Underworld
(DVD)

 

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



 

 

Production Notes
Doctor Who
Tom Baker
Leela
Louise Jameson

Written by
Bob Baker
&
Dave Martin

Directed by
Norman Stewart
Produced by
Graham Williams

Original Airdate
Jan 7  - Jan 28, 1978

R1 DVD Release Date
July 2010

Warner Home Video
#3000029545


U.K. Box Set Cover


U.K. Individual Cover


 



Cover Blurb
At the very edge of the known universe, the TARDIS materializes on an aging spacecraft, the R1C.  On board, the Doctor and Leela meet Jackson and his crew, who are doggedly pursuing their mission to recover the Minyan race banks from a ship that left their home planet centuries earlier.

Closing in at last on the P7E, Jackson risks everything to follow the trail into the heart of a newly formed planet.  Can the Doctor face his greatest challenge yet, and secure the future of the Minyans?

 



 

 

 

DVD Features

  • Into the Unknown:

 A featurette that delves into the troubled production of "Underworld".  Interviewees include Anthony Read (script editor), Bob Baker (co-writer), Dick Coles (designer), Norman Tipton (Idas), Jonathan Newth (Orfe), and J.A. Mitchell (video effects designer).  Archival interviews are also included from the late Dave Martin (co-writer) and Graham Williams (producer).
 

 

  • Underworld - In Studio:

 Rare behind the scenes footage from the filming of this story.  This featurette offers an insightful look at the difficulties (as well as fun) in producing such a complex, special effects heavy story.
 

 
  • Photo Gallery:
 Once again we are treated to many rare production stills and quite a few behind the scenes ones as well.
 

 
  • 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.
 

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

 
  • Audio Options:
 Audio commentary is provided by Tom Baker (4th Doctor), Louise Jameson (Leela), and Bob Baker (co-writer).
 

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



 

 

 

 

Additional Notes

  • Underworld is certainly not Dr. Who at its best, but it is a light and entertaining story nonetheless.
     

  • For those who are familiar with Greek mythology, see how many references you can spot in this story.
     

  •  Much of episodes 2-4 were filmed using CSO (Color Separation Overlay) technology rather than shooting on location in a cave.  Although not that impressive compared to visual effects done today, by the standards of the time this was an ambitious project.
     

  • Some interesting back story is given in episode 1 (by the Doctor) as to why the Timelords no longer interfere with other races and now only observe.
     

  • Watch for excellent cliffhangers to both episode 1 and episode 2.
     

  • "Underworld" was released on DVD in the U.K. as part of a loosely themed box set called "Myths and Legends".  It was packaged together along with the Tom Baker story "The Horns of Nimon" and Jon Pertwee's "The Time Monster".