Thunderbirds

Thunderbirds is a British science-fiction television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson,
It was produced between 1964 and 1966 using a form of electronic marionette puppetry
(dubbed "Supermarionation") combined with scale model special effects sequences.
Two series were filmed, comprising a total of 32 episodes. Production ceased after
Lew Grade, the Andersons' financial backer, failed in his efforts to sell the program
to American network television.

Set in the mid-2060s, Thunderbirds is a follow-up to the earlier Supermarionation productions
Four Feather Falls, Supercar, Fireball XL5 and Stingray. It follows the exploits of International
Rescue (IR), a life-saving organization equipped with technologically-advanced land, sea,
air and space rescue craft; these are headed by a fleet of five vehicles named the
Thunderbirds and launched from IR's secret base in the Pacific Ocean. The main characters
are ex-astronaut Jeff Tracy, the founder of IR, and his five adult sons, who pilot the
Thunderbird machines.

Thunderbirds began its first run in the United Kingdom on the ITV network in 1965 and has
since been broadcast in at least 66 other countries. Periodically repeated, it was adapted
for radio in the early 1990s and has influenced many TV programmes and other media.
As well as inspiring various merchandising campaigns, the series has been followed by
two feature-length film sequels, a live-action film adaptation and a mimed stage show tribute.

Complete on 7 DVDs


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