Plot: What’s it about?
The year is 2020, a time in which mankind faces a threat like never before, as a race of androids seeks to eliminate all humans. The androids are brutal and efficient killing machines, so mankind has serious problems. A witch named Zelda leads the androids and commands her forces as she wishes, with the demise of mankind in her mind. She is joined by her son and sister, who have left behind the home planet Guk to be at her side. NASA’s Martian base has already been leveled by Zelda’s forces, so now time is running short until she turns her attentions toward Earth as a whole. A top secret plan is in motion however, though no one outside of its clearance has a clue that such a defense squad has been created. The organization is known as Terrahawks, a hand picked selection of soldiers and scientists, who represent the world’s best chance to fend off Zelda and her minions. This incredible team is headed up by Dr. “Tiger” Ninestein, a brilliant man who is determined to defeat the invaders and restore order. But can he manage to hold off Zelda’s powerful forces, or will she conquer the Earth?
His shows dazzled audiences of all ages, but Gerry Anderson wasn’t about to rest on his laurels, not for a second. So he went back to the drawing board and revamped his style, leaving the beloved Supermarionation in the past. Terrahawks would have the same visual touches as his prior shows, such as Thunderbirds and Fireball XL5, but this time around, the puppets wouldn’t be held back by strings. The result is quite cool, as Anderson’s typical fun adventures seem a little smoother and more refined. But does Supermacromation have the same charms as Supermarionation, or does Terrahawks fail to live up to its brethren? Terrahawks has deeper plots, but just doesn’t have the same kind of appeal as Anderson’s earlier works. I sat down and watched Terrahawks over a couple of nights, so perhaps I was overloaded, but the series hasn’t held up that well. I laughed at times and was never bored, but the series doesn’t match up to Anderson’s classic Supermarionation epics. I do like the characters and some of the dialogue is hilarious, and I have to admit the show has immense camp potential. But when you compare it to a show like Thunderbirds, Terrahawks just can’t compete. Even so, fans of Anderson’s magical productions will want to have a look and the series is worth a look.
Video: How does it look?
The episodes are presented in full frame, as intended. As this is a more recent series than most of Anderson’s productions, the elements are in solid condition. The image is very clean and sharp, with almost no nicks or other debris present, nor any serious signs of wear. I’m not sure if some restoration work was done or if some excellent materials were found, but either way, fans are in for a real treat with the visual presentation. The colors are bright & bold and black levels look as accurate as we could want, this is some highly impressive work indeed. So we have yet another great looking cult television series from A&E.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio here is rather basic, but it sounds solid and all the needed elements come through as intended. The music here, which is by Richard Harvey, not Barry Gray, is passable, but sounds limited. Of course, a more dedicated surround track might enhance it, but as it is more than effective here, I won’t complain much. The wacky sound effects are well presented too, with enough punch to work, but keep the material’s age in mind, as the elements are a little confined at times. The dialogue is clean and clear also, so all the vocals are in fine form and in the end, this is a solid, acceptable audio presentation.
Supplements: What are the extras?
You can listen to audio commentary tracks on two episodes, as well as check out some still photos, a production slideshow, Terrahawks 10 codes, a history of the Terrahawks, a look at the show’s vehicles, and some character descriptions.
