Was able to borrow this from someone and yeah I loved it! I was already pretty high on this story compared to most people, and I think this animation really did a great job of bringing it to life by leaning into the fact that it’s an animation rather than trying to be a faithful reproduction of the original episodes. Things like making the opponents actually toys and having the gravity of the first game be all weird do a lot here. Usually I go for watching the original episodes of partially missing stories that exist even if they’ve also been animated, but for this one I think the animation is adding so much style that it’s better to stick with it for episode 4. Not sure it’s enough to raise my rating from a 3.5 to a 4, but definitely really enjoyed it
@ItsR0b0tNinja Your statement at the end is exactly why I’m starting to love this forum so much more than other forums I’m active on. Thank you. I don’t find this story to be particularly great either, but I do enjoy it much more because of the effort they have put into creating a visually intetesting and dynamic environment. Most importantly, though, I love the attitude showcased on here that doesn’t slam people for liking things others don’t. There’s such a lot of Who to enjoy. I don’t think any story ever garners universal praise and even the wonkiest has its supporters. That, I believe, is a thing to be cherished.
Have watched the first episode and it’s as good as I hoped. I mean, the actual events are hugely dull but the realisation is wonderful. I love how the Toymaker manifests as a giant form and it really fits the echo effect on Gough. The clowns were giving Nightmare Before Christmas vibes, especially Clara (actually - can you imagine this a stop motion!). The spinning TARDISes and invisible Doctor looked beautiful.
Admittedly, my eldest went ‘That looks shit’ as the first scene in the TARDIS played out but seemed to have warmed to it by the end and wants to watch the rest.
A particular highlight for me was the myriad spinning TARDISes. Visually, it’s a genuine feast for the eyes. It lifts the script far more than it should. I also really appreciated the efforts they appear to have taken to tie it visually in with “The Giggle”.
I’ve enjoyed all the animations to differing degrees, but this probably has added the most value to a story. I mean, “Power of the Daleks” was riveting as a soundtrack or recon. The animation is marvellous but the story already rated very highly for me. “The Celestial Toymaker” however? It’ll never be a series highlight to me, but via the animation, it has shown the greatest “distance travelled” (if you will) from something that I found genuinely difficult to watch/listen to. It is now something that I can take a lot from (visually particularly) and will enjoy next time I come around to rewatching.
Genuinely impressed with the obvious love and respect that went into this release.
Yes, you are so right. The giant Toymaker really works. It’s such a simple thing to do, but ties in perfectly to the Toymaker’s realm scenes in “The Giggle” and makes him a far more imposing presence in screen. Add to that Michael Gough’s performance. Wonderful!
Pretty massive improvement from your original score
Watched part 2 today and loved the Heart family. It’s weird to think an entire episode of Doctor Who only features a game of musical chairs but the cast do carry it - just. Some good choices for the animation here to enhance the bare bones of a plot.
My son watched episodes 1 and 2 last night. I’d told him nothing as I didn’t want to introduce bias. He said that he loved them (and, like me, he had found the recon really hard work). Always interesting to find out other peoples perspectives. He particularly liked the anti-grav car in episode 1, zipping around and hanging in mid air as Stephen is negotiating the assault course. He also had high praise for the floating bubble televisions when the TARDIS arrives.
Absolutely agree. I think it’s the weakest episode but the animation team put a lot of effort into realising it in a visually intetesting way. The playing card animation, being deliberately cruder and “off” really helps sell the surrealism of the situation. It’s bizarre and definitely off-kilter. So much added to this episode. It’s still weak, but there is plenty to enjoy now.
Watched Episode 3 last night - The Hall of Dolls. Brilliant! The surreal sequence after Steven and Dodo leave Mrs Wigg’s kitchen and enter the Dance Hall is a sight to behold. Loved the design on Mrs Wiggs and Sergeant Rugg.
One problem though - it seems like the DVD version is missing the commentary tracks 
so now I’ll have to wait and see if they are going to do replacement discs.