“Doctor Who: The Collection Season 7 (Limited Edition)” (1970)

Science Fiction

Twenty Five Episodes

Produced by: Barry Letts

Starring: Jon Pertwee, Caroline John, Nicholas Courtney and John Levene

Lethbridge-Stewart: “In the last decade, we’ve been sending probes deeper and deeper into space. We’ve drawn attention to ourselves, Miss Shaw.”

The Blu-ray release of Doctor Who: The Collection – Season 7 is an exceptional and comprehensive package, a must-have for any fan of classic Doctor Who and a stunning showcase for a pivotal era of the show. This limited-edition box set beautifully captures the reinvention of the series that took place in 1970, when Jon Pertwee debuted as the Third Doctor and the show was exiled to Earth and re-imagined as an action-packed, color science-fiction adventure series.

Season 7 is a bold departure from the previous black-and-white cosmic adventures. The Doctor, now trapped on Earth and working with the paramilitary group UNIT, finds himself facing terrestrial threats that are often more grounded and sinister than what came before. The season consists of four stories, each presented on its own disc (or two, in the case of the longer ones) and each looking better than ever before.

• Spearhead from Space: This is a standout. Due to a strike at the BBC, this entire story was shot on 16mm film, and it absolutely shines in high definition. The restoration is superb, with vibrant colors and sharp detail that make it feel like a theatrical movie. It’s an iconic debut for Pertwee, Caroline John as Liz Shaw, and the Nestene Consciousness, with the chilling image of Autons coming to life in shop windows remaining as effective today as it was in 1970.
• Doctor Who and the Silurians: A seven-part epic that delves into political and ethical dilemmas, a hallmark of writer Malcolm Hulke. The story is a thoughtful exploration of humanity’s right to the planet when faced with its previous inhabitants. While some might find the pacing a bit slow by modern standards, the extended runtime allows for deep character development and a complex narrative. The restoration work on the videotape-based episodes is a true highlight, making this adventure look remarkably clean and stable.
• The Ambassadors of Death: A high-octane serial full of action sequences, helicopter stunts, and car chases. This story, while a bit unfocused in its narrative due to a troubled production, is a blast to watch. The team at the BBC has worked miracles on the restoration of this story, which has a notoriously poor video quality history. The results are the best this story has ever looked on home media.
• Inferno: A true classic and a fan-favorite. This seven-part adventure is a tense, claustrophobic thriller that introduces the concept of parallel universes to Doctor Who in a truly spectacular fashion. The contrast between the familiar world of UNIT and the totalitarian nightmare of the alternate reality is brilliantly executed. The film inserts, in particular, are stunningly restored, and the overall picture quality is a revelation.

The restoration efforts on this box set are nothing short of miraculous. While Spearhead from Space was previously available on Blu-ray, it has received further cleanup. The other three stories, with their mix of videotape and film, have been given meticulous attention. The film sequences now possess a clarity and color depth that’s genuinely breathtaking, while the videotape portions have been cleaned up and color corrected to an astonishing degree. The result is a consistent and beautiful presentation across all four stories, making them feel fresh and new.

As with all releases in “The Collection” range, this set is absolutely loaded with a wealth of new and legacy special features. The seven-disc set is a treasure trove for fans, with highlights including:

• New Documentaries: A series of new featurettes explore various aspects of the season. “Splendid Chap” is a profile of the beloved Nicholas Courtney (The Brigadier), while “Looking for Mac” delves into the life and work of writer Malcolm Hulke. “Terror in the Suburbs” explores the show’s new, more grounded setting, and “Lucky 13” looks at the science behind the stories.
• “Behind the Sofa”: A fan-favorite feature returns with new episodes, where a rotating cast of Doctor Who stars (including Katy Manning, Matthew Waterhouse, Janet Fielding, and others) watch and react to the episodes.
• Movie-Length Omnibus Editions: For those who want a more streamlined viewing experience, this set includes new, feature-length edits of The Silurians and Inferno, which do an excellent job of tightening the pacing without losing the core of the stories.
• Archival Material: The set ports over all the classic features from the original DVD releases, including audio commentaries, making-of documentaries, and production subtitles with fascinating trivia.
• PDF Archive: A massive collection of scripts, production files, and rare documents is available to download, providing an incredible behind-the-scenes look at the season’s creation.

The limited-edition packaging is a work of art in itself. The vibrant, colorful artwork captures the essence of the Pertwee era perfectly. The box set contains a detailed booklet with new photography and production notes, and the discs themselves are housed in a beautifully designed case. It’s a premium product that feels substantial and worthy of the classic television it contains.

Doctor Who: The Collection – Season 7 is more than just a simple re-release; it’s a definitive celebration of a landmark season. The painstaking restoration, the sheer volume of new and classic special features, and the beautiful packaging make this an essential purchase. Whether you’re a lifelong fan looking to upgrade your collection or a newcomer curious about the Third Doctor’s debut, this Blu-ray set offers an unparalleled viewing experience. It’s a masterclass in home media releases and a testament to the enduring legacy of a truly brilliant era of Doctor Who.