"The Androids of Tara"

The Androids of Tara
(Special Edition)
(DVD)
 

Starring Tom Baker
4 Episodes
1978
98 minutes (color)
Single Disc

 
"The Key to Time" Special Edition Box Set


 

 

Production Notes
Doctor Who
Tom Baker

Romana
Mary Tamm

Voice of K9
John Leeson

Written by
David Fischer

Directed by
Michael Hayes
Produced by
Graham Williams

Original Airdate
Nov 25, 1978 - Dec 16, 1978

US Video Release Date
March 2009

Warner Home Video
#3000017540

U.K. Key To Time Box Set




 

 

Cover Blurb
It seems that the search ofr the fourth segment to the Key to Time will prove simple when Romana locates it on the planet Tara.  But in a land where nothing is at it first appears, the Doctor and his companion quickly find themselves embroiled in a deadly game of kidnap, deceit and counterplot.

It is not long before the Doctor finds himself locking swords with the dastardly Count Grendel of Gracht, the finest bladesman in the kingdom, who has sinister plans for Romana.




 

DVD 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.  For a full list of known Easter Eggs and screen grabs of them click HERE.



 

 

Additional Notes
  • 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.
  • 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.