THIS adventure was only the third to feature Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor and the two 45-minute episodes were originally shown during January 1985.

Varos is a mining planet, mining Zyton 7. The Doctor arrives on the planet hoping to acquire some for the TARDIS.

The inhabitants seem to thrive on images of public torture which are broadcast seemingly endlessly on their televisions, but there are rebels in their midst trying to escape the tyrannical regime.

The Doctor and Peri (Nicola Bryant) help the rebels, but are soon in danger themselves.

This story featured Colin Baker’s favourite alien, the reptilian Sil from Galatron, played unforgettably by Nabil Shaban.

When this was first released on DVD 11 years ago, it came out as just a single disc with no extras whatsoever, but this special edition has a whole disc full of them.

Of course there is an excellent ‘making of’ documentary and a feature discussing the use of television in the worlds of Dr Who.

Trailers, out-takes and extended scenes are in abundance as well as an edition of Tomorrow’s Times.

This section, narrated this time by Sarah Sutton (Nyssa) has a look at the British Press’s coverage of Colin Baker’s tenure in the show.

There is also a never-before broadcast of a French and Saunders sketch featuring George Layton as the Doctor. Sadly, it is all too apparent why it was never shown.

An interview on Breakfast Time is included and a Saturday Superstore appearance by Baker and Nicola Bryant where one of the callers is none other than The Master!

Excellent picture quality and good performances from the likes of Martin Jarvis and Stephen Yardley make this a stand-out adventure.

BBCDVD3512.