Produced by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson in 1967-1968, Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons is perhaps the best Supermarionation series the couple ever created. The technology had improved after Thunderbirds, allowing for more accurate proportions and fine articulation of the puppets themselves. Another bonus is the show's dashing lead character (a dashing puppet!) with a voice like Cary Grant. In addition to the original 32 episodes, bonus features include audio commentary, and process-related shorts with puppeteer Mary Turner, director Alan Perry, and scriptwriter (and Bond film alum) Shane Rimmer. From Shout: "Fate made him indestructible. Courage made him a hero. In the year 2068, Earth's greatest defense team, Spectrum, is tasked with fighting a cosmic battle against an ancient race from the planet Mars: the sinister Mysterons. Possessing the ability to recreate the exact likeness of any object or person they destroy, the evil aliens set their sights on Spectrum's number one agent- the intrepid Captain Scarlet. But when their initial attack on Scarlet fails, the Mysterons discover they have awoken what will be their most dangerous enemy. Obtaining the Mysterons' special power of retro-metabolism, Captain Scarlet has been rendered virtually invulnerable…and completely unstoppable in his quest to protect the Earth from any attack. Produced by the immortal Gerry Anderson (Thunderbirds, Space: 1999, Stingray) and featuring his famous SUPERMARIONATION technique, all thirty-two episodes of Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons are here in one convenient package, providing you 100% of your daily recommended allowance of sci-fi and cult classic television. Join the fight to save the Earth with Captain Scarlet!" Releases February 10th. Pre-order price on Amazon is only $26.94! Find out why Spy Vibe chose Captain Scarlet as #9 in our countdown of best set designs: full article, Scarlet post.
I didn't know what to expect going in to Stingray (1964-1965), but the series really won me over with its heavy use of spy conventions, secret lairs, and fiendish plots. In addition to the original 39 episodes, bonus features in the new set include audio commentary, stills gallery, and a Making-of short about the series. From Shout: "Stand by for action! We are about to launch…STINGRAY! Battle stations! Join the World Aquanaut Security Patrol in
a riptide of retro t.v. with the sci-fi adventure series Stingray. Created by
the immortal Gerry and Sylvia Anderson (Thunderbirds, Space: 1999) and
employing their classic SUPERMARIONATION technique, Stingray is a torpedo blast
of action for kids of all ages. The flagship of the World Aquanaut Security
Patrol (W.A.S.P.), Stingray is the world's most highly sophisticated submarine,
capable of speeds of over 600 knots and the ability to submerge anywhere on the
Earth's ocean floor. Under the command of the square-jawed and heroic Captain
Troy Tempest, Stingray explores the most treacherous depths of our waters and
protects the world from the perils that lurk undersea. Featuring all
thirty-nine of the original series episodes. What are you waiting for? Put on
your PJs, pour yourself some breakfast cereal and make anytime Saturday morning
with Stingray!" Releases January 13th. Pre-order price on Amazon is only $27.99! Below: Captain Scarlet lounges in one of the program's groovy sets.
