A long-standing and iconic Science Fiction franchise, Doctor Who’s popularity swelled throughout the United Kingdom starting in 1963, reaching explosive levels by 1964 after the introduction of the ruthless Daleks. What became known as Dalekmania, The Dalek Invasion of Earth (which aired over six episodes between November and December 1964) lifted the series to new heights, leading the way for the first-ever full-length Doctor Who film, 1965’s Dr. Who and the Daleks.
A film in which the legendary Peter Cushing was cast as the eccentric yet compelling Doctor Who, it was a massive hit in the British market, solidifying itself as one of the region’s biggest films of 1965. With the original series still running separately from the feature film, there was plenty of excitement to go around, leading into 1966 when the sequel to Dr. Who and the Daleks arrived with Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. Released in UK theaters in August 1966, returning was Peter Cushing as Doctor Who, Roberta Tovey as Susan (Doctor Who’s granddaughter), and Jill Curzon as Louise (Doctor Who’s niece).
Coming after Doctor Who’s time travel adventure in Dr. Who and the Daleks, he is to believe the Daleks were destroyed, but soon finds out in the latest exploration through time (going to 2150 A.D.), the Daleks are indeed still around and up to no good. Seeking to take over planet Earth, the Daleks have successfully captured most humans, turning many into brainwashed ‘Robomen’ servants, while some survivors hide out in the ruins of what was once London. A darker mood than Dr. Who and the Daleks, Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. finds Doctor Who himself in many more serious situations.
With an edgier tone, Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. feels like a more mature Science Fiction film, full of decent action and tension. Unfortunately, it was not going over too well with critics at the time, and, not meeting the success of the first film at the box office, plans for a third film inevitably never came to be. A bit unfortunate, considering the direction was curious for a dedicated Science Fiction fan; nonetheless, the legacy of Doctor Who lived on in the form of the ongoing television series.
A film first released on DVD in the North American region by Anchor Bay in 2001, in 2025, we have the superbly upgraded 4K Ultra HD version of Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. The first-ever 4K edition in North America, it arrived on June 24, 2025, as a 2-disc set. You have the film on Ultra HD disc (with extras including commentaries) as well as on Blu-ray disc (with ample bonuses, including interviews).
Looking absolutely marvelous in 4K, the colors are vivid, the image is crystal clear, and the contrast is outstanding. The result of 200 hours of restoration work, it is commendable how much time and effort were put into removing imperfections and providing the best imagery possible. With that in mind, it is also worth mentioning one of the bonus features: a restoration documentary called Restoring Dr. Who in 4K, which provides insight into it all.
Overall, while Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. would be the final time Peter Cushing would portray Doctor Who, it should not be dismissed as a lesser-quality film. As stated, it is still a very enjoyable Science Fiction film worth adding to your collection. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Severin Films’ 4K Ultra HD Edition release 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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