Doctor Who has been a beloved science fiction series since its inception in 1963. Fans of the show have followed the adventures of the Doctor, a time-traveling alien who explores the universe in a ship called the TARDIS. In 2015, Doctor Who fans were treated to a special event when the two-part finale of series eight was released in 3D in theaters.
The two-part finale, titled “Dark Water/Death in Heaven,” was screened in Real D 3D and included a never-before-seen prequel to the first episode of series nine. Fans were also treated to an interview with stars Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman, hosted by Wil Wheaton. The event was a special opportunity for fans to see their favorite characters on the big screen and experience the show in a whole new way.
The Doctor Who 3D movie event was a hit with fans and critics alike. The opportunity to see the show in 3D added a new dimension to the experience, and the inclusion of the prequel and interview made it a must-see event for fans. The Doctor Who franchise continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of science fiction, adventure, and humor, and the 3D movie event was a prime example of the show’s enduring popularity.
Background
History of Dr Who
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television program produced by the BBC. It first aired in 1963 and has since become a cultural phenomenon with a loyal fan base. The show follows the adventures of a time-traveling humanoid alien known as the Doctor, who explores the universe in a time machine called the TARDIS.
Over the years, the show has undergone several changes, including a change of actors playing the Doctor and a change of production teams. The 2015 3D movie release was part of the eighth series of Doctor Who, which starred Peter Capaldi as the twelfth incarnation of the Doctor.
3D Movies in the Film Industry
Three-dimensional movies, also known as 3D movies, have been around since the early 1900s. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that the technology became more advanced, allowing for the production of color 3D films. Since then, 3D movies have become a popular feature in the film industry, with many blockbuster movies being released in 3D.
The use of 3D technology in movies has been praised for its ability to immerse the audience in the story, making them feel like they are part of the action. However, it has also been criticized for being a gimmick and not adding much to the overall experience.
The Doctor Who 3D movie release in 2015 was part of a trend in the film industry to release movies in 3D. It was an attempt to bring the Doctor’s adventures to life in a new and exciting way, allowing fans to experience the show in a whole new dimension.
Production
The Doctor Who: Dark Water / Death in Heaven 3D movie was produced by BBC Wales and directed by Rachel Talalay. The film was released on September 22, 2015, and features Peter Capaldi as the twelfth Doctor and Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald.
Casting
In addition to Capaldi and Coleman, the movie also stars Michelle Gomez as Missy, Chris Addison as Seb, and Ingrid Oliver as Osgood. The casting of Gomez as Missy was particularly well-received by fans, as she brought a unique energy and charisma to the role.
Filming Locations
The movie was primarily filmed in Cardiff, Wales, with additional filming taking place in London and Tenerife. The Cardiff locations included the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff University, and the Wales Millennium Centre. The Tenerife location was used to film the scenes set on the planet Skaro.
Special Effects
The special effects in the movie were created by Milk Visual Effects, a British company that has worked on a number of high-profile films and television shows. The company’s work on Doctor Who: Dark Water / Death in Heaven 3D included creating the Cybermen, the TARDIS interior, and the scenes set in the Nethersphere.
Overall, the production of Doctor Who: Dark Water / Death in Heaven 3D was a collaborative effort between BBC Wales, director Rachel Talalay, and a talented cast and crew. The result was a visually stunning and emotionally resonant movie that pleased both fans and critics alike.
Plot
Doctor Who 3D: Dark Water/Death in Heaven is a two-part finale of the eighth series of the British science fiction television programme Doctor Who. The movie was released in 2015 and screened in select 3D theatres.
The first part of the finale, Dark Water, begins with Clara Oswald, the Doctor’s companion, learning about the death of her boyfriend Danny Pink. She seeks the Doctor’s help to bring Danny back to life. The Doctor takes Clara to a mysterious facility called 3W, where she discovers that the facility is a place where the dead are kept in tanks, and their consciousness is uploaded to a virtual reality called the Nethersphere.
In the second part of the finale, Death in Heaven, the Cybermen invade Earth, and the Doctor and Clara must stop them from converting humanity into Cybermen. Meanwhile, the Doctor’s archenemy, Missy, reveals herself to be a Time Lady and the Master, who has been behind the events of the season.
The movie also includes a never-before-seen prequel to the first episode of series nine and an interview with stars Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman hosted by Wil Wheaton.
Overall, Doctor Who 3D: Dark Water/Death in Heaven provides an action-packed and emotional conclusion to the eighth series of Doctor Who, featuring Cybermen, the Master, and the Nethersphere.
Reception
The reception of Doctor Who: Dark Water/Death in Heaven 3D was mixed, with some viewers praising the film’s special effects and storyline, while others criticized its pacing and lack of originality.
Box Office Performance
The film was released on Blu-ray, DVD, and 3D Blu-ray on September 22, 2015. According to Box Office Mojo, the film grossed $2.8 million in the United States and Canada, and $1.9 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $4.7 million.
Critical Response
The film received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 56%, based on 9 reviews, with an average rating of 6.2/10. The site’s consensus reads, “Doctor Who: Dark Water/Death in Heaven 3D is a visually stunning film with a solid storyline, but its pacing and lack of originality hold it back from being a truly great film.”
Some critics praised the film’s special effects and storyline. For example, Mark Harrison of Den of Geek gave the film a positive review, stating that “Doctor Who: Dark Water/Death in Heaven 3D is a visually stunning film that successfully captures the spirit of the television series.” Similarly, Brian Truitt of USA Today praised the film’s storyline, stating that “Doctor Who: Dark Water/Death in Heaven 3D is a thrilling and emotional adventure that will delight fans of the series.”
However, other critics criticized the film’s pacing and lack of originality. For example, Mike Hale of The New York Times gave the film a negative review, stating that “Doctor Who: Dark Water/Death in Heaven 3D is a visually impressive but ultimately disappointing film that fails to live up to the high standards set by the television series.” Similarly, Eric Goldman of IGN criticized the film’s pacing, stating that “Doctor Who: Dark Water/Death in Heaven 3D is a slow and plodding film that fails to capture the excitement and energy of the television series.”
Overall, while Doctor Who: Dark Water/Death in Heaven 3D received mixed reviews, it remains a must-watch for fans of the series who want to experience the Doctor’s adventures in stunning 3D.
Legacy
Impact on Dr Who Franchise
The 3D movie release of Doctor Who: Dark Water/Death in Heaven had a significant impact on the franchise. It was the first time that a Doctor Who episode was released in 3D, and it was a huge success. Fans of the show were thrilled to see their favorite characters and storylines come to life in a whole new way. The movie was also a great way to introduce new fans to the series, as it provided a unique and immersive experience that couldn’t be replicated on television.
The success of the 3D movie also had an impact on the future of the franchise. It showed that there was a demand for Doctor Who content outside of traditional television episodes. This led to the creation of other spin-off shows and movies, like Class and The Sarah Jane Adventures. The 3D movie also paved the way for future Doctor Who specials, like the 50th-anniversary episode, which was also released in 3D.
Influence on 3D Movie Technology
The release of Doctor Who: Dark Water/Death in Heaven also had a significant impact on 3D movie technology. The movie was shot using the latest 3D cameras and technology, which allowed for a more immersive and realistic experience. The use of 3D technology also allowed for more creative camera angles and shots, which added to the overall cinematic experience.
The success of the 3D movie also had an influence on other filmmakers and studios. It showed that there was a market for 3D movies, and that audiences were willing to pay extra for the immersive experience. This led to more 3D movies being released in theaters, and a renewed interest in 3D technology.
In conclusion, the release of Doctor Who: Dark Water/Death in Heaven in 3D had a significant impact on both the Doctor Who franchise and the world of 3D movie technology. It introduced fans to a new and exciting way to experience the show, and paved the way for future Doctor Who specials and spin-offs. It also showed that there was a market for 3D movies, and helped to renew interest in the technology.