The BBC delivers a great deal of extras, setting a high standard for television programs on DVD. There is a commentary for all four parts by actors Baker and Armstrong, producer Philip Hinchcliffe, and Production Unit Manager Chris D'Oyly-John. It is an enjoyable listen, filled with good-natured reminiscences.
"The Secret of the Labyrinth" (26 min), which was the show's original title, is a present-day making-of with the cast and crew reflecting on the show. "Bigger on the Inside" (19 min) focuses on the history of the series' one constant, the Doctor's TARDIS. There are clips with different Doctors and present-day interviews that include Baker and series writers.
"Now and Then" (9 min) visits Portmerion, Wales, to reveal locations used and match them with clips from the episode. The narration is rather dry and it feels like watching vacation videos of relatives. Even a serious Whovian might find it a bit much to sit through. "Beneath the Masque" (10 min) is an amusing news spoof by Clayton Hickman and Gareth Roberts that relects on the episode, the series, and the 1970s. It's quite a contrast from "Now and Then."
"Trails and Continuity" (3 min) offers a very cool peek back into the past, especially for non-Britons, to see and hear BBC1 promos for the series and individual episodes. Similarly, "Radio Times Billings" is available as a PDF accessible through DVD-ROM. Also included are Production Notes and a Photo Gallery.
Influenced by Roger Corman's The Masque of Red Death and Hamlet, The Masque of Mandragora is an entertaining Who adventure that combines historical drama and science fiction. It's a good standalone episode because it doesn't require knowing anything about the series history or previous episodes.
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