Thunderbirds – Specials

The Beginning

The Machines

A short compilation film produced by Carlton International as an introduction to the vehicles and craft of International Rescue, hosted by Brains.

The Tracy Family

A short compilation film produced by Carlton International as an introduction to the characters in Thunderbirds, hosted by Brains.

Lady Penelope and Parker

A short special produced by Carlton International as an introduction to the key characters, Lady Penelope and Parker, hosted by Brains.

The Secrets

Extract from 'The Brains Behind Thunderbirds'.

The Making of Thunderbirds

A short documentary filmed in the mid-1960s offering a behind-the-scenes look at the series’ production. Includes black and white behind-the-scenes shots from the original production.

LyonsMaid Commercial

Kellogg's Sugar Smacks Commercial

The Brains Behind Thunderbirds

In the course of the hour-long documentary, the viewer is introduced to each of International Rescue's gadget-tastic vehicles. There's the 15,000 mph Thunderbird 1 rocket piloted by Scott Tracy; the freight-carrying Thunderbird 2 with its six different rescue machine pods piloted by brother Virgil; the space rocket Thunderbird 3 with Alan Tracy at the helm; sub-aquatic Thunderbird 4 with Gordon Tracy aboard; and the orbiting space station Thunderbird 5 overseen by a rather solitary John Tracy. Brains then introduces us properly to each of the brothers, their father Jeff, gorgeous London agent Lady Penelope and her butler Parker, and even warns us about their deadly enemy, The Hood.

The Characters

Episode 11

Thunderbirds

Dangerous missions are the bread and butter of the Thunderbirds, a high-tech secret force employed by the government. Led by Jeff Tracy (Bill Paxton), the Thunderbirds are at the top of their game, but their nemesis, The Hood (Ben Kingsley), has landed on their island and is attempting a coup by using the team's rescue vehicles. He'll soon discover that the Thunderbirds won't go down.

Introducing Thunderbirds

In this story set before the first episode of the television series, Lady Penelope and Parker head to Tracy Island in order to discover more about International Rescue. There, they witness the Thunderbird craft in action for the first time.

The Abominable Snowman

When reports come in from the Himalayas of kidnappings by the Abominable Snowman, International Rescue sends Lady Penelope to investigate. She soon finds herself a prisoner of The Hood. Can International Rescue save Penelope in time?

The Stately Homes Robberies

Stately homes across England are being targeted for their precious jewel collections. The villains will stop at nothing to complete their task. Their next victim? Lady Penelope. Can she and Parker thwart their diabolical plan?

Thunderbirds 1965 (50th Anniversary Episodes Documentary)

Behind the scenes of the production of three new episodes of the classic television show Thunderbirds - exactly the way it was done in the 60s! The team behind the Thunderbirds 50th Anniversary episodes have now produced their own show. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's classic Thunderbirds, the team from Century 21 Films produced three brand new episodes of the series using all the classic techniques. The special episodes – Introducing Thunderbirds, The Abominable Snowman, The Stately Homes Robberies – were based upon three original 1960s voice recordings and produced in association with copyright holders ITV. Their task was to build sets, puppets, and models matching the originals and to marry them with those adapted voice recordings. The final effect should make the audience feel that they're watching three long-lost episodes. The series premiered at the BFI in August 2016, and has enjoyed subsequent screenings at Vue Cinemas and now on Britbox UK.

Introducing Thunderbirds

Lady Penelope and Parker head to the elusive Tracy Island in order to discover more about International Rescue. There, they witness the Thunderbird craft in action for the very first time.

Launching Thunderbirds

Archival interviews with Gerry Anderson and others on the production of the show

Before Thunderbirds Were Go: A Profile Of Gerry Anderson

History of the Thunderbirds narrated by creator Gerry Anderson.

Interview With Gerry Anderson (Play All)

Full interview of Gerry Anderson.

Interview With Gerry Anderson (On His Creative Philosophy)

Interview with Gerry Anderson about his creative philosophy.

Interview With Gerry Anderson (On Compelling TV)

Interview with Gerry Anderson about compelling TV.

Interview With Gerry Anderson (On Cold War Storylines)

Interview with Gerry Anderson about his Cold War story lines.

Interview With Gerry Anderson (On His Toughest Obstacle)

Interview with Gerry Anderson about his toughest obstacles.

Interview With Gerry Anderson (On DVD Technology)

Interview with Gerry Anderson about DVD technology.

Interview With Gerry Anderson (On Stanley Kubrick)

Interview with Gerry Anderson about Stanley Kubrick.

Interview With Gerry Anderson (A Message To His American Fans)

Interview with Gerry Anderson and his message to his American fans.

The Thunderbirds Companion

Expanding on 'The Brains Behind Thunderbirds', this version adds additional extended footage and interviews with Gerry Anderson, David Graham, Bob Bell, John Blundall, Mary Turner and Alan Pattillo.

Fabblebox

An all-new mini Supermarionation adventure featuring Lady Penelope and Parker

Thunderbirds Rebooted

A brand-new documentary exploring the many reboot attempts across different formats and generations.

Nosey Parker is Go!

An exclusive new HD remaster of the classic fan tribute comedy short now with newly recorded dialogue from David Graham.

Thunderbirds: FAB at 60

A brand-new feature documentary celebrating the legacy and global impact of Thunderbirds featuring interviews with actors, filmmakers and fans.

Great Disasters

A 1995 compilation tape celebrating the 30th anniversary of Thunderbirds showcasing International Rescue’s most challenging disasters. Featuring new technical data and narration by co-creator Gerry Anderson.

Great Rescues

A second 1995 compilation celebrating the 30th anniversary of Thunderbirds highlighting International Rescue’s most daring missions. Featuring new technical data and narration by co-creator Gerry Anderson.

Talking Thunderbirds

A collection of archive interviews with crew from the original show focusing on their respective departments and giving a glimpse behind the scenes of the production.

All About Thunderbirds

A 2008 behind-the-scenes documentary that explores the creation, legacy and impact of the classic Supermarionation series. Aired as part of BBC Four’s Thunderbirds Night, it was directed and narrated by Jack Davenport, and features interviews, rare footage and insights from creator Gerry Anderson.

Thunderbirds in Concert

A collection of Thunderbirds music as composed by Barry Gray and played by a full orchestra. Taken from the 2024 concert, Stand By For Action! 2 which took place at Symphony Hall, Birmingham.

Thunderbirds Century 21 Tech Talks

A collection of technical videos examining the technology of International Rescue hosted by resident genius Brains and Jeff Tracy

The Thunderbirds Companion

A UK DVD special produced by Carlton International as an introduction to the series hosted by Brains. Includes interviews with key creators including Gerry Anderson and David Graham.

Thunderbirds Vintage Trailers and Adverts

A collection of vintage adverts and promotional videos for the show and its related merchandise throughout the years.

Brains is Dead

A Thunderbirds fan-favourite comic story from the pages of TV21. Now adapted into a full-cast audio drama, experience the gripping adventure of International Rescue’s greatest battle against The Hood.