Thunderbirds Set 2

First of all, the effects are truelly breathtaking in their cheesiness. But that is absolutely the charm of the show. Never mind that you can see the damn strings sticking out of them. Additionally the remastering is first rate. Sound and picture quality are tip top. Possibly better than back in '65, when you consider that they had to watch it sans digital home theater systems! Every episode brings a new, thrilling, and death defying challenge to the indomitable crew that are the Thunderbirds. They're rolling XXX large in their incredible machines that defy the laws of physics, and the limits of the human imagination.

Whats more is that they smoke! Cigars, cigarettes, and who knows what else? You will also notice that they not only sweat, constantly; but that mysteriously, they always manage to some how get filthy. It is obvious that the budget was of little issue in the making of this truelly original sci-fi masterpiece, as every special effect will get your heart racing with uncontrolable laughter. I especially liked that from time to time, real human hands and other limbs are used to give some continuity to the story line. Bravo! If you loved this show as a kid, which most of us, of a certain age did... you should also not hesitate a moment in purchasing either, or both sets. It's approx. 312 minutes for both discs, so you will be getting your moneys worth.

-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. Other reviewers are 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 ... Regardless of who you are, I suggest checking out this series...