When the Blu-ray boxsets for Star Trek : The Original Series, were finally released – in 2007. There was quite a commotion, regarding the new features included.
As well as the re-recording of the classic Alexander Courage theme tune. New optional CGI SFX, were also added; which meant, that cutscenes of the Enterprise, the view from the bridge – and the planet orbits – were completely remastered in CGI.
At the time, debate raged on forums – about whether this was the right thing to do and also, whether the new SFX would look ‘too new’ – and out of place.
Episodes like The Doomsday Machine, in which the crew battled a huge planet-eating robotic leech; were given a new dynamic edge – with the remastered CGI space scenes. Overall, remastered Trek was considered a success – both commercially and critically.
When the Doctor Who Remastering Team, began finishing touches to their (current) final DVD release – Web Of Fear. It was assumed, it would be the end of the road for new Doctor Who releases; until more missing episodes – are found or animated.
The perceived quality and effort of re-releasing the Who collection in Blu-ray – is apparently not on the cards. Due to the quality of original film stock. However, a whiff of rumour previals that this will still happen. The Restoration Team have – for a few years now, included small optional subtle CGI fixes – to various aspects of the Who DVD releases; as an option alongside the original presentation.
Also, fans have been recreating unofficial SFX for the classic series for years – on Youtube, with varying quality and success. Everything from; remastering the Doctor’s many regeneration sequences, (to look more like the new series yellow energy explosion) redoing the old model cutscenes – to remastering lazer blasts.
Here are a few examples:
1) Eye Of Orion from The Five Doctors given an alien makeover:
2) Sea Devil’s Attack Seabase – Warriors Of The Deep – gets a nifty action make over :
3) Sixth-to-Seventh Doctor Regeneration, redone to include Colin Baker; Time And The Rani :
4) Remastered Hartnell Titles :
It does raise, an interesting possibility for a future high-def (upscaled – at least) Doctor Who Blu-ray release. Complete with full optional new SFX included, like the Star Trek – TOS boxsets.
If done correctly – and respectfully, it could only help to enhance the presentation, for old and new audiences.
What do you think of a remastered Doctor Who with optional remastered SFX?
