August 11th, 2009 8 comments

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The Keys of Marinus

Starring William Hartnell as the first Doctor, the Keys of Marinus is released for the first time on DVD from 21st September. Originally transmitted in 1964, this early epic was written by Dalek creator Terry Nation and was the fifth Doctor Who story to be made.

Materialising on an island of glass in a sea of acid, the Doctor, Susan, Ian and Barbara find themselves chosen to embark on a perilous quest set by Arbitan, Keeper of the Conscience of the plant Marinus.

The Conscience machine has the power to control the minds of everyone on Marinus, and it is in danger of falling into the hands of the sinister Yartek, leader of the alien Voord.

To prevent disaster, the TARDIS crew must recover the machine’s operating keys, hidden in various locations around the planet. Others have attempted this task before – but none have ever returned.

The four companions travel from Morphoton to Millennius, battling ice soldiers and deadly plants on their way and overcoming hypnotic conditioning and hostile environments, that challenge the travellers like never before.

Extras

Commentary – with actors William Russell and Carole Ann Ford, director John Gorrie and designer Raymond Cusick. Moderated by Clayton Hickman.

The Sets of Marinus – designer Raymond Cusick recalls his work on this story.

Photo Gallery

Coming Soon

Programme Subtitles

Subtitle Production Notes

Other places of interest…

BBC The Keys of Marinus guide.

BBFC classification information

Wikipedia entry.

Doctor Who Restoration Team

Brendan Sheppard Trailers/showreals


Original VHS Cover

Categorised under: DVD