This Day in sci-fi history

Doctor Who first appeared on BBC television at 5:15 pm (GMT) on 23 November 1963.

Doctor Who originally ran for 26 seasons on BBC1, from 23 November 1963 until 6 December 1989. During the original run, each weekly episode formed part of a story (or "serial") — usually of four to six parts in earlier years and three to four in later years. Three notable exceptions were the epic The Daleks' Master Plan, which aired in twelve episodes (plus an earlier one-episode teaser, "Mission to the Unknown", featuring none of the regular cast); the 10-episode serial The War Games and The Trial of a Time Lord which ran for 14 episodes (containing, according to BBC serial codes three stories, two four-parters and a six-part finale, but in both the re-edited feature compilation versions and the novelisations four stories, three four-parters and a two-part finale often referred to by individual titles; the preliminary stories are connected by framing sequences which become the focus of the last two episodes) during Season 23. Occasionally serials were loosely connected by a storyline, such as Season 16's quest for the Key to Time or Season 18's journey through E-Space and the theme of entropy.

The programme was intended to be educational and for family viewing on the early Saturday evening schedule. Initially, it alternated stories set in the past, which would teach younger audience members about history, with stories set either in the future or in outer space to teach them about science. This was also reflected in the Doctor's original companions, one of whom was a science teacher and another a history teacher.

However, science fiction stories came to dominate the programme and the "historicals", which were not popular with the production team, were dropped after The Highlanders (1967). While the show continued to use historical settings, they were generally used as a backdrop for science fiction tales, with one exception: Black Orchid set in 1920s Britain.

The early stories were more serial-like in nature, with the narrative of one story flowing into the next, and each episode having its own title, although produced as distinct stories with their own production codes. Following The Gunfighters (1966), however, each serial was given its own title, with the individual parts simply being assigned episode numbers. What to name these earlier stories is often a subject of fan debate.

Writers during the original run included Terry Nation, Henry Lincoln, Douglas Adams, Robert Holmes, Terrance Dicks, Dennis Spooner, Eric Saward, Malcolm Hulke, Christopher H. Bidmead, Stephen Gallagher, Brian Hayles, Chris Boucher, Peter Grimwade, Marc Platt and Ben Aaronovitch.

The serial format changed for the 2005 revival, with each series consisting of thirteen 45-minute, self-contained episodes (60 minutes with adverts on commercial channels overseas). This includes three two-parters and a loose story arc per season whose elements are brought together in the season finale. Like the original serial format in the William Hartnell era, two-part episodes have separate titles.

737 Doctor Who instalments have been televised since 1963, ranging from 25-minute episodes (the most common format), to 45-minute episodes (for Resurrection of the Daleks in the 1984 series, a single season in 1985, and the revival), to two feature-length productions (1983's "The Five Doctors" and the 1996 television movie), to the two 60-minute Christmas specials produced for the revival.

The current series is recorded in 576i25 DigiBeta wide-screen format and then filmised to give a 25p image in post-production using a Snell and Wilcox Alchemist Platinum.
source: thefreedictionary.com

The Star Wars® Nutcracker Set, and it's suddenly Christmas

These are the nutcrackers handcrafted from hardwood to depict the iconic characters from the Star Wars movies: Darth Vader™, R2-D2™, and Yoda™. Darth Vader stands 10" tall and is draped in a vinyl cape, capped by his signature black helmet. He holds his red lightsaber and is decorated with details including vinyl boots, his breathing apparatus, and chest control unit. R2-D2 stands 7" tall displaying his handpainted circuitry; his anterior louvered vents conceal the "cracker." Master Jedi Yoda stands 7 1/2" tall with his walking stick and his humble burlap robe. Non-functional, they are for decorative purposes only. (4 lbs.)

Get the Star Wars® Nutcracker Set at Hammacher Schlemmer website: link

Details:

Darth Vader stands 10" tall and is draped in a vinyl cape, capped by his signature black helmet.


Master Jedi Yoda stands 7 1/2" tall with his walking stick and his humble burlap robe.


R2-D2 stands 7" tall displaying his handpainted circuitry; his anterior louvered vents conceal the "cracker."

I love them! While others might have wooden soldiers and ruby santas, I'll display my Star Wars set on my Christmas table! ;-))

Kurt Adler Star Wars Yoda Tree Top

Can you imagine anything different from this tree topper on top of your Christmas tree?


Kurt Adler Star Wars Yoda Tree Top features steady burning clear lights that illuminate the brown & green Yoda tree topper. Accented with a gold glitter trim.
Dimensions: 10"H x 10"W x 2"D.

link

Star Wars Clone Wars Galactic Heroes Game: Anakin vs. Dooku

Jump into an epic battle of good versus evil! Play as Anakin Skywalker and defend the Republic, or choose to comply with the evil separatists and their leader, Count Dooku. Play your battle cards wisely to inflict damage points on your opponent. link

Star Wars Clone Wars Basic Figures

Step into The Clone Wars animated world with these articulated action figures based on the anime characters.


Star Wars Clone Wars Basic Figure: Battle Droid
In full Clone Trooper armor, this figure comes with a backpack and a small blaster accessory, and a larger blaster that fires a projectile. Aim the projectile at your target and stage your own galactic battles. link



Star Wars Clone Wars Basic Figure: Clone Trooper
In full Clone Trooper armor, this figure comes with a blaster and rocket-firing launcher with projectile. Aim the projectile at your target and stage your own galactic battles. link



Star Wars Clone Wars Basic Figure: Obi-Wan Kenobi
With broad shoulders and a look of deliberation this figure comes with a lightsaber, removable helmet and a firing jet backpack with projectile. Aim the projectile at your target and stage your own galactic battles. link



Star Wars Clone Wars Basic Figure: Anakin Skywalker
With broad shoulders and a look of determination, this figure comes with weapons accessories, including a firing force blaster that can be mounted on his forearm. Aim the force-blast projectile at your target and stage your own galactic battles. link

Star Wars Clone Wars Galactic Heroes Game: Clone Trooper Rex vs. Super Battle Droid

Play as Clone Trooper Rex or a Super Battle Droid in this epic battle of good versus evil. Play your battle cards wisely to inflict damage points on your opponent. link

Star Wars New Millenium Falcon

Detailed replica based on the infamous vehicle from the Star Wars films is more than 2 feet long and features electronic lights, sounds, phrases and all kinds of moving parts for recreating your own action adventures. Vehicle has light-up headlights, cockpit, hyperdrive and Dejarik table! Treat wounded rebel action figures (sold separately) in the medical bay! link

Gundam Model Kit, Gunseed Stargazer Ginn Type Insurgent

This model kit for an insurgent-type Ginn, as seen in the first episode of the "Gundam Seed Stargazer" OVA series, comes armed with search lights, two M68 "Pardus" three-barrel missile launchers, an M68 "Cattus" 500mm recoilless rifle and an MMI-M843 76mm heavy assault machine gun. The letter K marking on the left chest of the mecha represents "Killer." link

Star Wars Saga Legends Action Figure - Biker Scout with Exclusive Collector Coin

These stormtroopers are stationed on planets instead of Imperial vessels. Their lightweight, flexible armor allows them to better maneuver the high-velocity speeder bikes that they ride while conducting patrols or when they're chasing Rebel intruders like the ones they encounter on Endor's moon. link

LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collectors AT-ST

The Imperial AT-ST (All Terrain Scout Transport), also known as the Scout Walker, carries the Empire's forces swiftly and efficiently across the ice plains of Hoth and through the dense forests of Endor. Now you can build the ultimate collector's model of this famous Star Wars vehicle from over a thousand LEGO pieces. Fully armed and armor-plated, the incredibly detailed and realistic AT-ST stands over 16" tall. link

Star Wars Droid Factory, Han Solo and R-3P0

The Alliance's command center on Hoth includes the diverse tactical expertise of the impetuous Han Solo and the protocol droid R-3P0. Recreate exciting scenes from the legendary Star Wars saga with these two detailed figures! link

LEGO Darth Vader's TIE Advanced Starfighter

Defend the Death Star from Rebel attack! Darth Vader's personal TIE Advanced Starfighter roars into battle. Customized by the Dark Lord of the Sith himself, the TIE Advanced features large, angular wings and a powerful engine that sets it apart from mere Imperial TIE fighters. From laser cannons to a pilot compartment, it doesn't get more realistic than this! link

Transformers Star Wars Action Figure, Luke Skywalker Snowspeeder

Luke Skywalker leads the fight to defend Echo Base in this modified T-47 snowspeeder. When blasters prove ineffective against the mighty AT-AT armor plating, he uses the power of the Force to morph into an incredible combat robot, and takes on the walkers toe to toe! Whether in Snowspeeder vehicle mode with its launching missiles or in Luke Skywalker robot mode with lightsaber firmly in hand, this figure is ready to do battle. link