231,276
edits
Arc of Infinity (TV story): Difference between revisions
From Tardis Wiki, the free Doctor Who reference
m
Bot: Cosmetic changes
m (Spacing issues) |
m (Bot: Cosmetic changes) |
||
| Line 39: | Line 39: | ||
== Plot == | == Plot == | ||
=== Part one === | === Part one === | ||
On [[Gallifrey]], a [[Time Lord]] is at work, stealing the [[biodata]] extract of another Time Lord and killing a technician | On [[Gallifrey]], a [[Time Lord]] is at work, stealing the [[biodata]] extract of another Time Lord and killing a technician named [[Talor]] who stumbles across the crime. The traitor provides the bio-data to a creature composed of [[anti-matter]] and uses the bio-data to invade [[the Doctor's TARDIS|the TARDIS]] and then the [[Fifth Doctor]]'s metabolism. The Doctor's companion, [[Nyssa]], helps him recover. The creature is shielded in this attempt by the [[Arc of Infinity]], a curious curve between the dimensions containing [[quad magnetism]] which can shield anti-matter. The Doctor decides to head to Gallifrey to track down the supplier of his bio-data, conscious that, unless the creature trying to cross universes is stopped, its incursion could cause a fatal chain reaction to the universe. | ||
[[File:Omega attempting bonding with the Doctor.jpg|thumb|Omega attempting to bond with the Doctor.]] | [[File:Omega attempting bonding with the Doctor.jpg|thumb|Omega attempting to bond with the Doctor.]] | ||
| Line 154: | Line 154: | ||
== Story notes == | == Story notes == | ||
* The story had the working titles of ''The Time of Neman'' and ''The Time of Omega.'' | * The story had the working titles of ''The Time of Neman'' and ''The Time of Omega.'' | ||
*[[Peter Davison]] also played Omega in part four when Omega's body becomes a replica of the Doctor's, but was credited on-screen only as "The Doctor". | * [[Peter Davison]] also played Omega in part four when Omega's body becomes a replica of the Doctor's, but was credited on-screen only as "The Doctor". | ||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Arnold Sean Arnold] | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Arnold Sean Arnold] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Stewart Patrick Stewart] were considered for the role of the Castellan; [[Glyn Owen]], [[William Lucas]] and [[Maurice Denham]] were considered for Hedin; [[Peter Cushing]] was considered for Borusa; and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierce_Brosnan Pierce Brosnan] was considered for Maxil. [[Colin Baker]] was cast as Maxil after [[assistant floor manager]] [[Lynn Richards]] recalled seeing Baker in ''[[w:c:blakes7:City at the Edge of the World (episode)|City at the Edge of the World]]'', a 1980 episode of ''[[Blake's 7 (series)|Blake's 7]]''. ([[TCH 36]]) | ||
* [[Maya Woolfe]] (Hostel Receptionist) is credited as "First Receptionist" in the combined ''[[Radio Times]]'' cast for parts three/four. | * [[Maya Woolfe]] (Hostel Receptionist) is credited as "First Receptionist" in the combined ''[[Radio Times]]'' cast for parts three/four. | ||
* Crowd control in Amsterdam proved to be a major issue throughout the shoot, with Dutch viewers recognising Peter Davison from ''[[All Creatures Great and Small]]''. [[John Nathan-Turner]] tried to assist [[Ron Jones]] in dealing with the onlookers, and indeed is visible in the transmitted version of ''Arc of Infinity'', gesturing away a group of onlookers in the background of the part four scene of the Doctor and Nyssa at the telephone box. At one point, Nathan-Turner's attempts at crowd control became dangerous when an elderly woman assumed he was a thief and attacked him. | * Crowd control in Amsterdam proved to be a major issue throughout the shoot, with Dutch viewers recognising Peter Davison from ''[[All Creatures Great and Small]]''. [[John Nathan-Turner]] tried to assist [[Ron Jones]] in dealing with the onlookers, and indeed is visible in the transmitted version of ''Arc of Infinity'', gesturing away a group of onlookers in the background of the part four scene of the Doctor and Nyssa at the telephone box. At one point, Nathan-Turner's attempts at crowd control became dangerous when an elderly woman assumed he was a thief and attacked him. | ||
* The Dutch street organ that transfixes Omega for a moment during part four is playing the song "[[Tulips from Amsterdam]]". The same music is heard during the establishing shot of Amsterdam at the start of part one. | * The Dutch street organ that transfixes Omega for a moment during part four is playing the song "[[Tulips from Amsterdam]]". The same music is heard during the establishing shot of Amsterdam at the start of part one. | ||
* [[Ian Collier]] takes on the role of Omega, originally played by [[Stephen Thorne]] in [[TV]]: ''[[The Three Doctors (TV story)|The Three Doctors]]''. To keep the return of Omega a surprise, Collier was billed in the end credits as "The Renegade" for parts one and two, with the billing becoming "Omega" for parts three and four. | * [[Ian Collier]] takes on the role of Omega, originally played by [[Stephen Thorne]] in [[TV]]: ''[[The Three Doctors (TV story)|The Three Doctors]]''. To keep the return of Omega a surprise, Collier was billed in the end credits as "The Renegade" for parts one and two, with the billing becoming "Omega" for parts three and four. | ||
* The ''[[Radio Times]]'' programme listing for part one was accompanied by a black-and-white head-and-shoulders photograph of Lord President Borusa and the Doctor labelled "New Season", with the accompanying caption "Summoned to Gallifrey, planet of all time lords — the Lord President tells the Doctor of his future: 6.45". | * The ''[[Radio Times]]'' programme listing for part one was accompanied by a black-and-white head-and-shoulders photograph of Lord President Borusa and the Doctor labelled "New Season", with the accompanying caption "Summoned to Gallifrey, planet of all time lords — the Lord President tells the Doctor of his future: 6.45". ''(original published text)'' | ||
* Every story during [[Season 20]] featured a component of a story from the show's past. For this serial, it was [[Omega]], who last faced the first three incarnations of the Doctor in the tenth-anniversary story, ''[[The Three Doctors (TV story)|The Three Doctors]]''. | * Every story during [[Season 20]] featured a component of a story from the show's past. For this serial, it was [[Omega]], who last faced the first three incarnations of the Doctor in the tenth-anniversary story, ''[[The Three Doctors (TV story)|The Three Doctors]]''. | ||
* Tegan is the first companion to have rejoined the Doctor on his travels after having departed, although other companions/recurring characters had previously left the Doctor's company then reappeared. | * Tegan is the first companion to have rejoined the Doctor on his travels after having departed, although other companions/recurring characters had previously left the Doctor's company then reappeared. | ||
* Tegan, while playing a significant part in the serial, has no scenes on Gallifrey, thus does not interact with half of the guest cast. | * Tegan, while playing a significant part in the serial, has no scenes on Gallifrey, thus does not interact with half of the guest cast. | ||
* [[John Nathan-Turner]] nicknamed [[Colin Baker]] "Archie", because he thought he gave "the archest performance he's ever seen in rehearsal". | * [[John Nathan-Turner]] nicknamed [[Colin Baker]] "Archie", because he thought he gave "the archest performance he's ever seen in rehearsal". | ||
*[[Colin Baker]] had to remove his elaborate helmet (which he nicknamed Esmerald) as it kept bumping into doorways and arches on the set, so he spent most of the story with the helmet under his arm, against his hip. He later said it felt like he was carrying a chicken around, and took to calling it "the chicken". | * [[Colin Baker]] had to remove his elaborate helmet (which he nicknamed Esmerald) as it kept bumping into doorways and arches on the set, so he spent most of the story with the helmet under his arm, against his hip. He later said it felt like he was carrying a chicken around, and took to calling it "the chicken". | ||
* The story was originally set in [[London]]. | * The story was originally set in [[London]]. | ||
* The original storyline involved the Doctor suffering nightmares about his regeneration, which were actually a precursor to the arrival of an entity called the Avatar, who takes on the Doctor's form and goes to Amsterdam. Operating there as Neman, the Avatar begins to take control of human minds, striving to create a form in which it will be able to permanently maintain its existence. The Doctor and Nyssa discover Neman's plot when they land in a future version of Amsterdam, which is populated by robot guards called Sweepers, the elderly Resisters, and barbaric Anarchs. Realising that history has been altered, they travel back in time to present-day Amsterdam. There, the Doctor discovers that Time Lord regeneration is the mechanism by which the Avatar is made manifest. The Avatar is defeated when the Doctor relives his own recent regeneration. | * The original storyline involved the Doctor suffering nightmares about his regeneration, which were actually a precursor to the arrival of an entity called the Avatar, who takes on the Doctor's form and goes to Amsterdam. Operating there as Neman, the Avatar begins to take control of human minds, striving to create a form in which it will be able to permanently maintain its existence. The Doctor and Nyssa discover Neman's plot when they land in a future version of Amsterdam, which is populated by robot guards called Sweepers, the elderly Resisters, and barbaric Anarchs. Realising that history has been altered, they travel back in time to present-day Amsterdam. There, the Doctor discovers that Time Lord regeneration is the mechanism by which the Avatar is made manifest. The Avatar is defeated when the Doctor relives his own recent regeneration. | ||
| Line 174: | Line 174: | ||
* Filming was allowed in Amsterdam so long as the story didn't involve drug smuggling, prostitution or diamond or art theft. | * Filming was allowed in Amsterdam so long as the story didn't involve drug smuggling, prostitution or diamond or art theft. | ||
* [[Colin Baker]] played Maxil not as a guest role, but as someone who thinks he's starring in his own series. As a result, John Nathan-Turner had to tell him that "it's called ''Doctor Who,'' not ''The Bloke Who's a Guard in the Background''". | * [[Colin Baker]] played Maxil not as a guest role, but as someone who thinks he's starring in his own series. As a result, John Nathan-Turner had to tell him that "it's called ''Doctor Who,'' not ''The Bloke Who's a Guard in the Background''". | ||
*[[Colin Baker]] was a fan of the show and delighted to play a guest role, but was also disappointed that this seemingly meant that he could never play the Doctor. | * [[Colin Baker]] was a fan of the show and delighted to play a guest role, but was also disappointed that this seemingly meant that he could never play the Doctor. | ||
*When [[Colin Baker]] was offered the role of Maxil, he was doing a play in [[Brighton]]. | * When [[Colin Baker]] was offered the role of Maxil, he was doing a play in [[Brighton]]. | ||
*Colin Baker jokes that while filming the scene where Commander Maxil shoots the Doctor, he was gunning for Peter Davison's part. Davison claimed that Baker enjoyed the scene a bit too much. | * Colin Baker jokes that while filming the scene where Commander Maxil shoots the Doctor, he was gunning for Peter Davison's part. Davison claimed that Baker enjoyed the scene a bit too much. | ||
*[[Sarah Sutton]] ripped her trousers during the crypt scene. | * [[Sarah Sutton]] ripped her trousers during the crypt scene. | ||
*Ian Collier described Omega's costume as one of the most uncomfortable experiences of his life. | * Ian Collier described Omega's costume as one of the most uncomfortable experiences of his life. | ||
*Ian Collier got burned filming the explosives scenes. They used metal plates to cover the charges. | * Ian Collier got burned filming the explosives scenes. They used metal plates to cover the charges. | ||
*[[Peter Davison]] claimed that he was planning to use a dildo he purchased in Amsterdam as a weapon to kill Omega, but because they were running behind schedule, he didn't get a chance. | * [[Peter Davison]] claimed that he was planning to use a dildo he purchased in Amsterdam as a weapon to kill Omega, but because they were running behind schedule, he didn't get a chance. | ||
*The cast found the Ergon costume laughable. [[Eric Saward]] claimed it was never described in the script and thought it was "lunatic" when he saw it. [[Johnny Byrne]] claimed it was a legitimate, "less successful attempt" at biosynthesis. | * The cast found the Ergon costume laughable. [[Eric Saward]] claimed it was never described in the script and thought it was "lunatic" when he saw it. [[Johnny Byrne]] claimed it was a legitimate, "less successful attempt" at biosynthesis. | ||
*[[John Nathan-Turner]] never explained why he wanted Tegan back or left her behind. [[Eric Saward]] thought it was contrived, while [[Peter Davison]] thought it was a "ludicrous coincidence". | * [[John Nathan-Turner]] never explained why he wanted Tegan back or left her behind. [[Eric Saward]] thought it was contrived, while [[Peter Davison]] thought it was a "ludicrous coincidence". | ||
*[[Sarah Sutton]] grew to dislike running around in Amsterdam, especially after three days of it. | * [[Sarah Sutton]] grew to dislike running around in Amsterdam, especially after three days of it. | ||
*[[Eric Saward]] claimed that [[John Nathan-Turner]] wanted to film in Amsterdam for no rhyme or reason and that all you could do is run around the streets. | * [[Eric Saward]] claimed that [[John Nathan-Turner]] wanted to film in Amsterdam for no rhyme or reason and that all you could do is run around the streets. | ||
*[[Leela]] had been written into the script, but [[Louise Jameson]] was unavailable to reprise her role. A few of Leela's actions critical to the plot were therefore given to Nyssa, resulting in a slightly unusually aggressive role for the character. | * [[Leela]] had been written into the script, but [[Louise Jameson]] was unavailable to reprise her role. A few of Leela's actions critical to the plot were therefore given to Nyssa, resulting in a slightly unusually aggressive role for the character. | ||
*The Ergon was envisaged as an assemblage of bones, inspired by the eponymous creature in ''[[Alien (film)|Alien]]''. Sadly, this effect, particuarly the inclusion of a pterodactyl skull (which [[Malcolm Harvey]] wore as a hat), did not come off as intended. With no time available to modify or replace it, the costume was judged a failure. | * The Ergon was envisaged as an assemblage of bones, inspired by the eponymous creature in ''[[Alien (film)|Alien]]''. Sadly, this effect, particuarly the inclusion of a pterodactyl skull (which [[Malcolm Harvey]] wore as a hat), did not come off as intended. With no time available to modify or replace it, the costume was judged a failure. | ||
*Although [[Richard Gregory]] of [[Imagineering]] was so happy with the Omega design that he wove his initials into the design on the chestplate, this costume proved problematic. Imagineering had incorporated servos to move the flaps covering Omega's mouth, but these proved to be so loud that they could not be used. | * Although [[Richard Gregory]] of [[Imagineering]] was so happy with the Omega design that he wove his initials into the design on the chestplate, this costume proved problematic. Imagineering had incorporated servos to move the flaps covering Omega's mouth, but these proved to be so loud that they could not be used. | ||
=== Influences === | === Influences === | ||
*''[[Frankenstein]]'' - ''The scene of Omega at the Punch and Judy show and interacting with a child was inspired by the 1931 film, as well as [[The Bride of Frankenstein]].'' | * ''[[Frankenstein]]'' - ''The scene of Omega at the Punch and Judy show and interacting with a child was inspired by the 1931 film, as well as [[The Bride of Frankenstein]].'' | ||
=== Ratings === | === Ratings === | ||
*Part one - 7.2 million viewers | * Part one - 7.2 million viewers | ||
*Part two - 7.3 million viewers | * Part two - 7.3 million viewers | ||
*Part three - 6.9 million viewers | * Part three - 6.9 million viewers | ||
* Part four - 7.2 million viewers | * Part four - 7.2 million viewers | ||
| Line 201: | Line 201: | ||
* New regular costumes for Nyssa and Tegan are seen for the first time in this story. ''(Although Tegan's new costume makes its debut here, Nyssa's is not seen until the following story, ''[[Snakedance (TV story)|Snakedance]]''. This myth derives from the fact that numerous publicity photographs of the two actresses wearing their new costumes were taken during ''Arc of Infinity''{{'}}s location shoot in Amsterdam. These photo shoots were made possible by the fact that ''Snakedance'' was completed before ''Arc of Infinity''.)'' | * New regular costumes for Nyssa and Tegan are seen for the first time in this story. ''(Although Tegan's new costume makes its debut here, Nyssa's is not seen until the following story, ''[[Snakedance (TV story)|Snakedance]]''. This myth derives from the fact that numerous publicity photographs of the two actresses wearing their new costumes were taken during ''Arc of Infinity''{{'}}s location shoot in Amsterdam. These photo shoots were made possible by the fact that ''Snakedance'' was completed before ''Arc of Infinity''.)'' | ||
===Filming locations=== | === Filming locations === | ||
*Location shooting was done in [[Amsterdam]] in [[May (production)|May]] of [[1982 (production)|1982]]: | * Location shooting was done in [[Amsterdam]] in [[May (production)|May]] of [[1982 (production)|1982]]: | ||
*Muntplein, Amsterdam | * Muntplein, Amsterdam | ||
*Herengracht, Amsterdam | * Herengracht, Amsterdam | ||
*Leidseplein, Amsterdam | * Leidseplein, Amsterdam | ||
*Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, Amsterdam | * Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, Amsterdam | ||
*Zandpad, Amsterdam | * Zandpad, Amsterdam | ||
*Middenweg, Amsterdam, Netherlands | * Middenweg, Amsterdam, Netherlands | ||
*Prinsengracht, Amsterdam | * Prinsengracht, Amsterdam | ||
*Amstel Sluize, Amsterdam | * Amstel Sluize, Amsterdam | ||
*Stationsplein, Amsterdam | * Stationsplein, Amsterdam | ||
*Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam | * Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam | ||
*Singel, Amsterdam | * Singel, Amsterdam | ||
*Lijnbaansgracht, Amsterdam | * Lijnbaansgracht, Amsterdam | ||
*Sint Nicolaasstraat, Amsterdam | * Sint Nicolaasstraat, Amsterdam | ||
*Amstelveld, Amsterdam | * Amstelveld, Amsterdam | ||
*Frankendael House, Middenweg 172, Amsterdam | * Frankendael House, Middenweg 172, Amsterdam | ||
*Amstel, Amsterdam | * Amstel, Amsterdam | ||
*Dam Square, Amsterdam | * Dam Square, Amsterdam | ||
*[[BBC Television Centre]] ([[List of stories recorded at BBC Television Centre|Studio 1]]), Shepherd's Bush, [[London]] | * [[BBC Television Centre]] ([[List of stories recorded at BBC Television Centre|Studio 1]]), Shepherd's Bush, [[London]] | ||
===Production errors=== | === Production errors === | ||
''to be added'' | ''to be added'' | ||
{{discontinuity}} | {{discontinuity}} | ||
==Continuity== | == Continuity == | ||
* {{Sachs}} has now ascended to the role of [[Lord President]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Deadly Assassin (TV story)|The Deadly Assassin]]'', ''[[The Invasion of Time (TV story)|The Invasion of Time]]'') | * {{Sachs}} has now ascended to the role of [[Lord President]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Deadly Assassin (TV story)|The Deadly Assassin]]'', ''[[The Invasion of Time (TV story)|The Invasion of Time]]'') | ||
* [[Leela]] has married [[Andred (The Invasion of Time)|Andred]], for whom she had left the [[Fourth Doctor]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Invasion of Time (TV story)|The Invasion of Time]]'') | * [[Leela]] has married [[Andred (The Invasion of Time)|Andred]], for whom she had left the [[Fourth Doctor]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Invasion of Time (TV story)|The Invasion of Time]]'') | ||
*The Doctor again enters the [[the Matrix]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Deadly Assassin (TV story)|The Deadly Assassin]]'') | * The Doctor again enters the [[the Matrix]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Deadly Assassin (TV story)|The Deadly Assassin]]'') | ||
*The Castellan mentions that the destruction of a Time Lord has only been ordered once before. Previously, [[Morbius]] was ordered destroyed. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Brain of Morbius (TV story)|The Brain of Morbius]]'') | * The Castellan mentions that the destruction of a Time Lord has only been ordered once before. Previously, [[Morbius]] was ordered destroyed. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Brain of Morbius (TV story)|The Brain of Morbius]]'') | ||
*A traitor is found to be at work on Gallifrey - not for the first time, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Deadly Assassin (TV story)|The Deadly Assassin]]'') nor the last. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Five Doctors (TV story)|The Five Doctors]]'') | * A traitor is found to be at work on Gallifrey - not for the first time, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Deadly Assassin (TV story)|The Deadly Assassin]]'') nor the last. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Five Doctors (TV story)|The Five Doctors]]'') | ||
*[[Thalia]] comments on the Doctor's previous inability to return [[Romana II|Romana]] to Gallifrey after she helped him collect the [[Key to Time]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Armageddon Factor (TV story)|The Armageddon Factor]]'') The Doctor tells her that she chose to stay in [[E-Space]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Warriors' Gate (TV story)|Warriors' Gate]]'') | * [[Thalia]] comments on the Doctor's previous inability to return [[Romana II|Romana]] to Gallifrey after she helped him collect the [[Key to Time]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Armageddon Factor (TV story)|The Armageddon Factor]]'') The Doctor tells her that she chose to stay in [[E-Space]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Warriors' Gate (TV story)|Warriors' Gate]]'') | ||
*The dress worn by Nyssa at [[Cranleigh Hall]] is seen in her room. ([[TV]]: ''[[Black Orchid (TV story)|Black Orchid]]'') | * The dress worn by Nyssa at [[Cranleigh Hall]] is seen in her room. ([[TV]]: ''[[Black Orchid (TV story)|Black Orchid]]'') | ||
*Nyssa and Tegan spent several days on holiday in Amsterdam in 1983, ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Elite (audio story)|The Elite]]'') while the Doctor was dealing with Omega in the [[Sector of Forgotten Souls]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Omega (audio story)|Omega]]'') | * Nyssa and Tegan spent several days on holiday in Amsterdam in 1983, ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Elite (audio story)|The Elite]]'') while the Doctor was dealing with Omega in the [[Sector of Forgotten Souls]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Omega (audio story)|Omega]]'') | ||
*Tegan would later tell the Doctor and Nyssa that she lost her sense of adventure in Amsterdam. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Sands of Time (novel)|The Sands of Time]]'') | * Tegan would later tell the Doctor and Nyssa that she lost her sense of adventure in Amsterdam. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Sands of Time (novel)|The Sands of Time]]'') | ||
*Zorac notes how violence has erupted on Gallifrey every time the Doctor returns there. ([[TV]]: ''[[The War Games (TV story)|The War Games]]'', ''[[The Deadly Assassin (TV story)|The Deadly Assassin]]'', ''[[The Invasion of Time (TV story)|The Invasion of Time]]'') | * Zorac notes how violence has erupted on Gallifrey every time the Doctor returns there. ([[TV]]: ''[[The War Games (TV story)|The War Games]]'', ''[[The Deadly Assassin (TV story)|The Deadly Assassin]]'', ''[[The Invasion of Time (TV story)|The Invasion of Time]]'') | ||
*Tegan later described the Ergon as "looking suspiciously like a plucked [[chicken]]". ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Waters of Amsterdam (audio story)|The Waters of Amsterdam]]'') | * Tegan later described the Ergon as "looking suspiciously like a plucked [[chicken]]". ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Waters of Amsterdam (audio story)|The Waters of Amsterdam]]'') | ||
*The Doctor would take on Maxil's appearance during his next [[regeneration]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Caves of Androzani (TV story)|The Caves of Androzani]]'') | * The Doctor would take on Maxil's appearance during his next [[regeneration]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Caves of Androzani (TV story)|The Caves of Androzani]]'') | ||
==Home video and audio releases== | == Home video and audio releases == | ||
===DVD releases === | === DVD releases === | ||
This story was originally released in a double-pack with ''[[Time-Flight (TV story)|Time-Flight]]'' in Region 2 and 4 but released singly in Region 1. | This story was originally released in a double-pack with ''[[Time-Flight (TV story)|Time-Flight]]'' in Region 2 and 4 but released singly in Region 1. | ||
The R2 and R4 cover art of this story and ''Time-Flight'' shows the "Peter Davison Years" as 1981-1984. All other Davison-era releases have claimed the years as 1982-1984 in deference to the January 1982 broadcast of ''[[Castrovalva (TV story)|Castrovalva]]''. However, there is justification for calling the era 1981-1984, as that's the period of time Davison actually worked on the programme. Like [[Jon Pertwee]], Davison fell victim to the [[BBC]]'s decision to push back the premiere of his first series to the start of the new calendar year. Neither actor is generally credited for their first year on the job, making their eras appear a little shorter than they actually were. While Pertwee only filmed about half of [[Season 7]] in [[1969 (production)|1969]], almost everything of [[Season 19]] was filmed in [[1981 (production)|1981]]. Indeed, Davison's first work on the series — his [[regeneration]] scene — had been filmed on [[9 January (production)|9 January]] 1981, almost a full year prior to the release of ''Castrovalva''. Ironically, the only part of Davison's initial year ''not'' filmed in 1981 was ''Time-Flight'', the only other DVD release to bear the claim of an era lasting from 1981-1984. All told, Davison's time in front of the cameras as the Doctor lasted from 9 January 1981 to [[12 January (production)|12 January]] [[1984 (production)|1984]] — almost precisely the three-year tenure he had been advised by [[Patrick Troughton]] to undertake. | The R2 and R4 cover art of this story and ''Time-Flight'' shows the "Peter Davison Years" as 1981-1984. All other Davison-era releases have claimed the years as 1982-1984 in deference to the January 1982 broadcast of ''[[Castrovalva (TV story)|Castrovalva]]''. However, there is justification for calling the era 1981-1984, as that's the period of time Davison actually worked on the programme. Like [[Jon Pertwee]], Davison fell victim to the [[BBC]]'s decision to push back the premiere of his first series to the start of the new calendar year. Neither actor is generally credited for their first year on the job, making their eras appear a little shorter than they actually were. While Pertwee only filmed about half of [[Season 7]] in [[1969 (production)|1969]], almost everything of [[Season 19]] was filmed in [[1981 (production)|1981]]. Indeed, Davison's first work on the series — his [[regeneration]] scene — had been filmed on [[9 January (production)|9 January]] 1981, almost a full year prior to the release of ''Castrovalva''. Ironically, the only part of Davison's initial year ''not'' filmed in 1981 was ''Time-Flight'', the only other DVD release to bear the claim of an era lasting from 1981-1984. All told, Davison's time in front of the cameras as the Doctor lasted from 9 January 1981 to [[12 January (production)|12 January]] [[1984 (production)|1984]] — almost precisely the three-year tenure he had been advised by [[Patrick Troughton]] to undertake. | ||
*Region 2 - [[6 August (releases)|6 August]] [[2007 (releases)|2007]] | * Region 2 - [[6 August (releases)|6 August]] [[2007 (releases)|2007]] | ||
::PAL - BBCDVD2327 | ::PAL - BBCDVD2327 | ||
*Region 4 - [[5 September (releases)|5 September]] 2007 | * Region 4 - [[5 September (releases)|5 September]] 2007 | ||
::PAL - | ::PAL - | ||
*Region 1 - [[6 November (releases)|6 November]] 2007 | * Region 1 - [[6 November (releases)|6 November]] 2007 | ||
Contents: | Contents: | ||
*Commentary by [[Peter Davison]], [[Janet Fielding]], [[Sarah Sutton]] and [[Colin Baker]] | * Commentary by [[Peter Davison]], [[Janet Fielding]], [[Sarah Sutton]] and [[Colin Baker]] | ||
*''[[Anti-Matter from Amsterdam (documentary)|Anti-Matter from Amsterdam]]'' - Presented by [[Sophie Aldred]], this new documentary examines the making of ''Arc of Infinity''. Featuring actors Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Sarah Sutton. | * ''[[Anti-Matter from Amsterdam (documentary)|Anti-Matter from Amsterdam]]'' - Presented by [[Sophie Aldred]], this new documentary examines the making of ''Arc of Infinity''. Featuring actors Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Sarah Sutton. | ||
*''[[The Omega Factor (documentary)|The Omega Factor]]'' - Writers and actors look at the character and motivation of the renegade Time Lord, Omega. Featuring co-creator [[Bob Baker]], and actors [[Stephen Thorne]] and [[Ian Collier]]. | * ''[[The Omega Factor (documentary)|The Omega Factor]]'' - Writers and actors look at the character and motivation of the renegade Time Lord, Omega. Featuring co-creator [[Bob Baker]], and actors [[Stephen Thorne]] and [[Ian Collier]]. | ||
* Deleted Scenes - Deleted scenes taken from time-coded viewing copies of the studio recordings and early edits. | * Deleted Scenes - Deleted scenes taken from time-coded viewing copies of the studio recordings and early edits. | ||
*''[[Under Arc Lights]]'' - Behind-the-scenes action from the studio recording sessions. | * ''[[Under Arc Lights]]'' - Behind-the-scenes action from the studio recording sessions. | ||
*CGI Effects - Viewers have the option to watch the story with eighteen of the original video effects replaced by brand new CGI versions. | * CGI Effects - Viewers have the option to watch the story with eighteen of the original video effects replaced by brand new CGI versions. | ||
*Continuities - Original BBC ONE continuity announcements for the story. | * Continuities - Original BBC ONE continuity announcements for the story. | ||
* Photo Gallery - A selection of rare and previously unpublished photographs from the recording of this story. | * Photo Gallery - A selection of rare and previously unpublished photographs from the recording of this story. | ||
*Isolated Music - The option to watch the story with the original synchronous music only. | * Isolated Music - The option to watch the story with the original synchronous music only. | ||
*Radio Times Billings (PDF DVD-ROM) | * Radio Times Billings (PDF DVD-ROM) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Annual 1983|1983]] [[Doctor Who annual|''Doctor Who'' annual]] (PDF DVD-ROM) | * [[Doctor Who Annual 1983|1983]] [[Doctor Who annual|''Doctor Who'' annual]] (PDF DVD-ROM) | ||
*Production Subtitles | * Production Subtitles | ||
*Coming Soon Trailer | * Coming Soon Trailer | ||
*Easter Egg - Type the number 1975 on one of the Special Features menus to view a Davros Box Set Trailer. | * Easter Egg - Type the number 1975 on one of the Special Features menus to view a Davros Box Set Trailer. | ||
Notes: | Notes: | ||
*Editing for the DVD release was completed by the [[Doctor Who Restoration Team]]. | * Editing for the DVD release was completed by the [[Doctor Who Restoration Team]]. | ||
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true"> | <gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true"> | ||
| Line 283: | Line 283: | ||
</gallery>It was released as [[DWDVDF 108|issue 108]] of ''[[Doctor Who DVD Files]]''. | </gallery>It was released as [[DWDVDF 108|issue 108]] of ''[[Doctor Who DVD Files]]''. | ||
====Box set==== | ==== Box set ==== | ||
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true"> | <gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true"> | ||
File:Dvd-r2-teganbox.jpg|DVD Region 2 UK cover | File:Dvd-r2-teganbox.jpg|DVD Region 2 UK cover | ||
| Line 289: | Line 289: | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
===VHS releases === | === VHS releases === | ||
This story was first released in VHS episodic format in the UK [[March (releases)|March]] [[1994 (releases)|1994]], [[April (releases)|April]] 1994 in Australia, and [[September (releases)|September]] [[1995 (releases)|1995]] in the US, with a cover design by [[Pete Wallbank]]. | This story was first released in VHS episodic format in the UK [[March (releases)|March]] [[1994 (releases)|1994]], [[April (releases)|April]] 1994 in Australia, and [[September (releases)|September]] [[1995 (releases)|1995]] in the US, with a cover design by [[Pete Wallbank]]. | ||
| Line 299: | Line 299: | ||
=== Digital releases === | === Digital releases === | ||
*The story is available for streaming through Amazon Instant Video in the UK. | * The story is available for streaming through Amazon Instant Video in the UK. | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
*{{bbcepguideclassic|arcinfinity/|Arc of Infinity}} | * {{bbcepguideclassic|arcinfinity/|Arc of Infinity}} | ||
* {{radiotimes|2012-01-22/arc-of-infinity}} | * {{radiotimes|2012-01-22/arc-of-infinity}} | ||
{{dwcast}} | {{dwcast}} | ||
