Doctor Who: The Beginning (Stories 1 - 3) - Remastered Classic DVDs

In this review of Doctor Who: The Beginning (Stories 1 - 3), the bottom line is clear: this remastered DVD set is for long-time fans and newcomers who want to experience the origins of a television legend with improved picture and sound. The set collects the pilot and the first two serials, and its biggest reason to buy is the combination of historically important episodes with substantial bonus material, including audio commentary and a rare unedited pilot studio recording, making it both an archival package and an entertaining watch.

Key Features

• First episodes restored: Digitally remastered picture and sound bring greater clarity to the earliest surviving episodes so viewers can appreciate the production details.
• Pilot and serial collection: Includes the pilot An Unearthly Child plus The Daleks and The Edge of Destruction, providing the narrative beginning of the series in chronological order.
• Extensive bonus content: Audio commentaries and documentaries add context about production, creature design and early series decisions for fans and researchers.
• Rare archival material: The unedited studio recording of the pilot and outtakes offer a unique look at how the first episode was made and edited.
• Historical documentaries: Features such as Creation of the Daleks and Doctor Who: Origins deepen appreciation for the seriess cultural impact and creative origins.

Who It's For

This set is ideal for Doctor Who collectors and enthusiasts of classic television who want the first months of the show in one remastered package, and for viewers interested in production history thanks to the many documentaries and commentaries. The inclusion of actor and director commentary makes it especially rewarding for those who value behind-the-scenes perspectives and the archival record.

Casual viewers expecting fast-paced modern sci-fi may find the presentation slow at times; customers frequently note that the pacing is deliberately measured. If you prefer contemporary effects-driven storytelling, you might look for later-season compilations instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Preserves the very first Doctor Who stories with improved audio and visual quality for historical viewing.
• Broad bonus features include commentary from producers, directors and actors that enrich the viewing experience.
• Contains rare material such as the pilots unedited studio recording and documentary features that appeal to collectors.

Cons

• Pacing can feel achingly slow to modern audiences accustomed to quicker narratives.

Specifications

Title	Doctor Who: The Beginning (Stories 1 - 3)
Included stories	An Unearthly Child; The Daleks; The Edge of Destruction
Format	DVD set with digitally remastered picture and sound
Bonus content	Audio commentary, pilot unedited studio recording, documentaries and featurettes
Notable contributors	William Hartnell, Jacqueline Hill, Waris Hussein, Christopher Barry
Release emphasis	Archival restoration and behind-the-scenes material

Our Verdict

This DVD set is recommended for collectors and fans of classic television history who want the earliest Doctor Who stories presented with improved technical quality and rich extras. Despite a deliberate, slow pace in places, the archival value, rare recordings and informative commentaries make it a worthwhile purchase and good value for anyone building a comprehensive Doctor Who collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this set include the original pilot?
Yes, it includes the pilot An Unearthly Child and features the unedited studio recording and outtakes for archival insight.

Are the episodes remastered?
Yes, the set uses digitally remastered picture and sound to improve clarity of the surviving episodes.

Is there bonus material?
Yes, bonus content includes audio commentary by producers, directors and actors, plus documentaries such as Creation of the Daleks and Doctor Who: Origins.