Doctor Who: The Power of the Daleks

The 1966 narrative arc Power of the Daleks was the third serial from the fourth season of Doctor Who, featuring the first full episode with Patrick Troughton as the Second Doctor. All six episodes have been lost, but the audio survives, so the BBC has produced an animated recreation set to the original broadcast soundtrack. The story opens with an unconscious young man in the Doctor's clothes on the floor of the TARDIS time machine, who wakes up and starts behaving oddly, spouting nonsensical lines as the TARDIS travels to Vulcan. While the Doctor's companions—Polly (Anneke Wills) and Ben (Michael Craze)—try to deal with the transformation, the Doctor takes the identity of a murdered Examiner to investigate a human colony where rebels believe they can control Daleks to overthrow the Governor. But the Daleks have their own plans: "Exterminate!" This is the first time the series tackled the idea of regeneration, which has since become an essential part of the show's lore and longevity, making this lost serial a landmark of sorts. The limited animation is built on TV screen "telesnaps" taken from the broadcast of the original program, and features thick lines and minimal movements. Presented in both color and black-and-white versions, this is really only for devoted Doctor Who fans. Extras include a telesnap version with still photos illustrating the soundtrack, episode commentaries, a behind-the-scenes featurette, additional footage, and stills galleries. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)