Thursday 31 December 2015

A Retrospective of Thomas & Friends DVDs of 2015

As we end another year, let's take a look at all the previous releases that we've witnessed in the Thomas & Friends brand that had been released in the US, UK and Australia during the 70th anniversary of the Railway Series books, 2015:

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND ARE NOT INFLUENCED FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

A RETROSPECTIVE OF 
THOMAS & FRIENDS DVDS OF 2015

DINOS AND DISCOVERIES
Review Date: 19/01/15
DVD Rating: 7/10

Looking back at this DVD, I think it was good. The stories were fun and comical such as 'Emily Saves the World' and it was great seeing stories like 'Marion and the Dinosaur' linking in with the first few minutes of 'Samson at Your Service'. I like the episode 'Timothy and the Rainbow Truck' as I see it as a S13-16 story done right, it doesn't feel forced and its simplicity is nice and the ending was executed well in my opinion. Fans say that this was overhyped, but I wasn't hyped to see these episodes despite that S18 was a great season. I think it was hyped up because of 'The Adventure Begins' trailer that was on it.

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
Review Date: 19/03/15
DVD Rating: 10/10

In celebration of the Railway Series' 70th anniversary, the production team of Thomas & Friends have compiled this special special, yeah I said a S13-16 term but to me it is a special special. A retelling of the first two books, I like that as they're finally giving recognition of the 1st book that Thomas didn't appear in. Sure there are a few hiccups that would be despised by the purists and characters like Jerome, Judy and Glynn weren't playing a big role but they had purpose, it was still an amazing tribute to the timeless stories. Sure it's different towards the classic era but fans need to know that if the special was just a carbon copy of S1 or the second Railway Series book, it wouldn't be interesting. Plus to the people who thinks this 'ruined' continuity or the classic series, look back at the ten years that Thomas had suffered through. We had a special (extended episode) known as 'Calling All Engines!', I find it (CAE) underrated but there are better specials out there. Plus in 2010 we got Misty Island Rescue for the 65th anniversary. Those two anniversary years had two specials that ruined continuity. I will say that the advertising for the DVD was rather poor in both countries (US/UK) but the UK had the worst until the actual release when it was advertised on TV, although it did gain No.1 on the DVD listing beating the likes of Dreamworks at ASDA. In future if HIT Entertainment should release the sequel, if there's ever going to be one, they should give it to all stores like they did in Australia and Japan and considering this was a last minute attempt, it was well done.

TROUBLE ON THE TRACKS
Review Date: 4/05/15
DVD Rating: 8/10

The UK release of the Wal*Mart exclusive of 2014, except it was released to all stores. However it was given two episodes which certainly fitted the theme of them well. The intervals were great too, not only we get one but two segments from the 'Mr. Perkins' Storytime' segments. 

THE COMPLETE SERIES 16
Review Date: 12/06/15
DVD Rating: 4/10

Back in 2012 I said that the 16th season was a good season. But looking back at it with this DVD, it's terrible and it's no surprise really, the stories are bland, Michael Angelis' narration was bland etc. the only saving grace was Nitrogen's animation, although I do see they have a set of limitations during that time with camera angles and all compare to Arc Productions. Do I hate Nitrogen? No. 


RAILWAY MISCHIEF
Review Date: 9/07/15
DVD Rating: 8/10

This DVD took two years to be released in the UK since its release over at Wal*Mart stores across the US. It feels strange to see just how much improvement Arc Productions had made since S17 but in a good way.

WHALE OF A TALE 
& OTHER SODOR ADVENTURES
Review Date: 23/07/15
DVD Rating: 8/10

The S19 Wal*Mart exclusive with five selected episodes. They are good episodes providing us with good morals and relatable episodes (e.g - Henry Spots Trouble) the special features are nice too such as Mr. Perkins' Railway, with wonderfully shot footage of steam and diesel locomotives.

1ST CLASS STORIES
Review Date: 4/09/15
DVD Rating: 5/10

This release was not perfect nor great with its choice of episode. But it's not bad either. I still think they should've chosen better episodes such as 'Edward's Exploit' and 'The Deputation' but the choice of classic episodes are fine with me as it could bring kids to understand the continuity references that were made from various specials and S18.

SODOR'S LEGEND OF THE 
LOST TREASURE
Review Date: 28/09/15
DVD Rating: 8/10

Probably the best Thomas centric special to date but when it comes to the yearly specials. I prefer TOTB because of its emotional storyline and was more invested to Percy's storyline. The performance made by John Hurt, Jamie Campbell Bower and Eddie Redmayne for the new character were brilliant and fun, especially John Hurt's performance as Sailor John. Although I think Sailor John is overrated, I don't hate the character and I love his voice work but he was more your most of his characterisation is a typical cliched pirate villain, wanting the treasure because...because. I think it would've been better if he were related to Captain Callis it would've made some good character development. Again, I don't hate Sailor John, I think he's not the best villain the series had. Plus Ryan didn't add much to the story. Yes he had a reason to be on Sodor, but he lacked the conflict between him and Thomas. I did say he and Stanley are different, but Ryan being a goody goody character isn't that original either. Skiff was good but I think he would've been better if he were a villain at first and then turned into a good guy later on.

THOMAS' CHRISTMAS CAROL
Review Date: 3/11/15
DVD Rating: 7.5/10

I like the episodes on this year's Christmas DVD and the new segments such as 'Landmarks of Sodor'.  By the time I reviewed this DVD however I find the quality of DVDs released by Universal to be very poor with the interlacing. It's distracting to the viewer and rather strange that a division of a well-known company had released films like 'Back to the Future'. I'm sticking with the iTunes releases as they have the best quality when it comes to HD, especially in 1080p.



TALE ON THE RAILS
Review Date: 10/11/15
DVD Rating: 7/10

This DVD is alright as well. I love the three selected S19 episodes, they were interesting and well written and the two S18 episodes were fine choices, especially 'Duck and the Slip Coaches'. The intervals though I find are bit of a disappointment. They've only released Thomas and Gordon's 'Calling All Engines!' segments that were released previously in 2013 on 'Santa's Little Engine' and a new segment was made with just the Fat Controller's voice talking about Millie which felt like 'Calling All Engines!' and 'Who's that Engine' morphed together with him talking about the episode 'Luke's New Friend'. It was good though that Mr. Perkins wasn't ignored as part of the extras, but you think that Universal or HIT would know that they've used the UK dubbing of the story time and Postcard from the 'Railway Mischief' DVD that was released back in July?

And so we now end the 70th anniversary year of the Railway Series. So what's next for 2016? Well of course the 20th season of the TV series and the new special 'The Great Race' with 12 new characters whom are international engines. But first the UK will get there version of 'Signals Crossed' and we will await for the last few S19 episode in the exclusive Thomas DVD 'Start Your Engines!' with the new character called Phillip who was revealed in a Japanese character guide book back in September 2015 with episodes that had aired in Japan earlier. So to conclude this post I wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope you have a bright future ahead. 

NWR1991.

S19 Ep.10: The Beast of Sodor

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

THE BEAST OF SODOR
Written by
Becky Overton

Directed by
Don Spencer

Air Date
31/12/15

Plot:
The Vicarstown Bridge is blocked and so Spencer is to stay on Sodor for the time being. He told the other engines his 'story' of the abominable snowman. Henry is scared by and Spencer thought it'll be finny to tease him. Until they've encountered one or so they thought.

PRO:
- Henry upping himself during the snowman scene
- The Fat Controller's comedy moment
- Henry's wimpy attitude isn't cringe this season
- Lots of funny moments
- Moral: Don't be up yourself 

CON:
- Spencer being on a single line with Henry

I really how the team handled Henry's wimpy behaviour this season. Sure episodes like 'Henry Spots Trouble' was a bit over the top but it showed something relatable about being scared of the unknown and this episode wasn't as cringe worthy as I thought. I love the scene when Henry was upping himself against the abominable snowman, which turns out to be the Fat Controller this whole time, it definitely adds some character development in him. Sure people like to see him in his old persona and that's fine, even though I don't find it to be standing out from the rest of the crowd as we have arrogant engines like Gordon and James and Samson. I also love the comedic moments of the Fat Controller, especially the bull chasing him was funny but there are also other great comedic moment like the Fat Controller's face zooming in with the dramatic music and the record scratching of the dramatic music. I will say that being a show that brings out the railway realism, it quite illogical of Spencer and Henry being on one single track with two seperate trains. I think the best idea if they do these types of episodes with two characters sharing the lead role, it'll be better if they double head the train. I don't think they've ever shown that in the television series at all?

The concept of this episode reminds me of 'Ghost Train' with Spencer being all uppity and teased one of the engines about the abominable snowman. Same as how Thomas is all uppity about not being scared of a ghost. It brings in the moral to kids about not to be up themselves over things that never happened to them.

Sure people will say 'it's trains with faces, that's not realistic'. Sure, that's true but Rev.W.Awdry created the Island of Sodor's railway system authentically and set within real life, a bit like Harry Potter and that is what made the series unique as the NWR is trying to be like a real working railway rather then a fantasy magical island. But with that out of the way, I like this episode and I'm glad that the new team are handling Henry well.

Rating: 9/10

Episode Rating:
The Beast of Sodor - 9/10

Series Rating (So far):
81/100

Wednesday 30 December 2015

S19 Ep.9: Very Important Sheep

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

VERY IMPORTANT SHEEP
Written by
Helen Farrell 

Directed by
Don Spencer

Produced by
Ian McCue (HIT)
Jennifer Hill (Arc)

Plot:
Percy was late after his mail run and so was rushing to take some sheep to the spring fair for Farmer McColl. However the van was broken and the very important sheep had escaped from the broken hole!

Air Date:
30/12/15 - AUS

PRO:
-Moral: Don't overcompensate or don't rush & 
make sacrifices to help those in need 
- The music
- The humour

CON:




Many people I know thought this episode was going to be bad due to that some sheep were being used in the episode. While the episode is simple, it was nice and you would call it a S13-16 episode done better, like 'Timothy and the Rainbow Truck'. Percy was in character and he doesn't act dumbed down like he did in the past as he was showing the moral that we shouldn't rush about or overcompensate. 

With that now out of the way, I love the music that was used for the countryside, the nice guitar work brings in the lovely and simple countryside feeling. It gave that very early classic series vibe, the episode overall. Percy and Gordon's part brought up 'Percy and the Signal' and I hope we see an episode with those two in future, even though I wish the writer flesh out Gordon's good hearted side, as I think his pompous attitude is starting to get annoying. The CGI for the countryside was lovely too so credits to Arc Productions on that and the humour was good as well when it comes to the sheep. In the end it was a fine episode and it's good to see some simpleness in the series still. It's a nice slice of life story.

Rating: 9/10

Episode Rating:
Very Important Sheep - 9/10

Series Rating (So far):
72/90

Tuesday 29 December 2015

S19 Ep.8: Toad and The Whale


THESE ARE MY OPINIONS AND NOT INFLUENCED FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

TOAD AND THE WHALE
Written by
Helen Farrall

Directed by
Don Spencer

Air Date
29/12/15 - AUS

Plot
Toad spots a stranded whale at Bluffs Cove

PRO:
- Moral: Help animals in need 

CON:
- Flynn's voice


So Toad is given another episode but although I do like him, I think there should be more episodes based around Duck and Oliver. I'm not one of those fans who think giving a character is three episode is too much, seriously that was a big deal. I just think Duck and Oliver should have more episodes to themselves, especially Oliver. I think his arrogance of his escape would bring a potential storyline to teach kids about not to make up the truth. But aside from that, I like this episode. It has a good moral about help animals in need. It's good to see Toad's personality being fleshed out to show a caring side of him when it comes to other living beings. But if there's one flaw I have to point out, it's Flynn's voice. Rob Rackstraw is a good voice actor for characters such as Toby in the UK dub but some of his voices lacked much continuity that it sounds almost like Kerry Shale. It would've been better if HIT Entertainment had told Ben Small that he won't be voicing Thomas and stay on voicing the other ones he had done previously, they did that with Keith Wickham and Kerry Shale in their own respective dubs because his Flynn voice sounds almost like Rupert Degas' one.

But aside from that, this episode is nice and sweet and it definitely shines more personality in Toad.

Rating: 9/10

Episode Rating:
Who's Geoffrey - 9/10
The Truth About Toby - 6.5/10
Lost Property - 9/10
Henry Spots Trouble - 7/10
Snow Place Like Home - 7/10
A Cranky Christmas - 6/10
Diesel 's Ghostly Christmas - 9.5/10
Toad and The Whale - 9/10

Series Rating (So far):
63/70

Friday 25 December 2015

S19 Ep.7: Diesel's Ghostly Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2015!!

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

DIESEL'S GHOSTLY CHRISTMAS 
Written by
Becky Overton

Based on 'A Christmas Carol' by
Charles Dickens

Directed by
Don Spencer

Produced by
Jennifer Hill (Arc)
Ian McCue (HIT)

Air Date
25/12/15 - P1 & P2: AUS

Plot
Diesel is not a helpful engine on Christmas. He didn't help Thomas with his jobs, didn't push the flatbed for Salty and not helping Paxton back on the rails. So he was visited by three 'ghosts'.

PRO
-Moral: Be helpful
- The little detail 
- The references to 'A Christmas Carol'
- Classic series reference: Diesel Does it Again

CON:
- Kerry Shale's scream for Diesel almost sounds like Henry


For the first time we see a double length episode and a story based on the famous Charles Dickens classic, 'A Christmas Carol' which had endless amount of adaptations from the books to stage and film. This episode is really good and has a good teaching moral for kids about you can't be selfish during this time of the year and be helpful to others. I love the little detail Arc Productions had put in the episode such as Diesel's future with his eyebrows going grey. I like how we are seeing Diesel's character being more dimensional and not just being devious, sure he's the villain but as I said many times before, he's more of a boastful and selfish character rather then villain. Even if he were he would've wanted steam engines to be scrapped in the first place. If there's one con I have and that is Kerry Shale, I'm not a big fan of his voice work but I do love his Diesel voice but his scream for it sounds almost like Henry and at times his voice kind of switches to his voice too. There's not much else I can say about this episode. Although I did have the thought of the episode being based on my video I did in 2012, but I thought of it later as a coincidence.


Rating: 9.5/10

Episode Rating:
Who's Geoffrey - 9/10
The Truth About Toby - 6.5/10
Lost Property - 9/10
Henry Spots Trouble - 7/10
Snow Place Like Home - 7/10
A Cranky Christmas - 6/10
Diesel's Ghostly Christmas - 9.5/10

Series Rating (So far):
54/70

Thursday 24 December 2015

S19 Ep.6: A Cranky Christmas

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

A CRANKY CHRISTMAS
Written by
Mark Huckerby & Nick Olster

Directed by
Don Spencer

Produced by
Ian McCue (HIT)
Jennifer Hill (Arc)

Air Date
24/12/15 - AUS 

Plot:
While unloading a Christmas crate for the Fat Controller, Cranky dropped it by accident and thought the load was damaged badly. He hid the crate from Thomas. However once the crate was found, it was something else.

PRO:
- Showing kids the importances of sandboxes in snowy and iced weather 
- Moral: Admit your mistakes

CON:
- The episode shares the similarity of 'Who's Geoffrey'. 


I think the episode is simple and simplicity is good. I like how sandboxes are now a common thing to see now in the show and they let kids understand the importance of sandboxes for such conditions like the snow in this episode, much better then 'Keeping Up with James' where it was a missed opportunity to all kids about the use of sandboxes. The moral is what we've seen in 'Who's Geoffrey', admit your mistakes and it shares the similarity of the episode with Cranky hiding his mistake which caused some problems, sort of not anything new here. I don't really have a problem with Thomas being in many episodes this season and I believe he added purpose to be the star of the episode, a young tank engine who is rushing about not thinking about the important things when it comes to snowy weather is something kids can learn from as snow can be a very dangerous thing to deal with. I do love the Thomas and Edward chemistry here, it's nice to see a wise old engine helping out a young tank engine, yes I know Thomas' basis is as old as the Queen herself but considering that Thomas is a children's show, kids need to see these engines as something relatable. It's not a great episode but it's good to watch.

Rating: 6/10


Episode Rating:
Who's Geoffrey - 9/10
The Truth About Toby - 6.5/10
Lost Property - 9/10
Henry Spots Trouble - 7/10
Snow Place Like Home - 7/10
A Cranky Christmas - 6/10

Series Rating (So far): 
44.5/60

Monday 21 December 2015

S19 Ep.5: Snow Place Like Home

After months and months and months of waiting, despite a few DVD releases in the US and some episodes airing in Japan with the UK dub, S19 is back on TV once more after a long...unexplained hiatus by Channel 5 in the UK, despite that they're still airing S13-16 Christmas/Winter holiday stories. But despite that, S19 had started its run in Australia and are airing the Christmas episodes during the Christmas week on ABC Australia. So here are more views on the S19 episodes. 

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FANBASE 

SNOW PLACE LIKE HOME
Written by
Lee Pressman

Directed by 
Don Spencer

Produced by
Ian McCue (HIT)
Jennifer Hill (Arc)

Plot:
The snow is causing all sorts of trouble to the engines and Emily's new piston rods are stranded at the depot. Victor hates snow but Kevin loves it until it had caused trouble.

Air Date:
21/12/15 - AUS

PRO:
- Kevin's body language
- Victor's determined attitude 
- Victor's parental attitude

CON:
- Kevin's US voice
- Victor being narrow gauge on standard gauge track
- Percy and Henry's purpose
- Emily's purpose would be given more reasoning

This was a nice episode and can be relatable to children and parents when it comes to the snow. Kevin is the bubbly and naive child while Victor is the strict parent not wanting someone he knows to get hurt. Victor may have been exaggerating his hatred of snow saying that he'll get Emily's new piston rods until all the snow had been melted but you get his hatred of the white stuff as it can be a very difficult thing. But I also love his determined attitude, snow or not he's looking for someone's safety and was determined to do it even if he hates the snow. The improved animation really worked well for Kevin's body language, he moves like something from a Pixar film so fluently. In the end it was a nice episode and telling kids about the bad side of snow, sort of like what the classic series did.

But there are a few flaws that I would pick out. Looking at the US dub of this episode, I'm never much a fan of Kevin's US voice as it sounds exactly like Henry's voice done by Kerry Shale. Granted I'm not a Kerry Shale fan minus his Gordon and James voice but some of his characters sound similar. Since that HIT Entertainment had been changing voice during the course of 2015, I think they should use Kevin's UK voice for the US dub as that has more charm and character to Kevin's character and basis. I was wondering, have the animators thought that Victor is, as always, a narrow gauge engine? Sure this issue had been an mess during the Barlow era, but you think they would know with the existence of 'Don't Bother Victor' and I'm talking about Victor interacting with Thomas over Kevin nearing the end of the episode. Victor was travelling up the same line as Thomas, like he did (Thomas) in the earlier part of the episode. Plus at the beginning of the episode, Henry and Percy's part adds no impact, sure it's an example that the engines don't like snow but if it were say it's them getting stuck in the snow along with Emily's piston rod broken, it would've given enough reason why she needs new ones, and it would add a much more better reason to show Kevin that snow can be dangerous.

Rating: 7/10

Episode Rating:
Who's Geoffrey - 9/10
The Truth About Toby - 6.5/10
Lost Property - 9/10
Henry Spots Trouble - 7/10
Snow Place Like Home - 7/10 

Series Rating (So far):
38.5/50

Saturday 12 December 2015

NWR Editorial: The Poor Scheduling of S19 In the UK

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

NWR EDITORIAL:
THE POOR SCHEDULING OF S19 IN THE UK

With 'The Adventure Begins' and 'Sodor's Legend of The Lost Treasure' now out of the way, S19 is now being aired in countries like Japan and soon Australia. I don't know when the US will be airing there's, but I do think they'll be playing the Christmas episodes this year as well. But the UK has been hit by poor planning by Channel 5's parent company 'Viacom' who owns other networking companies like Nickelodeon. 

S19 have been shown on four DVDs in the US, about six episode had aired in Japan and Australia will be starting its run as well. The UK had been given four episodes starting September then for some unknown reason had started airing 'The Afternoon Tea Express' and then revert back to S13 episodes. Recently it's been announced by SiF that S19 would start its share of Christmas/Winter episodes in January 2016 and despite not living in the UK, I still think it's really poor on Viacom's part. They had written an email, Channel 5, to SteamTeam3211 back in September that they will play the Christmas episodes this month, initially. Some say the hold up was because of the recently revived 'Bob the Builder' series. I haven't seen the series yet so I won't be making any judgemental view on it, despite not being a huge Bob fan, although I did like it as a child when it was in stop motion animation. But they're both on the same time and I don't think one would be better then the other as both brands are owned by HIT Entertainment and are very popular with kids.

Instead of showing the recent episodes, Channel 5 will be airing episodes like 'The Christmas Tree Express', which is rather a very poor episode in comparison with the more recent ones like 'Last Train for Christmas' which I'm glad that they are playing. But looking at what the UK was given this year when it comes to S19, I think the question is this. Is it time for Thomas & Friends have a new provider for the episode to avoid this hiccup? Maybe not now, but I hope HIT Entertainment might give it a think one day. Sure they have held back 'The Christmas Tree Express' and had randomised S17 but they have release many episodes throughout the year. Heck they aired S13 and S14 in the same year, 2010.

Some might say it's not a big deal and yes they have a right to say this and despite that I've said in the past that people need to be patient, I don't think a country waiting an entire year for brand new episodes when in the end the UK had only got four episodes so far this year and have to wait sometime in the new year for more S19 episodes because after the Christmas episodes there, it's back to S13 again. It may as well be a kids show, but UK fans of Thomas & Friends both young and old don't deserve this. 

Tuesday 10 November 2015

DVD Review: Tales on the Rails

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND ARE NOT INFLUENCED FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

TALES ON THE RAILS
Episodes
Very Important Sheep
Salty All at Sea
Den and Dart

Written by
Helen Farrel 
Lee Pressman
Mark Olster and Nick Huckerby
Andrew Brenner

Special Features
- All You Need music video
- Fun with Driver Perkins

Release Date
10/11/15 - iTunes
24/11/15 -  DVD

Distributed by
HIT/Universal 

We now reach to the final Thomas DVD for 2015 with three S19 episodes alongside two S18 episodes.

EPISODES
I will keep my word for the three S19 episodes next month when ABC begins airing them in Australia. But of course there's the two S18 episodes. I think it'll be quite confusing and distracting for Thomas fans when it comes to the voices with all the changes that were made this year (e.g - The Fat Controller having his UK voice in the US dub and the new voices for characters such as Thomas, Percy and James.) But 'Duck and the Slip Coaches' is a great episode and 'Missing Gator' is a good episode too, you can see my views by clicking on the links of the two episodes.

SPECIAL FEATURES
The extra features from the DVD and iTunes release are a music video and two Mr. Perkins segments, although I find it strange that the two Perkins segments which were 'Brendam Docks' for the Postcards and 'Thomas' Train' from the story time segment were in there UK dubbing from the 'Railway Mischief' DVD that was released in the UK a few months ago. It's good though that the these segments aren't forgotten but Universal and HIT should at least know the extras are to be shown to the US audiences and it could be distracting but I don't think kids would mind.

The intervals though they were a tad disappointing. What was strange is that the Thomas and Gordon segments for 'Calling All Engines!' were released in 'Santa's Little Engine' in the US in 2013 and another segment, with no title for some reason, was more like 'Calling All Engines!' and 'Who's That Engine' morphed together with the Fat Controller's voice going on about Millie and the episode 'Luke's New Friend'. It's not bad but it's not an original thought in my opinion and I think it'll be better if they've had another 'Landmarks of Sodor' segment. However there is another CAE! segment with Stafford and Spencer and of course it'll be new for the US audience as it was only seen on the UK's 'Railway Mischief' before this release and the Earl's Quiz talks about 'Scruff's Makeover ' and 'Luke's New Friend'. So while the intervals in this DVD were not great, they're OK. 

 OVERALL
I think the DVD was alright, there were good selection of episodes despite some meh intervals. I had thought about these DVDs and decided to stop purchasing the US DVDs off Amazon and stick with the iTunes releases. The reason is because of the quality that Universal had been releasing this past year with the poor interlacing and this is the company that released very famous films like the Back to the Future series. So starting next year, I'll be reviewing new US releases when the iTunes release are out. Plus as an international buyer, it saves shipping costs as well but if I go to America on holiday I might buy one as a souvenir. In the end it's a good release but I think the intervals could've been better. Well here we are with the last Thomas DVD review for 2015. So what will we expect next year? Of course the themed DVD release for 2016, 'Start Your Engines!' I'll be honest I'm not all hyped up but I do hope the episodes are good, I'm looking forward to the Emily episode on the themed DVD release and of course the new special 'The Great Race' featuring 12 new characters from different countries, here's hoping for an Australian character. 

Well be sure to look for more S19 episode reviews as ABC will be airing them next month. Also be on the lookout for the overall review of the DVDs that I've been reviewing during the year 2015 on December 31st. 

Rating: 7/10

Tuesday 3 November 2015

DVD Review: Thomas' Christmas Carol

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND ARE NOT FROM THE THOMAS AND FRIENDS FAN BASE

THOMAS' CHRISTMAS CAROL
Episodes
-Diesel's Ghostly Christmas 
- Snow Place Like Home
- A Cranky Christmas
- The Beast of Sodor

Written by
Becky Overton
Mark Hucklerby & Nick Olster
Lee Pressman

Directed by
Don Spencer

Produced by
Ian McCue 

Special Features
- Who's that Engine?
- 'There's Snow Place Like Home' Music Video

Release
27/10/15

Distributed
HIT/Universal 

Another Christmas themed DVD for 2015 for the US audience of S19 episodes. Will these bring the spirit of Christmas? Let's find out! 

EPISODES
With these releases, I keep them for December when the TV series airs in the UK, whenever that happens on milkshake? But I know that ABC Australia is airing them next month. But in short I say the episodes are good and OK this year, you'll see my views later on.

SPECIAL FEATURES
It's a surprise to see that there are no new Mr. Perkins segments in this release. But when you think about it, there's not much stories either set around Christmas nor in Winter. Sure there's 'Mrs. Kyndley's Christmas' but I think they like to have Winter/Christmas stories with snow to also give that wintery atmosphere. Look at 'A Scarf for Percy' from last year's release over in the US. Plus I believe, not making assumptions here, the reason why there aren't any this is because some stories set in winter have characters like Donald, Douglas, Terence and Daisy etc. even though to us we are familiar with them and that three of the four characters have just been in this year's special, the target range might not be familiar with them yet. Maybe that's the reason, I don't know. I like the new segment 'Landmarks of Sodor' in the style of an old news reel with some good history and reason for the place with some fabulous narration by Rob Jackstraw, who I thought was Mike Grady all this time. There are other simple segments such as the Calling All Engines! featuring Victor and Porter, not much to say but they were good informative segments of the two characters with some good amount of footage. There is also the Earl's Quiz with question for Samson Sent for Scrap, Whistles, Bells and Horns and Old Reliable Edward.

The Christmas music video is 'Snow Place like Home', most likely based on the episode title on the DVD. I think it's a good one and it gave that Christmassy feeling but it's no better then 'It's Christmas Time' from last year's release. 

OVERALL
This release is a good one although I will say for the bonus features from the DVD menu and I will say it's lazy to release the same segment that were on previous releases by them. The quality of the footage on the recent DVDs from them are poor too with their interlacing, what was wrong with the quality of footage that is released over in the UK? In my opinion if you want good quality I buy it off iTunes in HD, the footage is crystal clear and you get the usual features from the DVD as well. Unless if you want to sit through low pitched sound.

Rating: 
7.5/10

Monday 28 September 2015

Movie Review: Sodor's Legend of The Lost Treasure (SPOILERS)

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT INFLUENCED FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

THE FOLLOWING POST CONTAIN SPOILERS!

SODOR'S LEGEND OF THE LOST TREASURE
Written by
Andrew Brenner

Directed by
David Stoten

Produced by
Ian McCue (HIT)

Release Date
8/09/15 - US
23/09/15 - AU
28/09/15 - UK

Distributed by
HIT Entertainment (UK/US/AUS)
ABC Kids (AUS)
Universal (US)

2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the Railway Series books and to celebrate HIT Entertainment had released two new specials. One is of the course the acclaimed 'The Adventure Begins' which was released exclusively at Wal*Mart in the US and ASDA in the UK and this one around the world. This DVD marks the incarnation of the Arelsdale Miniature Railway into CGI, it's also the first time that any character from the books was incarnated onto screen in twenty years! It also marks the return of classic characters such as Donald, Douglas, Daisy and Oliver the Excavator. Along the line of other specials, this introduce new characters such as Ryan, Skiff and Sailor John with their voices done by Academy Award winning actor Eddie Redmayne (Ryan), who has been in films such as the Stephen Hawking's biography film, 'The Theory of Everything', Sir John Hurt (Sailor John) who has been in many things such as Doctor Who and Jamie Campbell Bower (Skiff) who has been in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows P.1 & P.2. 
So will this special be better then TOTB considering it's the 70th anniversary? Let's find out:

PLOT


The film opens up with a usual prologue of Thomas puffing along his branch line passing the windmill. While he was doing so, he called out to Annie and Clarabel to look out for Bertie the Bus and when he spotted him they decided to have a race. As the two were racing each other, Thomas was switched onto a different track, passing a red signal and even have a near collision with Toby and Henrietta! Bertie on the other hand was stuck behind Oliver, the execvatior. Meanwhile given a little cameo is none other then a CGI recreation of the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, Rev.W.Awdry. That was a fine tribute to the late vicar for the 70th anniversary so well done to the team that thought of the idea.


After the opening credits, we then discover from Bertie about the newly constructed branch line that runs to Harwick from Arlesburgh junction. Even though in the past there had never been rail links of the line going to Harwick on the Sodor maps. But it is an interesting idea to expand the Island to newer locations that had never been seen before. 


Then we move to Marion the steam shovel who was heading towards the construction site of the new branch line where she discovered the Arlesdale Miniature Railway engines from Oliver and Toad, who appear for the very first time and it's the first time in 20 years that we've seen more Railway Series characters implemented into the show. She was amazed at their size calls them 'magical' and I find her astonishment of them funny, a nice tribute to the Rev.W.Awdry's story in the 'Small Railway Engines' book. Her thinking them are magical, reminds me of the sentence saying, 'The verre wee engine, must be some kind of magic.'


Donald and Douglas, who are now voiced by Joe Mills, are seen heading their way towards the construction site. With a little in-joke about them not been seen in a while, which is of course them not being in the television series since 2008. 


While the line was being constructed, we then move to the next morning with Thomas not making enough steam and he had to shunt Gordon's coaches ready for his express run, a nice little past reference to 'Thomas and Gordon'. After Gordon made a remark that 'silly little tank engines' only shunt towards Thomas after Thomas called Gordon lazy. Thomas decided to take Gordon's coaches in a cheeky way but caused an accident after the signal turned red and made the express coaches derailed. 


Meanwhile over on the new branch line, we then see Marion being introduced to Oliver the excavator mistaking him for Oliver the Great Western engine and thought it was caused by the Miniature engines and their 'magic' after Stanley had passed with a goods train, we then see the ground below was starting to crack. 


Back at the big station, the Fat Controller was not happy with Thomas and his trick towards Gordon, in which Thomas had blamed Gordon and Emily for his mistake. So as punishment, the Fat Controller sent Thomas to the new branch line and Ryan, the new tank engine, to look after Thomas' line. 


Back on the new branch line, there was trouble with the ground as it was growing even weaker and was unstable and so the part of the line was cut off and to be routed. Back at the Miniature Railway, we see Rex, Mike and Bert meeting up with an upset Thomas about his mishap and the miniature engines for the first time ever in the series, broke out into song entitled 'Never Overlook A Little Engine' with such surreal atmosphere. After that Thomas made his way to the construction yard and decided to shunt the flatbeds of rails and sleepers, without any idea of the weak ground of the cutting.


A large gaping hole was made with the weight of the trucks and Thomas fell right in it, damaging himself and discovered a pirate ship in a cavern! After he was rescued by Rocky, the Fat Controller was cross because of his cheeky behaviour and sent Thomas to the Steamworks. 


Meanwhile in the background, we are greeted towards Sailor John and Skiff. At the Steamworks, Thomas was in doubt about his future but Victor told him that the Fat Controller wants him to be fixed as possible. Meanwhile Edward told them that Rocky had 'found' the ship, when really it was Thomas. 


So Rocky lift the ship up from the cavern and is to be put on display at Arelsbrugh Harbour. Marion thought that if there's a pirate ship then there must be treasure and that made her decision on what to wish from the miniature engines. However they don't want to meet her until she blocked her bucket against Mike. There's one thing I should add, some people thought this is a reference to the movie 'Magic Mike'. Although I do understand what people are saying, I personally think it was a reference to the Railway Series book. Although if it were a joke for the adults, I don't mind that as many children shows and movies had several adult related jokes, especially shows like Animaniacs and Rocko's Modern Life. 


So after Marion's 'wish', we then see Donald and Douglas delivering the pirate ship to the harbour and then at night, Henry was given a fright when he saw Sailor John and Skiff gliding along the main line. James doesn't believe him and thought Henry was dreaming. However Salty told one of his tall tales about a lost pirate who stole treasure from merchant ships. But he was being chased by the navy and hid in the cavern and hid his treasure. But one windy night his map was blown away from the wind and the lost pirate still looks out for his treasure.


Later Thomas was repaired but not cleaned up and he was still annoyed that Rocky took the credit of finding the pirate ship. Meanwhile Sailor John was looking through the pirate ship. Ryan is now helping around the construction yard and Thomas is sad that he used to be the Fat Controller's number one. Meanwhile we see Marion talking to Oliver and Alfie about her 'wish'. As Thomas arrived at Arelsburgh junction, he had bad coal from the hopper at the construction yard. Later that night Thomas' firebox was cleaned out and headed to the sheds, where Ryan was resting. Ryan offered him a spot in the shed but Thomas declined.


Later that night, Thomas encountered Sailor John and Skiff, who were finding Captain Callis' lost treasure. Thomas helped Sailor John down the cavern, discovering the treasure...map! As the day dawned, Sailor John and Skiff head back to the sea. Although the wind died down and Thomas pushed them towards the harbour. As the day wore on, Ryan was being filled with the bad coal as Thomas didn't warn him and the construction team were awaiting for the dynamite from Brendam docks, delivered by Ryan. Although Marion asked Oliver to 'turn himself' back into a railway engine, still believing that Oliver is still an excavator. 


Ryan returned although with black smoke and sparks being poured out of his funnel with his trucks filled with dynamite and one was alight! After a much hot potato, Thomas warned Ryan and pushed the trucks towards the cavern just in time. However the Fat Controller was not happy after seeing Thomas pushing the trucks towards Ryan earlier one. Despite not being deliberate, the Fat Controller told Thomas to go to his shed - like a child going to their room. However as the day wore on, their was not much work to do with the lack of dynamite. However Marion had found a box but left until morning. 


When night came, Thomas met up with Sailor John and Skiff once again and hunt down for the treasure during a song montage of 'We Make a Team Together' by Sam Blewitt with a little reference to Titanic. But as the sun rose up the treasure wasn't discovered and Sailor John believed that someone had beaten them to it. With that Sailor John and Skiff sailed away towards the sea with Marion in the background waking up. She was excited from what she has in her shovel which turns out to be the treasure! 


With Marion being praised for her discovery, Thomas was sent to take waste to the dump and Ryan to collect more dynamite at Brendam docks. However Sailor John wasn't happy by the discovery and was even more upset when he heard that the Fat Controller was giving it to the museum. Sailor John demand Thomas to bring the treasure to him, despite Thomas being against the idea of taking it. 


At Kanpford station, Thomas saw the Fat Controller calling the museum and told them that the treasure will be locked up in the safe. But Thomas was worried, would the treasure be safe? At the sheds, Ryan thanked him for saving him and was amazed by his bravery and sorry that he thought he got him into trouble again. But Thomas was apologetic towards Ryan for not warning him about the bad coal. However Ryan laughed it off and offered Thomas the spot in the shed, however Thomas kindly declined this time and said he was to spend the night at Knapford. Ryan however was wondering what Thomas was sleeping there for. 


At Knapford, Thomas kept watch. But as time went by he was asleep and Sailor John and Skiff head to the station to get the treasure. Skiff hated the idea but Sailor John didn't care. Thomas woke up despite being low on steam as Sailor John was getting away. At the sheds, Annie and Clarabel saw Henry passing through, scared of the ghost ship. Then Sailor John cackling past, which I have to say it was a funny scene. 


Then Thomas came screaming through chasing after Sailor John and Skiff. Despite passing a red signal and overtaking Gordon, he caught up with them with...the lost pirate ship from earlier and so an even bigger chase was on. Ryan though was worried for Thomas until he saw the ship and raced away. Rex, Mike and Bert were surprised and Thomas called out to them to help, which they did by pushing the ballast wagons to block their way. One truck though was slowing them down. A rope was then caught onto Ryan ending the ship to fall onto its side. Thomas praised Ryan as he chased after Sailor John and Skiff all the way to Arelsbrugh Harbour. 


Thomas splashed himself into the water and Skiff saw that the treasure was heavy for them to sail on. Sailor John didn't care and Skiff had enough and capsized with the treasure now under the sea. However Skiff and Sailor John turned out fine and Sailor John was caught by the police. 


Thomas was rescued by Rocky and was apologetic but the Fat Controller was proud of Thomas after what Ryan told him and despite losing the treasure, the Fat Controller didn't mind and said that his engines are more important then any treasure. 


In the end the line was opened, with Daisy making a brief return, Marion discovered that all this time there were two Oliver's and Skiff was repainted and doing boat tours now along the line.

END


CHARACTERS

RYAN
When Ryan was first discovered as an upcoming toy, his persona was to be overconfident. However his persona changed during production to be kind and cheery. Looking at his character, I can see that his original persona is still intact when we first saw him at Knapford with the smug look and that he wasn't gentle with Annie and Clarabel when he was coupled up to them. I don't think the series need more arrogant engines though as we have enough such as Gordon, James, Samson etc. Some say that he's a second version of Stanley but Stanley though was a lot different compare to Ryan. There wasn't much intention of Stanley wanting to be Thomas' friend, whereas Ryan wanted to be friends with Thomas by offering a spot in the shed whereas Stanley didn't make an offer when he was in Thomas' berth. Despite all that, Ryan doesn't seem to add much to the special. He had a reason to work on the new branch line but the website says he's capable of doing many jobs since he's a bigger tank engine. What the website says would've brought better conflict towards Thomas' situation. Thinking about his original persona, I think it would add better development to his personality as he felt a bit bland. But he's not terrible. As much as I like Stanley, Ryan is becoming more of a favourite. It's great that HIT Entertainment got Eddie Redmayne, an Academy Award winner in the film and I hope he stays as the voice for Ryan from S20 as he did such a nice and fun performance. 

SKIFF
I think Skiff is a good character and his basis was inspired by Spooner's Boat, as mentioned by Andrew Brenner in the Thomas and Friends YouTube documentary. I love how despite working with Sailor John he knows his right and wrong and that he cares about Thomas but when it comes to relationship between him and Sailor John, it seems he vary the persona of Winston. But despite that I think there could've been something better for Skiff, why not make him a villain with Sailor John and of course with Thomas seeing him being abused by Sailor John, influencing him (Skiff) to know who his real friends are, it would bring some character development into Skiff and the moral to coincide the 70 years of friendship. Jamie Campbell Bower did him brilliantly well I enjoyed his performance, yes an actor from the awful Twilight series actually did a great job! 

SAILOR JOHN
I think out of all the newbies, Sailor John was a great character, performance wise. As Doug Walker said, 'Everything John Hurt does is gold' and Sir John Hurt was fantastic and he stole the show. Such a great pirate voice that he pulled along with evil cackles etc. However I am a bit disappointed that they didn't give him much depth in the special as the official website says, he was kicked out of the navy and retired on the Island of Sodor ending up to be a criminal. We see that but we learn of his past. Plus we don't know why he wants the treasure, sure it's for himself but that's not enough for his reasoning, just like every pirate in fiction they want the treasure because they want it, it doesn't really feel strong. I do consider him as overrated as I felt he added no reason for his need for the treasure and that he's your typical pirate bad buy, sure it's a first for the show like Thomas to have a human villain but it's not really groundbreaking.  I'm not being edgy I'm just being honest. Heck P.T Boomer had a reason as a villain in MRR, and that is something coming from a person who despises MRR, even if it is terrible his reason was to make Burnett Stone's life a misery all over a girl and wants to destroy something that he (Stone) considers something as precious. If he were related to Captain Callis it could've brought some development in him knowing that he was doing the wrong thing for the right reason, to protect his say family history as he thought they would find it and sell it off or throwaway and then realises that it's ending up in the museum and he's happy that it's going to happen. I rather that then the cliched 'I want the treasure because...because.' pirate. I don't think he's terrible, he would've been better if he were related to the pirate in Salty's story.

MIKE, REX AND BERT
I think they count as new. After all this is their debut in the series. I love how they treated them like they have always been there all this time but we never seen them, coming from the interaction between them and the classic characters (Thomas) whereas Marion is new. I can see a bit of Reverend Awdry's personas for the engines are there  such Rex's love of teasing Mike. Tim Whitnall, Tom Stourton and Keith Wickham did brilliant work on the voices which makes them have their own charm. Plus they did great singing for 'Never Overlook A Little Engine'. 

SONGS & MUSIC

When I first heard that there was a musical number with the characters, I thought it sounded weird as Thomas never had that ever! Unless you count 'Away from The Sea' (S17) and 'Thomas the Quarry Engine' (S18). But after seeing the movie, it was fantastic and it felt fresh and new. 'Never Overlook A Little Engine' is a fantastic song for young children who are being overlooked by the older kids. The lyrics are filled with positivity and children need that saying that bigger doesn't mean better. Plus it almost feels like something that Mike O'Donnell and Junior Campbell would've written in the classic series. Plus the music video provided in the special was very psychedelic and amazingly animated. 'We Make a Team Together' is your typical friendship song, but it's not that bad and it was great seeing some children from the Westfield Infant School joining in, as they won a contest for a national singing contest.

The music was performed by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and they've done a remarkable job on giving Robert and Peter Hartshorne's music an orchestrated feeling. After hearing there music for a few years though, it did sound very close to the music that was used in previous specials and episodes. But you definitely hear more brass and string. Such a shame though that HIT Entertainment hadn't released any soundtrack album of this special nor any of their previous ones. If they are reading this, they should create a compilation album one day called 'The Thomas & Friends Soundtrack: Music and Songs from the Movies'. 

ANIMATION

I love the animation that Arc Productions had given us since 'The Adventure Begins' special that was released earlier this year. Instead of the engines looking like plastic toys, they are given shine and glimmer like real steam engines, the lighting maybe off in a couple of places, but they are mostly natural and I have to say, the early morning sky nearing the end of the film was amazing, especially in 1080p HD, shame there's no BluRay release for the UK and Australia. The layout of Arlesbrugh harbour is simply gorgeous, it gives it that British seaside town feeling and the layout of it all reminds me of some locations from the Studio Ghibli films, mostly like the seaside town in 'Kiki's Delivery Service' and I know that Arc Productions were inspired by their animated film. In the end, Arc Productions had done a fantastic job. 

OVERALL

I still find Tale of The Brave great with its unique three part story arc and emotional storyline,  but Sodor's Legend of The Lost Treasure is probably the best Thomas centric special to date. I love the development that Thomas had starting from his conceited and cheeky behaviour but ending up getting into trouble and I do believe he was sent away in disgrace judging by the Fat Controller having enough of Thomas' cheekiness and misbehaviour at Knapford and for losing his branch line. Feared that a much bigger tank engine is replacing him and redeeming himself by saving the treasure. Something that Thomas and The Magic Railroad should've been. I really do see this as Magic Railroad done right.

I think it was great to see Donald, Douglas, Daisy, Alfie and Oliver (the executor) return again and I love the little in-joke that Duck made towards the Scottish twins, despite that it didn't add much to the main story. Even though after ten years since Calling All Engines! was released, it's good to see that the production team isn't pandering towards the parents who are wrapping their kids in cotton wool. Kids are growing up in a world where there are bad people and the scene at the end of Sailor John being arrested definitely shows a positive side about what happen to bad people. The morals are good such as teamwork and knowing who your real friends are.

There had been little complaints from parents that the Fat Controller was too strict towards Thomas. You can't blame him for Thomas' cheekiness and immaturity with Thomas damaging things that cost money such as the express coaches, the dynamite etc. while spending money on a new extension of a branch line and it had been proven that the Fat Controller is not a good listener in episodes such as 'Percy Gets it Right' and 'Wayward Winston' and with the scene of Thomas shoving the dynamite in the cavern and the Fat Controller yelling at him later on, you find that, out of the assumption, he had quite enough of his excuses after what he had caused earlier and was doing the same act towards Ryan, being cheeky, a lot like a father scolding at his own son, and that he has some trust issues with him until Ryan explained things off screen, so he had learned his lesson and it makes him human.

Marion and her subplot was hilarious as well I might add. Some people have complained that Daisy being transferred to the Harwick branch line is a bad thing. I think it's good as if there's any upcoming episode set on the Harwick line, she would have more screen time and besides in most episodes, we don't see Percy or Toby working on Thomas' line as well and there had been some changes towards Thomas, Percy and Duck as they were shunting engines and they all work on branch lines in the RWS. Yes we all want to see the Ffarquhar engines together, but characters like Marion had purposes for other things such helping with construction like in S18 and this special. So Daisy might work on Thomas' line maybe during S20 for whatever purpose. I think this, TOTB and TAB are the hard choices of what is the number one best special. I can see some flaws in this special such as Sailor John's purpose of the treasure and the pirate ship being on top of the hill in the climax. Plus the pirate ship didn't really add much to the story. I think for a little constructive criticism I think it would've been better if the treasure map was somewhere in the pirate ship rather then in the pit or maybe the treasure is the pirate ship, but I think for the latter it wouldn't hold for a 60 minute special as well as Ryan coupling up to Annie and Clarabel that added no point to the movie as well as some continuity errors with Clarabel wondering where Thomas is despite that he was nearby getting scolded at by the Fat Controller. 

Henry's subplot wasn't that good either. It never felt finished, all that we see is Henry being in his infamous persona running about being scared. Marion's subplot was finished at the opening ceremony and Henry was often seen around the branch line, before Thomas confronted Sailor John after the treasure had been found by Marion. So why not have Henry being there with Skiff all painted up and restored and just end it with Skiff laughing at Henry's idea of him being 'the ghost ship.' It would actually finish the subplot. I don't know if this was idea behind the writers or Mattel themselves, but it felt pointless and it would've been better if, as TheUnluckyTug02 said in his video, have Thomas know about the lost pirate.

I'm glad that this is such a great way to celebrate during the 70th anniversary better then what we got in 2005 and 2010, even though I don't mind CAE! at all. I wonder how the 2016 special with a Great Railway Show theme will top it up? Looking forward to that one already.

Now that the 2015 special has been released to Australia, UK and America this month, we are now awaiting more S19 episodes as well as new DVDs in each of these countries. Australia will now be awaiting for 'The Adventure Begins' and 'Railway Mischief' in November, the UK will await for 'The Christmas Engines' in October and the US will await for 'Thomas' Christmas Carol' in November filled with S19 Christmas episodes and 'Tale on the Rails' in November with S18/19 episodes. 

OVERALL RATING
8/10

SODOR'S LEGEND OF THE LOST TREASURE 
IS OUT NOW IN ALL RETAILERS!