internet archive dr who the faceless ones

2 min read 16-04-2025

internet archive dr who the faceless ones

The Internet Archive is a treasure trove of digital artifacts, preserving websites, books, and even lost television episodes. Among its vast collection lies a fascinating piece of Doctor Who history: a near-complete version of "The Faceless Ones," a six-part story from the First Doctor era. This article explores the significance of this online find and what it means for fans of the classic series.

The Mystery of the Missing Episodes: Doctor Who and The Faceless Ones

For decades, "The Faceless Ones" was largely inaccessible to modern viewers. Like many early Doctor Who serials, many episodes were wiped from the BBC archives in the 1970s due to a common practice of re-using videotapes. Only a few surviving fragments existed, leaving a significant gap in the show's history. The story, featuring the First Doctor, Steven, and Dodo, sees them facing a sinister alien race disguising themselves as airport staff.

The Internet Archive's Contribution

Thankfully, the Internet Archive, dedicated to preserving digital information for future generations, holds a significant portion of "The Faceless Ones." These aren't pristine, studio-quality recordings. Instead, they are often lower-quality recordings from various sources, potentially including home recordings and off-air copies. This makes them slightly grainy and less clear than modern broadcasts. However, their preservation means we can almost experience this lost serial in its entirety.

Exploring the Internet Archive's Version: Quality and Access

The quality of the Internet Archive's "Faceless Ones" varies across the episodes. Some are more complete and clearer than others. This highlights the inherent challenges of preserving aged media. The images and audio aren’t perfect; however, they’re surprisingly good considering their source. The importance is not the picture-perfect quality, but the fact that these episodes are available at all.

Accessibility and Its Impact

The easy accessibility offered by the Internet Archive is a game-changer. Previously, fans had to rely on rare, expensive VHS or DVD releases of surviving fragments. Now, anyone with an internet connection can watch a near-complete version. This democratization of access has opened up a significant part of Doctor Who’s history to a much wider audience, enriching the viewing experience for new and seasoned fans alike.

Beyond the Video: The Importance of Preservation

The preservation of "The Faceless Ones" on the Internet Archive stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of digital archiving efforts. These projects help protect cultural heritage and make it accessible to future generations. The story's survival demonstrates the value of fan preservation and the power of digital archives in keeping history alive.

The Future of Doctor Who Preservation

The success of finding and preserving "The Faceless Ones" should encourage continued efforts in this area. This effort goes beyond Doctor Who. Many other classic TV shows and films face similar risks of loss due to aging media and poor archiving practices. Digital archives like the Internet Archive offer a vital safety net, ensuring that these cultural treasures remain available for years to come.

Conclusion: A Valuable Contribution to Doctor Who History

The Internet Archive's version of "The Faceless Ones" is not just a collection of video files; it's a testament to the power of preservation and accessibility. It allows fans to experience a significant and previously lost piece of Doctor Who history, enriching our understanding of the show's early years and inspiring further efforts to preserve our cultural heritage. The availability of this near-complete story is a victory for both fans and the preservation of television history.