The Beginning Box Set

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Site added: 22 January 2007 · Last updated: 12 July 2007

Box set which contains the first three Doctor Who stories ever: An Unearthly Child, The Daleks and The Edge of Destruction.

Outstanding box set of the first three Doctor Who stories, wonderfully restored by the Restoration Team.

Of most interest to us is the second DVD, The Daleks – where the Doctor and his granddaughter Susan, along with Ian and Barbera, encounter the Daleks for the very first time.

The TARDIS has brought the travellers to the planet Skaro where they meet two indigenous races – the Daleks, malicious mutant creatures encased in armoured travel machines, and the Thals, beautiful humanoids with pacifist principles. They convince the Thals of the need to fight for their own survival.

Joining forces with them and braving Skaro’s many dangers, they launch a two-pronged attack on the Dalek city. The Daleks are all killed when, during the course of the fighting, their power supply is cut off.

Doctor Who – The Beginning – Box Set

Despite its age, this story stands up very well indeed – and although Terry Nation said that when the wrote it, he “took the money and flew like a thief” it’s clear that he didn’t just churn out any old story. By today’s standards the story could have a faster pace, but in most respects this is a delight to watch. Even the sets and backgrounds, while clearly limited by budget, create a sinister environment for a gripping story.

It’s wonderful that, all those years ago, hampered by a lack of budget and management which did not want ‘bug-eyed monsters’ that the production team press ahead with what is a brave and innovative story. And, as fantastic as the new series of Doctor Who is, the current team has yet to make such a leap – and create such a lasting legend.

Go to The Beginning Box Set