DVD review (region 2)
Starring the voices of Paul Maxwell, Sylvia Anderson, John Bluthal, David Graham, Gerry Anderson
Release date Out now

The adventures of the crew of Fireball XL5 – including square-jawed hero Colonel Steve Zodiac, the beautiful Venus and the ever-helpful Robert the Robot…

Fireball XL5 may be a slightly more basic affair than later Gerry Anderson triumphs like Thunderbirds and Stingray, but it’s no less charming.

The story is in many ways a prototype for those later shows (and some would say for later space operas like Star Trek), with the relentlessly plucky marionettes attempting to protect the solar system from evil aliens, intergalactic spies and other such perils.

The early effects and puppetry are ingenious, and there’s a typically majestic theme tune from Barry Gray. A refreshing simplicity and sense of optimism runs through the show, though the characters aren’t as memorable as some of Anderson’s later creations.

This splendid box set contains all 39 black-and-white episodes, including a newly colourised version of ‘A Day In The Life Of A Space General’. You also get an excellent new documentary about the show entitled ‘A Wonderland of Stardust’, a documentary on the comic strip adaptations of early AP shows, ice lolly adverts and more. James Skipp

VERDICT: 8/10
Endearing early Supermarionation adventures, with some lovingly compiled extras.

Click here to read an interview with Gerry Anderson!