Inferno: DVD Review

Drilling adventures in Time and Space.

Following hot on the heels of Genesis of the Daleks, BBC DVD have released another story that's consistently voted among the top ten best adventures from the classic series.

This 1970 adventure stars Jon Pertwee as the Doctor, exiled to Earth and trying to find ways to escape. When UNIT is brought in to oversee an attempt to tap into the Earth's core for energy, the Doctor tags along and soon discovers that the project is having a few disturbing side effects on its staff.

Before he can investigate fully, the Doctor is flung into a parallel world (a plot idea used in the recent Cybermen episodes) where his friends are monstrous fascists, the drilling is a few hours more advanced and planet Earth is on the brink of destruction.

As usual, the team behind the DVD release has pulled together some superb bonus material. The main documentary, at 35 minutes, is just the right length to cover all the bases while still offer some new facts for even the most die-hard fans. A second documentary on the beginnings of UNIT allows the cast and crew to embellish upon their favourite anecdotes.

An audio commentary is available for the episodes themselves, with script editor Terrance Dicks, producer/director Barry Letts and Nicholas Courtney (The Brigadier) joined by John Levene (Sgt Benton). Other features include a short visual effects showreel, a photo gallery, and PDFs of the 1971 Doctor Who annual and clippings from the Radio Times.

Inferno is a perfect example of the strengths and weaknesses of Doctor Who in 1970. There's a little too much running around and some slightly embarrassing monster transformations that might not impress newer fans.

However, what makes this story a genuine classic is the very real threat that 'Project Inferno' might end up destroying the planet. The project's leader, Professor Stahlman, isn't really a villain - he's just stubborn and misguided. As a consequence he's willing to put everyone's lives at risk for what he considers to be the greater good. This makes for one of the most genuinely upsetting cliff-hangers the original series ever gave us...

Inferno is due in the shops on Monday 19 June.

Watch the Doctor meeting parallel versions of his friends.

Watch a clip with commentary from Inferno.

Watch a clip from the Inferno: Can You Hear The Earth Scream? documentary.

Send us your comment now. We'll publish the best on this page.

Barry Walsh
I bought the original VHS version,and although the quality of the picture was n't great,this did n't matter.Inferno is,for me one of my top 3 Doctor Who stories from the Pertwee/Baker years.It is genuinely exciting,and disturbing at times,and i think the Primords are an interesting addition to the Who monster gallery. My other 2 favourites are Genesis Of The Daleks,and Terror of the Zygons.Like these,Inferno is head and shoulders above other Doctor Whos in the older series for straightforward creepiness.I have n't watched the DVD yet,but judging by how previous stories have been enhanced,it promises to be a real treat.

Martin
One of my favourite episodes. It's much more varied than Star Trek's inspired Mirror Mirror ep. How about a sequel Russell where Dr Who goes back and eventually sees what becomes of that world?

Jerry
This is one mean looking-glass, and one time when the Doctor doesn't really save humanity from itself... on an alternate Earth. One of those stories you can show people who 'only' like STAR TREK or FARSCAPE or whatever, and try to get them hooked on the original show about journeys through time and space... (just don't show 'em WARRIORS OF THE DEEP...)

The Dentist
As a younger viewer of Dr Who I would like to say that scariest thing about this story are the Wolf-people.

Nathan Mullins
i think inferno's a brilliant video, its exciting, scary and thrilling

bonkrs
I got a copy of it and it i have watched it aobut 200 times!

woody
i saw INFERNO when pertwee's episodes were shown earlier on in the year on uktv gold and i thought that it was definately one of the third doc's best stories!

Dave
Asboutley Brilliant! The 2nd best DVD after The Green Death. Fabolus

Louie Brockbank
A brilliant Doctor Who adventure!!!!Parrell world setting a great idea and the parrell versions of the doctor's friends are masterfully acted. Some great extras to!!!!

Ben
Inferno is a great piece of TV, only ruined by the slightly annoying Primords. We did not need them at all to make this the classic it is. I'd recommend it to fans new and old.

Benn
Excellent DVD, Jon Pertwee was a great Doctor

dalek _maniac -lewis
i've got it! i bought it today like i said i would and just recently watched it all and i must say this,...it is...BRILL!!! what i don't understand though is how does the tardis consle get in a shed?

Joel
It's a absolutley great episode and I couldn't keep my eyes of it.

Jamie Dowling
Jon Pertwee's best story and one of the best stories ever. A strong, disturbing storyline reminiscent of Doomwatch at its finest backed up by excellent performances makes for a fantastic 7 epsiodes.

Tim Reece
The picture quality of Inferno is a revelation - especially when comparing to the original VHS release. The extras were superb. To complete my favourite 3 Who stories, The Sea Devils and The Mind of Evil next please.

Sarah Tarrant
I was watching 'Inferno' last night and am so in total awe of what they have achieved with this particular release. I also am more familiar with the VHS release so this DVD version was a positive revelation! The picture quality is absolutely stunning, the colours (particluarly of Pertwee's red satin cloak interior, the yellow of Bessie and Liz Shaw's light brown hair) are so sharp. Additionally the title captions which blur into focus against the lava stock footage is amazingly clear and you can almost feel the heat coming across from the fast flowing liquid rock. The commentary team of Courtney, Letts and Dicks occasionally supplimented by the absolutely charming John Levene (Sergent Benton (I look forward to hearing more from him on a future Pertwee title!)) is a most welcome viewing companion from people who clearly enjoyed what is without doubt the finest story of the Pertwee era. With a fascinating 'Can You Hear The Earth Scream' making of documentary which sees the welcome input of Caroline John (who looks marvellous for her age) this is one of the finest DVD releases we've had for some time. Add in other extras like the highly entertaining 'Unit Family - Part 1' and you have an essential purchase that any fan of Doctor Who and serious science fiction (e.g. Quatermass, Doomwatch) in general must have in their collection!

Nick Taylor
Fantastic DVD. The best Doctor Who story ever. One criticism that I have heard (and never agreed with) over the years is that Pertwee played an 'establishment' figure as Doctor Who. Watch Inferno and this will completely dispel this myth. Trapped on an alien planet (well 2 actually including the parallel Earth), alone, desperate to escape, arrogant, irritated and frustrated by narrow minded humans who he has no choice but to rely on to provide the nuclear power he needs to power his Tardis. Wonderful stuff. Jon Pertwee really is the greatest Doctor.

Andrew Mc.
Classic Pertwee-The Silurians,The curse of Peladon,The green death.Inferno? no i'm sorry but i just dont get all the hype.

David McClements
Hi, I first saw Inferno with its original VHS release and liked the storyline of the Doctor being on a parallel Earth. Although the picture was quite grainy at times I can't wait for the DVD to see what they've done to the picture quality. All in all this is one of Pertwee's finest, all the cast are in top form. Full marks for releasing this one!!

Andy
I remember 'Inferno' as being a lot of fun to watch, with some genuinely creepy moments. It will no doubt have lost some of its capacity to shock, but I doubt it will have lost the ability to keep me entertained throughout. As for new fans, I am finding kids remarkably receptive to the classic series - they need less modern FX than people give them credit for. For kids today, as ever, the story is the thing!

Paul Clark
An excellent story to release - full of tension and some super acting. Long awaited on DVD !!

David Southwell
Wah-hey! The Brig in an eyepatch, neat touches and takes on the sci-fi staple of parallel dimensions, clasic lines and one of the show's best takes on politics and the importance of love. A superb story and the DVD extras look just right.

Cornelia
Finally! "Inferno" on DVD - this is something I'm soo looking forward to. Can't wait 'til it's out - it's just one of the best "Who" - stories ever!

Firefly
I found Inferno to be one of the weakest Doctor Who stories. It just never seemed to get going and I found it hard to feel anything for the parallel world people.

Al D
I remember first watching episode 7 on the Pertwee years and thinking "I want more!", then seeing the repeats on UK Gold thinking that this is without doubt one of the best Pertwee and Dr Who stories, with the what-if approach showing what could happen and then avoiding it. In terms of the commentary, I'm so delighted that Nick Courtney is doing it, though sorry that Caroline John isn't, but we do have her on the two special documentaries. Isn't this just the marvel of DVD extras. I'm also pleased that we going to get something at last from John Levene, he was my hero in my younger days and I have a soft spot for Benton! Finally, Sushi is so right, bring back the Brigadier in series 3!!!

John (Howard) Gough
Christopher Benjamin is very lucky to have appeared in two of the best ever Dr Who adventures (i.e. The Talons of Weng Chiang & Inferno)

Barry Aldridge
Glad they are releasing Inferno, a fanatastic 7 parter in a parallel world. One of Pertwee's best stories. I'm Defintely getting this DVD.

Paul Fairclough
I am so glad this one has been released on DVD. I hope it is as good an NTSC conversion as The Claws Of Axos.

Bernie King
It does exactly what it says on the tin!!Phew. Pertwee at his best. Its fun to compare the Werewolf Stahlman with the one in Toot And Claw though!!

keith penguin
One of the finest stories of the show's original run- hardhitting and well told, and this owes a lot to director Douglas Camfield. Hopefully it won't be too long before The Seeds of Doom, Terror of the Zygons or (big hint) The Invasion join it on DVD.

Lee
I grew up during the pertwee/unit era and it warms my heart to see these classics revisited.The dialogue and interplay between courtney and pertwee was genius.I agree with sushi,bring back nicholas courtney! It would be rude not to!

JJ
Inferno is an enticing and delivering story and propells imagination into the Doctor Who series and maybe brought us Rise of the Cybermen and Age of Steel with the parallel earth setting. Nicholas Courtney plays a wonderful acting part in this story and to see it grace our DVD players will be exciting. Bring it on!

Ellis Quarterman
Jon Pertwee is my favourite Dr Who, I love inferno as my friend has it on VHS, I like it almost as much as I like An Unearthly Child, which I baught at a car boot. I was interested in Liz because at first i didn't know what was wrong, if it was a duplicate but then i realised it was parrolell just like in David Tennat's rise of the cybermen. everyone, go to DVD stores NOW and buy inferno, I definately am!

simon
superb acting from Pertwee,John and Courtney.One of the very best.

Andrew Macfetters
out of all the dr who stories, inferno is my favourite one and is so happy to see it finally out on dvd, as every episode has a great cliffhanger and has supperb acting from all especially jon pertwee. the creatures half way through is menacing and frightening which is good to show any new teenager today to show how great it really is.

Dean G T Roberts
I LOVE Inferno. Very few DW stories would get a 10 out of 10 from me - but, along with stories like Kinda and The Ark in Space, this is one of them. The season 7 regulars have never been better, particularly Caroline John and Nick Courtney. And Pertwee gives his best ever performance. Inferno does what DW does best by being visually arresting, throwing great concepts at the audience, and just dripping (or should that be burning?!!) with atmosphere. This is a genuinely gripping and unsettling piece of television, and easily the best Pertwee story. Roll on Kinda!!!

Mark English
I love all these 70's Doctor Who Stories - the Golden Era of Doctor Who and another Jon Pertwee ('my' Doctor!) classic! Fabulous! More please - and soon!

Iain Brownlie
What a great story! It's got a gritty, realistic feel to it through all it's episodes. Pertwee's never been better

John A Collins
I agree that this is a good story having seen it first time around. It's a shame Caroline John isn't on the commentary, but I'm sure it will very good. How about 'The Daemons' next or Jon's swan song 'Planet of the Spiders'? I also agree that another Troughton story is due. Philip Madoc would do a great commentary for 'The Croutons' and 'The War Games'!

Mark Jobson
Inferno is the best Pertwee by a mile, The atmosphere, storytelling and music are superb. A great example of what Doctor Who used to be able to do with very limited resources.

Gareth Bettridge
Inferno has always, and always will be, my very favourite Dr.Who story. Just look at episode 6....truly frightening, bleak, beliveable (yes, beliveable!) and the cliffhanger has to be the most tense and shocking moment in the history of Dr.Who.

Will
I've seen it on UKTV Gold. Its rubbish. Its to long and its not a very good storyline.

Alexander Ross
Thank you so much 2entertain for this long-awaited Pertwee story. Just one complaint though: why don't the commentaries have subtitles anymore? Without them, it makes them really hard to follow. Anyway, I'll be getting this the day it comes out!

Simon Charles Rudman
This is the jewel in the crown of Season 7. A brilliant almost Doomwatcheque story which inspired the brilliant Virgin range novel 'Face of the Enemy' by the utterly brilliant writer David A. McIntee. Absolute 100% gold.

Parallel Josh
Inferno? I hadn't heard of it until it was recently shown on the Repeats of UKTV Gold, and I loved it and I cant wait to see what the Restoration Team has done on it.

Stephen
Too much running around and iffy monster transformations? Nonsense! 'Inferno' is one of the jewels in the 'Dr.Who' crown, the closest the series got to an Irwin Allen-style disaster epic as well as being the only seven-parter to really justify its length. Brilliant script by the late Don Houghton. Jon Pertwee's 'Doctor' is at his best, and he's ably supported by Nicholas Courtney, Caroline John, Olaf Pooley, Derek Newark, Sheila Dunn and Christopher Benjamin. So strong is it you'd never think it was the work of two directors. I hope that fans of the new 'Dr.Who' buy the D.V.D. and be as terrified as I was back in 1970!

Trippster
Bring it on! Classic story from a classic season with the scariest cliffhanger ever. Now can we have "The Sea Devils"?

Trevor Kirby
Thank you, thank you for another Jon Pertwee story on DVD. I would like to write a big thank you to everyone at the Restoration Team who are doing a great job.

Dave W
Bliss! Just looked at the clips and I am awestruck at the quality of the restoration. Now do the same job for Doctor Who and the Silurians and I'll be in seventh heaven. Release Ambassadors of Death too, then we'll have Jon's first entire season available on DVD, and I'll see if there's an eigth heaven.

Cameron
This is Pertwee's best adventure without a shadow of a doubt from his best season. Unfortunately that series wasn't popular with the public and Doctor Who came very close to being cancelled, so they made it lighter, more action and introduced Jo Grant. This is Doctor Who meets Quatermass and the Pertwee era was never this good again. And the reviewer is right about the unsettling cliffhanger (they must be referring to episode 6), but I guarantee you will jump out of your seat at the end of episode 1! Absolutely tremendous stuff!! :-)

Mark
Really glad the BBC have brought out one of the most exceptional Doctor Who stories to DVD, I missed it out on VHS, Wont be missing it this time around, especially with the added extras. Bring on the War Games now!

Robin
It's good to see that 2 Entertain have still got the time to spoil fans of the older series as well as bring out the new stories. This is a great story with some surprisingly gritty moments. The only shame is that the time has long passed when the late Jon Pertwee could have done the commentary. I wonder what he would have said? There is plenty of interview footage of him at conventions etc., can we have some more of this as extras? Like they did with "The 3 Doctors".

chuffski-noo
This is my very favourite old-school DW adventure. Some of the monsters are iffy, but there's a real feeling of doom to things. Lighting and sound are used to great effect, and the end of part six is startling. I'm delighted it's out on DVD. The only disappointment is that the glorious Caroline John (companion Liz Shaw) is not on the commentary!

James Watt
The greatest Doctor Who story ever. The setting on the oil refinery gives a really dark and menacing setting for the story. The Primords do look slightly dodgy, but the transforming humans are really menacing. Delia Derbyshire's background music is amazing and fits in with such subtlety. The acting is great from all. Jon Pertwee plays the role with total conviction and real depth. Definitely his finest moment. Fantastic.

Alexander Badger
An absolute classic long overdue for the DVD shelves! In my opinion, the best Pertwee story, and one of the best of all time! A must-have without a doubt.

daniel hughes
cant wait for it to be released - simply one of the best pertwee stories ever made.

Ben Ripley
'Inferno' is one of my personal favourites and definitely my pick for 'best Pertwee story'. I am ecstatic to see this gripping tale on DVD and hope it isn't long before we see 'Terror of the Autons' too.

Chris Eilenstine
Inferno was one of the stories that solidified Doctor Who for me. When I saw it I realized how truly special the show was, and is. Along with The Daemons and Carnival of Monsters it stands amongst the very best of the Pertwee era. I applaud the BBC for releasing this right after Genesis of the Daleks. I'm getting spoiled. They've given us the cream of the crop lately. Bravo!!

Fred Harrison
This is one of my favourite stories from the classic series and I can't wait for it's release. Judging by just the clip on the website the quality of the picture looks like it could of been made yesterday.

Dene
I don't think there is too much running around! It's a superbly-paced seven episodes and for one of the few times in 'Doctor Who's' history the cliffhangers don't feel forced. The best story EVER in my opinion, one that you cannot help but to get drawn into every time. Low budget it may be but it's absolute magic TV.

Jordan
these clips are very good

R.J. MacReady
Inferno rocks! It is truly one of the greatest Doctor Who adventures ever made, a totally enthralling and epic piece of drama, with a chilling premise and particularly superb performances from Jon Pertwee and Nicholas Courtney. It is a real masterpiece! Rest assured I shall be buying this DVD immediately! And I suggest everyone else do the same!

Timetraveller
Inferno! What a classic! 7 episodes of sheer bliss on DVD and I'll be buying it!

Jack
Sounds a decent story to release onto DVD, i'll certainly buy it. But release another patrick troughton will you, i'm dying for another brilliant black and white story (even though i'm only 13 years old)

Sushi
I'm delighted to see Inferno is being released, this being one of my favourite episodes ever. The only question I have is that if Nicholas Courtney has been asked to provide commentry, why has he not been asked to appear in the new series? It would be wonderful to see him reunited with the Doctor once again.

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