The missing episodes of the Second Doctor serial, The Macra Terror are to be animated and released on DVD, Blu-ray, special edition Steelbook and digital download.
Originally broadcast from 11th March to 1st April 1967, and starring Patrick Troughton as the Second Doctor, Anneke Wills as Polly, Michael Craze as Ben, and Frazer Hines as Jamie, no full episodes of this serial are known to have survived on film. Fortunately, a complete audio recording of all four parts still exists. Now, 52 years later, the four episodes will be brought back to life through the power of animation in both colour and the original black and white, from 18th March 2019.
Anneke Wills says:
“Back in 1967 “There’s no such thing as Macra!” was the cry; and for many years after there was no such thing as “The Macra Terror”. Now, thanks to the magic of animation, we can see the story come to life again. I can’t wait to see this adventure and how gratifying to have a little more of Ben and Polly’s time with the Doctor available to be seen by new generations.”
In the story, the Second Doctor and his companions arrive on a human colony in the far-flung future. The colony appears to be a giant recreational complex – a holiday camp for rest and relaxation. Everyone looks happy and carefree but all is not as it seems. The colony has been infiltrated and brainwashed by a race of giant parasitic crab creatures called the Macra. Think Butlins or Pontins, but more entertaining.
Since 1967, the Macra have only returned once, coming face to face with the Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) and Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) in the 2007 episode, Gridlock.
Special features for the DVD and Blu-ray release include: Animation Gallery, Behind the Scenes Film and Audio Commentary.
Doctor Who: The Macra Terror will be released on digital download, DVD, Blu-ray and special edition Steelbook on 18th March 2019. Pre-order links will work from midnight tonight (5th December 2018) from Amazon and HMV (DVD, Blu-Ray, Steelbook).
A special screening of The Macra Terror will be held at the BFI Southbank, London on the 16th March 2019. Tickets will go on sale to BFI members on Tuesday 5th February with public sale opening on Tuesday 12th February. Further information will be available soon via the BFI website.
