The voice is unmistakable and the years have done nothing to diminish the sheer magnetism. “Ah!” exclaimed Tom Baker as I entered the room. “Doctor Who Magazine!” Any anxiety at being in the presence of a childhood hero – the childhood hero – evaporated as Tom flashed a broad grin and welcomed me to the chair by his side.
It had been more than ten years since we last met, when I directed him in a documentary for the Doctor Who DVD range, but he didn’t waste any time on formalities. Tom played a key role in launching this magazine back in 1979, and he was keen to find out how we’re getting on. As he posed for pictures we chatted about his recent work for Big Finish and costume designer June Hudson’s surprise appearance in an advert for Specsavers. Before long, conversation inevitably turned to the casting of Jodie Whittaker. “Well,” said Tom, with a twinkle in his eye. “It’s a witty twist, isn’t it?”
Emily and I were meeting Tom to discuss the forthcoming release of Doctor Who: The Collection – Season 12, a Blu-ray box set containing all the stories from his first series in the role. For many of us, myself included, this will be the third time we’ve owned copies of these classic episodes. I collected them all on VHS, before eagerly graduating to DVD. Now that the picture has been upscaled to high definition and an array of new special features has been added, I’m getting ready to clear space on the shelf once again. As any vinyl or comic collector will tell you, there’s always room for the ‘final upgrade’ – the version that enables you to decisively cross that coveted item off your list. Will this box set represent the ultimate edition of these episodes, at least in their physical form? I think it’s possible. While part of me is sad about that, I can’t wait to see the result of the latest makeover.