Bandai America has released photographs of its vehicles and a playset based on the live action Thunderbirds film, which is scheduled to debut on August 6, 2004. Directed by Jonathan Frakes (Riker on Star Trek NG), the live action Thunderbirds film will find itself in a very busy late summer season for 'genre' films, with Marvel's Blade 3 and Man-Thing both bowing within a week of the Thunderbirds. Based on the supermarionation puppet work of Gerry Anderson, the Thunderbirds looks like it will be action packed family fun. Retailers should have access to trading cards from Cards Inc. (see 'Cards Inc. Nabs Thunderbirds License') as well as Bandai's Thunderbirds toys.
Bandai America has chosen to release only Thunderbirds vehicles and a playset, and will not issue action figures (see 'Bandai Acquires Toy License For Live Action Thunderbirds'). That is not necessarily a bad thing, however, since the vehicles were always the most interesting (and best designed) elements of the original Thunderbirds series. Certainly the Deluxe 11' Rescue craft is a superb Deco vehicle, while the Tracy Island Playset depicts the Rescue Team's secret island hideaway and provides a glimpse at some of the other vehicles Bandai will make available.