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Rating: 
Summary: Great series, but...
Review: In the mid-1960's, Gerry Anderson, who was well-known for creating several TV series that used puppets, created what would ultimately go on to be his master work - Thunderbirds. For those of you not familiar with the series, here's a brief summary. In the 2060's, a man has assembled a rescue organization. His five sons use high-tech equipment to rescue people who would surely die otherwise. Unfortunately, the 2060's aren't too peaceful, as there are many villains and disasters waiting to happen. Read on for a list of the major characters, and why each is important.-Jeff Tracy: The main man. An ex-Air Force pilot and astronaut, he put together the International Rescue organization, in which his five sons operate high-tech equipment to rescue people from dangerous situations. -Scott Tracy: Jeff's oldest son, you could call this guy the "leader" amongst the brothers. He's one of the two with dark hair. Like his father, he served in the Air Force. He pilots Thunderbird 1, a rocket-powered aircraft that can reach virtually any point in the world in just hours. -Virgil Tracy: Jeff's other son with dark hair. He pilots Thunderbird 2, a large craft generally used to transport rescue equipment, or at times, transport Thunderbird 4. His voice actor didn't return for season 2, so he sounds different in the last few episodes. -Alan Tracy: One of Jeff's blond sons. He is the pilot of Thunderbird 3, a rocket that is used in space rescues and in reaching the space station, Thunderbird 5. In the first episode, he speaks in a voice not his own because his voice actor hadn't yet been hired. -Gordon Tracy: Jeff's son with curly hair. He pilots the only aquatic Thunderbird, number 4. -John Tracy: Jeff's other blond son. He is in charge of the space station, Thunderbird 5, which can monitor pretty much any point on earth. -Brains: This guy is an engineer that helped Jeff put together the International Rescue organization. -Kyrano: A caretaker on Tracy Island. He doesn't know that Jeff's sons are a part of International Rescue. His half brother is The Hood, IR's arch enemy. -Tin Tin: Kyrano's daughter. She doesn't see much action, but goes on a rescue every now and again. -Grandma Tracy: Jeff's mother. She isn't too important, but in one episode she is placed in a near-death situation. -Lady Penelope: Internation Rescue is strictly a rescue organization; they don't pursue criminals. That's why they hired Lady Penelope. She was a rich girl who found life boring, so she took up espionage. -Parker: Lady Penelope's butler. Unquestionably the ugliest puppet in the series. His primary role is driving Lady Penelope around in her pink Rolls Royce, FAB 1. -The Hood: Most bad guys in the series are in a few episodes only, but The Hood is the most reoccuring nemesis. He is Kyrano's half brother, and seeks to take pictures of the Thunderbirds, although this is highly illegal. Unfortunately for him, Thunderbird 1, the one he usually tries to photograph, has an automatic camera detector. He is never actually named in the series, but was given this name years later, due to being a master of disguise. No question, Thunderbirds is a dated series, but it has stood the test of time. I GAVE THIS SET THREE STARS INSTEAD OF FOUR BECAUSE, LIKE THE OTHER REVIEWER SAID, IT IS A HIGH PRICE TO PAY FOR THREE EPISODES. Other reviewers seem to be disappointed that the puppet strings weren't digitally removed. What's the big deal? It's obvious these guys are puppets, so why bother removing the strings? It's good to have the series on DVD, but if you REALLY want to learn about the series and its creator, Gerry Anderson, watch the episodes on Tech TV. Each episode gives you some interesting facts, and sadly many of these can't be found on the DVDs. But if you want your episodes commercial-free, DVD is the only way to go. Take my advice - If you're going to get episodes on DVD, get the box set. It may be a tad pricey, but if you get it, you'll be saving money (it's less expensive than buying each set separate.) Regardless of who you are, I suggest checking out this series. Watch an episode or two on Tech TV, and if you get hooked, buy the DVDs.
Rating:
Summary: A high price to pay for 3 episodes
Review: the last three episodes of this series are available on this 2 disk set. The episodes are great...especially "Ricochet" a very humorous episode about a pirate radio station (not a television station as described on the box) occupied by 2 poor chaps who never thought to relay their broadcasts through a satellite reciever, they live in space to send out there broadcasts, living on the cold cereal that they sponser. But Vol.12 of this set was really just "filler" material that could have been included in the earlier sets. "The making of the thunderbirds" was interesting to say the least, but being new to Gerry Andersons work, I would have liked to see something about his earlier shows like "stingray" or his next series "Captain Scarlet"."The Brains Behind Thunderbirds" was the most dissapointing for me. Seeing a....how should i say this..newly constructed "Brains".. that didnt exactly look like or sound like the original, introduce everyone to each character seemed a little strange considering that anyone who would have purchased this final set would not need to be informed as to who is who.To make it a little more entertaining they filled a lot of time showing "highlights" of about eight episodes that all fans of this show already have.The last three episodes are a must have for the die-hard fans like myself, but if I were you I would look for a used copy.5 stars for disc one..2 stars for disc two. Averages out to three stars.
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