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The BBC has excitingly revealed plans to release colourised footage of the iconic Doctor Who, coinciding with a highly anticipated special project that aims to reimagine a classic storyline from 1969 for contemporary audiences.
In this new presentation, viewers will experience the regeneration of the Time Lord, transitioning into the much-loved third Doctor, showcased in a fresh colourised format of an episode that was part of the groundbreaking War Games narrative initially aired in 1969.
This pivotal original episode marked a significant transition as it saw actor Patrick Troughton, the second incarnation of the Doctor, hand over the mantle to Jon Pertwee, the third Doctor, who would continue the role until 1974.
These newly colourised scenes have been meticulously enhanced with advanced visual effects, alongside the recovery of previously unseen footage since its original broadcast. This restoration effort brings forth a comprehensive 90-minute feature-length special, scheduled to premiere on December 23, exclusively on BBC Four.
The audio experience has also been revitalised with an innovative new score designed to complement the visual storytelling.
Within the classic War Games storyline, viewers were taken on a journey alongside Troughton’s Doctor, together with his dynamic companions, Zoe and Jamie, portrayed by Wendy Padbury and Frazer Hines, as they unexpectedly arrived in a World War I military battleground.
During their perilous adventure, they uncovered a disturbing reality: soldiers abducted from various historical epochs were being subjected to manipulative and cruel experiments orchestrated by the War Lord, presenting the Doctor with a formidable challenge as he sought to unravel the dire mystery before him.
“The episode will also feature the second Doctor’s never before seen regeneration into the third Doctor,” said the BBC, teasing a moment fans have long awaited.
Showrunner Russell T Davies, who joyously returned to the series in 2023 to coincide with the show’s momentous 60th anniversary, expressed his enthusiasm: “From the day I arrived back on Doctor Who, this was the plan. To colourise old stories and bring them back to life.”
On Doctor Who Day, commemorating 61 years since its inaugural broadcast on November 23, 1963, the BBC has been celebrating the occasion with special messages from the current Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, along with notable appearances from actors like Bridgerton‘s Nicola Coughlan, who is set to feature in the upcoming 2024 Christmas special.
Davies further emphasized the striking visual quality of the colourised version, stating, “It looks so vivid and new – and for fans of black and white, the story in its original form will stay on BBC iPlayer, so everyone wins.”
The esteemed screenwriter reminisced about first experiencing the episode in 1969 at the tender age of six and expressed his exhilaration that fans today could “enjoy it all over again.”
This upcoming release marks the second occurrence of a Doctor Who storyline being colourised, following the successful colourisation of The Daleks earlier in 2023, a special update created in tribute to the franchise’s landmark anniversary.
Davies, who played a crucial role in the revival of Doctor Who in 2005 and subsequently departed in 2009, is now leading the show through an exciting new chapter as Ncuti Gatwa assumes the iconic role of the Doctor from David Tennant.
The War Games is due to air on December 23 on BBC Four and will also be accessible via BBC iPlayer.
With additional reporting from agencies.
How will the colorisation of *Doctor Who: The War Games* impact its significance in the show’s history?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Clarke, Doctor Who Historian**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Clarke. There’s quite a buzz about the upcoming colourisation of *Doctor Who*, particularly the classic story *The War Games*. What are your thoughts on this new presentation?
**Dr. Clarke:** Thank you for having me! I’m genuinely excited about this project. *The War Games* has always been a pivotal story in the *Doctor Who* canon, marking the transition from Patrick Troughton’s Second Doctor to Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor. Bringing it to life in color with enhanced visual effects is a fantastic way to engage both new and long-time fans.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the transition between doctors. Why is this moment significant in the series’ history?
**Dr. Clarke:** It’s crucial because it represents a significant change in the series’ direction. Troughton’s departure was emotional for many fans, and his regeneration into Jon Pertwee signified a shift in tone and style for the show. The colourisation adds a modern lens to that moment, making it more accessible and visually appealing to contemporary audiences.
**Interviewer:** The restoration effort includes previously unseen footage and a new score. How do you think these enhancements will affect viewers’ experience?
**Dr. Clarke:** These improvements can really enrich the storytelling. Unseen footage allows fans to explore the narrative more deeply, filling in gaps and giving context that may have been missing. A new musical score can heighten emotions and create a more immersive atmosphere, making viewers feel the tension and excitement of the adventure.
**Interviewer:** During *The War Games*, the Doctor and his companions encounter soldiers from different eras. How does this storyline resonate with viewers today?
**Dr. Clarke:** The themes of war and its ramifications are timeless. The Doctor’s confrontation with the War Lord, who manipulates soldiers from different historical periods, raises questions about morality and power dynamics that are relevant even today. This restoration might encourage discussions on these subjects among viewers, providing a new layer of relevance.
**Interviewer:** The special is set to premiere on December 23. What are your expectations for the public’s reception?
**Dr. Clarke:** I believe there will be a tremendous response, especially from the loyal *Doctor Who* fanbase. The combination of nostalgia and modernisation—alongside the added content—will likely attract a broad audience, including those who may not have seen the original. It’s a chance to reinterpret a classic in a way that speaks to current viewers.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a wonderful tribute to the series’ legacy. Thank you, Dr. Clarke, for sharing your insights with us!
**Dr. Clarke:** My pleasure! Can’t wait to see how fans react to this exciting reimagining of a classic tale.
