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"This video is the ultimate in Robot Wars. It features behind the scenes action, real drama from the pits, and never before seen footage from The First Great War.

In this exclusive video we see more than ever before. Sit back as hosts Craig Charles, Philippa Forrester and Jonathan Pearce take you on this incredible journey.
"
— Blurb on the back cover of the original UK VHS release

Robot Wars: The First Great War was a video based around the first series of Robot Wars. It was released on VHS on 29 March 1999, making it the first general Robot Wars home media release. The First Great War featured behind-the-scenes footage, clips of the 1995 UK Open Competition - which served as a pilot for the original UK Series - and highlights of the Heats and Grand Final, which saw Roadblock crowned as the first UK Series Champion. Craig Charles hosted the video, appeared in bridging sequences and occasionally provided voice-overs during highlight footage. The original VHS release also contained the bonus feature Robot Wars: The Constructor's Guide, a robot-building guide for aspiring roboteers.

While only released on video in the UK, the feature was released on DVD in the Scandinavian region (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden) in 2003 by PAN Vision (with the slightly different name Robot Wars: The First Great Wars). Despite being advertised, this release left out The Constructor's Guide, but did include Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish subtitles. The video was called Robot Wars: Ensimmäiset Fantastiset Kamppailut in Finnish. In Swedish, it was called Robot Wars: De Första Stora Slagen.

Synopsis[]

"Hello, and welcome to the annihilation, the carnage, the total wanton destruction that is Robot Wars. Here, for the first time in one package, we bring you the classic battles of the first TV series, the story of how Roadblock became Robot Wars champion, exclusive behind-the-scenes action, real drama from the Pits and never-before-seen footage of the first Robot Wars conflict."
— Craig Charles' introduction to The First Great War
CraigTFGWintro

Craig Charles introduced the video on location

The video first began with an opening sequence that was also seen toward the start of The Making of Robot Wars, where the camera moved from an outside production area where production trucks were parked and props stored into the arena itself through a blackout curtain. As the footage played, Stuart McDonald can be heard confirming the arena is "clear". Further clips of the Shogun team preparing for their Gauntlet run, a pendulum hazard being released, and the audience being welcomed to the recording can be seen before the 3-2-1 Activate! call is heard and the Series 2-4 Robot Wars opening titles are played.

CraigTFGWintro2

Craig also introduced highlights on the 1995 UK Open

Following the titles, Craig Charles welcomed viewers to the video and explained what they were about to see: a behind-the-scenes look at the first televised series. Instead of filming this introduction in the arena or a studio, Charles introduced the video while walking towards the camera alongside some railway arches. After first explaining that the sport originated in America, he said that the first robotic battles that took place in the United Kingdom were held in the warehouse that eventually became the production studio, which he described as a "secret warehouse location". The video then showed a montage of shots from outside the production studio, which included shots of the building itself and adjacent railway lines. Charles went on to explain that the previous robotic battles from this early conflict had supposedly been banned by censors for being too "brutal" and could not be shown until now. He then introduced the highlights of the 1995 UK Open - the event that acted as a proof-of-concept for the television show - itself, where British hopefuls faced a trio of American machines.

1995 UK Open[]

"Now the sport of Robot Wars originated in America, but the first battles on British soil were witnessed here, at this secret warehouse location. Unfortunately, the conflict was so indescribably brutal, that it was immediately banned by the censors, and has never been shown before - that is, until now. So sit back, evict the faint-hearted and enjoy some highlights from the very first Robot Wars, when a handful of robots took on the wrath of the American champions in open competition."
— Craig Charles introduces the 1995 UK Open
Uk open soccar lamachine goal

The "Soccer" match from the 1995 UK Open

As well as footage of preparations for the event, robots from various weight categories were seen in action, including Grunt and The Mouse, both of which went on to become two of the three Stock Robots used in The First Wars. The montage featured the specially-invited US heavyweights Thor, La Machine and The Master, as well as several unidentified robots from lighter weight classes. Highlights of different events were shown, including regular one-on-one battles, melees and a Soccer match reminiscent of the Football/Robotic Soccer Trials from the first three UK series. A clip of a melee battle between The Master, La Machine, and both of the Grunt machines was also shown. Throughout the segment, Craig Charles provided more information to viewers, commenting on how the British robots had struggled against the American machines, noting how British triumphs were "few and far between" and that the American robots turned the soccer match into "absolute carnage" by starting to fight one another.

1995 arena

The 1995 UK Open Competition arena

During the first clips of the one-on-one battles, an incoming data graphic appeared on-screen describing how the development of Robot Wars as a television programme took almost three years. This mentioned the written proposal submitted to the BBC in April 1995, the piloting of the series through hosting the 1995 UK Open that November, and finally the broadcast of the first series in early 1998. A second incoming data graphic appeared on-screen during the fight between Grunt and The Master, noting the participation of the three American competitors and their challenges in clearing British customs ahead of the competition. Craig Charles concluded the segment by telling the viewers that they would later see the iconic battle fought between Thor and The Master, promising that it was to be one of the best robot battles in history.

Heat Highlights[]

"So, there you have it. Of course, Robot Wars has since become a major phenomenon on British television. Over 5 million people witnessed robots locked in battle every week, the nation has been rocked by scenes of unparalleled violence. And the House Robots have become household names. Thirty-six teams faced each other in the first series, six fought their way through to the final - this is their story. If you need a pillow to cower behind, get one now."
— Craig Charles

Before the Heat reviews began, Charles noted how popular Robot Wars had become in the UK since the premiere of The First Wars. It was stated that more than five million people watched on a weekly basis, and that the House Robots had become famous in their own right. Charles quickly recapped the number of competitors in the first series, and how of the thirty-six robots there were six that made it to the Grand Final. Just before the highlights, he suggested to viewers to get a pillow to cower behind.

Each Heat review followed the exploits of up to three of the six robots in the Heats from the Gauntlet onwards. The footage was periodically interspersed with interviews with Visual Effects Designer Chris Reynolds and other Robot Wars staff, revealing some of the original concept art and general ideas behind the House Robots - Matilda, Sergeant Bash, Dead Metal and Shunt - as well as the Robot Wars Arena. The battles included alternate camera angles, primarily from the House Robots' onboard cameras, and Pit interviews either cut from the television episodes or extended from their televised versions.

Robots that are not featured but appear during interviews and montages, including those from the House Robot cameras, include Demolisher, SAT'arn, Torque of the Devil, Full Metal Anorak and The Blob.

House Robot Development[]

"The job of building the House Robots went to the BBC's famous Visual Effects department."
— Craig Charles
ReynoldsTFGW

Chris Reynolds explaining the design process for the original four House Robots

The Heat highlights began with Philippa Forrester's Gauntlet introduction from Heat E, before going into the House Robot roll call from Heat A. While the footage from the roll call matched that from the televised episode, Shunt's introduction was shortened at the beginning and missed the robotic voice introduction that he was given in the original. These introductions were followed by a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the House Robots, using footage and interview dialogue with Chris Reynolds. Alongside dialogue taken from The Making of Robot Wars, the segment included previously unused dialogue discussing the individual House Robots.

Reynolds began the segment by mentioning, like he did in The Making of Robot Wars, how his team only had six-and-a-half weeks to design and build all four of the House Robots. Having the design sketches drawn and approved quickly was essential for allowing competitive House Robots to be built. Reynolds explained that despite the sketches being needed quickly, some thought had to go into the direction of their individual designs. The concept sketches of some of the proposed House Robots were also shown on screen; while the sketches for "A Taste of Kaos" from the front, "Power Mosh" and "Hammerhead" that were previously seen in The Making of Robot Wars were shown, also included in this video were the sketches for "Ekk Eekk" and "Shove" along with one of "A Taste of Kaos" from the side. While the sketches were displayed, an incoming data graphic appeared on screen noting that Tom Carney, an artist for science-fiction comic 2000 AD, had drawn the original concept art for the House Robots.

The segment then showed how, in order, Matilda, Sergeant Bash, Dead Metal and Shunt were made along with their weapon choices. While a lot of Chris Reynolds' explanations on the construction of Matilda had been featured in The Making of Robot Wars, the discussion of the remaining House Robots was exclusive to this video. Reynolds discussed how the flamethrower assembly made Sergeant Bash more complex than the other House Robots, and that the decision to use a flamethrower had not been well-appreciated in the early construction phase. Reynolds maintained, however, that it would look effective during the televised programme. Reynolds then commented how Dead Metal had been designed with grabbing jaws in mind, akin to a lobster, and that Shunt had been developed with the Sumo Trial in mind, as such having a low ground clearance and plenty of drive power. This segment concluded with an unused clip showing James Davies testing Matilda out and confirming that, despite her controls being unpredictable at the time, she would be ready in time for filming. Chris Reynolds also confidently stated that the House Robots would be ready and that he was hopeful he could have them up and running as soon as that night.

Heat A[]

Philippabalconyintro

Philippa Forrester's alternate Pit introduction

Highlights of Heat A began with an alternate version of Philippa Forrester's introduction to The Pits. While the script remained the same as the televised walkthrough introduction through The Pits themselves, this version is filmed from the balcony overlooking the teams preparing for the competition. During the preparation footage, an incoming data graphic appeared stating that some 155 roboteers had taken part in the first series and that the average age of a competitor in that series was 27 years old, jokingly adding that this was unlike the combat veterans who fought in Vietnam

The Gauntlet runs of Roadblock, Nemesis, and Killertron were shown with their televised team introductions included. However, the televised entrances of the robots were shown slightly out of sequence to reflect the order they ran the Gauntlet, with Nemesis' entrance being shown before Killertron's. The respective team's post-round interviews followed each Gauntlet run. None of Jeremy Clarkson's post-run interviews were featured in full, so adapted footage was shown at the end of each Gauntlet run. The latter included previously unseen footage from Matilda's onboard camera as she was passed by Nemesis at the end of its Gauntlet run. The audio from Roadblock's interview with Clarkson was laid over the replay of the start of its run, and the Bodmin Community College team's Pit interview with Philippa Forrester was also shown. While the audio highlighting Roadblock's score on the results table was played, complete with transition sound effects, the table itself was substituted by clips of Roadblock demolishing the skittles and of its team on the balcony.

Philippanemesis

Philippa Forrester's pre-Gauntlet interview with Team Nemesis

Philippa Forrester: "Is it flame proof?"
William Murphy: "We thought it was originally but... it's not."
Philippa Forrester: "It's not? So if you come up against Sergeant Bash, you're done for?"
William Murphy: "Yeah."
Philippa Forrester: "Oh well, good luck!"
— William Murphy reveals that Nemesis' fur is flammable

In the case of Nemesis, before its Gauntlet run was shown, an unused Pit interview showed Forrester wearing one of the Team Nemesis waistcoats and questioning William Murphy on the flammability of Nemesis' fur. During their run, an incoming data graphic appeared on-screen, mentioning the combined distance that the 36 competitors achieved in the Gauntlet was 340 metres. Team Nemesis' post-Gauntlet interview with Forrester was also shown as it had been in the televised broadcast. While Killertron's team introduction was shown as it had been on screen, the post-fight interview was a clip from Richard Broad's interview with Jeremy Clarkson immediately after the Gauntlet run. Additionally, their run featured an alternate camera angle from Sergeant Bash's onboard camera as Dead Metal tried to block Killertron from leaving the see-saw.

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An onboard view of Shunt as he is knocked off the Sumo ring

"This is Sumo. The rules are quite simple; you have to stay in the sixteen-foot-diameter sumo ring as long as possible while trying to push your opponent out. Trouble is, your opponent is a formidable house robot - Shunt."
— Craig Charles describes the Sumo during Killertron's run

In between the Gauntlet and Trial highlights, a series of clips was shown from the various House Robot cameras. These clips featured ambient noise from inside the arena as the House Robots attacked multiple competitors from across the series, including Scrapper, The Demolisher, SAT'arn, Torque of the Devil and Bodyhammer. A shortened version of Killertron's Sumo performance was shown, accompanied by a voiceover from Craig Charles explaining how the competitors needed to knock Shunt off the 16-foot diameter ring to win. Roadblock's successful Sumo performance was then shown. Not only did this feature a brief clip from Shunt's onboard camera, showing him trying to use his axe on Roadblock in the opening seconds, but also concluded with a replay of Shunt's fall from the same viewpoint. Though the latter clip was used instead of the scoreboard being displayed, the scoreboard sounds from the original broadcast were still audible. Roadblock was then shown being carried back into The Pits as the team received applause for their victory over Shunt, which is noted by a voiceover from Charles.

"Victory over Shunt is enthusiastically received in The Pits."
— Craig Charles as Roadblock re-entered the Pits following their victory over Shunt

Nemesis' own successful Sumo performance completed the segment, with a slightly shortened version of the same footage from Shunt's camera as he was left stuck on the edge of the Sumo ring.

Nemesisprearenaintervi

Team Nemesis explain their broken speed controller

Philippa Forrester: "Is it true that your speed controller is burnt out?"
Peter Redmond: "Yeah, we don't know how it happened, it just went up in a puff of smoke."
Philippa Forrester: "Well, what does this mean? Do you have a spare?"
Peter Redmond: "No, unfortunately, we don't. It's the only one we have."
Philippa Forrester: "So you'll have to pull out of the Semi-Finals?"
Peter Redmond: "No, we might be able to get it going in one direction only, and see what happens then. We'd have no reverse, so... we'll see what we can do there."
Philippa Forrester: "This is not good."
Peter Redmond: "No, it's a disaster!"
— Peter Redmond confirmed the speed controller problems

The Arena stage featured edited versions of both the Semi-Finals and the Heat Final, as well as extended and unseen Pit footage and interviews. The Nemesis team's pre-Arena Pit interview was altered to start as they were introduced to Roadblock, while also incorporating unseen footage of the Nemesis team jokingly asking the Roadblock team which of their cutting discs they thought would be effective against fur. Hender Blewett replied that he was uncertain about that matter, but was hopeful that Roadblock would do some damage to their adversary. This was followed by an interview not seen in the televised broadcast. It revealed the major factor behind Nemesis' loss in their Semi-Final - their speed controller had mysteriously burnt out following their Sumo victory and the team did not have a spare. Peter Redmond explained that they might be able to get it working in one direction only, but he was determined that Nemesis did not need to withdraw from the competition. This interview concluded with Philippa Forrester wondering if one of the other teams could donate one, with Peter Redmond telling her that they were trying to get a spare. Forrester then called out to the other teams, asking for a spare speed controller.

"With only makeshift repairs, Nemesis takes on Roadblock in the Semi-Final."
— Craig Charles introduces the first Heat A Arena match in light of Nemesis' problems
Nemesispostarenainterview

Team Nemesis discuss the damage caused in the Arena

Roadblocknemesisdamage

The damage sustained by Roadblock

Nemesis' Semi-Final with Roadblock, beginning at the moment when Roadblock began tearing Nemesis' fur, was also missing the mid-fight clip of Philippa Forrester and Team Trojan watching the fight with the former noticing Nemesis being set on fire. A post-fight interview in the Arena between Forrester and Peter Redmond, where they reviewed the fight itself, was shown in extended form over its televised version. While the team acknowledged their technical problems, Joe Gavin noted that Nemesis' damage was mostly cosmetic as in the televised version, and William Murphy pointed to the holes left in Roadblock courtesy of Nemesis. During this interview, an incoming data graphic highlighted how more than 150 people made up the production crew including stagehands, caterers, lighting directors and security personnel. The interview then moved across to Roadblock, where the team showed the hole in the side of the robot and the extent of the fur that Roadblock was able to tear off. The interview concluded with Philippa Forrester noting how there was more to Nemesis than just its looks.

"Proof that just because you look pretty doesn't mean you can't cause a lot of damage!"
— Philippa Forrester
Shogunspeedcontroller

The Shogun team explain their speed controller issue

Instead of the televised footage of Killertron and Shogun being brought into the Arena for their Semi-Final, Killertron's televised pre-Semi-Final interview was followed by an unused scene highlighting the first known instance of a Gentleman's Agreement.

Richard Broad: "Hi team, we'd like to present you with this bin bag, as we're against you, for your bits! I'm sure you'll get most of them in there!"
Robin Woodhead: " I've got news for you! Look, at the moment we've only got one wheel working, so go easy lads! Just take it steady, you know!"
— The Shogun team making their speed controller issues known

In this scene, Team Trojan mockingly offered bin bags to the Shogun team for their robot's remains, with the latter informing them of their speed control problems and asking for Team Trojan to "go easy" on them as they only had one working wheel. During both clips, an incoming data graphic stated how Series 1 was filmed over three days, and also detailed the amount of food and drink consumed by both crew and roboteers within that time.

"Pretty in pink, Killertron takes on Shogun."
— Craig Charles introduces the second Heat A Arena match

The Semi-Final itself began at the moment when Shogun first drifted near the right-hand grille. An extended version of Shogun's post-fight interview followed the battle, shown out of sequence before Killertron's unlike in the episode, but did not include the moment when the team removed it from the grille. The interview instead began with the team being welcomed back into The Pits, with the team expressing that despite their defeat, they had enjoyed the experience. The interview then picked up where it had begun in the televised broadcast, with Philippa Forrester asking how Shogun had ended up on the grille, where the steering problems were confirmed. Forrester also highlighted the wooden top panel that had been damaged and dislodged by Killertron, with the team pointing out the fact that they did not have the time to put in one that was made from metal. Killertron's post-fight interview was then shown as it was seen in the episode, with the robot being lifted out of the Arena and back into The Pits, along with Team Trojan noting the damage caused by Sergeant Bash's saw.

Roadblockprefinaltest

Roadblock is tested before the heat final

Unseen pre-Heat Final footage also showed the Roadblock team starting up the robot and trying to adjust internal pressures before their televised interview was shown. Meanwhile, Killertron's pre-Heat Final interview was slightly shortened. While the Heat Final was then shown in full, the audio from the Roadblock post-fight interview with Jeremy Clarkson was laid over a replay of Killertron being flipped over. Footage of Killertron being attacked by the House Robots which had been shown during the televised episode's end credits, including being set on fire by Sergeant Bash, was also omitted. More onboard footage from Matilda and Sergeant Bash was shown to close out the Heat review, featuring both House Robots attacking The Blob during its Gauntlet run, Matilda attacking REALI-T during its Semi-Final clash with Full Metal Anorak, and both House Robots knocking over some of the smaller Gauntlet obstacles.

Though not featured, Barry was still name-dropped during Killertron's Gauntlet run, as Jonathan Pearce noted the distance Killertron needed to clear. Grunt was also not referenced in any capacity, despite it being featured in and referenced by Craig Charles in the 1995 UK Open highlights. While not featured during the Heat review, the closing montage towards the end of the video also included a blooper, in which Derek Foxwell fell over as he entered the arena to extinguish the flames on Nemesis.

Heat B[]

"So, Roadblock puts its place in the Grand Finals. And now, on to the next Heat."
— Craig Charles

Recyclopse, Detonator and Mortis were introduced, although the latter two's televised entrances were shown out of sequence compared to the episode itself, with Mortis being introduced before Detonator. Shortened versions of Recyclopse and Detonator's Gauntlet runs followed, although they too were out of sequence, with Detonator's being shown first. The Detonator team introduction was moved to be shown before the footage of their run rather than during it, and was also slightly shortened. Detonator's run omitted the robot's exit from the turntable and instead only showed Detonator being set upon by the House Robots. While there was no post-run interview in the Arena, the televised interview with Philippa Forrester was shown, highlighting the reactions of the Dartford Girls Grammar School team.

Mortispitreturn

Mortis returns to The Pits after its Gauntlet run

Recyclopse's Gauntlet run was similarly clipped to omit its exit from the turntable, starting as it knocked over the first set of skittles, but no post-run interview was included. Mortis' full Gauntlet run, including its team introduction, was featured, but their post-run interview with Jeremy Clarkson was not shown, neither were shots of the arena audience - including Rob Knight's girlfriend - booing the House Robots. Instead, this was followed by unused footage of Mortis returning to The Pits and driving through a set of double doors.

"With less dents in its bodywork than the Cambridge roboteers have in their confidence, Mortis makes its way back to the Pits."
— Craig Charles as Mortis re-enters the Pits

After a voiceover from Craig Charles commented on how the Gauntlet might have affected the team's confidence, the televised interview with Philippa Forrester played, where Rob Knight discusses the construction of Mortis. This cut to Detonator's pre-Trial interview, before cutting back to the remainder of Forrester's interview with Knight. The pre-Trial interview with Rex Garrod was left out entirely.

Detonatorrepair

Detonator being repaired ahead of the Trial

This was followed by additional footage of the Detonator team trying to fix the steering problems they had experienced during The Gauntlet. The team were seen filing the steering axle in an attempt to allow the robot to steer left, as well as Detonator then being fired up and tested. During this, an incoming data graphic stated that the combined weight of the competing robots was 1899kg, which would have equated to 2 Minis or 16 times Matilda's weight. The latter estimation is likely based on her original Series 1 statistics, which list a weight of 116kg.[1]

The full British Bulldog Trial was also shown, with some scenes substituted with additional footage from the House Robot cameras. Onboard clips included one of Matilda on her side, as viewed from Dead Metal's camera, after Matilda was flipped by Recyclopse. However, the post-round interviews with Jeremy Clarkson are removed. Recyclopse's post-Trial interview explaining its broken drive chain was also moved to be shown before that of Detonator, where the cause of the robot's demise was revealed to be flat batteries, compared to Claire Greenaway revealing this when interviewed by Clarkson prior. During the Trial, an incoming data graphic explained that it had taken more than 300 hours to build the original four House Robots, and that their combined weight based on their Series 1 statistics was 453kg.

Philippa Forrester: "Guys, Rex, who do you not want-- look at you! You've got oil all over your glasses, you've got a cut on your nose, look at the state of this man! Who don't you want to be pitched against for your final battle?"
Rex Garrod: "Doesn't worry me."
Philippa Forrester: "It doesn't worry you? That's the voice of confidence."
Rex Garrod: "Well, it's just fun. It's just fun!"
Philippa Forrester: "Let me just say, it's Scrapper."
Rex Garrod: "Oh it's Scrapper... oh dear."
Philippa Forrester: "It doesn't worry me! It's just a lot of fun, it doesn't worry me at all!"
Rex Garrod: "No, I've got nothing to worry about."
Philippa Forrester: "How are you going to rage the battle? What are your tactics?"
Rex Garrod: "The usual one - blow them off and face the Arena really!"
— Rex Garrod learns of his Semi-Final opponent
Garrodprearena

Rex Garrod discusses tactics

Before the Arena Semi-Final battles were shown, there was another short House Robot montage primarily featuring robots from this Heat. In this segment, clips of Mortis being chased by the House Robots, Matilda being flipped by Recyclopse, and a defeated Scrapper being attacked were shown. Also shown before the Arena stage was an unused pre-Arena interview with the Recyclopse team about their opponent being Scrapper, in place of the televised interview with the Scrapper team. In this interview, Rex Garrod talked about his enjoyment of the experience to this point, and that he was not concerned about going up against Scrapper.

Mortisprearena

Philippa Forrester, attempting to interview the Mortis team

An extended version of the pre-Arena interview with Leighbot was shown. Changes included an additional talking segment before the televised reveal that Leighbot would be facing Mortis, as well as Philippa Forrester trying to speak to the Mortis team as they prepare a motor and refit it. As noted by Forrester at the end of the interview, the Mortis team seemed more preoccupied with their repairs, and not in the least worried about facing Leighbot.

"Obviously a huge reaction there from the Mortis team who don't seem to be worried in the slightest about their adversary."
— Philippa Forrester

The short Semi-Final battle between Recyclopse and Scrapper was then shown, with Rex Garrod's post-fight interview with Jeremy Clarkson omitted and the Scrapper Pit interview being shown instead. Rex Garrod's interview revealing the extent of the damage Recyclopse suffered was slightly extended, including a brief clip of the repair work on Recyclopse's tongue taking place.

"I just hope it all works! We found we cracked one of the welds this morning and we bust the shear pin on the motor again, so we've had to weld it instead of pinning it now. The motor has just been bodged on and remounted and it's never tested as per normal, so..."
— Rob Knight explaining Mortis' motor issues
Mortisprearena2

Rob Knight explains the extent of the Mortis repairs

An extended version of the pre-Heat Final footage of the Mortis team entering the arena was placed just after Recyclopse's post-Semi-Final interview. Here, Rob Knight explained that a weld had cracked and that the shear pin on the motor had broken, giving rise to the urgent repair that took place during the earlier interview. Arthur Chilcott also noted that the repair had been finished approximately thirty-five seconds before Mortis was loaded to go into the arena. Mortis was then pushed into the arena in a clip that was actually broadcast ahead of the Heat Final, revealing this interview was intended to have been shown before their Semi-Final with Leighbot. Meanwhile, the team's televised pre-Arena interview, where Philippa Forrester and Rob Knight joked about whether Mortis was invincible, was moved to after they defeated Leighbot, and again extended.

HeatBfinalpreJD

Philippa Forrester polls the teams on their preferred winner

Noticeably, Forrester's next interview with the Mortis team, regarding avoiding going broadside to Recyclopse in the Heat Final, was absent. An edited-down version of the Heat Final was then shown, beginning from the moment when Jonathan Pearce mentions Mortis going broadside on. An alternate clip from Matilda's onboard camera, as she chased down Recyclopse, was also shown during the battle.

Philippa Forrester: "Here in the Pits, I think, erm... it's a bit biased, actually, towards one robot. (to roboteers) Guys, who do want to win this?"
Roboteers: "Recyclopse!"
— The roboteers' popular opinion on who won the Heat B Final.

Following the Heat Final, unused Pit footage of Forrester with the teams backstage from before and after the Judge's Decision was shown. In the pre-decision footage, Forrester asks the teams who they think won, with the roboteers unanimously deciding on Recyclopse.

"After weighing the evidence, the judges deliver their verdict."
— Craig Charles as the Judges deliberate on their first-ever decision
HeatBdecisionreveal

The Judges' decision is announced in The Pits

The post-decision footage, with Forrester delivering the decision to the teams, showed the roboteers cheering Recyclopse's victory like in the televised clip, but did not feature any overlaid commentary. An extended version of the footage at the end of the episode, of Forrester informing Rex Garrod of the decision being popular with the teams in the Pits, was then shown to round out the Heat review.

Despite appearing in the background of interviews, Uglybot is not referenced in any capacity. While Leighbot's Gauntlet run was not shown, televised footage from Sergeant Bash's onboard camera of Leighbot passing him while it was heading towards the second ramp appeared in an earlier montage. Scrapper's Gauntlet run was not featured either. However, footage of Scrapper's attempt to navigate the maze section, including the moment it was cornered and attacked by Shunt and Sergeant Bash, appeared briefly during later montages.

Arena Development[]

CarseyTFGW

Stephen Carsey discussing the design choices for the arena

"We didn't go too far that kind of sci-fi route, and make it too futuristic because again, that would really have been doing Robot Wars a disservice. Robot Wars is a sport for today, not the sport of tomorrow."
— Stephen Carsey

Following on from the Heat B review was a behind-the-scenes look at the design and construction of the original iteration of the UK Robot Wars arena. This incorporated footage previously seen in The Making of Robot Wars, as well as some original dialogue from Producer Stephen Carsey and Set Designer Steve Clark. Carsey spoke over previously used footage of Clark designing the scale drawing and scale model, and the set being constructed before filming began. In the segment, Carsey talked about how he wanted to avoid a grungy and futuristic look for the set, keeping away from an overt science-fiction theme as he felt that this aesthetic would do earlier series of the UK show a disservice.

ClarkTFGW

Steve Clark explains how the materials were sourced and used

"I was looking for things that were very striking, that's why we used the neon signs... a lot of neon, because it works very well on camera."
— Steve Clark

Steve Clark then spoke over footage from the scrapyard and the team sourcing the materials used in the arena design. In a previously unseen clip, Clark explained that he designed most of the set in metal, mentioning how scrapyards provided a lot of the scenery for the film and television industry, particularly for productions such as Judge Dredd and Star Wars, and as such he knew that it would be a useful source for his design. A lot of the clips used in this segment featured in The Making of Robot Wars, including Clark's comments on the use of neon and the idea of making sculptures out of metal, though Clark's discussion around his design philosophy and the scrapyard was shown exclusively in this segment. As the footage showed Clark and the team scouring the scrapyard, an incoming data graphic was shown, stating the particular scrapyard the materials were sourced from was Hanningfield Metals, where aircraft parts, missile components and various scrap metal pieces were purchased for a total cost of £2000.

Heat C[]

"The mayhem continues with more candidates for the Gauntlet"
— Craig Charles
PlunderbirdTFGWinterview

Philippa Forrester attempts to interview Mike Onslow

Plunderbird 1 was the first robot introduced, with its team introduction being shown before the Gauntlet run instead of during it as per the televised broadcast. While Plunderbird 1 had been introduced before Dreadnaut but attempted the Gauntlet after Dreadnaut on-screen, all of Plunderbird 1's introductory and Gauntlet footage was shown before Dreadnaut made a named on-screen appearance in the video.

Philippa Forrester: "Mike, will you talk to me? About your weaponry? I want to know what a fixed-beam laser-guided spike is."
Mike Onslow: "Well, it's a bit of serious business, and we're going to do some serious damage with it. Because we're serious people. And we're going to kick some butt."
Philippa Forrester: "Oh, well, good luck with that then."
— Mike Onslow explains Plunderbird 1's weapon

During the Gauntlet run, an unused Pit interview was shown, with the International Wreck Crew walking with Plunderbird 1 on a trolley towards the arena, barging past Philippa Forrester who tried to interview them. Forrester asked Mike Onslow about the laser-guided spike, who stated that it was serious business, all while continuing to walk towards the arena. The rest of Plunderbird 1's Gauntlet attempt was shown before Dreadnaut was introduced.

Dreadnaut's introduction, shown before Robot The Bruce's unlike in the televised broadcast, and Gauntlet run, including the team introduction, were shown as they were on television. However, unlike on television, the moment its internals catch fire played almost immediately after completing its Gauntlet run, rather than including a post-run interview and scoreboard prior to this. While the initial debrief from David Vowles shown after the fire is put out was shown in sequence, the following clip - with Vowles and Forrester discussing whether Plunderbird 1 might go through at the expense of Dreadnaut - was not. As in the televised version, Forrester's subsequent interview with the Plunderbird 1 team also discussed that possibility, with Mike Onslow saying it would not make them happy if it did occur. This was also out of sequence, but shown at this point as Plunderbird 1's Gauntlet run had already been shown in the Heat review. In the televised broadcast, the Onslow interview was shown before the discussion between the Dreadnaut team and Forrester.

Robotthebruceweighin

Robot The Bruce completes its weigh-in

Philippa Forrester: "So what's your tactic, because you've got no weapons?"
George Francis: "Lots of power, lots of traction, we're just going to smash them out of the way."
Philippa Forrester: "You can try, good luck with that!"
— George Francis outlines his strategy ahead of The Gauntlet

A previously unseen clip showing Robot The Bruce being weighed was shown before its Gauntlet run. The robot was deemed to just be within the limit for the heavyweight category, despite being listed on its Heat C statsboard as weighing over at 84.6kg. Following this confirmation, George Francis explained that his tactic was to use the power and traction of Robot The Bruce to smash the House Robots out of the way. Robot The Bruce's Gauntlet run was then shown in full, along with its team introduction, during which an incoming data graphic mentioned the combined length of all the competing robots when laid end to end would have been some 38 metres, equating to 27 Matildas or 13 Minis. Also shown during this was a clip from Shunt's onboard camera as he tried to axe Robot The Bruce.

This was followed by the subsequent interview with the Plunderbird team that was originally shown after WYSIWYG's Gauntlet run in the televised episode. Here, Philippa Forrester asked the team if they were keeping their fingers crossed, with Jonathan Pearce's commentary appropriately adjusted slightly. The review of the Gauntlet ended with the televised interview of the Dreadnaut team, outlining the repairs made to allow their machine to continue.

"Move over, Vinnie Jones. These are the real hard men of soccer. The rules are: score a goal and you go through."
— Craig Charles explains the Football Trial

The Football Trial, the only time WYSIWYG and Cruella were shown in highlights from this Heat, was mostly intact but edited down for time. Referring to it as "Soccer", Craig Charles provided a voiceover explaining the rules of the Trial as the first round began. The second round was shortened to start at the moment Jonathan Pearce noticed Dreadnaut's "goal hanging". Additionally, the replay of the moment confirming Wedgehog's inadvertent win was omitted. Fittingly, an incoming data graphic during the second round stated that the total time of battle durations in Series 1 would equate to 90 minutes, or a full match of real soccer. The third round cut from the moment Dead Metal grabbed Dreadnaut to the moment when he hit WYSIWYG after the latter crashed into him. The post-Trial interview with the Dreadnaut team was shown as it had been on television, alongside an additional interview with them before the Arena stage. The second interview was introduced by another voiceover from Craig Charles, questioning whether the team would be ready for the next round.

Dreadnautprearenainterview

Ken Feltwell discusses the latest repairs to Dreadnaut

"Dreadnaut is dismantled yet again. Will they be ready in time for the Semi-Final?"
— Craig Charles as Dreadnaut is seen to again

In this interview, Ken Feltwell explained to Philippa Forrester that the repairs were progressing and that the robot should be ready to be tested in five minutes. This was followed by a third voiceover from Craig Charles, noting that Dreadnaut should be able to continue provided it could be put back together in time.

"Dreadnaut lives to fight again, IF it can be put back together again in time. Fingers crossed that the motor will keep its cool."
— Craig Charles hoping for Dreadnaut to not burn out in the Semi-Final

During the Arena stage, only Wedgehog's Arena battles were shown. Its Semi-Final with Dreadnaut was significantly edited down for time, making it look as though Dreadnaut broke down almost immediately after Jonathan Pearce's comments on the latter's need to win the battle early. The audio from the opening second of the clip, where Philippa Forrester and the Robot The Bruce team learn of the team's opponent after Dreadnaut breaks down, remained. Otherwise, the video cut immediately to an extended version of the post-fight interview with the Dreadnaut team, where the team discussed their progress and their learnings from the competition.

Mickcutterinterview

Philippa Forrester asks Mick Cutter about strategies ahead of the Heat Final

Philippa Forrester: "Now, let me guess, favourites for the event, you're just going to ram them all the way and hope you'll get through like that"
Mick Cutter: "That's right, yeah. They're quite a bit lighter than we are, so hopefully we can just get on a part, and not get tipped over and just push them out of the way."
Philippa Forrester: "Fantastic. Thing is, this strategy is working, isn't it?"
— Heat final tactics are discussed between Philippa and Mick Cutter

The Heat Final was preceded by extended versions of both finalists' pre-Final interviews, where both teams talked through their strategies in more detail. The Heat Final itself was broadcast with a slight edit; a clip from Shunt's onboard camera as he attacks a stranded Wedgehog is shown, as Jonathan Pearce comments on Matilda attacking Wedgehog. This substitutes footage of Shunt chasing after Robot The Bruce as shown in the episode. The post-fight interviews were not broadcast and the Heat review ended with another montage of clips, which included the moment when Sergeant Bash lost his saw on Wedgehog, as originally televised in its Semi-Final.

Heat D[]

Apart from onboard camera footage from Matilda during the Semi-Final between Demolisher and SAT'arn, no highlights from this Heat were shown at all. As such, Krayzee Tokyo, Bugs, and Vector of Armageddon receive no acknowledgement at any point.

Heat E[]

Bodyhammer was the first robot introduced and received its full televised entrance. However, its Gauntlet run was edited and only the second half was shown, where Bodyhammer exited the maze section, negotiated the grilles and floor spikes and crossed into the end zone. Despite a shot of Robin Herrick's reaction to completing the course, his post-run interview with Jeremy Clarkson was not shown, and instead, the interview with the Cold Fusion Team originally broadcast at the end of the episode was played in extended form.

Stevejonesinterview

Steve Jones gives his thoughts on Bodyhammer's performance, with Wharthog in the background

Philippa Forrester: "It was a bit dodgy at one point, wasn't it?"
Steve Jones: "It was close, wasn't it? Very close... bad driving."
Philippa Forrester: "Can I just say, you don't look full of the joys of spring - you look absolutely shattered."
Steve Jones: "Well it's the modifications to the vehicle, it's... hard."
Philippa Forrester: "Rumour has it that you were here until 11.30 last night in the Pits working on this?"
Steve Jones: "Just about!"
— Steve Jones assesses events so far

Here, Bodyhammer engineer Steve Jones jokingly commented on Robin Herrick's "bad driving", referring to their near miss with the grille in the Gauntlet rather than in the Heat Final. Philippa Forrester commented on how tired the team looked after working for long hours on their robot. Jones noted that working on modifying Bodyhammer throughout the competition had been hard - Bodyhammer had been reconfigured for the arena and lost its eponymous hammer weapon - as well as confirming that the team had been in The Pits working on the robot until almost 11.30 pm the night before.

REALITrepairs

The REALI-T team explain their wheel damage

REALI-T was introduced with its televised entrance, and with the mid-Gauntlet run team introduction being shown immediately afterwards. Rather than then showing REALI-T's attempt at the Gauntlet, the segment cut immediately to an extended version of their post-Trial interview, where the team discussed the broken wheel, albeit without the televised close-ups of REALI-T's powertrain.

"We've got to look at the gearbox and we might have to send for a replacement shaft from the makers of the motor... but it means a trip to Reading."
— The REALI-T team face the reality of their mechanical problem

Here, following the televised mention of the need for a replacement part, the team stated that it might need to be sourced by travelling to Reading before the next round began. The team did stress that the robot was capable of running on four wheels rather than its original six, but that this would come at the expense of power in the robot. This led to the next televised part of the interview, where the team claimed that the House Roboteers overheard their claim that they were going for Matilda. When asked by Philippa Forrester, the team confirmed outright that Matilda was the cause of the damage, as a head-on attack with her during the Trial had broken the wheel. They also jokingly claimed that they would get back at Matilda for the damage caused. The remainder of the interview, where Forrester admonished the team for not heeding her advice of not attacking the House Robots, was then played as it was seen on television.

This Heat review not only skipped REALI-T's Gauntlet run, but also the remaining Gauntlet runs, along with much of the Labyrinth Trial and Arena Semi-Finals. As such, Wharthog and Psychosprout are not featured aside from cameo roles in Pit interviews. Torque of the Devil appeared in an earlier montage being attacked by Shunt and then inadvertently pulled free from the right-hand side bars by him, as viewed from the House Robot's onboard camera. A later montage also showed Torque of the Devil being slammed back onto the bars by Bodyhammer, both clips being taken from their Semi-Final. Full Metal Anorak's clash with REALI-T likewise only appeared during montage footage from Matilda. Onboard footage of Shunt trying to axe Bodyhammer during Labyrinth, along with a televised clip of Sergeant Bash using his flamethrower near Torque of the Devil and Full Metal Anorak in the same Trial, appeared in several montages.

REALITprefinal

REALI-T is taken to the arena ahead of the Heat E Final

Two unused pre-Heat Final interviews were then shown, where the Bodyhammer team expressed quiet confidence as they pushed their robot into the arena, and the REALI-T team confirmed that the repairs had been completed, but not without being concerned about the 37kg weight difference between the two machines. The REALI-T team also jokingly hoped that the Judges might take the weight difference into account when making any decisions, to the amused scepticism of Philippa Forrester. As they entered the arena, the REALI-T team could also be heard joking that they hoped the Bodyhammer team would take the weight difference into account as well.

REALITMatilda

An alternate view of Matilda attacking REALI-T

An edited-down version of the Heat Final between Bodyhammer and REALI-T was then shown. Missing from this version was Bodyhammer driving into Dead Metal's CPZ and being briefly stuck there, and an alternative view from Matilda's onboard camera is used when she attacks REALI-T in her CPZ. An onboard camera shot from Shunt's view, when he inadvertently pushed Bodyhammer off the grille and got stuck himself, was also shown, omitting REALI-T's attempt to stop him from doing so. Also missing from this edit was a short clip of Bodyhammer running onto the spikes in Matilda's CPZ while REALI-T drifted towards the arena side bars, along with most of the footage leading up to when Bodyhammer rammed into REALI-T and beached it on the arena hazard to secure victory for the Cold Fusion Team. This editing gave the impression that Sergeant Bash had helped eliminate REALI-T, ramming and attacking the latter with his flamethrower. During the battle, an incoming data graphic stated that each House Robot was powered by two 12V batteries that had to be recharged constantly throughout the three days of filming. This also addressed complications in getting to Matilda's batteries, as her batteries were only accessible when her tusks were removed.

REALITsoundcheck

REALI-T's siren is briefly revived

The post-fight interviews from The Pits followed. Instead of REALI-T's televised interview, in which its team showed the damage sustained to their robot's powertrain during the fight and lamented their loss due to the weight difference, an unused clip was shown, where the team noted that the only damage suffered was the circuitry powering the sound effects. Ironically, REALI-T's siren briefly fired back into life, with the team joking that repair work was still needed despite their elimination.

BodyhammerS1interview

The Cold Fusion Team talk sportsmanship

Steve Jones: "We don't want there to be a winner and a loser because we've had such a good time, you know? We've all sort of become quite good friends, really."
Andrew Dayton-Lovett: "That's actually been the nicest thing about the whole competition, it's been the way everybody's helped everybody else out. The atmosphere, really, here has just been brilliant. It's just a pity there had to be losers."
— The Cold Fusion Team highlight the atmosphere in The Pits

As the televised interview with them at the end of the episode had already been shown earlier, an unused interview with the Cold Fusion Team was then shown, where Philippa Forrester talked to Steve Jones and Andrew Dayton-Lovett about the camaraderie and sportsmanship among the teams in the Pits. The team mentioned how the teams were so friendly and supportive towards one another, with teams always prepared to help each other with repairs. While Dayton-Lovett then joked about how that attitude did not apply in the arena itself, he spoke positively about the experience of the competition as the segment ended.

Philippa Forrester: "Contrary to popular opinion, you don't all hate each other?"
Andrew Dayton-Lovett: "No, not at all. When we're in there? Ah, that's different! Here? It's very friendly."
— Philippa and Andrew Dayton-Lovett discuss attitudes inside and outside the Arena

Heat F[]

TRACIEBashgauntlet

T.R.A.C.I.E. moves beyond Sergeant Bash

Bashdiscdamage

Previous damage to the disc of Sergeant Bash

T.R.A.C.I.E. was the first robot introduced in this Heat review, receiving its full televised entrance. T.R.A.C.I.E.'s Gauntlet run featured previously unseen clips from Sergeant Bash's onboard camera as it dodged past the House Robot and covered the first few metres of the course. After the T.R.A.C.I.E. team's introduction that had previously been seen on television, final clips from both Sergeant Bash's and then Matilda's onboard cameras were shown. These clips documented another instance where Sergeant Bash's circular saw took damage. While this was unacknowledged and unexplained in the clip, the damage came from an earlier Gauntlet attempt, when Elvis had been attacked by Sergeant Bash and the saw had been damaged upon making contact with its shell.

An unused clip from The Pits followed T.R.A.C.I.E.'s run, where Andrew Rockliffe confirmed to one of The Blob's team members that the robot had not got stuck in the railings, but rather an issue with the microswitches had caused T.R.A.C.I.E. to stop moving entirely. A narration from Craig Charles noted that T.R.A.C.I.E. should be able to continue after some repairs, as the team commented on how unlikely and unexpected the issue had been.

ElvisBashgauntlet

Elvis is attacked by Sergeant Bash

"A little microswitch microsurgery for T.R.A.C.I.E., and all should be well."
— Craig Charles on the T.R.A.C.I.E. team's unexpected problem

Elvis was then introduced with its televised entrance. Although its Gauntlet run was shown in full, another unused clip from Sergeant Bash's onboard camera was shown, as the House Robot attacked with his flamethrower before the Gauntlet timer ran down. This was spliced in during Jonathan Pearce's "Blue Suede Shoes" reference.

"Things haven't gone too well in T.R.A.C.I.E.'s Pit, and the repair work continues. Will they get her ready in time?"
— Craig Charles as the T.R.A.C.I.E. team discovered more problems with their robot
TRACIEpitinterview

The T.R.A.C.I.E. team discuss their robot's status

Philippa Forrester: "Dramatic news just breaking here in The Pits - it turns out that T.R.A.C.I.E. is having terrible technical problems with speed control. It may well be that Elvis is not dead... yet. What was the result of that test, guys?"
Andrew Rockliffe: "Well, we don't know really. We know that the motors work, but we need to try it with the controller now. So yes, Elvis might live."
— Andrew Rockliffe updates Philippa on T.R.A.C.I.E.'s mechanical problems

Following Elvis' run, additional unseen post-Gauntlet footage in The Pits was shown, highlighting T.R.A.C.I.E. having speed control problems. Another voiceover from Craig Charles questioned whether the team would be ready for the next round. Philippa Forrester then appeared on screen to confirm this issue, along with the news that T.R.A.C.I.E. might not be repairable and that Elvis could progress to the next round instead. Forrester asked Andrew Rockliffe about the state of T.R.A.C.I.E., and he confirmed that the motors were working, but tests with the controller were required. Rockliffe conceded that Elvis might live to fight on into the Trial.

Lambethinjury

Neil Lambeth noting his injured finger

Philippa Forrester: "If you are back in the running, which you're obviously furiously preparing for, how do you think you'll do in the next event?"
Neil Lambeth: "Uhh... well we're going to win, aren't we? We nearly won the last one. It was close, you know, we nearly got there. But I'm sure, this time, it will be a whitewash, we'll walk through it."
— Neil Lambeth optimistically reviews Elvis' performance

An unseen interview with the Elvis team followed, where Forrester asked Neil Lambeth about how confident he was in repairing Elvis and the robot's chances in the next round. He replied confidently and joked that Elvis had nearly won in the Gauntlet, much to Forrester's amusement, so the Trial should be a walkover for his robot. Neil Lambeth's finger injury was also highlighted, revealing that he had cut it on an angle grinder on the first day of filming. He also stated that this would not affect his driving performance, as he had a transmitter with a side switch for this reason.

A third clip of the T.R.A.C.I.E. team was then shown, where Andrew Rockliffe said that despite the team working all day on the problem, T.R.A.C.I.E. was still not ready, but they were going to attempt the Trial regardless. When pressed for more information, Rockliffe stated that the robot needed more power, but that that was not possible. As a consequence, while T.R.A.C.I.E. would be operable, the robot would be very slow. Rockliffe hoped that the House Robots would go easy on them, and joked that he hoped they would be susceptible to bribery to allow T.R.A.C.I.E. to progress. Philippa Forrester laughed and dismissed both ideas. The final clip shown in the sequence was the televised clip confirming Elvis' elimination from the competition.

While the Snooker Trial was not shown, both T.R.A.C.I.E.'s Semi-Final against Prince of Darkness and Final against Skarab were featured. The Semi-Final battle was edited to skip the pre-fight interviews, and the countdown to begin the battle was overlaid over the battle card, skipping the shots of the robots in the arena before the battle. T.R.A.C.I.E.'s initial charge and aggression were missing from the battle, but the initial attack on Prince of Darkness was retained. The mid-fight clip of Philippa Forrester and the Skarab team watching the fight remained, despite the Semi-Final between Skarab and The Blob being omitted from the review. Also missing was T.R.A.C.I.E.'s post-fight interview, and the pre-Final interview for Team Isis.

The Heat Final itself was a mostly complete version of the televised broadcast, with one or two minor clips removed. During the final, an incoming data graphic revealed that parts from children's go-karts were used in the construction of the House Robots and that the chain on Matilda's chainsaw had to be replaced four times throughout the recording. While Jeremy Clarkson announcing the Judges' Decision was omitted, an interview held in the arena itself between the King Edward VI Grammar School team and Philippa Forrester was played instead.

TRACIEarenainterview

The T.R.A.C.I.E. team in the arena after their battle with Skarab

Philippa Forrester: "First of all, well done, but you're obviously very aware that you have to stay in the Arena now for the final melee?"
Andrew Rockliffe: "Yes... we're just a bit worried. We don't quite know what damage has been sustained, but she's a tough old girl, she'll be OK. "
Philippa Forrester: "You did very well, you got some aggressive moves in there on Sergeant Bash as well."
Andrew Rockliffe: "Yeah, I mean, the House Robots have been giving people grief all day so we had to get one back for the lads"
Philippa Forrester: "Haha, you did that, good luck!"
— Philippa interview the T.R.A.C.I.E. team after the Heat Final

Forrester reminded the team that they were staying in the arena for the Grand Final battle. Andrew Rockliffe expressed concern that there was no time to inspect T.R.A.C.I.E. for any damage, but was confident that the robot would be fine. He agreed with Forrester that their Final performance had been strong against Skarab, feeling that it was redemption for the difficulties the team had endured throughout the day. He also justified their late attacks on Sergeant Bash and Matilda, feeling that the House Robots had been giving other competitors grief for too long.

The Heat F review did not showcase Eubank the Mouse in any capacity, although it makes a cameo in The Pits during the clip explaining T.R.A.C.I.E.'s microswitch problems. Clips of its original 1995 incarnation, The Mouse were also showcased in the UK Open highlights.

"The tension is becoming unbearable as the robots are made ready for the Grand Final, to determine who will become the first British Robot Wars series champion. Even the House Robots are receiving last-minute attention to ensure that they are at their destructive best."
— Craig Charles during the House Robot maintenance montage
DeadmetalS1GF

Dead Metal being worked on before the Grand Final

Reynoldsbasharena

Chris Reynolds helps to repair Sergeant Bash

Before the Grand Final, a montage of the crew examining and repairing the House Robots was shown, which included previously unseen footage alongside a couple of clips broadcast in The Making of Robot Wars. There was a focus on repairs to Dead Metal, including on his wheels, and some welding repairs to Sergeant Bash. A clip of Matilda's tyres being inflated was also shown, alongside Chris Reynolds in the Arena putting Sergeant Bash back together ahead of the final bout. During this footage, an incoming data graphic noted that each of the House Robots broke down significantly at least twice during filming, and that there were more than ten technicians on hand in case repairs to them were needed.

A very short clip of Roadblock being loaded onto the turntable concluded the montage, transitioning directly into the Grand Finalist roll call. The roll call of the six Finalists was shown as it had been on television, before Philippa Forrester's pre-fight comments were shown ahead of the Grand Final itself.

Roadblocktrophypose

The Bodmin Community College team pose with their trophy

The Grand Final battle was shown in full as it had been televised, although the footage of Jeremy Clarkson calling for the Judges' decision was removed and the footage cut straight to the replays. Following the replay, instead of the build-up to the trophy presentation involving Clarkson, an extended look at the Judges making their decision was shown, with narration from Craig Charles. Roadblock was announced by Charles as the winner. The Bodmin Community College team were seen lifting the trophy in celebration on the podium, before posing with both the trophy and Roadblock in the Pits; the latter clip having originally been shown right at the end of the end credits of The Making of Robot Wars.

"The judges take their time coming to their momentous decision. Who is to be the champion? The whole arena and the teams in the Pits await the verdict with bated breath. It's the Roadblock team of Hender Blewett, Peter Kinsey and Chris Kinsey from Bodmin Community College! Well done, lads!"
— Craig Charles sums up the Judges' decision of the Grand Final
Derek falls

Derek Foxwell falls entering the arena

Following the Grand Final, a montage of footage from across the video set to various lines from Jonathan Pearce was shown, including two outtakes of Philippa Forrester making mistakes with her lines - one where she refers to teams of radio-controlled experts and one where she stumbles over a pre-Arena transition. The aforementioned outtake of Derek Foxwell falling into the arena as he attempted to extinguish the flames on Nemesis is also shown from two different angles. The screen then cut to video static after Matilda's flipping by Recyclopse in Heat B, fading to black to close the Heat highlights.

Epilogue[]

"It's okay, you can come out now. You can tell your friends you survived the classic battles, the unseen action, the wanton destruction of Robot Wars. And it's not over yet, 'cause we've got that epic confrontation between Thor and The Master still to come."
— Craig Charles
CraigTFGWepilogue

Craig Charles presenting the epilogue to the video

In an epilogue, Craig Charles informed viewers that the battle between Thor and The Master was still to come. Prior to this, he promoted the then-new original Robot Wars UK website where the viewers could see the latest news and developments, along with providing the original web address for the website (www.robotwars.co.uk). He also gave information on the Robot Wars Club in a similar vein to how Jonathan Pearce did so at the end of episodes of the TV series, including nearly word-for-word the same dialogue. The video from the membership pack was also explicitly identified in this case as one for American Robot Wars. As was normally seen with Robot Wars Club advertisements, there was a reminder of the dangers of building and operating a combat robot, and that interested parties should join the Club to receive the safety guidelines and technical advice. Charles also promoted merchandise that was available exclusively to Club members, namely T-shirts, caps, posters of the House Robots, and more. Unlike in the television episodes, although the "Information Hotline" number was present on-screen, it was not addressed by Charles' voiceover. Instead, Charles repeated the on-screen address to which membership fees could be sent, after which the hotline number was substituted with the website's web address, which Charles also repeated.

"And now it's time for you to strap yourselves in and cry mercy, as we leave you with the ultimate robotic confrontation."
— Craig Charles

The video concluded with an extended version of the battle between Thor and The Master shown in Heat D, with The Master emerging victorious. For more information on this battle, see here.

As the fight between Thor and The Master wore on, the credits rolled along the bottom of the screen. Despite only appearing in footage from the series, Philippa Forrester was credited as one of the presenters rather than as Pit Reporter. As with main television episodes, Stephen Carsey was credited as the Producer of the video. 

Constructor's Guide[]

Main article: Robot Wars: The Constructor's Guide

Incoming Data[]

Throughout the video, a series of facts and statistics from Series 1, as well as some relating to the 1995 UK Open, were revealed as they scrolled across the bottom of the screen at relevant times:

1995 UK Open
  • The development of Robot Wars as a TV programme took almost three years...A written proposal was presented to the BBC in April 1995...The programme was piloted in November 1995...The first series was recorded in November 1997 and broadcast soon after at the beginning of 1998.
  • Three American robots were invited to take part in the British Open competition - The Master, La Machine and Thor - British customs officials had to be convinced that they shouldn't be classified as weapons before being allowed into the country.
Series 1
  • The conceptual artwork for Robot Wars was created by 2000 AD artist Tom Carney.
  • 155 roboteers competed in the First Wars...The average age of the combat veteran was 27...Unlike Vietnam!
  • The combined distance covered in the Gauntlet totalled 340 metres.
  • Over 150 individuals were involved in the production from stagehands and caterers to lighting directors and security men.
  • The First Wars were recorded over three days...An army marches on its stomach...The crew and competitors consumed 6000 cups of tea, 1500 bacon rolls, 7500 chocolate biscuits, 1200 sandwiches, 78 gallons of milk, 600 litres of mineral water, 17kg of sugar, 1100 sausages, 1600 cakes and 560 tins of baked beans!
  • The combined weight of all the competing robots in the First Wars totalled 1899kg...the equivalent of 16 Matildas or 2 Minis.
  • Each House Robot took over 300 hours to build...The combined weight of Sergeant Bash, Shunt, Dead Metal and Matilda equals 453kg.
  • The scrap metal used to dress the set of Robot Wars was salvaged from Hanningfield Metals in East London...A skip full of aircraft parts, missile components and assorted scrap metal was delivered to the location...cost £2000.
  • The competing robots laid end-to-end would measure 38 metres...the equivalent of 27 Matildas or 13 Minis.
  • Just over 90 minutes of combat took place during the First Wars...the equivalent of a full game of soccer.
  • Each House Robot is powered by 2 x 12V batteries which have to be recharged constantly during recording...Matilda's batteries can only be reached when her tusks are removed.
  • Sergeant Bash, Shunt, Matilda and Dead Metal all used components from children's Go-Karts...during the shoot Matilda had to have her chainsaw chain replaced four times.
  • Each House Robot suffered at least two major breakdowns during the recording of the First Wars...A team of over ten technicians were on constant standby to keep them running.

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

Gruntonboard

Footage from Grunt's onboard camera

  • The video's title comes from the original name of World War I, The Great War.
  • The original UK VHS release shipped in a collectable tin box that included the VHS tape in a standard case.
  • The VHS back cover contains an advertisement for the Robot Wars Technical Manual.
  • In the footage from the 1995 UK Open, a brief clip is shown of Grunt taking on The Mouse. A portion of this clip is taken from an onboard camera mounted on Grunt, making the fight one of the only known battles where a camera was attached to a competing robot. Footage from Grunt's battle with The Master and Grunt pirouetting in the arena is also shown from this onboard perspective. While the House Robots would be fitted with cameras that would provide footage for television broadcasts, this was the only time a competitor robot provided onboard footage for use in official media, as Facet's onboard camera was only used by the team in Series 3.
TFGWendcard

The Mentorn International end card used in the VHS release

  • Noticeably, the original VHS release of the video featured an end card for Mentorn International placed at the end of The First Great War. The later DVD releases would replace this with the Mentorn end card used in televised broadcasts from Extreme 1 onwards. The Constructor's Guide would use the TV21/Mentorn end card instead.
  • A series of clips highlighting repairs to the House Robots was shown ahead of the Grand Final, despite the House Robots not being used in the battle.
  • Despite the on-screen factoid that the scrapyard used for the construction of the Robot Wars set stating that the scrapyard was based in East London, it was located in Chelmsford, Essex.

References[]

  1. 'Meet The House Robots', Robot Wars Club Newsletter, Issue 1 (1998), pp.4-5 (p.5)

Navigation[]

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