The iconic British television show “Doctor Who” is set to make headlines as it prepares to air its last black-and-white adventure, “The War Games,” in a stunning colourised version. This thrilling episode, originally broadcast in 1969, signifies the swan song for the beloved Second Doctor, portrayed by Patrick Troughton. “The War Games” stretches over ten gripping episodes and has been reimagined as a 90-minute feature film.
The reimagining of this classic narrative has been meticulously colourised by a dedicated team led by Rich Tipple, a fervent Doctor Who fan based in Saltdean, close to Brighton. This anticipated screening is scheduled for Monday evening on both BBC Four and BBC iPlayer, allowing long-time fans and new viewers alike a chance to delve into this pivotal story anew.
Rich Tipple, who previously worked on the colourisation of the original Dalek story earlier this year, expressed his excitement and enthusiasm about the project. “I was beyond excited to be given the opportunity to bring this story back to life for a modern audience,” he remarked, highlighting the passion that has gone into transforming the original black-and-white tapes into a vibrant visual experience.
The essence of “The War Games” is steeped in nostalgia, marking a quintessential passing of the baton for the character of the Doctor. The storyline places the Second Doctor and his companions, Jamie McCrimmon and Zoe Heriot, portrayed by Frazer Hines and Wendy Padbury, in the midst of a World War One-like battlefield—an introduction to a layered narrative that transcends time and reality.
The showrunner of “Doctor Who,” Russell T Davies, articulated his vision of reviving past tales, stating, “From the day I arrived back on Doctor Who, this was the plan – to colourise old stories and bring them back to life.” He opined that the new colourised version captures the vibrancy and freshness of the original, appealing to younger audiences who may have previously hesitated to engage with the black-and-white format.
To breathe new life into the old episodes, Tipple and his team dedicated an entire year to perfecting the colourisation. He acknowledged the barriers some audiences perceive with regards to black-and-white film and stressed the importance of making classic stories accessible to a broader audience. “Making this in colour is a chance to open it up to a whole new audience who can now appreciate how good the 1960s golden era of Doctor Who was,” he mentioned, underscoring the aim of broadening the viewer base.
Notably, “The War Games” features significant developments in Doctor Who lore, including the first appearance of the Time Lords, the Doctor’s own race. The transformation process included extensive filming across picturesque locations in East Sussex, such as Brighton, Cuckmere Haven, and Birling Gap, which held personal significance for Tipple. Sharing his experience, he conveyed, “It was magic to be able to turn locations that I’m so familiar with into vibrant colours.”
As the viewers brace for the premiere, the episode also promises to unveil exclusive recovered footage that has not been seen since it first aired, including the much-anticipated portrayal of the Second Doctor’s regeneration into the Third Doctor, played by Jon Pertwee. This unveiling not only marks a significant milestone in the series’ history but also serves to connect fans across generations.
Fans should tune in as “The War Games” airs on Monday at 21:00 GMT, of course on both BBC Four and BBC iPlayer, making it a thrilling event for all who cherish the legacy of “Doctor Who.” This remarkable blend of nostalgia, innovation, and talent promises to captivate viewers and reaffirm the show’s timeless appeal.
