First off, I'd like to state that at 19, I represent what I call the "transitional" generation. A generation that got all the classic shows and cartoons but were also introduced to the new age of animation at a fairly young age. Recently we've seen a good few remakes and overhauls of classic shows, such as Bob the Builder and now, Thunderbirds. I had the classic marionette Thunderbirds on VHS as well as several of my own puppets when I was young. Needless to say, I loved the Thunderbirds. And I'm glad to say, I still do after watching the reboot. The premise has changed slightly: it is now set in 2060 and IR now operates publicly, as it would be unrealistic in a modern day of cell phones and constant surveillance for IR to remain secretive. Jeff Tracy is also absent and the character TinTin has been replaced by 'Kayo', IR's head of security (though the two differ really only by name). All of the Thunderbird vehicles have had a bit of a facelift, however the designers have done their best to stay true to the classic show. While being modernised, the Thunderbirds themselves still bear striking resemblance to their 1960s counterparts. There's been updates to the costumes and some small changes but (for me at least) each character is easily linked with their old puppet. There's an amazing feeling of nostalgia the first time you see each Thunderbird launch, with the classic "5, 4, 3, 2, 1" countdown and launch sequences that, while again having some changes made, stay very true to the original. The old lemon squeezer used in TB1's launch bay is included in this new edition as a homage to the miniature sets used in the 60s. Speaking of which, while CGI is the most dominant form of capture, many of the sets used are actually miniatures, just like the old show. For example, in the pilot where they re-orient a solar dish I noticed a PC power unit used in the construction of the rear of the dish; another nod to the classic. The CG on top of real sets at times looks odd and provides some scaling issues at times, but that's also similar to the classic (Alan and giant alligators, anyone?).
Action is noticeably faster paced but to keep the attention of kids today, it would need to be. Fans of the classic mightn't be fond of that, but its a concession that it will need to make to be successful. Would you rather a slightly different Thunderbirds, or no Thunderbirds?
Overall, this new Thunderbirds is a fantastic remake that remains grounded by and extremely respectful to its origins. With simple nods to straight up references (such as a brief glimpse of 1960s Stingray in the pilot episode). Things haven't been completely redesigned or remade, they've just been given a coat of polish and a slight facelift and CGI makeover. As you watch the scenes on Tracy Island you'll recognise the old set and you will smile at it. In fact, if you're like me, you'll be sat grinning the entire time as your childhood comes rushing back at you as you watch the swimming pool retract to allow Thunderbird 1 to launch.
I give it a 9/10. F.A.B.
Thunderbirds are Go! And I love it!
Action is noticeably faster paced but to keep the attention of kids today, it would need to be. Fans of the classic mightn't be fond of that, but its a concession that it will need to make to be successful. Would you rather a slightly different Thunderbirds, or no Thunderbirds?
Overall, this new Thunderbirds is a fantastic remake that remains grounded by and extremely respectful to its origins. With simple nods to straight up references (such as a brief glimpse of 1960s Stingray in the pilot episode). Things haven't been completely redesigned or remade, they've just been given a coat of polish and a slight facelift and CGI makeover. As you watch the scenes on Tracy Island you'll recognise the old set and you will smile at it. In fact, if you're like me, you'll be sat grinning the entire time as your childhood comes rushing back at you as you watch the swimming pool retract to allow Thunderbird 1 to launch.
I give it a 9/10. F.A.B.
Thunderbirds are Go! And I love it!