Lenticular technology specialists Hive Associates helped to create the new cover, which features the 11th doctor, Matt Smith, and his new assistant Amy Pond, who is played by Karen Gillian.

The HD3D technology is considered to be better quality than traditional lenticular designs. However, this technology is approximately 20% more expensive than standard definition lenticular because more materials are used.

Phil Sharpe, creative director at Hive Associates, said: "People still want more of this technology despite the higher costs. We have just been working with Classic Rock, for example."

Sharpe added that the success of 3D adventure blockbuster Avatar had generated interest in the technology.

Will Guyatt, media relations manager for Future, said: "These covers have proved popular before among the readership. If there was a special occasion, we would certainly do a similar type of cover again."

Dave Bradley, editor-in-chief of SFX, said: "The 3D cover is the perfect celebration for a British series, which continues to thrill audiences 47 years after its debut.

"The cover strikingly matches the tone of the new series and, if you look carefully, you can see the first glimpse of the returning villains, the Weeping Angels."