UK release don’t we?
So if the Australia date is correct then I too would assume a July – potentially early July release
Happy days, shame it could be the last one for a while 🙁
Any news surfaced surrounding further animation funding?
Timelord 1944
March 11th, 2022 - 9:40amThe TARDIS has been spotted at the Nant Ffrancon pass today where they filmed The Abominable Snowmen in 1967. I think they must be filming the bluray extras.
Timelord 1944
March 11th, 2022 - 9:44amCorrection. The photo I have just seen online was taken last year.
Prof Horner
January 29th, 2022 - 9:33amWell I read that too on missing proboard site , but the view I think is this could well be a troll.there have been so many of these rumors down the years. It really a case believe it when you see it.
James
January 29th, 2022 - 9:01amStorybin one online newspaper today’s claim there may be more missing episodes put there.
Someone claims there are 17 episodes in the middle East but not returned for political reasons.
Never know could be true, a hope.
daz
January 29th, 2022 - 11:05amYeah. Apparently includes episode 1 and 2 of Marco Polo. Hopefully the BBC will reach out to the countries involved as they are aware of it.
…
February 10th, 2022 - 12:55pmDaz it’s apparently a story from one fan not anything official. Reading it it seems unlikely as most of the missing stories were not sent to the area.