Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1556 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-07-19
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Format: PAL
• Number of discs: 9

Amazon.co.uk Review
"Filmed in VIDECOLOR [explosions, drum roll, music builds to a climax] and SUPERMARIONATION"! The opening sequence of Thunderbirds is itself a masterclass in Gerry Anderson's marionette hyperbole: who else would dare to make a virtue out of the fact that (a) the show is in colour and (b) it's got puppets in it? But everything about this series really is epic: Thunderbirds is action on the grandest scale, pre-dating such high-concept Hollywood vehicles as Armaggedon by 30 years and more (the acting is better, too), and fetishising gadgets in a way that even the most excessive Bond movies could never hope to rival. Unsurprisingly, it transpires that the visual effects are by Derek Meddings, whose later contributions to Bond movies like The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker echo his pioneering model work here.

As to the characters, the clean-cut Tracey boys take second place in the audiences' affections to their cool machines--the real stars of the show--while comic relief is to be found in the charming company of Lady Penelope and her pink Rolls (number plate FAB1), driven by lugubrious chauffeur Parker, whose "Yes, milady" catch phrase resonated around school playgrounds for decades. (Spare a thought for poor old John Tracey, stuck up in space on Thunderbird 5 with only the radio for company.) The puppet stunt-work is breathtakingly audacious, and every week's death-defying escapade is nail-bitingly choreographed in the very best tradition of disaster movies. First shown in 1964 and now digitally remastered, Thunderbirds is children's TV that still looks and sounds like big-budget Hollywood.

In this box set: all 32 episodes on eight discs, plus a bonus DVD featuring "The Thunderbirds Companion", an action-packed compilation which features the very best Thunderbirds rescues and scenes and tells the whole story behind Gerry Anderson's legendary action adventure series. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with Gerry Anderson, David Graham (the voice of Parker, Brains and Kyrano), Thunderbirds directors Alan Patillo and Bob Bell, and puppeteer John Blundall. --Mark Walker

Special Features
- Tracy Island FAB Fact file - Gerry Anderson FAB Fact file - Machines FAB Fact file - Characters FAB Fact file - Printable CD Rom Thunderbird 1 Cross Section - Printable CD Rom FAB 1 & FAB 2 - Printable CD Rom Thunderbird 2 Cross section - Printable CD Rom Tracy Island Illustration - Thunderbirds: The Characters Featurette - Thunderbirds: The Machines Featurette - Thunderbirds: Lady Penelope & Parker Featurette - Quiz Your Brains With Hidden Bonus - F.A.B Fact File - Making Of Featurette (3 Mins) - Printable CD Rom Thunderbird 3 Cross Section - Original Brochure Artwork - Original Memorabilia Section - Two Original TV Commercials - Printable CD Rom Thunderbird 4 Cross Section - Original Thunderbirds Spec Sheets Artwork - Printable CD Rom Thunderbird 5 Cross Section - Thunderbirds: The Secrets Featurette - Printable CD Rom F.A.B Mansion Cross Section

Customer Reviews

TV equivalent of comfort food
This was the series which I grew up with - they were repeats shown on BBC2 on a Saturday afternoon, just after the old murder mystery film (usually Margaret Rutherford's Miss Marple or Basil Rathbone's Sherlock Holmes).

The box set contains all of the 32 episodes that were made by Gerry Anderson. The episodes are split over 8 discs; each disc includes a special features section and quiz. The 9th disc contains a 53.36 minute documentary with Brains taking us through the background to International Rescue, and including interview clips with Gerry Anderson and several of the people involved in the making of Thunderbirds.

The two feature films "Thunderbirds are Go" and "Thunderbird 6" are not included but are available - Thunderbirds Are Go / Thunderbird Six [DVD] [1966].

Sir Lou Grade, who was head of ITC at the time, viewed the hour long pilot episode "Trapped in the Sky" and is quoted to have said "That's not a TV series. That's a feature film." On viewing 30 minute second episode he then demanded that all episodes be an hour in length. After that each episode of Thunderbirds then became a mini feature film for children.

These discs are a much improved transfer than the 8 disc series - the image appears clearer, and there is a notable enhancement in the sound track as well. I believe that they were well worth getting, though I will be looking out for the 12 disc anniversary version to add to my collection.

I have and will always look back on Thunderbirds with a great deal of affection. For me it is the TV equivalent of comfort food.

Still a fantastic series
What can you say that hasn't already been said about this fantastic sci-fi series? The special effects still hold their own even today, forget about the strings; the stories, the vehicles and the characters are all excellent. I only hope the movie to be released soon can reach the heights that Thunderbirds the series did. Now on DVD the picture has been cleaned up and the sound is excellent. At this price it is an absolute must for fans of the series.

It's not just for the Kids
Thunderbirds was, and in my opinion still is one of the best Television shows ever made, I can still remember watching the series when it was first aired (I am old enough believe me) holding the sleeves of my jumper tied at the waist was just like having the controls of Thunderbird One in my hands. This DVD series really takes me back, so thank you Jerry Anderson for one of the best and possibly greatest shows of all time, never stop making the DVD's please I am in danger of wearing these out.