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Thunderbirds: Volume 5 [1965]


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Editorial
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.

On this DVD: The four episodes are: "The Man from MI5", "Cry Wolf", "Danger at Ocean Deep" and "Move and You're Dead".


A collection of episodes that never fail to enthrall
Review date: 2001-05-03 Rating: 10 out of 10

I well remember seeing these episodes the first time around (especially Move and Your Dead) in black and white. By the time they came to be repeated I saw them in colour for the first time and thought that was a big step forward. Now seeing them on DVD having been digitally restored I have been able to enjoy them again. They simply were well ahead of their time not only in the excellent storytelling but the technical excellence. All four episodes are worth watching over and over again. As I have said Move and Your Dead has always remained in my memory since the first time I worried that Alan was doomed to destruction. The man from MI5 gives Lady Penelope one of her starring roles. All round a great escape from adulthood.

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Actor(s):
John Tate

Creators:
John Tate (Primary Contributor)
John Read (Cinematographer)
Gerry Anderson (Writer)
Sylvia Anderson (Writer)

Recording label: ITV DVD
Manufacturer: ITV DVD
EAN: 5037115006936
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2004-07-19
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Region code: 2
Running time: 197 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1965-10-02
Language: English (Original Language)

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