"The History of Who"

22 October 2013

60s

Who are you? Who? Who?

One of the most noticeable attributes of Doctor Who when it was revived by Russell T Davies was the respect the showrunner had for the programme's origins.

Davies may have smartened it beyond recognition but he clearly understood what the programme meant to those who'd grown up with it and he was determined to acknowledge its past whenever possible.

As we approach next month's fiftieth anniversary and with a new incarnation in the offing, Red Bee Media have demonstrated that they too understand the fans' relationship with the long running science fiction programme by creating a fantastic trail which uses imagery from five decades of Doctor Who.

The imagery is beautifully complemented by the sound design created by Will Cohen and Mike Bamford from start-up String & Tins. The pair echoed the coalition of the doctors past and present by combining Ron Grainer's original theme music with one of the pieces composed by Murray Gold for the rebooted series. It also cleverly incorporated lines spoken by some of the actors who played the eponymous time traveller such Sylvester McCoy, Colin Baker and Peter Davidson in a fashion that emphasised their connection with Matt Smith.

It's a terrific piece of work and as Whovian excitement mounts ahead of the coming dénouement for Matt Smith, it's little wonder that it's racking up millions of YouTube viewings.

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