Demon Records, out now

Britannicus Base – the last defence against the oncoming glaciers. But what hides within the ice?

The latest in Demon Records’ Vinyl Who series is a gorgeous three-disc release of the Second Doctor’s Season 5 serial from November and December 1967, presented here on 140g molten ice, semi-transparent vinyl.

This serial introduced Brian Hayles’ popular Martian monsters, led by Carry On star Bernard Bresslaw as Varga. Only four of the episodes exist completely (1, 4-6) with the remaining two as audio only. The audio here is supplemented by Frazer Hines (who plays Jamie) adding linking narration to describe what’s happening on screen. A classic base under siege story, this has always been a favourite story of mine, boasting top notch supporting performances from Peter Barkworth, Wendy Gifford and Peter Sallis, with a terrific, ethereal score by Dudley Simpson.

So why buy this analogue version of the story, which BBC Audio already released as a 2-CD set in 2005? Glacial discs aside, it’s all about the exemplary packaging, here comprising a rigid outer box (with the time vortex printed on the inside) and a separate cast list insert that serves as the fourth tile in a mosaic montage of either an Ice Warrior or the TARDIS. Each disc also has an inner sleeve with full cast listings.

Verdict: Aesthetically pleasing on every level, it’s a piece of Doctor Who art, even before you’ve dropped a needle on the spinning discs. 10/10

Nick Joy

Click here to order from Amazon.co.uk