Doctor Who Magazine 510 Cover and Details

Out today in the UK is issue 510 of Doctor Who Magazine which is a tribute to the late great John Hurt who passed away earlier this year.  Also an interview with the 10th Doctor David Tennant.

From Alien to Z Cars, DWM celebrates the extraordinary career of an acting legend who became the Doctor’s secret incarnation in 2013, including tributes from David Tennant, Steven Moffat, David Warner and Louise Jameson.

“It doesn’t need saying – John Hurt was one of the greatest actors who ever lived,” says Doctor Who‘s executive producer, Steven Moffat. “That’s not even controversial, that’s just a fact. I only met him a handful of times, but I can confirm the other thing that everyone else has been saying about him: he was also incredibly nice. Now, nice doesn’t seem like much of compliment, but you have to remember that this man was, quite rightly, worshipped by everyone he met. Worship has been known to go to people’s heads – but not John’s. If a man can remain humble and kind and warm as the world basically genuflects around him, then that is no ordinary man. The Doctor would be proud to be John Hurt – and for one very special day, he was.”

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE…

DAVID TENNANT INTERVIEW
David Tennant shares warm memories of working with John Hurt on 2013’s The Day of the Doctor.

STRONG TO THE FINISH
John Hurt’s Big Finish colleagues pay tribute to him – a special interview with Nicholas Briggs, Jason Haigh-Ellery and David Richardson.

ASK STEVEN MOFFAT
Showrunner Steven Moffat answers readers’ burning questions.

RICHARD AND THE DOCTOR
DWM speaks Comic Relief’s co-founder Richard Curtis about his role in 1999’s The Curse of Fatal Death and writing 2010’s Vincent and the Doctor.

WHO CREATED DOCTOR WHO?
Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Sydney Newman’s birth, a feature on how he was frustrated in his attempts to be officially recognised as Doctor Who’s creator.

HOME TAPING
What did fans do before the days of home video releases? Before DVD, Blu-ray and digital downloads? DWM follows the story of preserving off-air copies of Doctor Who.

DRAMATIC FX
We examine how the visual effects of 1977’s The Invisible Enemy were achieved on a miniscule budget.

DOORWAY TO HELL
The original Master is up to no good in Part Three of our brand-new comic strip, written by Mark Wright and illustrated by Staz Johnson.

DAY OF THE MOON
The Doctor and his companions lead a revolution against the memory-erasing Silence in this issue’s Time Team.

VWORP VWORP!
We chat to the creators of Vworp Vworp as they release Volume 3 of their Doctor Who fanzine.

REVIEWS
DWM reviews the latest book, audio and DVD releases in the world of Doctor Who.

COMING SOON
Previews of all the latest Doctor Who CD and book releases.

PLUS! All the latest official news, competitions, the DWM crossword, and more!

Details For Doctor Who Casualties of War Starring John Hurt

Out this month is the fourth box set in the War Doctor Series starring the late John Hurt. This release sees the return of an old companion Leela played once again by Louise Jameson.  Should be interesting to see how these will interact.  As usual you can order this release from the Big Finish website.
https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-war-doctor-volume-04-casualties-of-war-1383?range=113

The War Doctor and Cardinal Ollistra are stranded far from their Time Lord forces, with Daleks closing in, destroying all that stands between them. They must call on the help of new friends and old to fight their way back to the front lines. From the outer reaches of the galaxy, to the heart of Gallifrey itself, the Doctor finds casualties in every place the Time War has touched. Among them, a fighter, a travelling companion of the distant past, who remembers him quite differently. A warrior woman named Leela…

4.1 Pretty Lies by Guy Adams

Trapped and desperate, light years from their armies at the heart of the Time War, the War Doctor and Cardinal Ollistra discover that wherever they go, destruction follows. A war reporter named Schandel may provide the key to their escape, but it is often said that the first casualty of war is the truth. When the choice between grim reality and a hero’s story means life or death, will the Doctor allow Schandel to print the legend?

4.2 The Lady of Obsidian by Andrew Smith

As a Dalek Strike Fleet heads to destroy another defenceless world, the Doctor seeks help from a shadowy guerrilla force. The Time War leaves many casualties in its wake, and inside the Obsidian Nebula the monstrous Unlived are held at bay only by the ‘Lady’ and her dwindling band of fighters. The War Doctor soon finds himself at the Lady’s mercy, and two old friends face new revelations…

4.3 The Enigma Dimension by Nicholas Briggs

The Dalek Time Strategist has a new plan to ensure final victory in the Time War. As its forces gather for a huge assault on the enemy, ahead of the fleet something hovers above the planet of the Time Lords. And on Gallifrey itself, shadows move among the Cloisters. The Time Lords face a threat alien to their entire universe. To save their world, the War Doctor and his allies must enter the Enigma Dimension...

Written By: Guy Adams, Andrew Smith, Nicholas Briggs
Directed By: Nicholas Briggs

Cast
John Hurt (The War Doctor), Louise Jameson (Leela), Jacqueline Pearce (Cardinal Ollistra) Joseph Kloska (Schandel), Julia Hills (Sera/Spokesperson), Mark Elstob (Editor/Old Man), Lizzie Roper (Rosata Laxter/High Minister), Chris Porter (Skaul/Freel), Alan David (Castellan Kanteer), Jane Slavin (Panopticon Guard Lintok), and Nicholas Briggs (Dalek Time Strategist/Daleks/Assault Team Leader).

Other parts played by members of the cast.

Producer David Richardson
Script Editor Matt Fitton
Executive Producers Jason Haigh-Ellery and Nicholas Briggs

Into The Time Vortex Podcast - Episode 32 - Doctor Who - The Day of the Doctor

Doctor Who, Alien and Harry Potter Star John Hurt Has Died

John Hurt who played The War Doctor in the 50th Anniversary Special "The Day of The Doctor" has passed away at the age of 77. He is has been in tons of TV and movies most notable The Elephant Man, Alien, The Storyteller and three Harry Potter movies  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Part 2.  You can read more about John Hurt at the links below.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-38778145

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000457/#actor

http://www.masslive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/01/john_hurt_who_starred_in_eleph.html

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/john-hurt-dead-elephant-man-809521

Details on Doctor Who - The War Doctor: Agents of Chaos

This month sees the 3rd volume in the War Doctor Series Agents of Chaos which stars John Hurt and Jacqueline Pearce.  Three more audio adventures for the War Doctor as we see the Sontarans making an appearance in the Time War.  You can order this box set from the Big Finish website.
https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-war-doctor-volume-03-agents-of-chaos-1382 

The Time War between Daleks and Time Lords rages across the history of the cosmos. Nowhere is safe. Worlds are ravaged by battles beyond their understanding, but certain other races hunger to fight in the ultimate conflict.

When Earth comes under threat, the War Doctor is drawn into Ollistra’s schemes once again. But the wily Time Lord Cardinal has not foreseen every move. The Dalek Time Strategist has its own game-pieces in play, and when volatile forces with their own agenda join the fray, no-one can predict how the war might turn…

3.1 The Shadow Vortex by David Llewellyn

Cardinal Ollistra exploits the War Doctor’s affection for Earth to send him to East Berlin, 1961, on the trail of a Dalek agent. Lara Zannis has breached the planet’s quantum shield on a very special mission for the Dalek Time Strategist.

Caught between MI6 and the KGB, the War Doctor must first escape the Stasi before he can hope to stop Lara. Cold War scientists are about to make a breakthrough – the Daleks want control of the ‘Shadow Vortex’, and Agent Zannis can provide it.

3.2 The Eternity Cage by Andrew Smith

Sontarans are the ultimate warriors – so they believe – and the Time War the ultimate conflict. Denied that glory by Skaro and Gallifrey alike, General Fesk of the Eighth Sontaran Battle Fleet employs a dangerous strategy to draw both sides to the planet Rovidia and prove his forces worthy…

Meanwhile, the War Doctor leads a rescue mission, aided by Rovidian street-urchin Kalan. Neither Daleks nor Time Lords expect the Sontarans to be so fearsome a foe, until they uncover the secret of the Eternity Cage.

3.3 Eye of Harmony by Ken Bentley

In the aftermath of events on Rovidia, the Dalek Time Strategist is presented with a unique opportunity to strike a lethal blow to the heart of Gallifrey. A devastating power is set to be unleashed, and with agents in place ready to do the bidding of the Dalek Time Strategist, the future of the Time War could turn in an instant.

Trapped inside a critically-damaged Battle-TARDIS, hopelessly adrift in the Time Vortex, the War Doctor and his allies have a final desperate fight on their hands...

Written By: David Llewellyn, Andrew Smith, Ken Bentley
Directed By: Nicholas Briggs

Cast
John Hurt (The War Doctor), Jacqueline Pearce (Cardinal Ollistra), Neve McIntosh (Lara), Honeysuckle Weeks (Heleyna), Timothy Speyer (Kruger), Helen Goldwyn (Professor Crane), Gunnar Cauthery (Kavarin), Matthew Cottle (Leith), Dan Starkey (General Fesk/Sontarans), Josh Bolt (Kalan), Barnaby Edwards (Vassarian), Andrew French (Muren) and Nicholas Briggs (Dalek Time Strategist/Daleks)

Producer David Richardson
Script Editor Matt Fitton
Executive Producers Jason Haigh-Ellery and Nicholas Briggs

Doctor Who - Details For The War Doctor: Infernal Devices

The War Doctor returns this month with another Time War adventure.  This four disc set can be ordered from the Big Finish website.
http://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-war-doctor-volume-02-infernal-devices-1381

2.1 Legion of the Lost by John Dorney

In a time of war, every means of victory must be explored. In the Time War, the unthinkable must be thought, and neither side can afford to be squeamish about their methods.

When the destruction of an obscene weapon leads to the Time Lord once known as the Doctor uncovering a secret Gallifreyan initiative, he cannot believe what is being considered.

Should victory be sought at any cost? Or are there worse possibilities than losing to the Daleks..?

2.2 A Thing of Guile by Phil Mulryne

The Daleks are developing a secret weapon on Asteroid Theta 12. It is imperative that their plans are uncovered.

Cardinal Ollistra has her hands full studying the range of ancient and mysterious armaments the universe has to offer, but she makes it a personal mission to investigate the Dalek project.

On this dangerous assignment, there is one particular Time Lord she wants at her side - and he will be accompanying her whether he wants to or not.

2.3 The Neverwhen by Matt Fitton

On an isolated world ravaged by battle, time itself has become a weapon, laying waste to all who live and die there. Arms and technology are in a state of flux – and it seems that everlasting war is their only option.

The arrival of one battered Type Forty TARDIS inside this nightmare offers hope to the combatants trapped within.

But when he discovers the truth, the horrors of the Neverwhen will shock even the War Doctor…

Written By: John Dorney, Phil Mulryne, Matt Fitton
Directed By: Nicholas Briggs

Cast
John Hurt (The War Doctor), Jacqueline Pearce (Cardinal Ollistra), David Warner (Shadovar), Jamie Newall (Co-ordinator Jarad), Zoë Tapper (Collis), Robert Hands (Captain Solex), Oliver Dimsdale (Commander Trelon), Laura Harding (Navigator Valis), Barnaby Kay (Commander Thrakken), Jaye Griffiths (Daylin), Tim Bentinck (General Kallix), Tracy Wiles (Commander Barnac), and Nicholas Briggs as the Daleks. Other parts played by the cast.

Producer David Richardson
Script Editor Matt Fitton
Executive Producers Jason Haigh-Ellery and Nicholas Briggs

Doctor Who Magazine 496 Cover and Details

The new issue of Doctor Who Magazine is out today in the UK and the big highlight is an interview with John Hurt who has returned to play the War Doctor for Big Finish.  Below is all the details for issue 496.

Doctor Who Magazine exclusively interviews Sir John Hurt, who played the mysterious incarnation of the Doctor in 2013’s 50th Anniversary Special The Day of the Doctor – and asks him about his return in his brand new Doctor Who audio series!

Doctor Who - Trailer For The War Doctor 2: Infernal Devices

Doctor Who - Big Finish News On Torchwood and The War Doctor

Last weekend was Big Finish Day 8 and at their convention they released some Doctor Who and Torchwood audio adventures news.  First the big news that The War Doctor will be meeting Leela in the 4th War Doctor Box Set which will be out in February of 2017.  If you have ever wondered what happened to Leela during the Time War then this volume of The War Doctor adventures is the one you've been waiting for.

For fans of Torchwood when the first series of audios ends in February the second series will start up in March with a John Barrowman Captain Jack adventure taking place in Victorian times.  But the big news is that Naoko Mori will return as Tosh in April.  This is good news for Torchwood fans as almost everyone of the original cast has returned.  Now all we need is Burn Gorman to come back as Owen.

For fans of the new UNIT adventures by Big Finish it was announced at Big Finish day that the second box set will come out in May and they have released the cover art for it.  It stars Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart and Ingrid Oliver as Osgood and this time they are going up against a new alien race set on invading Earth. The Tengobushi is the name of the new alien race and you can get a look at them on the cover. UNIT: Shutdown will be out in May and will be a four disc box set.

Doctor Who - The War Doctor Vol 1: Only The Monstrous Synopsis

Out now is the first box set for the new War Doctor adventures from Big Finish. John Hurt reprises his role as The Doctor and is joined in this set by Blakes 7 alum Jacqueline Pearce.  Finally we get to see what happened during the Time War and you can order this release from the Big Finish website.
http://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-war-doctor-volume-01-only-the-monstrous-1380

Three new battles for The War Doctor

1.1 The Innocent

As the Daleks mass their time fleet for a final assault on Gallifrey, something ancient is waiting for them at Omega One. And a sacrifice must be made.

Arch-manipulator and Time Lord strategist, Cardinal Ollistra receives shock news of the Doctor’s death.

Meanwhile, on the planet Keska, a parochial war has returned to plague a peaceful civilisation after decades of tranquillity. But how can such a war have any connection with the great Time War which, at any one moment in the whole of eternity, could threaten to tear the universe apart?

If only the Doctor were still alive.

1.2 The Thousand Worlds

With the high-ranking Time Lord Seratrix behind enemy lines, the War Doctor finds himself assigned to a rescue mission. But any room for manoeuvre is severely restricted by an area of space known as the Null Zone.

Times have changed on Keska, and a countdown to destruction is beginning.

But who are the Taalyens and what is their part in the great and terrifying Dalek plan?

1.3 The Heart of the Battle

Trapped in a citadel swarming with Daleks, the Time Lord rescue force must find a way to overcome insurmountable odds. With the Daleks apparently planning to rule the Null Zone, perhaps their thirst for universal conquest and victory has been quenched…

The War Doctor doesn’t believe so — but how can he prove it without destroying any chance of peace?

As the countdown to the destruction of Keska proceeds, a deadly choice must be made... A choice that will define this Doctor, and perhaps forever cast him in the role of ‘monster’.

Written By: Nicholas Briggs
Directed By: Nicholas Briggs

Cast
John Hurt (The War Doctor), Jacqueline Pearce (Cardinal Ollistra), Lucy Briggs-Owen (The Nursemaid), Carolyn Seymour (The Slave). Beth Chalmers (Veklin), Alex Wyndham (Seratrix), Kieran Hodgson (Bennus), Barnaby Edwards (Arverton), Mark McDonnell (Traanus) John Banks (Garv) and Nicholas Briggs as The Daleks.
Producer David Richardson
Script Editor Matt Fitton
Executive Producers Jason Haigh-Ellery and Nicholas Briggs

Doctor Who - Big Finish Announces The War Doctor Audio Series

Big Finish has announced that John Hurt will be reprising his role as The War Doctor in a series of box sets that will be our first glimpse of the Time War.  He will be joined by Jacqueline Pearce who will be playing a manipulative Time Lord.

The War Doctor's story will be told over four box sets that will have three linking stories among them and will be hour long in length. The first box set comes out in December and is called  Only The Monstrous by Nicholas Briggs.

Following Only The Monstrous release in December it will be followed by the three other releases the second coming in February with Infernal Devices written by John Dorney, Phil Mulryne and Matt Fitton.  Volume 3 and 4 are in pre - production and there are no details on them yet.

In addition to this release there will be an 8th Doctor - The Time War release coming in November 2017 and will follow the early stages of the Time War.  Paul McGann will star in this series and will be working along side the characters from the War Doctor series.

You can order both series from the Big Finish Website
The War Doctor
http://www.bigfinish.com/ranges/coming_soon_reverse/doctor-who---the-collected-war-doctor

The 8th Doctor - The Time War
http://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-eighth-doctor-the-time-war-1384?range=113

John Hurt "Vote For Doctor Who For BAFTA" Video

John Hurt was a guest on the One Show in a segment that each nominated show did to get people to vote for them for the Radio Times BAFTA.  Here is John Hurt groveling err asking people to vote for Doctor Who.

Doctor Who - War Doctor To Get Action Figure

In no big surprise the John Hurt Doctor will be getting his own action figure and it comes with the The Moment and a head of Paul McGann in which you can swap heads so you can recreate that regeneration scene from The Night of The Doctor.  The figure should be available sometime around the end of February.

Doctor Who - The Day of The Doctor Review (Spoilers)

 

Doctor Who: 

The Day of The Doctor  

By Steven Moffat

“Gallifrey Falls No More.”

It is finally here.  Doctor Who’s 50^th Anniversary special has finally aired and we finally get to see what John Hurt’s Doctor is all about.  All the speculation and hypothesis that have been going on since “The Name of The Doctor” have been at a fever pitch and the debates and discussions have heated up on social media over the course of the summer and fall can now end.  We have our answers at last. “The Day of The Doctor” has happened and we have all seen it but was it what we expected? Was it worthy of the hype?  Will it go down in anniversary fame as “The Three Doctors” and “The Five Doctors” before it or did it crash and burn and disappoint like the 25^th anniversary story “The Silver Nemesis” and nothing for the 30^th and 40^th?   Well it sure did not disappoint as “The Day of The Doctor” turned out to be my favorite anniversary story ever.

I usually write my reviews right after I watch the episode.  Except if it is a two part story then I wait till the whole story airs and review it at one time.  “The Day of The Doctor” was the exception as I’m writing this after I have watched it for a second time.  After watching it there was a lot of discussion with my friends at the party and I knew that I would need some time to recover from the euphoria of watching it.   I was pretty jazzed up and really excited for what I had just seen and my emotions were all over the place that it would be better to write this later when I was thinking normally.  Or in my case as normal as I think most of the time, well, some of the time I guess.

Doctor Who - More Publicity Photos

Collect them all and make a flip book of The Day of the Doctor!!

BBC AMERICA to Simulcast Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special

BBC AMERICA to Simulcast Doctor Who 50^th Anniversary Special on November 23

US broadcast part of global simulcast with over 75 countries

New York – October 1, 2013 – Announced today, BBC AMERICA will simulcast the Doctor Who 50^th Anniversary Special, The Day of the Doctor, in the U.S. on November 23, 2013. For the first time ever, the world’s longest running and most successful sci-fi series will be broadcast simultaneously to millions of viewers worldwide in a global simulcast.

From the U.S. to the UK, Canada to Colombia, Brazil to Botswana and Myanmar to Mexico, fans in at least 75 countries spanning six continents will be able to enjoy the episode at the same time as the UK, with more countries expected to be confirmed within the next month. The one-off special stars Matt Smith (the Eleventh Doctor), Jenna Coleman (companion Clara), David Tennant (the Tenth Doctor) with Billie Piper and John Hurt. 

In addition, BBC AMERICA will be dedicating an entire week to Doctor Who in November, including the new film An Adventure in Space and Time, marathons and new specials to be announced. 

On top of the worldwide TV broadcast, BBC AMERICA will announce in the coming weeks details of select 3D screenings of the anniversary episode in theatres in the U.S. 

“Few TV shows can still lay claim to being appointment viewing but Doctor Who takes this to another level. In its 50^th Anniversary year we wanted to create a truly international event for Doctor Who fans in as many countries as possible and the simultaneous broadcast and cinema screening of the special across so many countries will make for a fitting birthday tribute to our Time Lord,” states Tim Davie, CEO of BBC Worldwide. 

Steven Moffat, Showrunner for Doctor Who and Executive Producer of the 50^th Anniversary episode adds: “The Doctor has always been a time traveller - now he's travelling time zones. On the 23rd of November, it won't be the bad guys conquering the Earth - everywhere it will be The Day of the Doctor!”

In London, birthplace of the iconic series, the 50^th Anniversary weekend will also see over 20,000 fans gather at the ExCel exhibition and convention centre for the official celebration event which will feature appearances from cast old and new including Matt Smith and former Doctors Sylvester McCoy, Colin Baker and Tom Baker. 

Doctor Who is BBC AMERICA’s highest rated series. Since 1963, Doctor Who has been one of the best loved dramas and certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful sci-fi series ever. The show has received numerous awards across its 50 years and has seen huge commercial success with over 10 million DVDs and 8 million action figures sold globally. BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the UK broadcaster distributes Doctor Who to over 200 territories across the world.

BBC America Press Release For Doctor Who "The Day of The Doctor"

BBC AMERICA’s Doctor Who 50^th Anniversary special The Day of the Doctor iconic image revealed.

The centerpiece of BBC AMERICA’s celebrations of Doctor Who’s 50^th Anniversary will be the special anniversary episode, The Day of the Doctor, premiering on Saturday, November 23. In addition to the episode title and iconic image revealed today, the BBC confirmed the anniversary special will be feature length with 75 minutes of adventure. The Day of the Doctor stars Matt Smith (How to Catch a Monster), David Tennant (Broadchurch), Jenna Coleman (Dancing on the Edge), with Billie Piper (Secret Diary of a Call Girl) and John Hurt (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Alien). This is the first time David Tennant and Billie Piper have appeared in the series since their farewells in 2010. The special will be a celebration for long-time fans and an opportunity for those new to the series to jump onboard. 

Matt Smith, who plays the Doctor, said: “The Day of the Doctor is nearly here! Hope you all enjoy. There’s lots more coming your way, as the countdown to the 50th begins now.”

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer, Doctor Who said: "50 years has turned Doctor Who from a television show into a cultural landmark. Personally I can't wait to see what it becomes after a hundred." 

BBC AMERICA will announce additional 50^th Anniversary programming plans in the coming weeks.

Doctor Who "The Day of The Doctor" Posters Released"

Could John Hurt Be Playing A Future Doctor in Doctor Who 50th Anniversary

Digital Spy posted an excerpt of an interview with John Hurt talking about his role in the 50th Anniversary Special.  In the interview he refers to Matt Smith and David Tennant as previous Doctors. Is this a slip up or did he give something away.  Either way we will know soon enough but you can make up your own mind by reading the excerpt below.

"Of course you have to remember that the Doctors are all one person, so I'm not outside of that. I can't talk about it, but I will say I was really impressed when I did it… Both the previous doctors - Matt Smith and David Tennant - boy, are they good at it. Whoa-wee! They are so quick, and there's a huge amount of learning and no time to learn it in. All that fake scientific nonsense. Terribly difficult to learn."

Leaked Screencap For Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special

Here is a low res picture of a screencap of the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary (hope it is not a fake) from the Edinburgh Festival. It even has a reflection of a fan in it also.  Hopefully the trailer will be released soon.
Source: Life, Doctor Who & Combom