Incredibly it’s been 60 years since ‘Thunderbirds’ first arrived on our screens. The cult classic from Gerry and Sylvia Anderson may have only run for 32 episodes over 2 seasons but it’s left a lasting impact on fans and the TV landscape. The series cleverly combined AP Films’ ‘Supermarionation’ puppetry with scale model special effects sequences. To celebrate the iconic show, two episodes have been given a 4K restoration and they’ll be coming to the big screen for fans to enjoy them in a whole new way.
The two episodes – the series’ first episode ‘Trapped in the Sky’ and the thirteenth episode ‘Terror in New York City’ – will make their worldwide debut in 4K UHD. They have been restored from the best surviving film elements in collaboration with award-winning restoration experts Silver Salt. The episodes also feature a brand new 5.1 surround sound mix, which will be a real treat for fans. But does ‘Thunderbirds’ really need a 4K upgrade I hear you ask?
Initially I was sceptical but having seen both of the episodes, it’s safe to say that they look fantastic. It really is remarkable what Gerry and Sylvia Anderson achieved with the show, and the puppets look fantastic. In a word where everything is done with cheap CGI, it’s a timely reminder of the good old days when blood, sweat and tears went into making good television. ‘Thunderbirds’ is the kind of show that the whole family can enjoy, keeping things suitable for all ages while delivering 50-minute action-packed episodes that kids can lose themselves in.
‘Trapped in the Sky’ has the task of introducing the International Rescue team, which consists of widower Jeff Tracy and his five sons – Scott, John, Virgil, Gordon and Alan and their field agent Lady Penelope and her butler Parker. Hiding away on Tracy Island in the South Pacific Ocean, the family carry out operations to stop sabotage and criminal activity, and that’s at the fore in this episode where they have to save an aircraft full of passengers that’s had a bomb planted on it by the evil The Hood.
In ‘Terror in New York City’, which is considered to be the most exciting episode of the series ever made, International Rescue has to pull together to save a news crew who are trapped underneath the collapsed Empire State Building. With Thunderbird 2 out of commission, they have to use all their skills to pull off the perilous rescue mission.
‘Thunderbirds’ may be 60 years old but that doesn’t take away from what a remarkable show it is. Yes the puppetry style is no longer in fashion but honestly, I’d rather watch ‘Thunderbirds’ than pretty much anything else that’s catering to families these days. Long-time fans of the show will love seeing it on the big screen and this 4K restoration has been handled with the upmost care. ‘Thunderbirds’ is inventive, exciting and endlessly watchable, and these two episodes are a celebration of everything we all love about the series.
Cast: Sylvia Anderson, Peter Dyneley, David Graham, Shane Rimmer Directors: Alan Pattillo, David Elliott, David Lane Writers: Gerry & Sylvia Anderson, Alan Fennell Certificate: U Duration: 100 mins Released by: Anderson Entertainment / Kaleidoscope Entertainment Release date: 20th September 2025
