The Gerry Anderson/Supermarionation Discussion Thread

[Nailwraps]

I decided to start a thread dedicated to Gerry Anderson, a man whose work, especially his Supermarionation technique, has been adored and admired by everyone in the UK and the entire world.

Feel free to discuss anything you like about him and/or his shows, showcase your collections if you like. I'm hoping to also see some American fans out there like myself who have enjoyed his work.

I'll start the discussion by saying I LOVE his Supermarionation shows, especially Thunderbirds and while I do love the realistic puppets seen in Captain Scarlet, Joe 90, and The Secret Service, I love the puppets from his first 4 shows even more. I still have yet to complete his live-action filmography, I watched some of UFO and Space: 1999 and am trying Space Precinct, but nothing beats his puppet work. Terrahawks I'm mixed about but it's not that bad. I also enjoy Thunderbird 6 over Thunderbirds Are GO!.

One thing I also like is The Investigators pilot (which could've been a great series, let's be honest).

Let the FAB fun begin! The Gerry Anderson/Supermarionation Discussion Thread is go!

[BluBonnet]

Best show ever!

[ProfXtacy]

Originally Posted by Nailwraps

a man whose work, especially his Supermarionation technique, has been adored and admired by everyone in the UK and the entire world.

That’s a bit of a bold statement to make. Enjoy your thread but I loathe his series.

[OceanBlue]

Pretty sure I've seen Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons all the way through (not seen the two Thunderbirds films. Not really interested in seeing the revival series). Out of those two, my favourite is definitely Captain Scarlet (prefer the darker tone of it).

Haven't yet watched Network's Blu-ray release of Captain Scarlet, or their DVD release of Crossroads to Crime (part of the British Film line). Hoping they eventually do a Blu-ray release of Four Feather Falls. Might eventually get Space Precinct on DVD (Network released it in the UK, with Shout! Factory releasing it in the States).

[BiggusDickus]

My fave show is probably a toss up between UFO and Thunderbirds. Being born in 1967, seeing Thunderbirds as a kid on TV was relatively easy, and i had a few Dinky toys of TB2 and FAB1. UFO was harder to see because it was on later at night, but my dad often let me stay up to watch it.

In terms of the Supermarionation shows, I didn't care much for the puppets, Thunderbirds was a defo a fave because of the hardware, and the superb Barry Gray music, which he scored for many of the Gerry Anderson series. There was a certain majesty about the models and such things as the Thunderbirds launch sequences and scenes like TB2 coming into land at London Airport in the opening episode and the deployment of the Elevator cars. This is something that was missing from the recent TAG revival; everything too slick & fast, making it look cartoonish.

Its a pity Thunderbirds was cancelled after 6 episodes of Series 2, but i did feel some of the newer stories were a bit naff, they seemed to add more character content in those later episodes, and that was the least interesting part. Maybe running short of ideas. The two movies were bit boring as well, especially TB6. The first movie was better, but still lacked pacing & excitement until the very last reel, and again they were trying to flesh out the characterisation with things like the Cliff Richard dream sequence which, whilst clever, was dull.

UFO was great, again great hardware, but this time with good characters who could walk properly!. I was also a fan of Space 1999, but this was mainly series 1, not the Fred Freiberger Monsters & Stupid Plots Show as I refer to most of Season 2.

Watched Stingray, Joe 90 & CS as a kid, never really got into them as much, but did have the Dinky toys for CS vehicles and Joe 90 Flying Car. I got the Secret Service on DVD a few years ago as it was such a rarity to have seen broadcast, and that was quite interesting to see that for the first time.

Terrahawks was OK in later years, must get round to buying & watching Dick Spanner! Its mentioned in my Gerry Anderson episode guide, always thought it might be worth a watch ...

I got the Shout Region A blu-ray version of Thunderbirds, because i didnt want the stupid 16:9 cropped version that Carlton released here in the UK. And much kudos for Network for their Gerry Anderson releases in their original aspect ratios.

Have also been a member of Fanderson on and off, usually to buy the super (but expensive) soundtrack releases they've done.

[harry o]

Anderson's series provided the backdrop to my childhood imagination !

[hagios]

I enjoy most of Gerry’s shows as puppets have always fascinated me… I wonder if Gerry & company would have ever ventured into a spooky show ala a CHUCKY type, might have been interesting for me?!

[harry o]

Network's release of "Captain scarlet" is excellent and looks stunning in it restored form they (network) have given these series a new lease of life along with the recent release of "stingray" lots for anderson fans to celebrate.

[OceanBlue]

Originally Posted by harry o

Network's release of "Captain scarlet" is excellent and looks stunning in it restored form they (network) have given these series a new lease of life along with the recent release of "stingray" lots for anderson fans to celebrate.

Have got the Blu-ray volumes from Network of Captain Scarlet and Joe 90, but not been as interested in getting Stingray and Supercar. Hopefully, Blu-ray releases of other Gerry Anderson series get announced during the remainder of this year (this year being an anniversary for Network I think).

[Nailwraps]

I predict Network is going to release a Thunderbirds set for 9/30 or announce it on that day which, and this is a suggestion, should also include the 50th anniversary episodes and additional 2 spaces for the Thunderbirds movies.

[BiggusDickus]

Originally Posted by Nailwraps

I predict Network is going to release a Thunderbirds set for 9/30 or announce it on that day which, and this is a suggestion, should also include the 50th anniversary episodes and additional 2 spaces for the Thunderbirds movies.

Wonder if they could add the Super Space Theatre versions as well. A guilty pleasure as they were released as the first three volumes on VHS by channel 5 in the 90's followed by standard paired episodes for the rest of the collection, so the SST versions i did watch a few times in lieu of proper separate episodes being available.