The idea of holographic messages from the dead was inspired by Jor-El's message to his son in Superman (1978).
The appearance of the Dragon was inspired by the Xenomorph from Alien (1979). Scenes where it is hunted through corridors by soldiers with large guns and motion detectors before it ambushes them was inspired by Aliens (1986).
This episode was watched by 5 million viewers on its original transmission.
Doctor Who: Dragonfire: Part Two (1987) was broadcast 2 days after the birth of Karen Gillan on November 28th 1987. Karen Gillan later played Amy Pond, companion of The Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) in the 5th season of Doctor Who (2005).