WHSmith’s limited, numbered edition five video box set was released in September 2001. Strictly limited to 10,000 sets, a figure you may think is too high or low, they sold like hot cakes. The collection included all five of the classic stories featuring the Daleks’ fictional creator; the inimitable Davros.

Genesis of the Daleks

Starting with the popular, and mature, corollary of Nazism and the horrors of infantry war the set begins with Genesis of the Daleks. This tale is penned by Terry Nation, the real-life creator of the Daleks. (I always point out that it was Raymond Cusick who actually designed the look of the Daleks as he often goes uncredited.) The six part adventure stands up well and features scenes and dialogue that are still quoted today.

Do I have the right?

Destiny of the Daleks

The Daleks are on the search for their creator. They believe only Davros can help them win a war against the Movellans.

Resurrection of the Daleks

The Fifth Doctor encounters Davros who is now in suspended animation aboard a prison ship.

Revelation of the Daleks

The Sixth Doctor’s disturbing adventure has an even more robotic Davros, his fleshy Kaled body is succumbing to the ravages of time. We also see Davros levitating in his chair – a special moment for Dalek fans who were often frustrated by jibes that Daleks can’t climb stairs. This was way back in 1984, a long time before the modern Who’s CGI flying armies.

Remembrance of the Daleks

The set is rounded off with one of my favourite stories; the Seventh Doctor’s Remembrance of the Daleks. This story was the concluding part of the umbrella of ‘the Biblical trilogy’. Remembrance features the continuation of the Daleks’ civil war, an anti-racist message, Davros like you’ve never seen him before and more mystery around the Doctor and his people. It also has a remarkable life-size physical prop of the Dalek shuttle landing in Coal Hill School’s playground.