Doctor Who Trailer Watch: This brilliant teaser for The War Master shows the making of a monster
By James Aggas
Before we review new Doctor Who spin-off box set The War Master: Anti-Genesis, let’s take a look at the amazing trailer for it, as well as what franchise it may or may not be a subtle nod to…
Yesterday saw the release of the fourth box set in Doctor Who spin-off series The War Master. While I’ve binged the whole of Anti-Genesis already and definitely plan to review it shortly, I first want to draw your attention to the trailer for it. Because trust me: it’s fantastic.
The idea for the trailer is simple, but effective: the gradual construction of a Dalek. Bit by bit and mainly through close-up shots, we see the shell of a Dalek being pieced together. It’s extremely well-handled, and features a strong sense of buildup and foreboding. This is due to both the excellent visuals by Chris Thompson, and the brilliantly dark score by Robert Harvey.
As a result, what we get is a rather effective teaser for The War Master: Anti-Genesis. It doesn’t exactly reveal anything, but it certainly knows how to grab the viewer’s interest – especially if they’re fans of Genesis of the Daleks. And, perhaps, another franchise altogether…
More from Winter is Coming
- For All Mankind finally gives us information in Episode 405, “Goldilocks”
- Watch a stunning VFX breakdown of The Wheel of Time season 2
- Of course Steve Toussaint (Corlys Velaryon) thinks Eve Best (Rhaenys Targaryen) should rule Westeros
- Confirmed: The Last of Us season 2 will air in 2025
- Final season of Star Trek: Discovery will have “a lot of action, a lot of adventure, a lot of fun”
A clear homage?
What’s particularly impressive is how the trailer manages to combine nostalgia with originality. The construction of the Dalek is reminiscent of a brilliant cliffhanger from The Power of the Daleks, in which we see many Daleks gradually being constructed. But what stands out about this trailer is the way it’s “shot”. We feel closer to the Dalek shell than ever before, and it certainly makes them feel both creepier and more powerful as a result.
I must admit, one more reason why I’m really loving this trailer is nostalgia that’s distinctly non-Who related. The trailer feels very reminiscent of the teaser trailer for Terminator 2: Judgement Day, in which we see a T-800 model gradually being constructed, also using many close-up shots. (If you’ve never seen it, check it out here. It really is a fantastic example of how to make a great teaser trailer.)
Believe me, that comparison is not a criticism, particularly as that teaser is one of my all-time favorites. So to watch something that feels like a very deliberate homage to it – while still working very well for the story it’s advertising – is definitely a plus. It’s an excellent trailer for an excellent new box set.
This also makes me excited for more visual trailers from Big Finish in the future – especially those made by Chris Thompson, who gave us an equally effective trailer for The Robots. For a company that specializes in audio productions, Big Finish really are getting the best visual trailers for their stories.
Next. Trailer and details revealed for the Master’s 50th anniversary box set. dark
What do you think of the trailer for The War Master: Anti-Genesis? Do you think it’s effective at grabbing the audience’s attention? Do you hope for more such trailers in the future? Let us know in the comments below.