Thunderbirds Double Bill (1965) 60th Anniversary UK Theatrical Release Review
Thunderbirds Double Bill (1965) 60th Anniversary UK Theatrical Release Review
Anderson Entertainment and Kaleidoscope Entertainment are thrilled to announce a big-screen experience for fans of classic British sci-fi, THUNDERBIRDS, to mark its 60th Anniversary. This cinematic double-bill brings together two of the most iconic episodes ever made: TRAPPED IN THE SKY and TERROR IN NEW YORK CITY. The double-bill will be in UK cinemas, in expertly restored stunning 4K UHD, from 20th September.
Bursting with action, suspense, and Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s groundbreaking Supermarionation, these fan favourites showcase International Rescue at its very best—combining daring rescues, stunning model work, and unforgettable characters.
Making their worldwide debut in stunning 4K UHD, both episodes have been meticulously restored from the best surviving film elements in collaboration with award-winning restoration experts, Silver Salt. The result is the ultimate viewing experience—presented in glorious detail, including a brand new 5.1 surround sound mix for an appropriately epic cinema experience.
Trapped In the Sky
The first episode of classic of THUNDERBIRDS. Master criminal the Hood plants a bomb on board the new atomic-powered airliner Fireflash before it departs on its maiden flight. Unable to land for fear of setting off the bomb, the crew and passengers’ only hope of survival lies with International Rescue.
Terror In New York City
Largely regarded as the most exciting THUNDERBIRDS episode made, after Thunderbird 2 is heavily damaged in a mistaken attack, it leaves the team seemingly without a swift means to transport any rescue gear to New York City to save a news crew trapped underneath the collapsed Empire State Building.
I am old enough to remember reruns of the TV series back in the early to mid-Seventies and having the associated merchandise to play with at home so seeing a couple of episodes again brought a strew of welcome memories back. I am sure that this will be the case for those that opt to part with money to see these on the big screen. Both THUNDERBIRDS episodes are a visual delight to behold with the 4K restoration working a treat and polishing up an already vivid colour palette.
Of the two episodes the strongest is Trapped In the Sky which, being the very first ever episode it has more work to do in terms of setting up who the THUNDERBIRDS are and what they do as well as introduce their bald nemesis who cackles as manically as AUSTIN POWER’s Dr. Evil would do years later. Both episodes emphasise how no photographs are allowed to be taken of the team in action – that would be a hard push to restrict nowadays with everyone able to take photos on their smartphone – and whilst youngsters nowadays have the attention span of a gnat those old enough to have been charmed by the genius of the puppetry and sets first time round will be transported back to those simpler times and be enthralled by what unfolds onscreen.
Thunderbirds will be available in UK cinemas from 20th September.
