The Doctor (Patrick Troughton) lands on an Earth ravaged by environmental disasters. If helping a group of bureaucrats and scientists to hold back the next ice age wasn’t enough for the flute playing mop top, he has to contend with the arrival of the Ice Warriors; a reptilian army from the future who plan to take over the world.
Reconstruction is the name of the game in this latest Doctor Who DVD release. Episodes 2 and 3 of the serial – previously missing – have been animated using the original soundtrack. Whilst the animation is the not the most fluid and it does distract at times, The Ice Warriors narrative is strong enough to persevere. It’s also a step up from the rushed VHS links used back in the 90s, which are also part of the extras package on this DVD.
Commentaries for both of the animated episodes have been compiled from archive audio and statements read out by actors. It’s surprisingly touching to hear those who are no longer with us discussing the making of the show 40 years on.
This review was originally published in FilmInk.
John Noonan 