BFI Ninth Doctor screening update

The BFI have announced the guests who will take part in their screening of the Ninth Doctor episodes, Bad Wolf/Parting of the Ways which takes place on August 24. Confirmed names are: Dave Houghton (Visual Effects), director Joe Ahearne, producer Phil Collinson and actor Bruno Langley ("companion" Adam).

Next month will honour the David Tennant years with The Stolen Earth/Journey's End on Sept 29 at 2pm (this is a Sunday screening) whilst the Paul McGann TV Movie, Doctor Who, will be shown on Oct 5 at the earlier time of 10am. So far no guests have been announced for these three screenings (will keep you updated).

REVIEW: Remembrance of the Daleks at the BFI

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REVIEW: Remembrance of the Daleks at the BFI

 
Doctor Who at 50:
Remembrance of the Daleks

BFI Southbank, London, July 27,  2013

Featuring: Sylvester McCoy, Sophie Aldred and more.

Review by Cameron K McEwan

Another sell out, packed house (not to mention those queuing for hours for return tickets), the BFI's celebration of the Seventh Doctor era on the London's Southbank was greeted by a hugely appreciative audience.

Before the first ep of the classic 1988 four-parter featuring the mad little bastards from Skaro, we were treated to the surprise of a John Leeson appearance and interview to kick off the day. As voice of the Battle Computer in Remembrance of the Daleks (which was news to me, it has to be said!), Leeson is, of course, better known as the voice of K9. The actor made for a wonderful guest with his endearing humour and soothing voice (and even delved into some tin dog antics for us). To cap it off, the big screen showed the opening title sequence to the charming Doctor Who spin-off, K9 & Company. The audience's delight was palpable and was applauded warmly and with great humour.

The episodes of Remembrance looked surprisingly good on the big screen, in terms of picture quality. Given that it was first broadcast twenty-five years ago or so and shot on video, as opposed to the flashy HD we have now, it looked grand and even exciting in the cinema theatre.

It's a cracking old yarn and despite a great number of very wobbly and shakey Dalek action (and the odd wobbly and shakey performance too) it was a real pleasure sitting down to watch it with a few hundred fellow fans. I'm not a particular admirer of the Seventh Doctor era and it had been approximately eight years since I'd last watched the story - so it was an almost fresh watch. The gathered crowd were hugely engaged with applause for Michael Sheard's appearance and also the Special Weapons Dalek (and many laughs and guffaws at the numerous gags throughout).

In between some eps more guests were brought out for our delectation and deliberation. Legendary special effects guru Mike Tucker, who has worked on the show in both pre- and post-2005 (most recently on Cold War and the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special) chatted enthusiastically about his rise from teen fan making films at home to actually working on the show he loved so much. A heart-warming interlude. Similarly, Dick Mills of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop was brought on to a rousing reception, and chatted expertly about his time on the show. Again, another fascinating interview with a man whose legacy and output will be long remembered.

The full panel Q&A after the story was screened could not have been much better in terms of guests for the era (though Bonnie Langford and Andrew Cartmel did send their apologies for not being present). Remembrance writer Ben Aaronovitch (and also Battlefield) was joined by Sophie Aldred (Ace) and Sylvester McCoy (The Seventh Doctor) and the onscreen chemistry between the pair was evident as ever in person as they fondly remembered their years together.

A particular highlight was hearing McCoy discuss his time filming the 1996 Paul McGann television movie (screening at the BFI in October), comparing his luxurious conditions and treatment in North America with the less than favourable ones he experienced at the BBC.

Another top event from the BFI who pull out all the stops for these Doctor Who screenings, bringing in fantastic guests with wonderful stories and love to share. Their time on the show might have been comparatively small, but Sylvester and Sophie's remembrance looms large.

BLOGTOR RATING 10/10

Thanks to the BFI - follow on Twitter HERE.

All images courtesy of Zygon Curry, reproduced with kind permission.

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BFI: Doctor Who at 50 update

The BFI have announced details of the upcoming screenings as part of their fantastic Doctor Who 50th Anniversary celebrations:

• Next month sees the Christopher Eccleston era remembered with Bad Wolf/Parting of the Ways, August 24 at 2pm.

• September will honour the David Tennant years with The Stolen Earth/Journey's End on Sept 29 at 2pm (this is a Sunday screening).

• The Paul McGann TV Movie, Doctor Who, will be shown on Oct 5 at the earlier time of 10am. So far no guests have been announced for these three screenings (will keep you updated).

It’s also worth noting that although these events take place in two different months the member’s ballot for each event will take place at the same time (this is because the London Film Festival falls in mid October and the guide for September therefore includes the first week of October as well).

As previously reported, this Saturday sees a screening of Remembrance of the Daleks - full details HERE. The event is sold out, though you can always queue for returns on the day.

Visit the BFI website for more info.

Thanks to the BFI

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BFI: Doctor Who at 50 update

The BFI have announced the guests for the July screening in their Doctor Who at 50 series. Sylvester McCoy (The Seventh Doctor), Sophie Aldred (Ace), Dick Mills (from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop), Ben Aaronovitch (writer of Remembrance of the Daleks and Battlefield) and Mike Tucker (visual effects) will take part in a Q&A for the screening of Remembrance of the Daleks on July 27. Buy tickets HERE.

August was due to have been the month to screen the Paul McGann 1996 television movie but it has been moved to a "little later in the year" to accommodate guest availability. Instead there will be a screening of the Ninth Doctor episodes Bad Wolf and Parting of the Ways on August 24.

Thanks to the BFI

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The Two Doctors at the BFI - guests announced

The BFI have announced the guests for this Saturday's screening of the Sixth Doctor story, The Two Doctors. Appearing onstage for the Q&A after the episodes are shown will be: Frazer Hines (Jamie McCrimmon), Tony Selby (Sabalom Glitz), Doctor Who Script Editor and Writer Eric Saward and Visual Effects Designer Mike Kelt.

The Two Doctors screens this Saturday, June 15th at the BFI from 2pm. The event is currently sold out. As previously announced, the July screening will be Remembrance of the Daleks - details HERE.

Thanks to the BFI

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BFI: Doctor Who at 50 July screening

The BFI have today confirmed the latest screening in their monthly series, Doctor Who at 50. July will see Remembrance of the Daleks on the big screen on Saturday, July 27 at 2pm. The four-part story first aired in 1988 and stars Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred. Guests have yet to be announced and the tickets go on sale to the public on Tuesday, June 11.

As previously announced HERE, next month sees a screening of the Colin Baker story, The Two Doctors, on June 15, 2pm.

Visit the BFI website HERE.

Read Blogtor's review of the latest event, featuring Tom Baker and The Robots of Death, HERE.

Thanks to the BFI.

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BFI: Doctor Who at 50 June screening

The BFI have today confirmed the latest screening in their monthly series, Doctor Who at 50. June will see The Two Doctors on the big screen on Saturday, June 15 at 2pm. Guests have yet to be announced.

May 4 sees a screening of The Caves of Androzani with guests Peter Davison (The Fifth Doctor), Sarah Sutton (Nyssa), Janet Fielding (Tegan), director Graeme Harper and composer Roger Limb.

Visit the BFI website HERE.

Read Blogtor's review of the latest event, featuring Tom Baker and The Robots of Death, HERE.

Tom Baker: the definitive Doctor Who?

Thanks to the BFI

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REVIEW: The Robots of Death at the BFI

Tom Baker

Doctor Who at 50:
The Robots of Death

BFI Southbank, London, April 20,  2013

Featuring: Tom Baker, Louise Jameson and more.

Review by Cameron K McEwan 

For those lucky enough to get tickets, the monthly screenings of Doctor Who have been the highlight of the year (so far). Examining each of The Doctors (complete with a guest-laden panel), this month saw the attention turn to The Fourth Doctor with a screening of 1977's The Robots of Death and a Q&A featuring some of the main players (with a few surprises thrown in too!).

But before the screening and adoration began, there was a very moving tribute to The Fourth Doctor's main companion Sarah Jane Smith - the wonderful Elisabeth Sladen. A clip from her last public appearance was shown, which just happened to be at the BFI for the premiere of The Sarah Jane Adventures story, Death of the Doctor (you can find Blogtor's report from that event HERE). So lovely to see Lis honoured as she was such an integral part of Tom's time as The Doctor (and, indeed, of Doctor Who's history).

Waterhouse & Moffat

Next up was current Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat who gave a very amusing introduction to what he called a "perfect" story (coincidentally, Blogtor used the very same word describing the four~parter in this review HERE). Always heartening to see Steven's love for the show. Accompanying him was surprise guest, Matthew Waterhouse - one of Tom's Doctor's final onscreen chums, Adric. Again, another fitting intro from a fan who got to work on his favourite show.

Whilst I won't bang on about the actual story screened, as you'll find it at the top end of the Blogtor Who Top 50 in a few months, I will say that it's an utter classic - and seeing it on the big screen was absolute pleasure. Top notch Who-ery from start to finish.

During the "intermission" (between episodes two and three of The Robots of Death), Visual Effects Designer Mat Irvine was present to discuss his time on Doctor Who (though he didn't work directly on the story concerned). As a veteran at Who events [Whovents? - Ed.], Mat is a cracking speaker, and full of tittersome stories about his career on the show.

Louise Jameson & Tom Baker

To finish off, and most definitely the highlight of the day, was the fantastic panel with producer Philip Hinchcliffe, beautiful birthday girl Louise Jameson (Leela) and the irrepressible legend, Tom "The Guv'nor" Baker. The latter was in top form, regaling the audience with many hilarious stories (some true, some not so true); he was very much the centre of attention, as you would expect. 

Tommy B didn't fail to keep the audience entertained with his non-stop gaggery and his admission that he didn't actually watch Doctor Who (at any point in its history) reduced the hundreds present to hysterical fanboys/girls (especially when chatting about his female companions and his short-lived marriage to Lalla Ward). During the Q&A from the audience he was asked if he regretted no appearing in The Five Doctors to which he quickly repsonded, almost flabbergasted, "No!" adding that he didn't want to be "20%" of anything.

Keen to get in on the act was Louise who is no slouch when it comes to anecdotes with a knack for a good tale - especially at the expense of her co-star Tom. It was touching to see their honesty about their relationship - which was initially marred by Baker's ill treatment of her but now the two are the best of friends. And it really shows with gentle ribbing and affection at every turn.

Philip Hinchcliffe, Jameson & Baker

A superb panel with equally superb audience questions (though, sadly, nobody asked what his favourite monster was). Any Who fan could not have failed to come away with anything but a joyful feeling - as the standing ovation attested to.

If you can get a ticket for the next event (The Caves of Androzani on May 4 featuring Peter Davison, Janet Fielding and Sarah Sutton, amongst others) or any of the future screenings then do try. They do sell out very quickly but do keep checking with the box office or just queue on the day as there is always the possibility of returns (which people have been getting at each event so far).

The BFI know how to honour Doctor Who and they know how to do it expertly, in a fantastic setting with some of the biggest names in the show present (and some just sitting in the audience, happy to watch!). This is the ultimate experience for any fan, regardless of era-preference.

BLOGTOR RATING 10/10

Thanks to the BFI

Follow Cameron K McEwan on Twitter

Thanks to Emrys Matthews and My Anglo Files for the images, reproduced with kind permission.

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The Caves of Androzani at the BFI

As part of their celebrations for the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary, the BFI will screen The Caves of Androzani on May 4, 2.30pm. Guests for the event will be announced soon. Tickets will go on sale to the public in April after being made available to members a week earlier. So far this year, all four events at the BFI have sold out within minutes.

Visit the BFI website HERE.

Later this month, the full score to The Caves of Androzani will be made available for the first time. Silva Screen release the CD and download on March 25.

Read Blogtor's review of the Revisitations DVD HERE.

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Tomb of the Cybermen BFI screening

As announced previously, the BFI are screening the classic Doctor Who story The Tomb of the Cybermen on Feb 9. The guests for the event which includes a Q&A include: Anneke Wills (Polly), Deborah Watling (Victoria Waterfield), Shirley Cooklin (plays Kaftan in Tomb of the Cybermen), Bernard Holley (Peter Haydon in Tomb), Michael Kilgarriff (Cyber Controller in Tomb), director Michael Ferguson (The War Machines, The Seeds of Death, The Ambassadors of Death and The Claws of Axos) and son of Patrick Troughton, Michael Troughton.

It should be pointed out, however, that this event is now sold out.  The next screening after that at the BFI is The Mind of Evil on Sunday March 10 at 2pm.

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The Mind of Evil at the BFI

As announced yesterday on the Blogtor Who Twitter account, the BFI are to screen the Doctor Who story, The Mind of Evil on Sunday 10th March at 2pm.

The event will feature a first look at the newly colourised version and an on-stage event looking at the Pertwee period and colour recovery process.

Please Note: The event was originally programmed for Sat 2 March. The current BFI brochure features the original date but fans should be aware of the date change to the following weekend.

The Mind of Evil will be released on DVD later this year, featuring a "making of" documentary with a voice-over from... Blogtor! Other extras have yet to be anounced.

Thanks to the BFI

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BFI 50th Screening - Sky News report

"News" channel Sky News broadcast a report on Doctor Who today as the start of celebrations kicked off at the BFI screening of An Unearthly Child. Included in the piece are interviews with Colin Baker (The Sixth Doctor), Sylvester McCoy (The Seventh Doctor) and William Hartnell's granddaughter, Jessica Carney. Watch the news report below which includes footage from the venue earlier today.

You can find out more details on the BFI screenings HERE.

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