Season 26 of Doctor Who holds a unique place in the show’s history. It marked the end of the ‘classic era’, the final broadcast episodes of the 1980s, and, barring a brief return in 1996, the last glimpse of the Time Lord until the series revival in 2005. For those who might have missed it or dismissed it during its original run, the question remains: is Season 26 of Doctor Who truly worth revisiting?
Many argue, and with good reason, that Season 26 is not just good, but exceptional. It stands out as a highlight in the entire Doctor Who canon. The season features stories that are both innovative and deeply engaging. ‘Battlefield’ is a thrilling Arthurian legend reimagined in the Doctor Who universe, although its narrative might have benefited from a slightly extended format. ‘Ghost Light’ is a masterclass in intricate storytelling, pushing the boundaries of televised drama, even if its complexities were sometimes lost on initial broadcast viewers. ‘The Curse of Fenric’ is often hailed as quintessential Doctor Who, blending historical setting with genuinely terrifying monsters and exploring a profound dynamic between the Doctor and his companion, Ace, like never before. Finally, ‘Survival’ is a mature and thought-provoking piece that foreshadowed the direction of both the Virgin New Adventures novels and the modern Doctor Who era that would emerge in 2005. Season 26, therefore, served as a powerful and creative conclusion to the classic series, demonstrating the show’s enduring potential and hinting at its future evolution. It was an ending that felt very much like a new beginning.
Exploring the Stories of Doctor Who Season 26 in Detail
For devoted fans of Season 26, the primary allure of this collection is the opportunity to experience these four remarkable stories again, and in diverse formats. A standout feature of this release is the inclusion of multiple versions of ‘Battlefield’ and ‘The Curse of Fenric’, offering viewers a richer and more nuanced understanding of these narratives. These include the sought-after VHS versions, which were immensely popular amongst fans who owned them during the initial home video releases.
Notably, the collection also presents a newly assembled extended ‘workprint’ version of ‘Ghost Light’. This previously unseen edit provides a fresh perspective on the story, revealing nuances and details that were not apparent in the broadcast version. Crucially, all versions of these already exceptional stories have undergone meticulous restoration, ensuring they are presented in their absolute best visual and auditory quality. Significant acclaim is due to Peter Crocker/SVS for the picture restoration and Mark Ayres for the sound restoration, who also crafted the immersive 5.1 surround sound mixes, enhancing the viewing experience for audiophiles.
Unboxing The Doctor Who Season 26 Collection Box Set
The physical box set itself is a work of art, a testament to thoughtful design and fan appreciation. The design and illustrations are crafted by the talented Lee Binding. The use of an eerie green hue, particularly effective in highlighting the monsters and villains featured on the cover, is a striking visual choice. Sylvester McCoy’s portrayal of the Seventh Doctor, especially his darker, more manipulative persona prominent in Season 26, is perfectly captured, yet with a subtle hint of his characteristic mischievous smile. Inside, the box set is adorned with beautifully re-imagined scenes from the season. These include the TARDIS interior from ‘Battlefield’, finally given the visual prominence it deserved but lacked on screen due to set condition issues, alongside powerful imagery representing ‘The Curse of Fenric’ and ‘Survival’. These seven discs are thus housed within a truly desirable and collectible item.
Special Features: Delving Deeper into Doctor Who Season 26
The special features included in this release are as compelling as the episodes themselves. Leading the pack is a brand-new documentary, Showman: The Life of John Nathan-Turner, which offers a poignant and expertly constructed portrayal of Doctor Who‘s longest-serving producer. The documentary skillfully interweaves archive interviews with John Nathan-Turner (JNT) with fresh perspectives from his friends and colleagues. Beautifully shot sequences around BBC Television Centre and other significant locations add an extra layer of depth. While the documentary presents a somewhat sanitized version of events compared to Richard Marson’s comprehensive biography, it adeptly captures the highs of the 20th Anniversary year and the subsequent lows, culminating in a moving and appropriately somber finale.
Adding further value, Matthew Sweet returns to conduct insightful interviews with key cast members, this time engaging in a detailed conversation with Sophie Aldred. While some anecdotes may be familiar to seasoned fans, the level of forensic detail and fresh insights offered make these interviews feel entirely new. Revelations regarding Aldred’s relationship with JNT, for instance, are explored with unprecedented depth.
‘Behind the Sofa’ also makes a welcome return, featuring Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred, alongside Doctor Who alumni Anneke Wills, Janet Fielding, and Sarah Sutton, as well as writers Joy Wilkinson and Peter McTighe, all reacting to the thrills and chills of Season 26. Peter McTighe also contributes the booklet notes, an essential guide to navigating the extensive content across the discs, further showcasing his impressive knowledge, previously demonstrated in ‘Behind the Sofa’. Additionally, the collection includes all original bonus materials from previous DVD releases, PDFs, commentaries, and a wealth of other content, ensuring hours of additional entertainment.
Final Verdict: Is Doctor Who Season 26: The Collection Worth Buying?
As with previous releases in Doctor Who: The Collection, the arrival of the Season 26 box set experienced a slight delay. However, the final product unequivocally justifies the wait. Immense credit is due to the creative team involved. Rather than rushing the release, they prioritized quality, ensuring the material received the meticulous attention it deserved. The result is arguably the finest release in The Collection series to date. The sheer volume of content spread across seven discs promises countless hours of viewing pleasure. With multiple versions of outstanding Doctor Who stories, exceptional new special features, and a beautifully crafted physical product, this box set is unparalleled.
While Season 26 marked a temporary pause for Doctor Who on television, it’s hard to imagine a better tribute to this era than this comprehensive collection. It comes with the highest recommendation for any Doctor Who enthusiast.
