DVD
EXTRAS
- Audio commentary by Tom Baker (the Doctor),
Elisabeth Sladen (Sarah Jane Smith), Judith Paris (Eldrad), Bob Baker (co-writer),
Philip Hinchcliffe (producer)
- CHANGING TIMES - a documentary
charting the special relationship between the Doctor and his companion Sarah
Jane Smith (50 mins)
- A very rare clip of Tom Baker and Elisabeth
Sladen's appearance on the first ever edition of Noel Edmonds' MULTICLOURED
SWAP SHOP, shown in October
1976
- Photo gallery + Continuity
announcements + Information text subtitles
- 1977 Doctor Who Annual (pdf format)
- Radio Times listings (pdf format)
- Easter Egg (hidden feature)
COMMENT
With a new sparkle to his personality, Tom Baker's
contribution to the studio commentary for THE HAND OF FEAR is
simply stunningly witty and humorous in a way that makes bladder control extremely
difficult. I am sure that a hint of "underpant moisture" was present.
He has never been so entertaining in his
career, even as the "words of wisdom" narrator
for LITTLE BRITAIN . And its all Baker, unscripted and unaided,
the only being his co-commentators, especially Elisabeth Sladen and Judith Paris.
Here are the gems:
(For
his own introduction)
Tom
Baker: "Hello, my name is Elisabeth Sladen.
I didn't feel any different. I've had a bad theoat recently".
(At
seeing the Kastrian Technicians)
Tom
Baker: "A hoodie! A Hoodie!"
(At looking
at the sleek silver Kastrian space craft)
Tom Baker:
I've a mobile phone like that!
(At seeing
his Doctor walking out of the TARDIS and gazing toward the horizon)
Tom Baker:
A hello to Buster Keaton.
(Commenting on co-star, Rex Robinson)
Tom
Baker: The best dressed man in Tufnell
Park in 1964. I used to loiter in Tufnell Park.
(At seeing
the opening credits to Episode 2)
Tom Baker: DOCTOR WHO. I think we should give this a
whirl.
(Commenting
on Elisabeth Sladen's stripy dungarees)
Tom Baker:
An apple bum!
Elisabeth Sladen: Altered now!
Tom Baker: Even bottom's change.
Tom Baker: I never used to watch DOCTOR
WHO. I used to go to the pub as it
was too frightening. The PRINCESS ARMS was empty!
(After
Elisabeth Sladen comments that she's never had Hormone Replacement Therapy [HRT])
Tom Baker:
I wouldn't be without it.
(As Professor Watson telephones his wife during
episode 2)
Professor Watson: Hello, Luv!
Tom Baker (talking to the TV): Hello.
Tom Baker: My goodness, my left eye was large in those days.
(Relishing
watching the female Kastrian, Eldrad, on screen)
Tom Baker: I'm coming, Judith, I'm coming.
(Beat of sexual tension)
. to help you!
(Watching the Doctor and Sarah helping a poisoned Eldrad to walk)
Tom
Baker:
Judith, we could have done COME DANCING .
(Watching the Doctor lift and carry a very rigid Eldrad over the abyss) Judith
Paris: Sometimes I'm very stiff and sometime very bendy.
Tom Baker: Sometimes I'm very stiff and sometime very bendy. Do you mind if
I write that down? I think I should send an email with that.
(Seeing Roy Skelton's King Rokon)
Tom
Baker: Looks like my Aunty Wyn.
Priceless. In fact, the price of the DVD is worth the commentary on its own.
But beware: the commentary will, if you
sense of humour, have you either rolling on the floor in stitches or wallowing
on your sofa in your own wee - laugh and
all other bodily functions will be forgotten.
Be prepared.
The clip from Noel Edmond's MULTICOLOURED
SWAP SHOP ,
featuring Baker and Sladen was a wonderful "Yes, I was there!" (well, watching
the goggle-box in the living room) moment. It demonstrated how charming and self-effacing
Baker was (and probably still is), especially toward his DOCTOR WHO co-star
as he cajoled the young telephone callers to ask the 'gooseberry' Sladen a question.
For such a larger-than-life man, shifting the limelight was charming.
The new documentary, CHANGING TIME , was, like many others
recently produced for the DVD releases, workman-like and predictable. Enjoyable
but predictably laconic. I think that now it would be nice to have the self-proclaimed DOCTOR
WHO fan & current lead actor, David Tennant, to offer a selection
of memories of CLASSIC SERIES episodes.
Overall, I have never enjoyed re-watching CLASSIC episodes more. In fact,
let's watch it again with the commentary.
Now, where's my incontinent pants? But the red
sticker on my copy did warn me! Did it on your copy?