DVD EXTRAS

• Audio commentary by Tom Baker (the Doctor), Elisabeth Sladen (Sarah Jane Smith), Judith Paris (Eldrad), Bob Baker (co-writer), Philip Hinchcliffe (producer)
• CHANGING TIMES - a documentary charting the special relationship between the Doctor and his companion Sarah Jane Smith (50 mins)
• A very rare clip of Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen's appearance on the first ever edition of Noel Edmonds' MULTICLOURED SWAP SHOP, shown in October 1976
• Photo gallery + Continuity announcements + Information text subtitles
• 1977 Doctor Who Annual (pdf format)
• Radio Times listings (pdf format)
• Easter Egg (hidden feature)

COMMENT

With a new sparkle to his personality, Tom Baker's contribution to the studio commentary for THE HAND OF FEAR is simply stunningly witty and humorous in a way that makes bladder control extremely difficult. I am sure that a hint of "underpant moisture" was present.

He has never been so entertaining in his career, even as the "words of wisdom" narrator for LITTLE BRITAIN . And its all Baker, unscripted and unaided, the only being his co-commentators, especially Elisabeth Sladen and Judith Paris.

Here are the gems:

(For his own introduction)
Tom Baker: "Hello, my name is Elisabeth Sladen. I didn't feel any different. I've had a bad theoat recently".

(At seeing the Kastrian Technicians)
Tom Baker: "A hoodie! A Hoodie!"

(At looking at the sleek silver Kastrian space craft)
Tom Baker: I've a mobile phone like that!

(At seeing his Doctor walking out of the TARDIS and gazing toward the horizon)
Tom Baker: A hello to Buster Keaton.

(Commenting on co-star, Rex Robinson)
Tom Baker: The best dressed man in Tufnell Park in 1964. I used to loiter in Tufnell Park.

(At seeing the opening credits to Episode 2)
Tom Baker: DOCTOR WHO. I think we should give this a whirl.

(Commenting on Elisabeth Sladen's stripy dungarees)
Tom Baker: An apple bum!
Elisabeth Sladen: Altered now!
Tom Baker: Even bottom's change.

Tom Baker: I never used to watch DOCTOR WHO. I used to go to the pub as it was too frightening. The PRINCESS ARMS was empty!

(After Elisabeth Sladen comments that she's never had Hormone Replacement Therapy [HRT])
Tom Baker: I wouldn't be without it.

(As Professor Watson telephones his wife during episode 2)
Professor Watson: Hello, Luv!
Tom Baker (talking to the TV): Hello.

Tom Baker: My goodness, my left eye was large in those days.

(Relishing watching the female Kastrian, Eldrad, on screen)
Tom Baker: I'm coming, Judith, I'm coming.
(Beat of sexual tension)
. to help you!

(Watching the Doctor and Sarah helping a poisoned Eldrad to walk)
Tom Baker: Judith, we could have done COME DANCING .

(Watching the Doctor lift and carry a very rigid Eldrad over the abyss) Judith Paris: Sometimes I'm very stiff and sometime very bendy.

Tom Baker: Sometimes I'm very stiff and sometime very bendy. Do you mind if I write that down? I think I should send an email with that.

(Seeing Roy Skelton's King Rokon)
Tom Baker: Looks like my Aunty Wyn.

Priceless. In fact, the price of the DVD is worth the commentary on its own.

But beware: the commentary will, if you sense of humour, have you either rolling on the floor in stitches or wallowing on your sofa in your own wee - laugh and all other bodily functions will be forgotten.

Be prepared.

The clip from Noel Edmond's MULTICOLOURED SWAP SHOP , featuring Baker and Sladen was a wonderful "Yes, I was there!" (well, watching the goggle-box in the living room) moment. It demonstrated how charming and self-effacing Baker was (and probably still is), especially toward his DOCTOR WHO co-star as he cajoled the young telephone callers to ask the 'gooseberry' Sladen a question. For such a larger-than-life man, shifting the limelight was charming.

The new documentary, CHANGING TIME , was, like many others recently produced for the DVD releases, workman-like and predictable. Enjoyable but predictably laconic. I think that now it would be nice to have the self-proclaimed DOCTOR WHO fan & current lead actor, David Tennant, to offer a selection of memories of CLASSIC SERIES episodes.

Overall, I have never enjoyed re-watching CLASSIC episodes more. In fact, let's watch it again with the commentary.

Now, where's my incontinent pants? But the red sticker on my copy did warn me! Did it on your copy?