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DVD Description
A sonic time scan draws the TARDIS to the Fetch Priory on Earth. There, the Doctor and Leela discover an impossibly old human skull that is the key to a nightmare from the Time Lords’ past.
A murderous monster stalks the priory grounds; and within, someone is intent on unleashing a malevolent creature that feeds on death itself...
This story was originally broadcast on BBC1 between 29th October – 19th November 1977
Special Features
• Commentary by Tom Baker [The Doctor], Louise Jameson [Leela], Wanda Ventham [Thea Ransome] and Edward Arthur [Adam Colby]
• After Image Cast and crew look back at the making of this story, featuring Anthony Read (Script Editor) and Colin Mapson (Visual Effects Designer)
• Deleted and Extended Scenes Material originally cut from Image of the Fendahl is presented here courtesy of a low-quality monochrome video recording
• Trailer The original BBC1 trailer from 1977
• Radio Times Billings Listings for this story presented in a PDF file [DVD-ROM – PC/Mac]
• Photo Gallery
• Coming Soon Trailer
• Production Information Subtitles
• Easter Egg
• Digitally remastered picture and sound quality
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
There are many candidates for the last truly great DOCTOR WHO story in its original run. Some might say the show never had any greatness at all, others might believe that they every single episode is a masterpiece, but for me, IMAGE OF THE FENDAHL might be one of the last of the true greats, the last hiccup of gothic horror carried over from the previous year that had ended with TALONS OF WENG CHIANG, and if it isn't the last great story, then surely, at least, it's first episode, is up there amongst the greatest openers.
Mad scientists working in a spooky old priory, unseen aliens from ancient history tampering with human evolution, strange ritualistic covens and an enemy that is described as "death itself" all feature in a story that is more about its characters than any sci-fi trappings. There's an acknowledged hint of Nigel Kneale in there, it has to be said, but that really is never a bad thing.
The main cast - a small, tight little unit of great character actors - are all on tremendous form and never play the script without conviction, even when faced with a "monster" that, whilst not being truly awful, does leave something to be desired, and Martha Tyler (no relation!) is a star.
The audio commentary is fun - not least because of the pairing of Tom Baker and Louise Jameson alongside Edward Arthur and Wanda Ventham, and the production subtitles are as informative and well researched as ever. There's a fun little easter egg, some (low res) deleted scenes, a trailer from those faraway BBC days, and a pretty good "making of" documentary, amongst others.
As ever, releases from this DVD range are put together with a lot of care, and IMAGE OF THE FENDAHL retains those very high standards.
Mad scientists working in a spooky old priory, unseen aliens from ancient history tampering with human evolution, strange ritualistic covens and an enemy that is described as "death itself" all feature in a story that is more about its characters than any sci-fi trappings. There's an acknowledged hint of Nigel Kneale in there, it has to be said, but that really is never a bad thing.
The main cast - a small, tight little unit of great character actors - are all on tremendous form and never play the script without conviction, even when faced with a "monster" that, whilst not being truly awful, does leave something to be desired, and Martha Tyler (no relation!) is a star.
The audio commentary is fun - not least because of the pairing of Tom Baker and Louise Jameson alongside Edward Arthur and Wanda Ventham, and the production subtitles are as informative and well researched as ever. There's a fun little easter egg, some (low res) deleted scenes, a trailer from those faraway BBC days, and a pretty good "making of" documentary, amongst others.
As ever, releases from this DVD range are put together with a lot of care, and IMAGE OF THE FENDAHL retains those very high standards.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
There's something about Image of the Fendahl that still un-nerves me after all these years. There's a real feeling of foreboding and suppressed terror to it and it is often extremely atmospheric. I also feel it's one of the most 'adult' of all Who stories, it never talks down to the audience, it deals with some pretty heavy themes (a character committing suicide/devil worship) and must have given kids some nightmares on first transmission. It's also quite funny in places, but the humour doesn't detract from the drama or horror. Tom Baker is at his strangest, and the fact that the Doctor himself appears terrified of the Fendahl makes the story more gripping. There is some excellently atmospheric location filming, unusually most of it at night which adds to the spookiness, the monsters are unpleasantly grotesque (think big slugs with tentacles for mouths) and some convincing performances from a great little cast. The script may borrow a little from the ideas of Nigle Kneale, but then most Dr Who borrows from other sources anyway. For my money, Image of the Fendahl is one of the scariest and most genuinely 'gothic' stories in the series history, and gets better upon repeated viewings. Brilliant title too. Some great extras on this DVD, plus having Tom Baker on the commentary usually makes a DVD worth buying for that reason alone.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
So, 2Entertain are having a strong spring 2009; The peerless 'Deadly Assassin' and now this superb story from the Graham Williams produced late 1970s era both released on DVD.
Image of the Fendahl is one of the stories spoken of as 'the Gothic era Doctor Who', and with its supernatural overtones, creepy mansion and mad scientist, it certainly ticks many of the boxes for Gothic horror. Sadly, most of the superb cast were unavailable for the DVD extras but there is a great interview with Edward Arthur who played irreverent scientist Adam Colby. Although the story's central threat - a green slimy monster in true Who style - is not that well realised, the creepy atmosphere and strong performances - Baker is awesome - make this a great slice of classic Doctor Who.
Image of the Fendahl is one of the stories spoken of as 'the Gothic era Doctor Who', and with its supernatural overtones, creepy mansion and mad scientist, it certainly ticks many of the boxes for Gothic horror. Sadly, most of the superb cast were unavailable for the DVD extras but there is a great interview with Edward Arthur who played irreverent scientist Adam Colby. Although the story's central threat - a green slimy monster in true Who style - is not that well realised, the creepy atmosphere and strong performances - Baker is awesome - make this a great slice of classic Doctor Who.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Jelly Baby
For me this is in the 2nd tier of Dr Who episodes. Its good, in fact very good in places, but its not up there with The Daemons, Talons of WC, or Genesis of the Daleks, hence I... Read more
Published 1 month ago by S J Buck
not a classic
a good story with some good character acting , but the story does't hold up at the end and the monsters are poor .. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Keith Randall
doctor who
The item was posted in record time and is as described.I have no hesitation in purchasing from the seller again.
Published 8 months ago by palace
Weak plot with a very unoriginal idea
I know im probably going to annoy a few people but im afraid in my opinion this is one of the worst stories of Bakers era! Read more
Published 19 months ago by Mr. N. J. Voice
Crystal skull
Not the best doctor who but worth seeing particularly if you are a fan of the gothic doctor who.
Published 20 months ago by Darktan
Image of the Fendahl
Coming at the tail end of Who's horror/gothic period this story ends the period in style. Previous stories had the odd scary monster or alien but this story goes furthest into... Read more
Published 20 months ago by R. Thomas
Fantastic episode of a great series
One of the true fantasy stories of the Dr Who Cannon a great horror and alternative working of the origins of man. Well acted and well done throughout.
Published 21 months ago by Kevin Bransbury-jones
recommended
this was always one of my favourites. and seeing it again confirms to me just how good it is. Monster in it a bit dodgey ,but thats the fun of it
For me the fact that Daphne... Read more
For me the fact that Daphne... Read more
Published on 20 May 2010 by Mr. Geoffrey Bloomfield
A good but not great story
Let me start by saying that I am not a great fan of much of Graham Williams' time as producer (the anomaly being the excellent 'City of Death'). Read more
Published on 27 Mar 2010 by Spidernick
My favourite Doctor Who story (almost)
Actually it's my 2nd, but Image of the Fendahl is a true Dr Who classic. The production is superb and the acting is some of the best ever seen in the show. Read more
Published on 12 Sep 2009 by Mr. M. Leacy
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