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The War Games in Colour is more than a colour pass on a classic Doctor Who serial. The BBC reshaped the 1969 Second Doctor story into a 90-minute feature, updated its effects and sound, added a new score, and presented the Doctor’s regeneration. The physical release goes further still: it contains six extra colourised minutes that were not in the BBC Four and iPlayer broadcast, alongside all ten original black-and-white episodes.
What is The War Games in Colour?
It is a colourised, re-edited presentation of the ten-part 1969 Second Doctor serial The War Games. The BBC broadcast the 90-minute feature on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer on 23 December 2024. The BBC described it as the second classic Doctor Who story to receive a colourised version, following The Daleks in 2023. BBC release announcement
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Doctor Who: The War Games (Story 50) | $89.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Doctor Who - The War Games [DVD] [1969] [UK Import]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kU8Y-t1CL._SL160_.jpg)
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Doctor Who - The War Games [DVD] [1969] [UK Import] | $18.09 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Paul Lamond Doctor Who DVD Board Game | $73.66 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Dr who et les daleks 4k ultra hd [Blu-ray] [FR Import]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51tndJFIqFL._SL160_.jpg)
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Dr who et les daleks 4k ultra hd [Blu-ray] [FR Import] | $47.91 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Eaglemoss Doctor Who Race to the Tardis Expanded Universe Board Game | $34.95 | Buy on Amazon |
What changed in the broadcast version?
A ten-part serial became a 90-minute feature
The original story was condensed into a feature-length edit. That changes the pace and selection of material: viewers get a shorter presentation, not the complete ten-episode structure.
Colour, effects, sound and music were updated
The BBC describes the special as colourised, with updated visual effects, updated sound and a new score. These changes accompany the re-edit rather than replacing the original version.
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- The TARDIS arrives on a planet where a race known only as the Aliens have gathered soldiers from a number of different wars in history, brainwashed them and put them to battle. Their aim is to form an invincible army from the survivors and use this to take over the galaxy. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION Rating: NR Age: 883929088461 UPC: 883929088461 Manufact
The regeneration is shown
The feature presents the Second Doctor’s regeneration into the Third Doctor, played by Jon Pertwee. The BBC also says the special includes recovered footage not seen since the original broadcast. BBC release announcement
What does the physical release add?
Six minutes absent from the broadcast
The DVD and Blu-ray release includes six minutes of additional colourised footage that did not appear in the BBC Four or iPlayer version. In an official interview, editor Benjamin Cook describes a sequence behind German lines involving the sonic screwdriver, which Rich Tipple had spent a year urging him to find room for. Cook also says the added edit gives David Garfield’s von Weich a larger entrance. The sequence has new music by Mark Ayres. Official Doctor Who interview
The complete black-and-white serial and bonus features
The physical release also includes all ten episodes of the original black-and-white story. Its listed extras include a 96-minute commentary, behind-the-scenes featurettes, extended model shots, an interview with original film editor Chris Hayden, colour palettes, concept art and Easter eggs. The BBC feature also identifies newly discovered 16mm film footage among the release’s features. Official Doctor Who interview
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Broadcast and physical release compared
| Version | What it contains | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| BBC Four and iPlayer broadcast | 90-minute colourised feature with updated effects and sound, a new score, the regeneration and recovered footage | The BBC broadcast it on 23 December 2024; it does not include the physical release’s six additional colourised minutes. |
| DVD and Blu-ray release | The colourised presentation plus six extra colourised minutes, all ten original black-and-white episodes and listed bonus features | The official interview describes the additional footage and extras; check the specific edition for its contents. |
| Original 1969 serial | Ten episodes in black and white | The physical release includes the original full-length story alongside the colourised presentation. |
These are distinct ways to watch the story: the broadcast is the shorter feature, while the physical release adds material and preserves the original episode format. Cook said he hoped the release would encourage viewers to explore the full-length black-and-white version as well. Official Doctor Who interview
Quick Recap
Best Value
- RACE TO THE TARDIS: Become the Doctor and race around the board to fix the Tardis!
- EXPANDED UNIVERSE: The Race to the Tardis Expanded Universe edition comes with all new Doctors counters, companion, and encounter cards to further you’re playing experience.
- INCLUDES: 15x Playing Pieces and Counters, 32x Encounter Cards, 20x Companion Cards, 18x Tardis Part Cards, 1x Six-sided Dice, Game Instructions
- MAKE IT A GAME NIGHT: For 2-6 players ages 8 and up.
Rank #3
- A Doctor Who DVD board game
- Journey thorough space and time with 11 doctors and companions
- Contains DVD or Card question and a Time Travel card
- A must have for any Doctor who fan
- For 2 players up or teams
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
