Review: ‘Doctor Who — The Power of the Daleks’ is a must-see for Whovians (Includes first-hand account)

Due to the nature of the show and the longstanding dedication of its followers, Doctor Who fans have repeatedly demonstrated a love for revisiting past plots and making old things new again. For the 50th anniversary, admirers rejoiced when favourite Doctors played by Matt Smith and David Tennant joined John Hurt’s War Doctor for a brand new adventure that incorporated decades of storylines. Now, for the first time in half a century, fans will have the opportunity to see the long lost story of the Second Doctor’s regeneration on the big screen. Doctor Who: The Power of the Daleks will screen in theatres at a one-night only event Nov. 30.

Polly (Anneke Wills) and Ben (Michael Craze) can’t believe their eyes when they see “their Doctor” (William Hartnell) become a completely different person (Patrick Troughton) via the renewal process. While Ben is skeptical of this man who looks and acts differently but apparently knows many of the same things, Polly is certain this is still the Doctor. Exiting the TARDIS delivers them to the planet Vulcan where they witness a man’s murder before the Doctor is mistaken for the Examiner, who was expected to arrive to inspect an alien spacecraft. However there are a lot of secrets among the crew, not the least of which is an imprudent alliance with the Daleks.

As the original six-part series was destroyed in the 1974 archive purge, the restoration team had very little to work with in order to save the lost episodes. Therefore, using the script, audio files, stills and the rare video clip, they recreated the story through animation. In spite of the new format, the black-and-white movie is an excellent representation of the original. The creators went to great lengths to ensure the animated characters looked like their real-life counterparts and the Daleks maintain their creepy intimidation factor. As a result, it’s easy to forget this isn’t the primary version of the narrative because the final product is so good.

In addition the voices are perfectly matched to the images on the screen, which further creates the impression that this version is interchangeable with the original. Whovians will thoroughly enjoy this blast from the past featuring their favourite adversary and foolish people’s consistent underestimation of the threat Daleks pose. Check the Cineplex website for a screening near you or if you can’t make it, all six episodes are also available for download as are the commemorative stickers to celebrate the release.

Great news Whovians, #PowerOfTheDaleks Twitter Stickers are here!

Get caught up: pic.twitter.com/cpCaCTAqYS

— BBC America (@BBCAMERICA) November 28, 2016

Director: Christopher Barry
Starring: Patrick Troughton, Anneke Wills and Michael Craze

Similar Posts

  • Review: ‘Rampage’ delivers on its promise — no more or less (Includes first-hand account)

    There is something very entertaining about watching giant monsters tear apart famous cities. Whether stop-motion creatures or CGI beasts, it’s often difficult — or even unintuitive — to root for the armed forces attempting to bring them down; this is particularly true when the creature has the potential to be cured/rehabilitated/relocated… alive. Often agitated at no fault of their own, the misunderstood beast acts out destructively. On the other hand, choosing sides in a winner takes all battle between two or more monsters is far easier. Such are the dilemmas faced when watching Rampage.

  • Review: ‘Fifty Shades Freed’ should’ve stayed bound and gagged (Includes first-hand account)

    The ultimate chapter in a trilogy dubbed the “anti-Twilight,” which titillated any reader who could tolerate E.L. James’ abysmal prose, is finally getting its big screen debut. Over three years, the controversial yet sultry adaptations of Anastasia Steele’s unsolicited sexual awakening and subsequent taming of the bully Christian Grey has unfolded in the shadow of jealous lovers, past and present. In spite of being made under the guidance of different directors and screenwriters, a lack of consistency was never going to be the series’ biggest problem as Fifty Shades Freed so plainly demonstrates.

  • Review: Documentary explores Rubik’s Cube in ’20 Moves’ (Includes first-hand account)

    It’s interesting how trends from decades earlier became cemented in pop culture and are still considered “cool,” although now they’re also “retro.” From fashion to art to games, that which comprises fond memories for some becomes a statement of style for others. But where did these status symbols originate? Some, like Daisy Dukes, are more apparent; but what about the less obvious ones? 20 Moves reveals the varied history of the often frustrating yet totally addictive Rubik’s Cube.

  • Review: ‘Gold’ is filled with riches and rocks (Includes first-hand account)

    During the Gold Rush, most lands were untouched and anyone could strike it rich with a little luck. But the more metal deposits they found, the harder it became to find new ones. Now trained geologists study the composition of certain areas and try to predict the location of new resources, but it’s not an exact science and there’s more misses than there are hits. In Gold, two guys who’ve experienced significant misses in recent years may have finally found the target.

  • Review: ‘The Forest’ lacks horror movie know-how (Includes first-hand account)

    Not all of a country’s famous landmarks are places they want to actively promote. At the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan lies Aokigahara, a.k.a. the Sea of Trees since it looks like a green body of water from above; however it’s better known by its less charming nickname, Suicide Forest, as it’s a notoriously common site for people to end their lives. In addition, local myths suggest the area is haunted by the ghosts of those who died. The Forest follows a woman’s journey into the eerie landscape in search of her missing twin sister.