“Supercar” (1961-1962)

Science Fiction

Thirty Nine Episodes

Created by: Gerry Anderson & Reg Hill

Featuring: David Graham, George Murcell, Graydon Gould, Sylvia Anderson and Cyril Shaps

Doctor Beaker: Curious, most curious! The rubbish people do write. What can this man possibly know about ‘Neurotic Anxieties in the New England Squirrel’?

For fans of classic British television, Gerry Anderson’s pioneering puppet adventure series Supercar occupies a special place in television history. First broadcast between 1961 and 1962, the series laid the groundwork for everything that would follow from Anderson’s production company, from Fireball XL5 and Stingray to the legendary Thunderbirds. More than sixty years after its debut, Supercar arrives on Blu-ray in a handsome complete-series edition, presenting all 39 episodes in high definition and giving this landmark production the treatment it has long deserved. The result is one of the most rewarding archive television releases of recent years.

At first glance, Supercar may seem quaint compared with the more sophisticated Anderson productions that followed. The puppets are simpler, the stories more straightforward, and the production values occasionally reveal the limitations of early-1960s television budgets. Yet viewing the series today, particularly in such a well-restored presentation, reveals just how revolutionary it was. This was the series in which Anderson and his team truly began refining the “Supermarionation” process that would become their trademark. The combination of marionette puppetry, detailed miniature effects, and ambitious science-fiction storytelling was unlike anything else on television at the time.

The premise remains wonderfully appealing. Ace pilot Mike Mercury operates the futuristic Supercar, a remarkable vehicle capable of travelling through the air, underwater, and even into space. Alongside Professor Popkiss, Dr. Beaker, young Jimmy Gibson, and Mitch the monkey, Mike embarks on adventures that mix science fiction, espionage, exploration, and rescue missions. The concept is simple but endlessly flexible, allowing the writers to create a wide variety of stories while showcasing the titular vehicle’s impressive capabilities.

Watching the series today, one is struck by its charm. Unlike many modern science-fiction shows that emphasize darkness and cynicism, Supercar radiates optimism. Its vision of technology is hopeful and inspiring, reflecting an era when space exploration seemed to promise limitless possibilities. The heroes are genuinely heroic, the villains enjoyably theatrical, and every episode delivers a sense of adventure that remains infectious.

The stories themselves are often surprisingly imaginative. While some episodes inevitably show their age, many display a creativity that transcends their modest running times. The writers understood that exciting concepts and memorable characters could compensate for budgetary restrictions. The result is a series that remains engaging even when viewed by contemporary audiences accustomed to far more elaborate visual effects.

Of course, the real stars of the show are the miniature effects sequences. Long before CGI existed, Anderson’s team achieved remarkable results through meticulous model work and inventive cinematography. The launch sequences, which would become a hallmark of later Anderson productions, are already present here and remain immensely satisfying. Seeing Supercar rise from its underground hangar and launch into action never gets old. These moments helped establish a visual language that would influence television science fiction for decades.

The Blu-ray presentation is the main reason collectors will want this release. The series has been remastered in high definition from original film elements, and the improvement over previous DVD editions is substantial.

Image quality is often astonishing considering the age of the material. Fine details in the puppet costumes, facial sculpting, miniature sets, and model vehicles are far more visible than ever before. The textures of the production come alive in a way that was simply impossible on older home-video releases. Backgrounds appear sharper, colours look more stable, and the overall image possesses a level of clarity that makes the series feel newly revitalized.

There are moments when the restoration inevitably reveals the limitations of the original production. Strings occasionally become more visible, and certain effects shots expose their age. However, this actually enhances the viewing experience. Rather than detracting from the show, these details highlight the craftsmanship involved in creating such ambitious television during the early 1960s. The Blu-ray allows viewers to appreciate the artistry behind the production rather than disguising it.

The black-and-white photography also benefits enormously from the restoration work. Contrast is generally excellent, with deep blacks and strong detail throughout the grayscale spectrum. Film grain appears natural and consistent, preserving the texture of the original photography without excessive digital manipulation. This is exactly how archive television should be presented.

Audio quality is similarly impressive. The original mono soundtrack is naturally limited by modern standards, but dialogue remains clear and intelligible throughout. Barry Gray’s memorable musical score comes across particularly well, retaining its dramatic impact and helping establish the adventurous atmosphere that defines the series.

One of the greatest pleasures of revisiting Supercar is recognizing its historical importance. Without this series, there would likely be no Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, or Joe 90. Many of the techniques, storytelling approaches, and visual innovations that became Anderson trademarks first appeared here in embryonic form. The show represents a crucial step in the evolution of television science fiction and special-effects production.

The complete-series set is also remarkably comprehensive. Across its multiple discs, viewers can trace the development of Anderson’s creative vision from episode to episode. What might initially seem like a simple children’s adventure series gradually reveals itself as an important chapter in television history. Every episode contributes to that larger story, making the complete-series format particularly valuable.

For longtime Anderson enthusiasts, this release is essential. It provides the definitive home-video presentation of a foundational work that has too often been overshadowed by its more famous successors. For newcomers, it offers a fascinating opportunity to see where the Supermarionation phenomenon began.

Ultimately, Supercar: The Complete Series on Blu-ray is both a wonderful entertainment package and an important archival release. The restoration work is impressive, the series itself remains charming and inventive, and the historical significance of the production cannot be overstated. While some viewers may find the pacing slower than modern television and the puppetry less sophisticated than later Anderson productions, those willing to embrace its period style will discover a delightful adventure series filled with imagination, optimism, and technical ingenuity.

More than six decades after Mike Mercury first climbed aboard the world’s most versatile vehicle, Supercar still has the power to inspire wonder. This Blu-ray release finally gives the series the presentation it deserves, making it one of the most worthwhile classic television releases currently available for collectors and fans of vintage science fiction.