For fans of the iconic British science fiction series, Doctor Who: The Collection continues to deliver with its latest release, Season 26. This season holds a unique place in the show’s history, marking the end of the original run, often referred to as the ‘classic era’. Broadcast in the late 1980s, these were the last adventures of the Doctor until a brief television movie appearance in 1996, and then the triumphant return of the series in 2005. For those who might have missed it or dismissed it during its initial broadcast, the question remains: does Doctor Who Series 26 hold up, and is it worth revisiting?
The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, Doctor Who Series 26 isn’t just good; it’s arguably one of the strongest seasons in the entire classic era. Each story within this season is a testament to the creativity and enduring appeal of Doctor Who. ‘Battlefield’, while perhaps slightly stretched as a four-parter, is a thrilling Arthurian legend reimagined through a sci-fi lens. ‘Ghost Light’ is a complex and richly layered gothic mystery that rewards multiple viewings, even if its intricacies were somewhat obscured in its original televised format. ‘The Curse of Fenric’ is widely considered a highlight of classic Doctor Who, a chilling tale set against a historical backdrop with genuinely terrifying villains and a profound exploration of the Doctor and companion relationship. Finally, ‘Survival’ offers a mature and thought-provoking narrative that foreshadows the direction of the Virgin New Adventures novels and even elements of the revived series. Doctor Who Series 26, far from being a whimper of an ending, was a powerful statement, demonstrating the show’s potential for future stories and cementing its legacy. It was not just an end, but in many ways, a new beginning in spirit.
Image: Doctor Who: The Collection – Season 26 box set featuring Sylvester McCoy as the Seventh Doctor and Ace, highlighting the final season of classic Doctor Who.
Exploring the Definitive Versions of Doctor Who Series 26
For dedicated fans eager to delve into Doctor Who Series 26, this collection offers an unparalleled viewing experience. A key feature of this release is the inclusion of multiple versions for several stories. ‘Battlefield’ and ‘The Curse of Fenric’ are presented in three distinct versions, allowing viewers to explore VHS editions that were highly sought after by fans in the past.
Perhaps most exciting is the newly assembled extended ‘workprint’ version of ‘Ghost Light’. Created specifically for this box set, this version unveils previously unseen edits, offering fresh insights into this already fascinating story. Crucially, all versions of these exceptional stories have undergone meticulous restoration, ensuring they look and sound better than ever before. Credit is due to Peter Crocker/SVS for the picture restoration and Mark Ayres for the sound restoration, including immersive 5.1 surround sound mixes for those equipped to enjoy them.
Image: Close-up of the Doctor Who Season 26 Blu-ray box set discs, showcasing the restored episodes and special features included in The Collection.
Unboxing the Doctor Who Series 26 Collection: A Visual Delight
The physical presentation of Doctor Who: The Collection – Season 26 is, as always, a standout feature. The design and artwork, masterfully crafted by Lee Binding, are truly impeccable. The use of an eerie green hue to highlight the monsters and villains on the cover is particularly effective, perfectly capturing the tone of the season. Sylvester McCoy’s portrayal of the Seventh Doctor during Doctor Who Series 26 is also brilliantly represented, showcasing the darker, more manipulative side of the character, while still hinting at his underlying mischievousness.
Inside the box, fans are treated to stunning scene reimaginings. These include the TARDIS interior from ‘Battlefield’, finally brought to life as intended after its onscreen debut was hampered by set issues. Powerful imagery from ‘The Curse of Fenric’ and ‘Survival’ further enhances the visual appeal. The seven discs themselves are housed within this beautifully designed package, making it a collector’s item as much as a viewing experience.
Image: The artwork inside the Doctor Who Series 26 box set, designed by Lee Binding, featuring key scenes from the season’s episodes and highlighting the visual aesthetic of the collection.
Special Features That Enhance the Doctor Who Series 26 Experience
The special features included in Doctor Who: The Collection – Season 26 are a treasure trove for fans. Leading the pack is Showman: The Life of John Nathan-Turner, a brand-new documentary dedicated to the longest-serving producer of Doctor Who. This poignant and skillfully constructed documentary blends archive interviews with John Nathan-Turner with fresh perspectives from his friends and colleagues. Beautifully shot footage around BBC Television Centre and other relevant locations adds to the documentary’s impact. While acknowledging that it presents a somewhat sanitized version of events compared to Richard Marson’s biography, Showman effectively captures the highs and lows of JNT’s tenure, from the 20th Anniversary celebrations to the more challenging periods. The documentary’s conclusion is undeniably moving and fitting.
Further enriching the special features is the return of Matthew Sweet, this time in conversation with Sophie Aldred, who played Ace, the Doctor’s companion in Doctor Who Series 26. While some anecdotes may be familiar to seasoned fans, the level of detail and forensic exploration makes the interview feel fresh and insightful. Revelations about Aldred’s relationship with JNT, for instance, are explored with a depth rarely heard before.
‘Behind the Sofa’ also makes a welcome return, featuring Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred, alongside Doctor Who luminaries such as Anneke Wills, Janet Fielding, and Sarah Sutton, as well as writers Joy Wilkinson and Peter McTighe. Their engaging reactions to Doctor Who Series 26 provide entertaining viewing. Peter McTighe also contributes the booklet notes, an essential guide to navigating the extensive content across the discs, further showcasing his deep knowledge of the series. Adding to this wealth of content is all the original bonus material from previous DVD releases, including PDFs, commentaries, and much more.
Image: Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred in a scene from Doctor Who Series 26, highlighting the dynamic duo of the Seventh Doctor and Ace and their adventures in the final classic season.
Final Verdict: Doctor Who Series 26 – A Must-Have Collection
As with previous releases in Doctor Who: The Collection, the arrival of Season 26 might have experienced a slight delay. However, the final product unequivocally proves that it was worth the wait. Immense credit is deserved by the creative team who prioritized quality over speed, ensuring that this box set truly does justice to the material. The result is arguably the finest release in The Collection to date. The sheer volume of content spread across seven discs guarantees countless hours of entertainment. With multiple versions of exceptional Doctor Who stories, captivating new special features, and a beautifully crafted physical product, this box set is unparalleled.
While Doctor Who Series 26 marked a pause in the television run of Doctor Who, this collection serves as a powerful reminder of the show’s enduring brilliance. It’s difficult to imagine a better tribute to this era of Doctor Who. Highly recommended for any fan.
