The Hand of Fear

Classic series adventure gets DVD release.

BBC DVD is releasing another classic Doctor Who adventure - 1976's The Hand of Fear.

Starring Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor, this four-part adventure also stars Elisabeth Sladen as plucky journalist Sarah Jane Smith. Elisabeth was recently seen back in the new series of Doctor Who fighting off the Krillitanes in the episode School Reunion.

When the Doctor and Sarah Jane are caught up in an explosion in a quarry in present-day England, Sarah is rushed to hospital, clutching what appears to be a stone hand. But when the hand possesses Sarah's mind, a chain reaction begins, resulting in a confrontation on the frozen planet of Kastria and a heartbreaking decision for the Doctor...

This single-disc DVD (currently scheduled for release on 31 July, although this date is subject to change) boasts some impressive special features:

• Commentary by Tom Baker (the Doctor), Elisabeth Sladen (Sarah Jane Smith), Judith Paris (Eldrad), Bob Baker (Co-writer), Philip Hinchcliffe (Producer).
• Changing Times: A 50-minute documentary charting the special relationship between the Doctor and his companion Sarah Jane Smith.
• Swap Shop: A very rare clip of Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen's appearance on the first ever edition of Noel Edmonds' Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, shown in October 1976.
• PDFs of the 1977 Doctor Who Annual and the Radio Times listings for The Hand of Fear.
• Photo gallery, continuity announcements, information text subtitles and an Easter Egg.