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DOCTOR WHO: IMPOSSIBLE WORLDS

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From distant galaxies in the far-flung future, to ancient history on the planet Earth, Doctor Who is unique for the breadth of possibilities that it can offer a designer. For the first time in history, the Doctor Who Art Department are opening their doors to reveal a unique, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most loved series on British Television.

Whether it’s iconic sets like the TARDIS console room, recurring villains like the Daleks or the Cybermen, or the smallest hand prop featured in the briefest of scenes, this book showcases the work of the Doctor Who art department in glorious detail. Discover how the designers work with the costume, make-up and special effects teams to produce the alien worlds, and how the work has evolved from the programme’s ‘classic’ era to the panoramic alien worlds and technologies that delight audiences today.

Featuring hundreds of models, sketches, storyboards and concept artworks, many never-before-seen, Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds opens the doors to 50 years of astonishing creative work from one of the most inventive shows on television.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published October 27, 2015

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5 stars
45 (48%)
4 stars
37 (39%)
3 stars
8 (8%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
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2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Andrew.
2,539 reviews
April 8, 2017
okay I am a sucker for art books from shows and films. I love the concept art where you can follow the creative process from page to screen and this book is no different - but oh so much better for the simple reason its Doctor Who.

Yes the book refers to the 50 years of the show (really its been that long I remember it but I am not that old) and yes there are entries across the all the series - however it does focus more on the recent years than the formative ones (I guess if nothing else there is material now from the later years).

The book is filled with comments and observations which for me just adds to the magic - although the size and quality of the art is the real star of the show.

If you are enjoying Doctor Who this is an amazing book and well worth hunting down (although I suggest shopping around its not cheap brand new) .

One slight complaint about the book (and Its more for whoever designed the book rather than the book itself) is that there is a folder on the back cover containing a number of prints - now this is a great idea apart from the fact it distorts the pages and cover - so now I have a bowed book.

But this is a slight inconvenience when face with such a beautiful book - just reminds me how many talented people there are out there. All I can say now is I am ready for the new series.
Profile Image for Andrea.
462 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2015
This book is awesome!!! I love all the production sketches and notes about how they design stuff for the show. There are a few designs from the Classic Series, and those are really special.
Profile Image for Andy Hickman.
7,396 reviews51 followers
September 6, 2018
“Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds: a 50-year treasury of art and design” by Stephen Nicholas, Mike Tucker [ISBN: 9781849909662]

Phenomenal amount of detail and precision goes into creating the worlds of Doctor Who. This book and accompanying picture cards are a wonderful resource.

A lavish celebration of the creative vision behind Doctor Who.

From distant galaxies in the far-flung future, to ancient history on the planet Earth, Doctor Who is unique for the breadth of possibilities that it can offer a designer. For the first time in history, the Doctor Who Art Department are opening their doors to reveal a unique, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most loved series on British Television.
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4 reviews
November 3, 2021
A brilliant book. For anyone who loves the behind the scenes of doctor who, especially concept art, needs to buy this.
The art is beautifully presented, and it's incredible to look at.
I removed 1 star because it's mostly the new series. Which I understand there will be more of, but I would've liked to have seen more classic stuff. There is some of it in there, but not much.
Its a shame that there aren't many other books like this, because there has been so much art created for doctor who that could fit into a whole other book I'm sure. Even an updated edition with the rest of the Capaldi and Whittaker era.
It's a brilliant book with a nice surprise at the back. One of my favourites!
Profile Image for Simon Collis.
28 reviews4 followers
June 3, 2018
A very interesting book. Features much more items from the new series than the original, despite its "50-year treasury" caption, but that's probably because archives have been preserved more carefully, and more of them are full colour, than is true for the original series.

There's not a lot of text, but there are some fascinating facts in there that I didn't know.

It's an expensive book, but worth it if you're a fan of the new series.
Profile Image for Jack.
5 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2018
An outstanding book and a must for any Doctor Who fan. A glorious collection of all the magnificent concept artwork and designs from both the original series and modern one - though the bulk of the book does focus on 2005 onwards, as expected. A lot of work has gone into every aspect of this, from the production of the book itself to the immense talent in the artists who created the work.
Profile Image for Bradley Freeman.
Author 7 books12 followers
May 31, 2020
With an overview from the last 50 years of creature, set, and prop designs in Doctor Who, there's something for everyone in this detailed, revealing book.
Current fans will be well rewarded, as the book has tons - tons! - of pictures and BTS explanations from the episodes featuring the 9th - 11th Doctors.
Profile Image for Delanie.
157 reviews7 followers
January 2, 2019
Review of Goodreads not the book.
This book was really hard to find. The real book doesn't have colons in the title and without putting them in the search you can't find this book. Also I have a different isbn. 978-0-06-240741-2.

I wouldn't be putting this here but it doesn't let me edit.
Profile Image for Joe Lloyd.
129 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2022
Beautiful illustrations and really descriptive accounts of how they have been making this show for all these years. A real look behind the certain.
4 reviews
May 14, 2024
Micro Print: Unreadable in Kindle

You cannot read the text in Kindle. Even the magnification feature doesn't help. I am returning this for a refund
Profile Image for Sam.
338 reviews9 followers
January 11, 2024
I loved this book - the art is gorgeous, and I love the concept art and set / prop design commentary for both the classic series and the "new" series. I also didn't realize it came with some postcards of art, which was a nice touch. A really nice display / coffee table book for Doctor Who fans. (And yes, I am aware this was released for the 50th Anniversary, but after watching the 60th Anniversary I was motivated to finally read through this book - which I have owned for a decade).
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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