Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!

"The Daleks in Colour: A Fresh Perspective on a Classic Serial"

To celebrate Doctor Who's 60th anniversary, the BBC released The Daleks in Colour, a 75-minute colourized and re-edited version of the iconic 1964 serial. This ambitious project brings a new dimension to the show’s first Dalek story, presenting it in a way that bridges the gap between the classic and modern eras of the programme.

The decision to cut much of Part 1, including the TARDIS food machine scene, may disappoint purists, but it’s a logical choice to streamline the narrative. The resulting opening—focusing on the TARDIS landing in the petrified forest—is impressively seamless, establishing the mysterious atmosphere while moving the story forward with efficiency. New lines of dialogue have been cleverly inserted to preserve the logic of the plot and smooth over the transitions necessitated by the edits.

Some of these edits, however, come with drawbacks. The addition of flashbacks is occasionally jarring and unnecessary, disrupting the narrative flow. Similarly, the faster pacing and sudden scene shifts, particularly in the latter half, can feel unnatural. At times, these edits give the story a rushed, almost montage-like quality that detracts from the slower, suspense-building tone of the original.

Visually, the colourization work is stunning. The vibrant palette captures the futuristic 1960s sci-fi aesthetic beautifully, evoking comparisons to Star Trek and other contemporaneous productions. The petrified forest looks hauntingly vivid, and the blue-tinted TARDIS interior is a highlight. Subtle updates to the Daleks’ extermination beams and eye lenses also help tie the visuals to the modern series while maintaining respect for the original design.

Mark Ayres' new soundtrack is another significant addition. It strikes a balance between tension and atmosphere, enhancing key moments like Barbara’s chilling first encounter with a Dalek. While the score is undeniably effective, it occasionally overpowers scenes where a subtler approach would have sufficed.

Ultimately, The Daleks in Colour achieves its primary goal of making the story more accessible for new and younger fans by condensing the seven-part serial into a brisk, action-packed 75-minute film. It eliminates much of the padding from the original, creating a tighter narrative while retaining the core elements of the story.

However, for longtime fans, the original serial's charm, character development, and slower pace remain unmatched. While this new version is a visually and narratively engaging way to revisit The Daleks, it’s likely to be seen as an alternative take rather than a definitive replacement for the classic story.

📝Verdict: 6/10

A vibrant and modernized reimagining that succeeds in bringing a classic to new audiences but may leave seasoned fans longing for the original's timeless charm.