35mm

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35mm is a standard film format, so named because of its 35-millimetre width. It is the largest-format film stock ever used for the recording of anything to do with Doctor Who. Because of its relatively high cost, it was infrequently used for principal recording. However, 10 episodes of 1960s Doctor Who were recorded by having their mixed camera feed outputted to 35mm film in lieu of the appropriate machines being available to record to the typical videotape format. These episodes were The Daleks Episode 4, The Dalek Invasion of Earth Episode 5, The Power of the Daleks Episode 6, The Wheel in Space Episodes 5 & 6, The Dominators Episode 3, The Mind Robber Episode 5, The Krotons Episode 1, The Seeds of Death Episode 5, and The Space Pirates Episode 2 (which was shot entirely on 35mm film and retained for its cultural significance). Sadly 3 of these prints were junked between 1969 and the early-to-mid 70s (The Daleks Episode 4 - which does survive on 16mm - The Power of the Daleks Episode 6, and The Wheel in Space Episode 5). Those that survived represent the only episodes of 60s Doctor Who that survive on their original broadcast masters.[1][2]

By far, Doctor Who's most extensive use of 35mm on television was in the recording of the 1996 telemovie, which is the only Doctor Who story within the televised continuity to be entirely filmed in the format. Although the finished episode is the product of this film being telecined and edited on videotape. [3]

Both of the 1960s Dalek films, Dr. Who and the Daleks and Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D., were also filmed in 35mm.

However, the BBC Wales team have occasionally used 35mm for certain scenes to which they wanted to apply traditional film effects. A good example is in the Tooth and Claw teaser sequence with the monks. There, 35mm was used when the monks were actually "flying" through the air. (DCOM: Tooth and Claw)

Footnotes