Extract from 'The Brains Behind Thunderbirds'.

Extract from 'The Brains Behind Thunderbirds'.

Extract from 'The Brains Behind Thunderbirds'.

Extract from '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.

Zero-X, a manned exploration mission crashes during lift-off on its maiden flight. Two years later an investigative committee finally concludes sabotage, and decides to call on the services of International Rescue to oversee security at the impending second launch. The second Zero-X successfully reaches its destination, but encounters unexpected hazards, ultimately leading to another call for assistance on its return to Earth. International Rescue respond, and once again Thunderbirds are GO!

The International Rescue team is faced with one of its toughest challenges yet, as the revolutionary lighter-than-air craft Skyship One is hijacked while on her maiden voyage around the world. Against backdrops including the Statue of Liberty and the Sphinx, Lady Penelope, Parker, Alan and Tin-Tin fight the hijackers from on-board, while the rest of the team tries to stop the airship crashing.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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

History of the Thunderbirds narrated by creator Gerry Anderson.

Full interview of Gerry Anderson.

Interview with Gerry Anderson about his creative philosophy.

Interview with Gerry Anderson about compelling TV.

Interview with Gerry Anderson about his Cold War story lines.

Interview with Gerry Anderson about his toughest obstacles.

Interview with Gerry Anderson about DVD technology.

Interview with Gerry Anderson about Stanley Kubrick.

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

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.