Product: Thunderbirds [VHS] (1965)
Rating: 5.0
Vintage Gerry Anderson!
By far, the very best of the Gerry Anderson Supermarionation series, is the Thunderbirds! When the Andersons started with Supercar, the process of Supermarionation was crude by today's standards. As each series progressed, the process was refined and improved. The first test came, when Stingray was released. Stingray focused on its story line and its characters. Even though Stingray lasted for one season, the experience allowed the Andersons and their production team, to develop the Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds is the story of former astronaut turned businessman, Jeff Tracy. Mr. Tracy used his fortune, to develop a world wide rescue service that would be known as International Rescue. His chief scientist, Brains, allowed the Thunderbirds to become a reality. Mr. Tracy knew in order for his organization to be effective, it had to remain a secret to the outside world in regards to their location or their base of operations. Enlisting the services of his sons Scott, Virgil, Alan, Gordon and John, enhanced the security of their operations. Their chief nemesis, is "The Hood". He was always after the secrets of International Rescue and the Thunderbird ships themselves. International Rescue had the equipment available, to handle any type of rescue situation - above or below the sea, above or below ground, in the air or in space. Having a proper lady like Lady Penelope and her chauffer Parker, to handle the convert aspects of International Rescue, adds to the appeal to the Thunderbirds. The Andersons kept the story line they used during Stingray. The Good Guys won over the Bad Guys and the ones who were in trouble, were rescued at the end.The Thunderbirds lasted for two seasons. When it was not picked up by one of the networks in the United States, the production of the Thunderbirds came to an end. The series continued to enjoy success during its runs in syndication. The success of the original Thunderbirds series, led to a major motion picture, starring Bill Paxson as Jeff Tracy. Director Jonathan Frakes, kept with the story line of the original series. Ben Kingsley was very good in his role as The Hood.The 40th anniversary collectors set of the Thunderbirds, is a must for anyone's DVD Collection. The Thunderbirds can be best described as "Vintage Gerry Anderson!"