Amazon.com: Inspired by such disparate influences as Bonanza, James Bond, and the pop culture of '60s London, Thunderbirds burst onto the British television scene in 1964. The Tracey family of International Rescue consisted of retired astronaut and widower Jeff (a dead ringer for John Forsythe), and his five sons, each with his own Thunderbird rocket ship. They were assisted in their operations by the likes of Phil Spector look-alike Brains and Lady Penelope of the pink Rolls and baggy-faced chauffeur, Parker. The Hood, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the Yul Brynner of The King and I, is their archenemy. Thunderbirds Are Go was creator Gerry Anderson's first full-length feature. If the pacing is uneven and the supermarionettes (electronic puppets) not as expressive as the Claymation figures, it's an entertaining introduction nonetheless. The plot doesn't make much sense, but the special effects by Derek Meddings, who would provide the miniatures for several Bond features, hold up surprisingly well. And some of the set pieces are a real treat, particularly the Mars rescue and the dream trip to the Swinging Star, a cross between a '50s drive-in and a Christmas tree ornament. Cliff Richard and the Shadows contribute a couple of groovy numbers and perform--marionette style--at the Star for the entertainment of youngest son Alan (the "Little Joe" of the family) and the stylish Penelope, a plasticene version of Julie Christie. That surrealistic sequence alone is worth the price of admission. (Ages 5 to 12) --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Still the best
Anybody who grew up watching Thunderbirds, as I did, will welcome the chance to see this movie version, which runs to 89 mins. The start is as we all remember, the marvellous music by Barry Gray, with ... Read More
Rating: - My four year old loves it!
This is a classic collection of the old Thunderbirds - marionette wires and all. My four year old son invites all of his neighborhood buddies to watch - all have become huge fans.
Rating: - Thunderbirds are Go!
I read a review that this dvd was worth the purchase if only for the dream sequence. That person was right, but really the whole thing was well worth the purchase. You have to watch the interviews at the ... Read More
Rating: - One of Gerry & Sylvia Anderson's Best Supermarionations
Between September 1965 and December 1966, British TV viewers had the opportunity to watch a program featuring a family (the Tracy's) represented by marionettes. The family members had devoted themselves to ... Read More
Rating: - THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
, 4, 3, 2, 1 ...................... THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is an excellent movie guaranteed to entertain the entire family.
If you love famed SUPERMARIONATION creator Gerry ... Read More
- My four year old loves it!