Fireball XL5: The Complete Series
Bottom Line
When you read the words “Exclusive”, “Deluxe” and “Limited Edition” you know you’re in for a treat. And Network’s Fireball XL5 limited edition blu-ray is the absolute cherry-on-the-cake of treats.
The year is 2062, and World Space Patrol ship Fireball XL5 is assigned to Sector 25, where intrepid pilot, Steve Zodiac, ably assisted by Doctor Venus and Professor Matthew Matic, face such dangers as planetomic missiles, explosive gas clouds, space spies, and alien races both warlike and benign.
Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s much-loved Supermarionation puppet series dates from 1962 and celebrates its 60th anniversary next year. The new release marks that milestone by presenting every single episode in high definition for the first time. But that’s not all. Fans of both Fireball XL5 and Supermarionation can expect a host of exclusive goodies, including exclusive, limited edition deluxe packaging, a brand-new Fireball XL5 comic, scrapbook, and a Fireball XL5 WSP astronaut license and badge.
It goes without saying that there’s only so much you can do, visually, with a show that was never designed to be presented on an HD home-cinema, but all 39 episodes have been upgraded from the original 35mm film elements–and it’s likely that they never looked this good first time around.
Much-loved, with classic storylines, and iconic characters Fireball XL5 was the show that paved the way for the likes of Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet. And, whether you remember it first time around or are just a curious collector, you won’t be disappointed.
The exclusive, deluxe limited edition Blu-ray includes a host of special features, including:
• Robots in Distress: brand-new Robert the Robot animation.
• Cloud of a Billion Lights: brand-new Fireball XL5 CD Mini LP audio adventure.
• Fireball XL5 home movie show: Walton 8mm cutdowns.
• A Wonderland of Stardust documentary.
• Drawn in Supermarionation documentary.
• A Day in the Life of a Space General colourised version.
• Zoom Ice Lolly adverts.
• Image gallery.
Fireball XL5 is available exclusively networkonair.com
Paula Hammond - Features Editor
