eyeofhorus.org.uk was given access (with thanks to BBC CONSUMER PRODUCTS) to a sneak preview of the forthcoming THE FOURTH DOCTOR TIME CAPSULE, the limited edition (5000 unit worldwide and numbered on the reverse of the wraparound slip-cover) celebrating Tom Baker's contribution to the drama series.
Encapsulated within a substantial & solid "Gallifreyan casket" (devoid of text or extraneous images bar a Regulatory BBFC Certificate logo), the contents are stored with die-cut padding for safe-keeping over the coming years.
We've been given assurance that the Tom Baker 5" highly detailed action figure (PLANET OF THE SPIDERS/ROBOT styled) will not be issued by CHARACTER OPTION separately.
The three discs (see below for details) are exquisitely designed with the Gallifreyan Rassilon logo, whilst the novel's cover features a 'time cogs' design (from INVASION OF TIME).
Furthermore, Tom Baker's 'letter to Fandom' is a double-sided tome that echoes his "...Fans created me...Their confidence gave me my confidence... I wanted to be wanted..." comments from the charming honest & candid on-camera AN INTERVIEW WITH THE TIME LORD. If you thought you knew the actor, this interview will change your mind. It is as close to a 'Confessional' you will get from him.
Tom Baker: "...Fan love is stronger than normal love..."
The vanilla copy of DOCTOR WHO - TERROR OF THE ZYGONS is a wonderful addition to the DOCTOR WHO DVD collection but, sadly, without the 'value added material' Extras some fans may wish to by this separately on the 30th September. However, I do query of the 'restoration process' as it could have been more thorough as the number of vertical scratches detract (in one scene, it looked as if Sarah-Jane was crying as the white scratches emulated tears. Ideally, this, due to the extensive location work captured on 35MM film, would have been an exceptional choice for Blu-ray release.
However, there a few questions to be asked or options considered:
- Why release the Extra'd version of TERROR OF THE ZYGONS so quickly after this product? Or include the Extra'd version in this product and set a 24-month moratorium for its singular release to maximise sales?
- The letter from Tom Baker may have been better if the actor could have personally signed (at least) 1000 copies as part of a "Gold Edition" of the THE FOURTH DOCTOR TIME CAPSULE, embossed with a Seal of Authencity. Fans, as we have seen from previously product releases, will pay more for a 'premium' item.
- And why release this TIME CAPSULE now (July 2013)? Better pre-Christmas or at the beginning of 2014 or, to celebrate the 40th. anniversary of the Third/Fourth Doctor regeneration, on 8 June 2014?
Overall, from our sneak preview, THE FOURTH DOCTOR TIME CAPSULE exceeds all expectations in its level of production quality, creativity of content and DOCTOR WHO themed design, making it an ideal gift for any CLASSIC SERIES fan.
And, yes, you can guarantee that BBC CONSUMER PRODUCTS will be planning TIME CAPSULES for the other CLASSIC SERIES Doctors.
UPDATE 29.07.2013
eyeofhorus.org.uk was asked by a number of website visitors to '...calculate the value of the TIME CAPSULE..." to see if it "...is it really worth £55.99 (AMAZON.CO.UK list price at 27.07.2013)...?", So, here's our estimate RRP pricing breakdown:
- £10.99 - TERROR OF THE ZYGONS vanilla DVD release
- £9.99 - ACTION FIGURE limited edition
- £10.00 - SONIC SCREWDRIVER
- £5.99 - GENESIS OF THE DALEKS audiobook
- £9.99 - AN INTERVIEW WITH THE TIME LORD exclusive DVD
- £2.50 - TOMB OF THE VALDEMAR New design cover
- £1.99 - LETTER FROM TOM BAKER (mass printed item)
- £2.99 - TOM BAKER colour photo
- £5.99 - ART CARDS limited edition
£60.43 for the above + the cost of the 'capsule' package and internal foam padding + card slip-sleeve.
So, if the all of the items are/could be purchased separately (and, probably, more if sought from eBay or other auction websites) the estimated £60.00 clearly represents excellent value for money (if the current list price of £55.99 remains valid).
