The Key To Time
(Special Edition) Boxset
(DVD)

Starring Tom Baker
Featuring 6 Stories
The Ribos Operation (4 episodes)
The Pirate Planet (4 episodes)
The Stones of Blood (4 episodes)
The Androids of Tara (4 episodes)
The Power of Kroll (4 episodes)
The Armageddon Factor (6 episodes)
1978
633 minutes (color)
Seven Discs




 

 

Production Notes
Doctor Who
Tom Baker

Romana
Mary Tamm

Voice of K9
John Leeson

Written by
Robert Holmes
Douglas Adams
David Fisher
Bob Baker
&
Dave Martin
 Directed by
George Spenton-Foster
Pennant Robers
Darrol Blake
Michael Hayes
&
Norman Stewart

Produced by
Graham Williams
Original Airdate
Sept 2, 1978 - Feb  24, 1979

US DVD Release Date
March 2009

Warner Home Video
#????????

U.K. Key To Time Box Set




Cover Blurb
The Ribos Operation: Having left Leela on Gallifrey, the Doctor and K9 Mark II don’t remain footloose for long. The TARDIS is soon intercepted by the White Guardian. The White Guardian sets the Doctor on an urgent mission to locate the six segments of the Key to Time, which are well disguised and hidden in odd corners of time and space. Once assembled, the Key will allow the White Guardian to restore balance to a universe descending into evil and chaos.

The Pirate Planet: As the Doctor, Romana and K9 head for the planet Calufrax in search of the second segment of the Key to Time, they are in for a surprise when the TARDIS brings them to Zanak, an entirely different planet occupying the same space coordinates. Did Romana take a wrong turn when she navigated by the book? No, the tracer registers that the segment is near.

The Stones of Blood: The search for the third segment of the Key to Time leads the Doctor and Romana to the English countryside and an ancient stone circle called the Nine Travelers. There they meet Professor Amelia Rumford and her friend Vivien Fay, who are conducting a new survey of the stones. Curiously, the number of stones has not been consistent in the historical sources the professor has researched.

The Androids of Tara: Getting the fourth segment of the Key to Time is the easiest part of the trip to the planet Tara, whose idyllic atmosphere lulls the Doctor into a mood to go fishing and leave the segment-tracing to Romana. She locates it after a short walk on a beautiful day, but her luck changes when she meets the courtly Count Grendel.

The Power of Kroll: The search for the fifth segment of the Key to Time brings the Doctor and Romana to the swampy terrain of the third moon of the planet Delta Magna. Almost immediately, they become separated. The Doctor draws fire when he is mistaken for Rohm-Dutt, a notorious gunrunner wanted for supplying firearms to the Swampies, an aboriginal people who were displaced to the marshy moon when human colonists took possession of Delta Magna. A small team from Delta Magna are now developing a refinery in the Swampies’ promised territory, but the Swampies are confident that, properly armed, they can drive the humans away.

The Armageddon Factor: The last stretch of the quest for the Key to Time brings the Doctor and Romana to the planet Atrios in the last days of a nuclear war with its neighboring planet Zeos. The Atrian ruler, Princess Astra, presses for peace, but the Marshal insists that his forces can win the war. Those near the Marshal fear that his judgment is suffering from the strain of command. He has taken to making most of his decisions following meditations before a strange black mirror. The Princess has disappeared, and the Marshal now rules unopposed. Have the Doctor and Romana arrived too late to complete their mission before Atrios is destroyed?




 

 

DVD Features
 

Disc One
 All 4 episodes of "The Ribos Operation" as they were originally transmitted in 1978 plus these bonus features.
 
  • A Matter of Time:
 An impressive 60 minute documentary highlighting the tenure of Doctor Who producer Graham Williams, and in particular, the Key to Time season.  Interviews include the late Graham Williams (producer), Tom Baker (4th Doctor), Louise Jameson (Leela), Mary Tamm (Romana #1), Lalla Ward (Romana #2), and John Leeson (voice of K-9).  Also contributing are Graham Williams' widow, Jackie Williams, script editors Anthony Read and the late Douglas Adams, as well as directors Pennant Roberts, Ken Grieve, Darrol Blake, Michael Hayes, and Christopher Barry.
 

 
  • The Ribos File:
 A 20 minute featurette specifically highlighting the making of this story.
 

 
  • Continuities:
 Original continuity announcements from the 1978 transmission of the story.
 

 
  • Season 16 Trailer:
 An original trailer created for the 1978 season.
 

 
  • Information Text:
 Lots of trivia and tidbits of Whovian detail are provided.  The text appears intermittently along the bottom of the screen and is written by members of the Doctor Who Restoration Team.
 

 
  • Audio Options:
 Commentary is provided by Tom Baker (4th Doctor) and Mary Tamm (Romana).  The two actors seem to enjoy their time reminiscing about the story.  This is the identical commentary included on the bare bones 2002 release.
 

 
  • Photo Gallery:
 Color stills showing many publicity stills from the production of this story.  Many of the pictures are rare or even never before seen.
 

 
  • Radio Times:
 Accessible from any computer with a DVD drive, a PDF of some of the original Radio Times press clippings.
 

 
  • Easter Eggs:
 There is one egg on this disc.  Scroll down to see further details.  For a full list of known Easter Eggs and screen grabs of them click HERE.
   
 

 

 

Disc Two
 All 4 episodes of "The Pirate Planet" as they were originally transmitted in 1978 plus these bonus features.
 
  • Parrot Fashion:
 A 30 minute documentary on the making of "The Pirate Planet".  Included are interviews with writer Douglas Adams as well as Mary Tamm (Romana), Bruce Purchase (The Captain), John Leeson (voice of K-9), Rosalind Lloyd (Queen Xanxia), and Primi Townsend (Mula).
 

 
  • Weird Science:
 A spoof in the style of 1970's children's science shows.  This featurette looks into the science of "The Key to Time".
 

 
  • Continuities:
 Original continuity announcements from the 1978 transmission of the story.
 

 
  • Film Inserts, Deleted Scenes and Outtakes.
 Some footage was included in the original 2002 release, but this version is expanded out to 13 minutes worth of footage.
 

 
  • Information Text:
 Lots of trivia and tidbits of Whovian detail are provided.  The text appears intermittently along the bottom of the screen and is written by members of the Doctor Who Restoration Team.
 

 
  • Audio Options:
 The first option is to listen to the commentary included with the original 2002 release.  The participants on this commentary are Pennant Roberts (director) and Bruce Purchase (the Captain).

The second option is for an all new commentary by Tom Baker (4th Doctor), Mary Tamm (Romana), and Anthony Read (script editor).
 

 
  • Photo Gallery:
 Color stills showing many publicity stills from the production of this story.  Many of the pictures are rare or even never before seen.
 

 
  • Radio Times:
 Accessible from any computer with a DVD drive, a PDF of some of the original Radio Times press clippings.
 

 
  • Easter Eggs:
 None on this disc.  For a full list of known Easter Eggs and screen grabs of them click HERE.
 

 

 

Disc Three
 All 4 episodes of "The Stones of Blood" as they were originally transmitted in 1978 plus these bonus features.
 
  • Getting Blood from Stones:
 This 26 minute featurette details the making of "The Stones of Blood".  Included are interviews with writer David Fisher as well as Mary Tamm (Romana), Susan Engel (Vivian Fey), John Leeson (voice of K-9), Darrol Blake (director), Anthony Read (script editor), and Mat Irvine (visual effects).
 

 
  • Hammer Horror:
 A look at the influence of the Hammer Horror film genre on Doctor Who during the 1970's.  Interviews include Tom Baker (4th Doctor), Terrance Dicks (writer and script editor), and Anthony Read (script editor).
 

 
  • Stones Free:
 Actress Mary Tamm (Romana) visits the stone circle site used for "The Stones of Blood" and discusses the history of ancient stone circles in England.
 

 
  • Deleted Scenes:
 Two minutes worth of footage excised from episode 2.
 

 
  • Model World:
 Mat Irvine highlights some of the model work done for this story during a segment of "The Model World of Robert Symes".
 

 
  • Blue Peter:
 During the show's 15th anniversary, Blue Peter ran a six minute segment celebrating the event.
 

 
  • Nationwide:
 The BBC1 newsmagazine show interviewed Tom Baker (4th Doctor), Mary Tamm (Romana), and Carole Ann Ford (Susan) to mark the show's 15th anniversary.
 

 
  • Continuities:
 Original continuity announcements from the 1978 transmission of the story.
 

 
  • Information Text:
 Lots of trivia and tidbits of Whovian detail are provided.  The text appears intermittently along the bottom of the screen and is written by members of the Doctor Who Restoration Team.
 

 
  • Audio Options:
 The first option is to listen to the commentary included with the original 2002 release.  The participants on this commentary are Mary Tamm (Romana) and Darrol Blake (director).

The second option is for an all new commentary by Tom Baker (4th Doctor), Mary Tamm (Romana), Susan Engel (Vivian Fey), and David Fisher (writer).
 

 
  • Photo Gallery:
 Color stills showing many publicity stills from the production of this story.  Many of the pictures are rare or even never before seen.
 

 
  • Radio Times:
 Accessible from any computer with a DVD drive, a PDF of some of the original Radio Times press clippings.
 

 
  • Easter Eggs:
 None on this disc.  For a full list of known Easter Eggs and screen grabs of them click HERE.
 

 

 

Disc Four
 All 4 episodes of "The Androids of Tara" as they were originally transmitted in 1978 plus these bonus features.
 
  • The Humans of Tara:
 This documentary highlights the making of "The Androids of Tara".  Interviews include writer David Fisher as well as Mary Tamm (Romana), Paul Lavers (Farrah), Neville Jason (Prince Reynart), Anthony Read (script editor), and director Michael Hayes.
 

 
  • Now and Then - The Androids of Tara:
 A recurring featurette that highlights some of the location work done, this time narrated by Paul Lavers (Farrah).
 

 
  • Double Trouble:
 An 11 minute overview of the use of "doubles" throughout Doctor Who's history.
 

 
  • Information Text:
 Lots of trivia and tidbits of Whovian detail are provided.  The text appears intermittently along the bottom of the screen and is written by members of the Doctor Who Restoration Team.
 

 
  • Audio Options:
 The commentary included here is identical to the original 2002 release.  Commentary is provided by Tom Baker (4th Doctor), Mary Tamm (Romana) and Michael Hayes (director).
 

 
  • Photo Gallery:
 Photographs showing many publicity stills from the production of this story.  Many of the pictures are rare or even never before seen.
 

 
  • Radio Times:
 Accessible from any computer with a DVD drive, a PDF of some of the original Radio Times press clippings.
 

 
  • Easter Eggs:
 None on this disc.  For a full list of known Easter Eggs and screen grabs of them click HERE.
 

 

 

Disc Five
 All 4 episodes of "The Power of Kroll" as they were originally transmitted in 1978 plus these bonus features.
 
  • In Studio:
 This featurette offers a rare glimpse into the behind the scenes filming of this story.  Eleven minutes of black and white, time coded material are offered up here.
 

 
  • There's Something About Mary:
 A brief 10 minute documentary featuring Mary Tamm (Romana) discussing her single season with the program.
 

 
  • Philip Madoc - A Villain for All Seasons:
 This time the spotlight is on recurring character actor Philip Madoc and his many associations with Doctor Who throughout the years.
 

 
  • Variations:
 A BBC news program that visited the marshy Doctor Who locations as filming was taking place back in 1978.
 

 
  • Continuities:
 Original continuity announcements from the 1978 transmission of the story.
 

 
  • Information Text:
 Lots of trivia and tidbits of Whovian detail are provided.  The text appears intermittently along the bottom of the screen and is written by members of the Doctor Who Restoration Team.
 

 
  • Audio Options:
 The commentary included here is identical to the original 2002 release.  Commentary is provided by Tom Baker (4th Doctor) and John Leeson (voice of K-9) who both offer up an entertaining 90 minutes.
 

 
  • Photo Gallery:
 Photographs showing many publicity stills from the production of this story.  Many of the pictures are rare or even never before seen.
 

 
  • Radio Times:
 Accessible from any computer with a DVD drive, a PDF of some of the original Radio Times press clippings.
 

 
  • Easter Eggs:
 None on this disc.  For a full list of known Easter Eggs and screen grabs of them click HERE.
 

Disc Six
All 6 episodes as they were originally transmitted in 1979.

 
  • Audio Options:
 The first option is to listen to the commentary included with the original 2002 release.  The participants on this commentary are Mary Tamm (Romana), John Woodvine (the Marshal), and Michael Hayes (director).

The second option is for an all new commentary by Tom Baker (4th Doctor), Mary Tamm (Romana), and John Leeson (voice of K-9).
 

 
  • 1979 Doctor Who Annual:
 Accessible from any computer with a DVD drive, a PDF of the 1979 Doctor Who Annual.
 

 
  • Easter Eggs:
 None on this disc.  For a full list of known Easter Eggs and screen grabs of them click HERE.
 

 

Disc Seven
The remaining DVD bonus features for "The Armageddon Factor".
 
  • Defining Shadows:
 A 15 minute look into the making of "The Armageddon Factor".  Interviews include Mary Tamm (Romana #1), Lalla Ward (Princess Astra/Romana #2), David Harries (Shapp), and Barry Jackson (Drax).  Also included are writers Bob Baker and Dave Martin, Michael Hays (director), Richard McManan-Smith (designer), and Anthony Read (script editor).
 

 
  • Alternative & Extended Scene:
 A very brief 2 minute clip taken from time-coded black and white production recordings.
 

 
  • Directing Who:
 An interview with prolific Doctor Who director Michael Hayes.
 

 
  • Rogue Time Lords:
 A brief history of other rogue Time Lords seen throughout the long history of the series.
 

 
  • Pebble Mill at One:
 An original 1978 interview done with Tom Baker.
 

 
  • Radiophonic Feature:
 A brief interview with Dick Mills and Brian Hodgson of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop discussing the role the RW played in Doctor Who sounds effects and music.
 

 
  • The New Sound of Music:
 An even briefer snippet, once again with Dick Mills, discussing Doctor Who music and sound effects at the BBC RW.
 

 
  • Merry Christmas, Doctor Who:
 A one minute specially recorded clip filmed in 1978, with Tom Baker (4th Doctor) and companion Mary Tamm (Romana) wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.  Recorded as part of an annual (and internal) BBC Christmas tape that year.
 

 
  • Continuities:
 Original continuity announcements from the 1978 transmission of the story.
 

 
  • Late Night Story:
 Tom Baker reading several short stories written by notable science fiction authors for the 1978 series.  Included are...

        The Photograph by Nigel Kneale
        The Emissary by Ray Bradbury
        Nursery Tea by Mary Danby
        The End of the Party by Graham Greene
        Sredni Vashtar by Saki
 

 
  • Information Text:
 Lots of trivia and tidbits of Whovian detail are provided.  The text appears intermittently along the bottom of the screen and is written by members of the Doctor Who Restoration Team.
 

 
  • Photo Gallery:
 Color stills showing many publicity stills from the production of this story.  Many of the pictures are rare or even never before seen.
 

 
  • Radio Times:
 Accessible from any computer with a DVD drive, a PDF of some of the original Radio Times press clippings.
 

 
  • Easter Eggs:
 There is one egg on this disc.  Scroll down for further details.  For a full list of known Easter Eggs and screen grabs of them click HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easter Egg
#1. SCHEDULE CHANGE
 

 

Disc One - "The Ribos Operation"
Select 'Info Text' on from the 'Special Features' menu,
and then 'Play All' from the 'Main Menu'.
 
#1. TEMPORARY FAULT - 1978

 

Disc Seven - "The Armageddon Factor"
Go to the second 'Special Features' menu.
Find the hidden Doctor Who logo by clicking to the right of 'Continuities'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Notes

The Ribos Operation

  • Lots of new beginnings for this season of Doctor Who.  After writing out K9 at the end of the previous season, K9 Mark II is constructed by the Doctor.  Running much quieter than its predecessor, K9 Mark II's voice is still provided by John Leeson.
  • A new companion is introduced, Romanadvoratrelundar (Romana for short).  She is the first and only companion to come from the Doctor's own race, the Time Lords.  The role breaks tradition by casting a companion as smart as (or smarter than, depending on who you ask) the Doctor. 
  • This season is also groundbreaking in its approach.  The Key to Time arc runs continuously throughout the season.  Such a story arc would only be attempted once more in the show's history with "Trial of a Timelord."
  • If you look closely, you'll notice a scar on Tom Baker's lip in the first two stories.  This was the result of a severe dog bite which occurred over the summer break.  It was noticeable for several more stories and could be seen even with make-up.  The neck scarf that he is wearing also serves to cover more of the bite marks.
     

 

The Pirate Planet

  • The second story in the Key to Time arc, "The Pirate Planet" was written by Douglas Adams who was gaining attention at that time for his radio comedy series "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."

  • Tom Baker's lip injury had become increasingly worse during the filming of the previous story (the makeup used in the first story inflamed the injury and made it even more noticeable for this story.  A short scene was written to explain Tom Baker's injured lip (which had originally occurred prior to filming the new season).  In it, the Doctor smacks his face on the console, thus causing the injury.
  • Douglas Adams would later go on to become script editor for the next season of Doctor Who and would pen two other adventures before he left.

 

 

The Stones of Blood
  • Pay close attention for the scenes involving the Doctor defending himself against the judicially anal Megara.  Quite humorous.
  • Also, watch for some major bloopers.  One in particular to watch for is a stampeding Ogri creature rushing towards the camera (episode 3, I believe).  Behind it is a backstage hand.  Also look a few minutes earlier and you can see two other backstage crew setting up the Ogri.
     
  • Serious consideration was given to adding Professor Emilia Rumford (played to great effect by the talented actress Beatrix Lehmann) as a companion for the Doctor.  However, the idea was eventually rejected due to the uncertainty of the audience's acceptance of an older companion.  A great shame.

 

The Androids of Tara

  • Building on a near flawless season, "The Androids of Tara" is the fourth adventure in the Key to Time arc.  It parodies the famous story of the "Prisoner of Zelda" (and quite well too).
  • Of particular note is the performance of Peter Jeffrey as Count Grendel.  He really creates a villain that you love to hate.
  • A classic scene to watch for is when the Doctor is coaxed out of the Pavilion of the Summer Winds by Count Grendel.  Grendel promises safe passage, the Doctor (believing him) opens the door which is immediately hailed with energy bolts.  The Doctor slams the door shut and then opens it up again and yells "Liar!" to another hail of bolts.

 

 

The Power of Kroll

  • Probably the least liked of the Key to Time stories, "The Power of Kroll" is the fifth adventure in the season long arc.
     
  • John Leeson (voice of K9) gets to stretch his legs and act on camera for a change.   He plays one of the plant technicians, Dugeen.
     
  • Watch for an amusing scene in episode 3 when the Doctor, Romana, and Rohm-Dutt are tied on a stretching plank.  The Doctor begins singing different high pitched notes trying to break the glass above them. 
     
  • Watch for the appearance of John Abineri (playing the part of Swampy leader Ranquin).  He is a regular to Doctor Who.  He first appeared as the character Van Lutyens in the Patrick Troughton story "Fury from the Deep".  He returned two seasons later as General Carrington in "The Ambassadors of Death" and appeared again alongside Pertwee in the 1974 tale "Death to the Daleks".  This story marks his final time on Doctor Who.
     
  • In a twist of irony, during episode 1 of "The Power of Kroll" Romana drops the locator when she is abducted.  By the end of filming on this story, the prop itself was lost and a replacement had to be hastily created for the last story of the season, "The Armageddon Factor."
     
  • Philip Madoc puts in his final appearance in Doctor Who as Fenner.  Due to a misunderstanding, Madoc arrived to rehearsals with the impression that he would be playing the much larger role of Thawn.  Madoc's first role in Doctor Who was tht of Eelek in the Patrick Troughton story "The Krotons."  He returned later that season with his eerie performance as the War Lord in "The War Games."  He would later return and play the mad scientist Solon in "The Brain of Morbius."

 

 

The Armageddon Factor

  • The final story in the Key to Time arc, "The Armageddon Factor" also is Mary Tamm's last appearance as Romana. 
     
  • Shortly after filming she decided that her character had descended into the screaming companion role and decided not to return.  Her replacement was handled in the first story of the next season, "Destiny of the Daleks."  To make matters a little more confusing, Tamm's replacement was Lala Ward (who played Princess Astra in "Armageddon Factor").
     
  • John Leeson (the voice of K-9) would also depart after the filming of this story.  David Brierly would replace Leeson for the 17th season.  Leeson would be absent for one year before his return for season 18, where his character was finally written out for good in "Warriors' Gate."
     
  • The Doctor's "name" was revealed in this story by a classmate of the Doctor's from Gallifrey as Theta Sigma.  No other reference was made of this name until 9 years later in the Sylvester McCoy story "The Happiness Patrol" where the Doctor clarified that Theta Sigma was his nickname at school.  
     
  • Veteran actor Valentine Dyall would appear as the Black Guardian near the end of this story.   Some years later he would reprise his role in a 3 story arc during the 20th anniversary season of Doctor Who ("Mawdryn Undead," "Terminus," and "Enlightenment").
     
  • In a break with tradition, this story (along with all of the stories from the Key To Time umbrella season) was released on DVD here in North America BEFORE the U.K.  Apparently, the North American market was much more focused on Tom Baker's era of Doctor Who.  This initial release (back in 2002) had minimal restoration and bare bones extras.
     
  • When the Key To Time box set was released in the U.K. six years later, many additional features were created for it, along with new restoration.  This new Region 1 "Special Edition" boxset reflects these changes.
     
  • Each story can be purchased individually or together with the other stories from season 16.
     
  • As with all of the DVD releases to date, the Doctor Who Restoration Team did extensive work on this story.  You can find the article HERE.