BBC America has announced the Blu-ray release of series showrunner and head writer Steven Moffat's
Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor, the 2013 Christmas Special set to air on BBC America on December 25th. The latest installment in the ongoing 50-year
Doctor Who series stars Matt Smith as the Doctor, and comes to Blu-ray on March 4, 2014.
Synopsis: Orbiting a quiet backwater planet, the massed forces of the universe's deadliest species gather, drawn to a mysterious message that echoes out to the stars. Among them is the Doctor (Smith). Rescuing Clara (Jenna Coleman) from a family Christmas dinner, the Time Lord and his Companion must learn what this enigmatic signal means for his own fate and that of the universe. Orla Brady (
Fringe, Mistresses) guest stars as Tasha Lem.
Lead writer and executive producer Steve Moffat commented: "It's his final battle and he's been fighting it for a while. The Doctor is facing the joint challenge of a mysterious event in space that has summoned lots of aliens to one place and helping Clara cook Christmas dinner. There are also elements from every series of Matt's Doctor, which will come to a head in this special. Things that we've laid down for years are going to be paid off. "
The Time of the Doctor is presented in 1080p with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround (the new standard for
Doctor Who releases going forward). Special features include:
- Behind the Lens: It's Christmas! A time for peace and goodwill to all. But hang on, its Doctor Who, surely it can't be that simple? We take a peek behind the lens on this cracker of a Christmas special. The tinsel is out at the Oswald's and we meet a familiar enemy in a new form. The Doctor comes face to face with the enigmatic Tasha Lem and makes a new friend. With Matt Smith, Orla Brady, Jenna Coleman, Steven Moffat, Danny Hargreaves, Jack Hollington, Sheila Reid, James Buller and Elizabeth Rider.
- Farewell to Matt Smith: Narrated by Alex Kingston (River Song), This compelling, hour-long special looks back at Matt Smith's extraordinary tenure as the Eleventh Doctor, featuring highlights from the show and copious interview footage with Matt, his cast-mates, writers, producers, guest stars and celebrity Doctor Who fans.
- Tales from the TARDIS: A look back at the full, 50-year history of the iconic series. Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith and past Doctors David Tennant, Sylvester McCoy, Colin Baker, Peter Davison and Tom Baker tell what it was like to be the Doctor, how they got the job and how it changed their lives. With companions Jenna Coleman, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, and more, this truly insightful special offers a unique insight into the world's longest running sci-fi series.