Due to the nature of the show and the longstanding dedication of its followers, Doctor Who fans have repeatedly demonstrated a love for revisiting past plots and making old things new again. For the 50th anniversary, admirers rejoiced when favourite Doctors played by Matt Smith and David Tennant joined John Hurt’s War Doctor for a brand new adventure that incorporated decades of storylines. Now, for the first time in half a century, fans will have the opportunity to see the long lost story of the Second Doctor’s regeneration on the big screen. Doctor Who: The Power of the Daleks will screen in theatres at a one-night only event Nov. 30.
Polly (Anneke Wills) and Ben (Michael Craze) can’t believe their eyes when they see “their Doctor” (William Hartnell) become a completely different person (Patrick Troughton) via the renewal process. While Ben is skeptical of this man who looks and acts differently but apparently knows many of the same things, Polly is certain this is still the Doctor. Exiting the TARDIS delivers them to the planet Vulcan where they witness a man’s murder before the Doctor is mistaken for the Examiner, who was expected to arrive to inspect an alien spacecraft. However there are a lot of secrets among the crew, not the least of which is an imprudent alliance with the Daleks.
As the original six-part series was destroyed in the 1974 archive purge, the restoration team had very little to work with in order to save the lost episodes. Therefore, using the script, audio files, stills and the rare video clip, they recreated the story through animation. In spite of the new format, the black-and-white movie is an excellent representation of the original. The creators went to great lengths to ensure the animated characters looked like their real-life counterparts and the Daleks maintain their creepy intimidation factor. As a result, it’s easy to forget this isn’t the primary version of the narrative because the final product is so good.
In addition the voices are perfectly matched to the images on the screen, which further creates the impression that this version is interchangeable with the original. Whovians will thoroughly enjoy this blast from the past featuring their favourite adversary and foolish people’s consistent underestimation of the threat Daleks pose. Check the Cineplex website for a screening near you or if you can’t make it, all six episodes are also available for download as are the commemorative stickers to celebrate the release.
Great news Whovians, #PowerOfTheDaleks Twitter Stickers are here!
Get caught up: pic.twitter.com/cpCaCTAqYS
— BBC America (@BBCAMERICA) November 28, 2016
Director: Christopher Barry
Starring: Patrick Troughton, Anneke Wills and Michael Craze
