Doctor Who (1963) - Original Theme music video

[@splintercast8092]

I can only imagine what it must have been like to hear such a ground-breaking piece of music for the first time in 1963.

[@susanvaughan-schiele210]

I saw it as a young child of 5. The music still gives me goosebumps. I used to hide behind the sofa when the daleks came on.

[@rw8733]

I will join you behind the sofa. 😅

[@Commander_Shepard.]

@@rw8733 WTF

[@duncankimball]

It was amazing. It's why I love electronic music.

[@Vandetta333]

Traumatizing. I was a kid and it creeped me out. Still does.

[@PassiveSmoking]

The work that went into making this thing is unbelievable. No synths, no sequencers, just some wave generators, magnetic tape, razor blades and splicing tape.

[@MadFuckinTastic]

YUP! All made by Delia Derbyshire

[@tetsiga45XxX]

Are you serious? How did they even?!

[@w.hartnell-lives-on-while-6073]

tetsiga45XxX Ingenuity triumphs over small budget. :)

[@andygozzo72]

not just Delia, dont forget Dick Mills and Brian Hodgson 😉

[@tracyyy99]

...and many many hours...a masterpeice.

[@thestilldrifter1661]

It's amazing how far ahead of it's time this theme was!

[@MeroDN]

Yeah, music made with a computer in the 60s? Impossible!

Actually, it was not made with a computer in the 60s. It was made with analog electronic synthesizers. Digital synthesizers didn't really enter the music scene until 1979 with the Fairlight CMI.

[@markrotondella4689]

yeah this wasn't but evidently turning did it in 1951 www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-26/researchers-restore-first-ever-computer-music-recording/7878014

[@Oxmustube]

I used to think so until I saw Forbidden Planet (1956). First fully electronic soundtrack ever. But for tv, absolutely.

[@BetamaxFlippy]

It was actually made using individual oscillators, an altered loop of electric harp and full-on tape splicing and joining

[@TheOrientalNightFish]

I love how the original theme has a chilling edge to it. It seems to express the character of the show: a little eerie, a little scary, themes of mystery and the impossible, yet it has a sense of benign determination to it too.

[@bhavanijayant526]

Chilling?

[@chrisa0001]

It’s the white noise in the background. It sound like aliens whispering.

[@9ks9ks]

Yes! Yes! Yes! You got it right!

[@angelacooper2661]

It's in the key of E minor- I have a very good memory for tunes and possess perfect pitch! This footage was seven years before I was born!

[@Bapuji42]

​@@bhavanijayant526 Yes.

[@suelingchang5153]

Anyone who could create futuristic sounds in 1963 (way before modern keyboards) is just pure genius !

[@JoeCool90]

@Jeremy Grigson siiiiiiiiiiimp alert

[@JoeCool90]

@Jeremy Grigson and you’re proud of this?

[@JoeCool90]

@Jeremy Grigson I can give you 5 problems with that in an instant

[@david6420]

​@@Gibdo88bro simp means cringe

[@david6420]

@@videogameguy101 ok you mtf. Your comment is invisible because you swear at people under 18 lmao bozo

[@gleroyTullySAEHEYKID]

When Grainer first heard it, he was so amazed by her (Delia Derbyshire) rendering of his theme that he asked "Did I really write this?" to which Derbyshire replied "Most of it". Grainer attempted to get her a co-composer credit, but the attempt was prevented by the BBC bureaucracy, which then preferred to keep the members of the workshop anonymous.

[@ahill8198]

Not exactly. If I understand correctly, Dick Mills was the sound engineer who actually set up the machines and spliced the tape in the Radiophonic Workshop and he did get a credit in the closing titles - but of course Delia Derbyshire should have had one too for the arrangement (perhaps concept is the better word). I am so old that I can remember watching the first episode and being amazed by this music and the opening graphics too.

[@TeeJayDeluxe]

I totally agree. It’s her piece. She made it what it was the others were incidental. Dick Mills got a credit? Pfff. He was an assistant

[@DavetheRaveDinkum]

All the arguements of who made techno, was it ze germans or was it detroit, nope it was her ❤️👏💯

[@ashjose7973]

@@TeeJayDeluxe you don't need to praise one without putting the other down Dick mills did his part

[@TeeJayDeluxe]

@@ashjose7973 Nahh

[@tymbusrobins6105]

This is THE best version of the theme tune. Haunting, mysterious, scary, perfection.

[@rw8733]

They should never have changed it.

[@Warp75]

Yeah timeless

[@SofaKingShit]

Freaked me out back in the early 70's when l was five years old. I loved the show but it was indeed absolutely terrifying, and l only got to see a few shows before my parents tired of not being able to get me to sleep on the nights I'd watched it. Especially that episode where the guy started to metamorphose into yellowish goo and couldn't sleep for fear of contagion of the dreadful condition through the TV that night. Occasionally l still have to start drinking before breakfast to help me through the ordeal. Then it's somehow comforting to listen to the theme later that afternoon. Hic.

[@kahkah1986]

Exactly, bc it doesn't have identifiable instruments

[@Nosiu]

and some lighter tunes to sort of comfort you in the meantime.

[@robjones2408]

Delia Derbyshire was an overlooked genius. This soundtrack laid down the roots for electronica and Techno music, but she never got the recognition she deserved. Along with the Bond and Star Wars themes, it is one of the most memorable pieces of music recorded. An astonishing piece that has remained timeless.

[@passerby6168]

You might also be interested in the inspiration for the Star Wars soundtrack - The Planets, pre-1920, by Gustav Holst.

[@SamuelBlack84]

Women weren't allowed to have credit for any work they did back in the day, which is why she went unknown for years

[@satan3959]

And the thing is, she had a very minimalist approach to electronic music as well. She never relied heavily on synthesizers, like a lot of electronic musicians have, which even includes legends like Jarre and Vangelis.

[@blackburdy5261]

@@SamuelBlack84well it was more to do with the fact that she was part of the bbc radiophonic workshop, so the credit would have gone to them collectively, not her personally. that was the policy, and many of the composers were not credited individually.

[@Samhalta]

@@satan3959 There weren't many synths at the time. I think she stopped making as much music when they became widespread, she didn't really like them.

[@anarchicpancake2840]

new themes: we are going on a adventure kiddo! the original theme: s p o o k y

[@herrmajor2310]

Original was Doctor Who. That was the whole point, the mystery of it all as reflected in the theme here.

[@anarchicpancake2840]

@Donnell Okafor aren't we all mentally?

[@badlaamaurukehu]

Who actually created the theme tune because I distinctly recall videos on thistube claiming it was some random woman with no other researchable records? Later I rewatched the originals and there were no "woman" credits? Is this revisionism simply antogonistic or simply selfish, or simply envious, or simply yes.

[@badlaamaurukehu]

?

[@badlaamaurukehu]

...Fleshlight Doctor

[@andrew23947]

The greatest television theme of all time

[@SonicVineyard]

+andrew baker most iconic.....certainly

[@klein2042]

Are you related to Tom Baker?

[@pinchopaxtonsgreatestminds9591]

You could probably include movie themes as well.

[@youtubeviewer7030]

no but just imagine if i was

[@horatiobumbleton-smythe9427]

created by a woman, a legend called delia derbyshire.

[@davidgray4648]

The original you might say and the best. R.i.p Delia Derbyshire, William Hartnell, Peter Cushing, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Nicholas Courtney. Splendid fellows all of them.

[@romansotelo7240]

Don't forget John Hurt.

[@manchild3479]

well said.

[@phallca]

@@romansotelo7240 Peter Cushing played him as well in one of the movies.

[@BradBrassman]

Who was the first doctor in the Five Doctors?

[@Grizzly01-vr4pn]

@@BradBrassman Richard Hurndall

[@drcjjones]

This theme always blows me away. My father was an electronics technician and an audiophile and we lived in England for a few years in the late 60s. I can’t imagine how awestruck he must’ve been, as an American, to turn on the “telly” and hear this theme pouring out of the speakers. I’m quite certain there was nothing like it in American media at the time.

[@jackbluehq6653]

I love this version because it actually feels like a real sci fi theme Theres no identifiable instrument to be heard, just really unsettling but also equally engangings hums and sounds that sounds like music, but not any music from earth This is how i would imagine a theme from the tardis would be like Mysterious, unsettling and intriguing

[@reduxmidasbrother7679]

I mean Star Trek had a similar vibe but Doctor Who far surpassed it in my opinion.

[@cat-jm3vu]

He must have felt like the doctor discovering something completely new

[@cat-jm3vu]

​@@jackbluehq6653yes, I do love music like this, bringing intrigue with authentic instruments

[@GiulioLuzzardi-xf1xo]

Forbidden planet movie. Orson welles Radio shows. The Shadow radio series, Flash Gordon series, Super-man 1940s cartoon, Felix the cat cartoon. 1930s and a bit before. " We can dream it for you wholesale" movie is a must see / hear. Keep on searching for these "Maverick" sound pioneers cos they were "Far -out"!!

[@odinson99m]

Nearly 60 years and the first theme is absolutely perfect.

[@Shadowiann_]

now it has been 60 years

[@satan3959]

Yup, it's proof that you don't have to go all out with instruments to make a good tune. Sometimes the minimalist approach to music is the best approach.

[@TEACHERDIMI5]

@@satan3959minimalist? the instruments and effects used for this theme are more sophisticated than many modern ones. It was a genius creation. I suggest you to watch the video of the making of the theme

[@adventuresinbasicreality219]

Imagine if they brought it back it would be iconic

[@LuxuryLenoxLuditoryLuthorLob]

​@@adventuresinbasicreality219 I'd love to see that

[@TheEx3rgj]

I was behind the sofa while this music was playing back in 63.

[@MondySpartan]

you must be older now

[@TheEx3rgj]

yeh just a bit.

[@mic7able]

So was I! Looking for change.....

[@rw8733]

We ALL were!

[@stevetheduck1425]

I was sitting on the floor in front of the fire, Dad serving in the shop, Mum knitting, older sister upstairs ignoring it, younger brother probably asleep, and I was frozen to the spot. 'Roctod.. OHO?'

[@cosmobane6995]

Back when The Doctor was still a mysterious being with no explained origin.This theme clearly symbolize a mysterious yet benign and powerful force of cosmos

[@rw8733]

And no political correctness!

[@klop4228]

@@rw8733 I dunno, back in the day it was not unprogressive. Just a lot less 'politically correct' than now because it was over half a century ago.

[@darthvader5514]

@Ace Johnston ye

[@sillygoose635]

still is.

[@JEEEVANJOHN]

Stevie tell that to chibbs

[@gozerthegozarian9500]

Delia Derbyshire went at this like a mad scientist and the result is pure genius!

[@rrock2025]

Your comment is pure genius!

[@gozerthegozarian9500]

@@rrock2025 Oh, thank you!

[@ForestKicks]

Four and a half decades on and this is STILL the best version. What a piece of music and what an achievement from Delia et al to realise it. Absolutely seminal.

[@timrosswood4259]

In my opinion this is the second best.

[@timrosswood4259]

@@CricketEngland Just because you don't agree with me, it doesn't mean that you know more about music than i do. I already know the full history behind this piece of music.

[@timrosswood4259]

@@CricketEngland There must have been a misunderstanding. You are allowed to have your opinion, i just said you don't automatically know more about music because you don't agree with me. And my opinion on what the best one is is not relevant to my original comment.

[@timrosswood4259]

@@CricketEngland I'm so sorry if it offends you so much. Just relax, it's not the end of the world.

[@timrosswood4259]

@@CricketEngland Yes, people can agree with my statement without the knowledge of what i think is the best. It's not that hard to grasp.

[@heatherjasper97]

This sounds so mysterious while the new theme song sounds more adventurous.

[@mrfrogbutt1]

***** The classic themes are superior

[@heatherjasper97]

I know! It's so catchy.

[@ChandlerTV100]

+heatherjasper97 That's the difference of Classic and New.

[@azurerainbow4637]

+heatherjasper97 It sounds so mysterious because The Doctor's origins were a mystery until his 2nd incarnation.

[@AiOinc1]

This was the pilot episode theme, nobody knew what to expect of it. Plus this is where the who part of doctor who came from, the mystery.

[@neonlemurs4865]

If I turned my TV on in 1963 and saw this playing for the first time I would be so fucking scared. Edit: I'm also guessing this could've been some's first introduction to electronic music too.

[@heatherwilliams7288]

Spelgrym Me too!

[@taggett666]

Your God Damn right you would

[@ender7278]

May were.

[@AlexS-sc3gb]

OH NO ALIENS ARE TAKING OVER THE TELEVISION!

[@grummanf-14tomcat8]

You know, it really is a rather eerie and creepy intro, just perfect for the show.

[@julianaylor4351]

Delia Derbyshire an unsung genius of early electronic music...the original theme is terrifying. ❤

[@ThailandDantotherescue]

Timeless... this theme never gets old

[@themechbuilder6171]

the tardis!

[@thedestiny326]

The real timeless child I would say

[@rw8733]

I'm back hiding behind the sofa .

[@jlw184]

Your stupid boring comment gets 327 likes?

[@rogertau6408]

Never gets old 😢

[@jarjarcinemavideos280]

Even the theme tune would scare people, it's slow, haunting, continuous. It's a really high pitched alien voice, played over a deep stomping, tapping sound. A true and forever masterpiece.

[@VegetaSoup]

I love how they kept to it, only tweaking it sound wise. It really is kind of timeless, in my opinion. Love it to bits.

[@dusty6299]

and they added a little more to it in modern who. after tu tuuu tu tu tuuuu theres a tu tu tuuu tu tu tu. oh wait. never mind.

[@ender7278]

Starting in the 80s, almost every version of theme has been new from the ground up. Sure it's the same tune, but I think it'd be ridiculous for any show to change opening themes (looking at you, anime).

[@xenowarrior282]

@@ender7278 Except anime has lyrics in their openings, which usually has story related meanings. Why would the same (or slightly changed) opening fit for the show if the story has changed?

[@ender7278]

@@xenowarrior282 Does iconography mean nothing to you?

[@xenowarrior282]

@@ender7278 I mean, anime makes use of it as well, to again, have story significance that relates to the arc/story thats going on. So what's your point again?

[@andrewmyers5874]

The greatest piece of electronic music in the history of music. Mysterious, remorseless, compelling. Must have heard it ten thousand times and I never get sick of it. Delia Derbyshire was a genius.

[@rw8733]

Can't beat this. Bring it back.

[@CamilleonProductions]

This is, by far, my favourite version of the theme - especially this version with none of the sound effects that were added later. Somehow it just gets me so excited like no other version of the theme does, whenever I hear it all my troubles melt away.

[@mrblobby7864]

I like this theme but my favorite is the 80s theme.dunno why

[@Ichijoe2112]

Boss Qasim The example given is the ULTIMATE Version, of the Theme. The 80's Davidson / Baker Era is, but a pale second. And if nu-Who would ever get One thing right it would be to fall back on this [The Hartnell version] again!

[@merseydave1]

This Original and best always sends me into the time vortex of the hole Dr Who concept....It makes feel part of it, like you all my issues fall away and I'm with "The sculptress of none mainstream sound" The Late Great Delia Derbyshire!

[@therestorationofdrwho1865]

Where can you find the version without the other effects?

[@diamondwarrior2003]

The Restoration of Dr Who i'd imagine if you bought them

[@wonkydude1]

Hard to imagine what this would have sounded like in 1963.

[@mortified776]

+wonkydude1 Yeah I've always wondered that too! Especially considering that in 1963 virtually no-one outside of experimental circles would have heard electronic music of any sort before.

[@DoktorKoch]

52 years ago!!! wow...the mind boggles!

[@w.hartnell-lives-on-while-6073]

+wonkydude1 It was the most amazing sound & visuals I had ever come across at that point, though, I was very young. It is amazing how it grabbed you despite the 1960`s technology involved in your living room at that time. :)

[@darryshan]

+Maxwell's Demon Well, that wouldn't last long, what with Pink Floyd coming along not long after :P

[@kentmere100]

+wonkydude1 bloody frightening when you are 7! then the bastard daleks appeared a week later.still get nightmares!

[@obiwanshinobi5098]

Some tunes are just timeless. This is one of them. Still sounds futuristic today!

[@danielsellers8707]

In the 1950s the BBC was still 'stiff upper lip' and was strongly against the new music of the rock & roll era - and then they made this!

[@toonlinkunknown7667]

Scary, makes you feel uneasy, gives you the chills, and you have no idea what you are about to watch.

[@fluffymacaw933]

You are now entering, the twilight zone

[@phallca]

Scary? I'll tell you what's scary. Bloody Daleks that can float up the stairs, you used to be safe up there when they couldn't levitate!

[@toonlinkunknown7667]

@@phallca Yeah that was scary, but very cool when I first saw that as a kid.

[@phallca]

@@toonlinkunknown7667 Hate to admit it but I saw the first ever episode when it first came out lol.

[@Catsgotobattle]

Yea I agree

[@ForcingLaughterFakingSmiles]

Those who know modernish musical history and history of the development of the synthesizer/electronic music will understand that this piece of music was phenomenally ahead of its time

[@AndrewChapman]

I loved it when they reused this original title sequence to open the 50th anniversary special "The Day of the Doctor".

[@azurerainbow4637]

Andrew Chapman It was fitting that they did put the original title sequence at the beginning of the 50th anniversary special ''The Day of The Doctor'',to honor the character originally played by William Hartnell and all his successors.

[@leewhitworth9142]

azure rainbow IKR. I was expecting a massive, awesome score for the 50th but when this played I smiled and applauded. Excellent touch, I must say.

[@AndrewChapman]

bagshitass For what?

[@AndrewChapman]

bagshitass I can't seem to find it anywhere on KZbin. Sorry.

[@vortexfilms1313]

+bagshitass The title sequence is on dailymotion

[@tommyw.9424]

This makes me sad and happy, happy because of its awesome sound, and sad because it reminds me of the missing episodes.

[@jannahm1788]

Yea, I was legitimately saddened when I first heard about that :(. It's a shame so many were lost.

[@jannahm1788]

Turtle, the BBC used to wipe the old tapes that contained the old shows. That included some of the very early episodes of Doctor Who, mostly from the First and Second Doctors.

[@jannahm1788]

I guess so.

[@tommyw.9424]

There are many more classic who episodes remaining than there are on netflix, there's actually tons but for some reason there's practically nothing on netflix.

[@jannahm1788]

Tommy Wegman Especially Canadian Netflix -_-.

[@IanJTaylor]

Could you imagine listening to that in 1963? Surely that would have blown your mind! Amazing, truly amazing!

[@fernandogurrea804]

Así era, yo tenía 7 y Dr. Who era imperdible, realmente fantástico

[@grahamjohns2978]

Especially if on acid in the 60’s

[@IanJTaylor]

@@grahamjohns2978 I'm trying to imagine watching Doctor Who on shrooms!

[@johnsanders186]

Some say Kraftwerk are the pioneers of modern electro/dance music (i've seen them live & they are cool) but long before them...there was Delia Derbyshire... legend :D

[@MondySpartan]

In fact Delia Derbyshire is the real god of electronic music

[@morningcoffeecat2271]

TehMondasianSpartan Goddess*

[@rw8733]

So, so true. And she really didn't get the credit she deserved.

[@hexyko4850]

There were other pioneers but she was one of the first women in electronic music, along with Suzanne Ciani and a few others.

[@robcarmichael1508]

I could listen to this loop over and over and never get bored of it.

[@rw8733]

So true. Brilliant 👏

[@manchild3479]

it is the bass line.

[@robinoftheelves]

Same with Grenier’s theme from the shoe “The Prisoner” as well

[@manchild3479]

I do..................................................

[@RealCesyB]

Master moment

[@robertJ14]

The first doctor really nailed the whole mysterious feeling of the doctor. Just like the companions the audience don't know who he really is but cant resist the intrigue and excitement of it all.

[@wrennewman6868]

Thank you Delilah DerbyshireThe BBC Radiophonic Workshop and Ron Grainer. No musical instruments. All on tape. 1963 huge undertaking then.❤❤ I love the Doctor Who theme!

[@ITSGENDI]

Nothing comes anywhere close to replicating this masterpeice

[@DamienAlexander]

Written by Ron Grainer and recorded by Delia Derbyshire at the BBC Radiophonic workshops. This was in the days well before synthesisers and multi-tracking, so a very laborious method of creating the sounds was used in which each sound was individually produced and individually edited in sequence (using sticky tape). To make the three components of the track, the bass, the treble and the white noise, each had to go on a separate tape recorder (because no multi-tracking!), and all three machines then played and mixed down to the final product. According to a KZbinr, I never watched the show, but got curious

[@janiebarker2687]

DFFUSE Thats Right ❤ This should be pinned top comment 💯

[@denniswolf3616]

this version is the coolest its way ahead of its time its the grandfather of trance music before any one knew what trance or dub step was

[@robinsss]

the device used was a synthesizer

[@borbetomagus]

Here's a segment with Delia Derbyshire and assistant Dick Mills describing how the track was created -- /watch?v=xkIEkLww3lg Some additional videos related to Delia Derbyshire you might find of interest -- /watch?v=n2dvGQ32q8g -- Delia Derbyshire - The Delian Mode /watch?v=FqUCoLZNAhc -- Absolute Genius - Delia Derbyshire Another related article -- www.effectrode.com/knowledge-base/making-of-the-doctor-who-theme-music/ Composer Ron Grainer later arranged his composition for the 1980 compilation "The Exciting Television Music Of Ron Grainer" -- /watch?v=t1SZs4xudf8 Given other compositions from the period, that arrangement (outside of the rhythmic parts) seems probable -- /watch?v=ITSCKucnr-Y /watch?v=6LJiJvKkm4M /watch?v=47IoIwyxd8M It's too bad that Delia Derbyshire didn't receive a share of the royalties, given her inventive arrangement. You might also enjoy one of the first electronic recordings (to my understanding) Song of the Second Moon (1957) by Tom Dissevelt & Kid Baltan (Dick Raaymakers) /watch?v=bVl2_MSwmSA Another recording you might enjoy is André Popp (and engineer Pierre Fantosme) 1957 recording 'La Polka du Colonel' -- /watch?v=hxHE9zxtqIc

[@AndrewClancyJazz]

@@robinsss sorry but this predates synthesisers at the Radiophonic Workshop. Delia Derbyshire was not that keen on synths when they were beginning to be used in later years.

[@FeonaLeeJones]

Just watched Delia Derbyshire’s documentary. So fascinating how she came up with the music and wasn’t given full credit.

[@rosibunni2246]

It's really disappointing how she got no money from this, and no full credit.

[@profd65]

@Samuel Black I don't know that it had anything to do with her being a woman. She was an employee of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, and the workshop's membership was anonymous at that time. I don't know why the BBC had it that way.

[@jaysmith2858]

She wasn't given an on screen credit until "The day of the doctor", which was broadcast in 2013.

[@andydawson5587]

@Samuel Black yawn...

[@marcociarleglio]

I know her work from absolute genius with dick and dom

[@Au_196]

over 5 decades later, and it still is one of the most iconic sci-fi theme tunes of all time.

[@xjr1300nut]

Still love it today as I did as a seven year old, the tune still brings goosebumps…… long live DR WHO…….

[@lauramuir1325]

Mrs.Derbyshire was a genius - this song is epic and will never go out of style.

[@merseydave1]

I know you mean well, yet it is a music track NOT a song

[@pinoypizza]

The very original rendition of the Who theme is very subdued, mysterious and weird. Fitting the beginning of the show and the original Doctor.

[@MondySpartan]

I hope the show will return to its mysterious roots

[@davidmckay106]

The only piece of music that still sounds like the future GOD BLESS DELIA DERBYSHIRE 🙏🙏🙏

[@IsItAHST]

Do We OOooOO

[@inthegrass11]

it somehow manages to still sound futuristic, but also nostalgic, and of course a bit sinister and haunting. gives me goosebumps

[@joecrean9546]

Thank you della debryshire you always be remembered in Coventry for such an excellent piece of music/ theme thanks 👍jx

[@meruliouslacrimens5154]

Truely innovative when it first hit our ears and blew our minds, amazing piece of work. I loved it from the moment i first heard it and that particular version always gets the hairs on the back of my neck. Marvellous stuff.

[@stephenspark776]

Still a stunningly effective piece of music after 58 years. I probably started watching Dr Who circa 1965 and was fascinated by the idea that just round the corner, lurking in an abandoned Tube station, there could be alien creatures (as there still are, of course, multiplying in London's tunnels during lockdown). I'm sure it was Delia Derbyshire's theme that turned me on to electronic music (along with Telstar by the Tornados). What makes the Dr Who theme work is that it's a brilliant and very British mix of the sinister and the wistful. That beautiful haunting quality distinguishes much of the best British music of the era.

[@mattjohn66]

It's so incredibly good. And so eerie: it scared the hell out of me as a child.

[@rw8733]

Yes. Sends me back in time. And back behind the sofa!

[@markstephen9044]

As a kid watching the early series the theme tune always gave me feelings coming danger which attracted me. I particularly liked the cyber men and the voice of the Daleks - the daleks themselves looked silly.

[@purplexs2506]

Was then, and remains, the best audio-visual intro to a TV series. Ever. Period.

[@aclark903]

#Hawaii50theme

[@pastcolours]

#preachit

[@FrenzY2144]

@@aclark903 bad

[@FrenzY2144]

Nothing beats doctor who boys don’t Ben bother

[@aclark903]

@@FrenzY2144 Has COVID destroyed your sense of taste?

[@csuszka]

the little change to a major key at 0:39 is honestly the best part of the whole franchise

[@anaveragefern]

Hold on, all of Doctor Who?

[@csuszka]

@@anaveragefern quite

[@AbsoluteAbsurd]

yep

[@thekiss2083]

Especially in the Russell T Davies era

[@leftyzappa]

Gives me chills every time.

[@ed9121]

One of my earliest memories as a kid was watching Dr Who and it was these effects in the title sequence that scared the bejeezus out of me more than the show itself!

[@franciscampone3687]

I saw the first Dr Who when I was 4 , 61 years ago, still a big fan, the BBC led the world in many things back then.

[@julianjackson6824]

I was 6: same thing. :-)

[@RetroGaming-gp2ef]

The original theme from 1963 is such a classic and still holds up 61 years later.

[@AiOinc1]

Fun fact, the video effects were accomplished by pointing a camera at it's own monitor and recording the feedback.

[@tankmchavocproductions6907]

Thats so cool

[@lizardlover9941]

Makes sense, now that I think abt it. I’ve seen the effect before, messing around with my phone.

[@franktuckwell196]

Still sounds as good now as that first enigmatic appearance on our screens. I was in the cubs at the time, we had played football in the local park and then back to Akela's house ( he was a friend of my dad) for a cup of tea, slice of cake and the start of an epic tv programme. I was 7 at the time, i am now 68 and have watched every episode.

[@spiralx6249]

Fifity years on, there's still nothing to beat that amazingly original and fascinating combination of sonic music and graphics.

[@o0long2be30]

0:15 Doctor Oho

[@doctorwhohayranklasikseri1580]

:D

[@tropican5554]

+Lord Four Heads If you look at it closely, I think in order to make it morph into the logo, they just turned it backwards and superimposed it over the logo, look at the O in Who

[@regularflurfy8174]

Every time! Every time!

[@aladdin1991]

Cant be unseen...

[@karinahunt7737]

HA OH MT GOD did not notice at first

[@3lnosab0]

The audio was ahead of its time, yet the visuals is so hypnotic

[@entrecontextos]

After 60 years, it's still perfect and futuristic

[@danielsellers8707]

They should bring it back for the 60th, digitally remastered!

[@emilyjameson4021]

Nobody had ever heard anything like it before on British television. It was an extraordinary moment when it was first broadcast. I was only just five years old but remember that moment so clearly. My sisters and I were amazed. It sounded and looked so weird and wonderful and instantly became a huge element of my childhood. It thrills me as much today as it did then.

[@TheWeepingCorpse]

Haunting. It's far better than recent versions.

[@Zvox]

that's because delia derbyshire is a bad ass

[@willemoranje]

because its the original and thats always better :)

[@edgarmothart]

i couldnt agree more

[@eddiespeight8103]

It's a matter of personality, the first Doctor was really quite dark and brooding. The more optimistic themes will seem out of place during Hartnell's era and vice versa.

[@TheKevinGHutton]

Every time you see the comments on an old song or piece of music you can guarantee someone will be saying it's so much better than anything from today. It's so predictable.

[@BrotherTree1]

50 years later, it's still so damn awesome.

[@jaxmanx]

Still ahead of its time. No show will ever succeed this ever

[@jaygrannell858]

Still the best intro to any scifi series ever.

[@LarryLeeMoniz]

So much credit goes to Delia Derbyshire for bringing Ron Grainer's theme to life. Ron himself was impressed when he first hear this recording. A masterpiece.

[@LesterLeapsIn1]

The greatest theme of them all, in my opinion. No idea why they can't use this for the new series.

[@savagesurvivalist859]

I totally agree I think the new theme sucks

[@LazyHubbStudios]

I absolutely LOVE, the 7th Doctors intro and the 80's intro

[@xiLegendaryGamingx]

I like it, but it is way too dated

[@MirroredReality]

iLegendaryGaming | FIFA 15, Minecraft, GTA 5 and More! It'd be like the modern version with a touch of the classic

[@Friend-]

I love this version, but I also love seeing how they change up and reinterpret the theme through the years, just like they change around the Doctor himself! I love This and the season 8 theme are my favorites!

[@plangeama608]

This is a masterpiece from late great Delia Derbyshire. This is way ahead of its time.

[@nickpemberton543]

This is the version of the theme I grew up with, it still sends shivers down my spine, so eerie, it promises a scary journey into the unknown. The modern orchestral version loses all of this, with music ladled all over the programme, Dr Who has become so 'safe' & blockbusterish.

[@christopherlawley1842]

Me too.

[@justine_holloway]

Totally agree.

[@trickish-spark3961]

I do agree that this is one of the best themes but I also think the new doctor who(9-11) are also good and so are their themes, they just attempt to bring something different, with the classic ones trying to evoke feelings of mystery and give off an almost haunted feeling, the new ones are more action packed and get you ready for danger. Both are amazing in their own rights

[@clarerobards3781]

Thanks- musical time travel for me.❤️

[@stuartjones7229]

I watched from the beginning but stopped for awhile when they were going on about recycling. I watch it for escapisim not brainwashing.

[@KuperSpyronicStudios]

rest in peace, William Hartnell

[@morganmorris4285]

Kuper Spyronic and the 2nd doctor 😢

[@aidanmercer9422]

Morgan Morris And the 3rd doctor.

[@morganmorris4285]

It's a shame

[@BetamaxFlippy]

and Delia Derbyshire

[@TimBuhrs]

The war doctor got there before him :(

[@esportswomen]

Delia Derbyshire. The genius behind this masterpiece. PRE synthesizers!

[@UnchainedAmerica]

This theme and its closing credit are the all time global treasure that should be preserved in every time capsules on Earth.

[@nielsagenielsen8104]

Nothing wrong with the newer versions, but this is classic. Never get tired of it.

[@RealAadilFarooqui]

How they pulled this off is Amazing, let me remind you the year was 1963

[@juanhunter6996]

Wow!!! I grew up in the 1980's watching this early on a Saturday morning (before morning news was available), and never forgot how it made me feel!! Even now, I still get a sudden rush of excitement by just listening to this awesome theme...the 1963 version rules!!!

[@novajohansson3194]

The bass riff is straight up metal

[@fyodorurnov6028]

Mm! It was also a major influence on Pink Floyd (Eg shine on you crazy diamond part 2).

[@angelaleisure7665]

This is so fantastical... i miss hearing this sound from dad and grandpa's tv

[@cazm9964]

Wonderful. The beautiful original version of my all time fave theme tune. They should not have messed around so much with this masterpiece. Goosebumps!! ✨️

[@johnbloh4289]

This gives me nostalgia, even though I never watched this show

[@johnbloh4289]

Is that weird?

[@AlejandroSilva-mr7yy]

+John Robert Bloh no, I feel it to, and I just started watching the series in February

[@colinwood1023]

I remember this from reruns back in the late 60s i would be 5 or 6 carnt the old ones can not stand the new Doctor

[@raydarable]

+Alejandro Silva Funny, I started watching in February as well.

[@heatherwilliams4741]

Really?

[@TheMsLourdes]

Instantly recognizable and possibly the finest work to come out of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop

[@adamas66]

I started to appreciate Doctor Who rather late in my life. As a child, hearing that (now, amazing theme), I was frightened senseless! I remember it around the time when they showed American shows like Night Gallery, The Sixth Sense and such. I was creeped out and refused to watch the show. Of course, now, it ranks high on my fave sci-fi anthology along side with Star Wars, Blade Runner, Alien and the gang. They were really forward creating a timeless theme like such! ❤️

[@dead_formats]

I remember seeing this back in the mid-70's... It used to scare the living daylights out of me! Great times... :)

[@sgabricks9592]

I would love to see this theme comeback. Only been a whovian for a few months but I just love this show so much and there is something about the hartnell era I love.

[@frankkolmann4801]

Mind blown in 1963. Still trying to recover. Eternally mesmerising.

[@manchild3479]

i was there too.

[@RyanBromhead503]

Today (November 23rd 2024), marks 61 years,, since the first episode

[@MarkGenner1991]

Happy 60th Anniversary From Doctor Who.

[@autumnaxiom]

Even now, in 2019, this sounds absolutely unique. It's like the worlds they visit in the show itself - beautiful and intriguing, but mysterious, alien and at times eerie. No wonder this show became such a cult.

[@gravysandwich5010]

The weird reverse whooshing noise played backwards sounds like some kind of cable being whipped. Very clever work.

[@HauntedASMR]

I'm not a Dr. Who fan by any definition, but damn this is an epic title sequence. It doesn't feel old, unlike so many other shows of the same era.

[@leftyzappa]

By your statement, you are a Doctor Who fan. :D

[@HauntedASMR]

@@leftyzappa yesn't

[@leftyzappa]

@@HauntedASMR hahaha

[@Bruh-zx2mc]

The Whovian equivalent of an egg

[@paulbromley4697]

I saw the very first episode, I was 8,we were sitting at the dinner table on Saturday night it came on at 6.30pm

[@TheFalconerNZ]

Did you watch the first episode twice as they re-aired the very first episode due to the Kennedy assassination occuring on the first airing date. I was 2 at the time so I had to wait a few years to really watch it but have been a big fan of the show since - until the Doctor became a woke female, hoping they can recover the show and make it great again soon

[@paulbromley4697]

@@TheFalconerNZ yes as they left it as a cliff hanger as they did in those days

[@yolodooper1472]

Did you watch it with your family at dinner when the episode re-aired?

[@paulbromley4697]

@@yolodooper1472 Sure did

[@Ashurathehedgehog196]

It's really a shame how much of the original series no longer exists. especially so with The Tenth Planet Part 4. The very First Regeneration, and we don't even have the full episode Still, it's really awesome to see how far they've come in recovering the episodes. Shows you what a Dedicated fanbase can do.

[@rdfox76]

You know, I suspect that if humanity ever does figure out how to build a real-life time machine, one that can go back in time, it will be called a TARDIS, and the inventor will have developed it... specifically to go back and tape all the missing episodes live off the air and/or raid the BBC warehouse for them before the masters can be destroyed.

[@qwertyzxaszc6323]

Way ahead of it’s time. Holds up amazingly well. Beautiful sound design. Would never know it was from 1963. This is the only version I find listenable.

[@user-oh5gm9ry7o]

One of the greatest theme tunes of all time.

[@mr.bunnywabbit2048]

97 people liked this so much that they turned their computers upside down and liked it again.

[@bricegraham8256]

Cleaver

[@rw8733]

Australian likes.

[@bonbonsly1316]

People from the parallel dimensions

[@SStupendous]

@@bonbonsly1316 Rose perhaps

[@AnnoyingBastsardonSteam]

I travelled from 2021 in my Tardis to say the current number is 300

[@stevet6531]

This music seriously gives me chills. I remember seeing and hearing this on TV as a young kid, not understanding it at all, but being terrified for reasons I couldn’t understand.

[@pastcolours]

Now that sums it up perfectly.

[@BigBennKlingon]

Never cease to be blown away by this song. I can only imagine how bananas this must have sounded to the 1963 ear

[@uberorange2116]

being a hardcore dr who fan, i really appreciate your digging this up.

[@ForestKicks]

It's impossible to understate how ahead of its time this was. To put it in perspective, the day before the first episode went out the Beatles released their second album, "With the Beatles", a record still very much rooted in the rock n roll era, half full of covers and in no way experimental in the way they would later go on to be. To anyone listening to this in 1963 it must've sounded utterly unique and unlike anything they'd heard before. And that's before you even get to the visuals. Truly innovative.

[@tracyyy99]

If Delia had got a job at EMI instead of the BBC..Who knows what further masterpieces she and the beatles could have produced...Delias fascination at inventing and recording new sounds and John lennons hunger for finding same...OMG it could have been audio heaven.

[@squallrowlandson8028]

The Doctor, Susan, Ian and Barbara were the original Guardians of the Galaxy.

[@YouGotPropofol]

You know a theme is good when it puts you in a mood. Love it.