DVD Review: Christmas on Sodor

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

CHRISTMAS ON SODOR

Written by 

Andrew Brenner
Helen Farrall 

Episodes

Terence Breaks the Ice
Daisy's Perfect Christmas
Confused Christmas
Emily in the Middle
The Big Freeze
Cautious Connor
Tit For Tat
All In Vain

Special Features
It's Christmas Time - Music Video
Helping Others - Learn with Thomas
Sleigh and Plough - The Earl's Quiz
How Steam Engines Use Coal - Down at the Station

Directed by
Dianna Basso 

Produced by
Ian McCue (HIT)
Micaela Winters (HIT)

Release Date
3/10/17 - US (iTunes)
17/10/17 - US

13/11/17 - UK

Distributed by
Mattel Creations (UK/US)
HIT Entertainment (UK)
Universal (US)

For the first time ever, HIT Entertainment & Mattel have released a Thomas DVD, barring specials and tent pole releases, without holding back the UK to get it an entire year later! A welcoming change and I hope they do that for other DVDs in the near future. However like last year the US got a lack of DVDs unlike in 2015 and that includes the annual exclusive tent pole DVDs, the yearly special, Christmas DVD and generic release. Usually until 2016, Wal*Mart releases exclusive release DVDs of the upcoming season but it's most likely that the contract between the company that owns Wal*Mart and HIT Entertainment had expired and was never renewed. 

So now with 'Journey Beyond Sodor' out of the way, let's take a look at this year's Christmas release.

EPISODES

Like every other Christmas release, I'm leaving the recent episodes until they've aired during the course of Christmas. But the last three episodes I will say that they are still great episodes even though they are a year old. I think it is sad that they've lost the potential of releasing the Arlesdale episodes as there own DVD but in the end they were at least given a DVD release. 

I love 'Cautious Connor' and on its own it was a good episode but it's not good in comparison to the likes of 'Edward's Exploit', 'Gallant Old Engine' and 'Four Little Engines'. Three of those stories showcased an engine struggling and got injured but carried on like it was nothing. For Edward his crank pins broke (and damaged his splashers in the book) and for Rheneas his valve gear had jammed and despite the pain, he still carried on like a hero, Skarloey broke his springs and carried on to the last station despite his old age. Compare them to Connor who had a broken traction rod it's not really a big thing.

Now don't get me wrong I don't hate the episode but I wouldn't call it the best episode ever though. I still think that the episode has missed opportunities like Caitlin being the engine to motivate Connor as they are both close friends and that maybe either Edward or Rheneas motivate him about their past experiences. Rheneas purpose to be Ulfstead castle could be him delivering passengers or slate from the quarry or Edward could be there delivering passengers to visit the Castle. In the end, it was a good episode but it lacked some missed opportunities.

The other two episodes on the DVD still hold up, I love watching 'Tit for Tat' probably the best of the adapted stories of the miniature engines in my book and I still consider that 'All In Vain' is 'Pouty James' done right with his developed character of putting his jobs first before his vanity. 

SPECIAL FEATURES

So they've released 'It's Christmas Time' again which was seen on the 2014 Christmas DVD 'The Christmas Engine'. To be honest I'm glad because after the release of 'Snow Place Like Home' and 'Glynn's Christmas Wish' I don't blame them, Mattel and HIT Entertainment. Both songs weren't good among fans but for me I don't mind them but they weren't great looking back. So I hope one day we do see a good song from Eggplant that is if they're still contracted or better yet, from the likes of Andrew Brenner. 

Of course there are standard special features within the DVD, such as another 'Learn from Thomas' segment, which is used at the end of each Thomas block on PBS Kids of a moral life lesson from an episode that had aired that day. Then we have the Earl's quiz with clips from two S17 episodes, 'No Snow for Thomas' and 'Santa's Little Engine'. Again, good segements for the younger audiences to learn for their thinking skills.

And of course we have the Mr. Perkins segment, 'Down at the Station', another segment that are seen on PBS Kids in the US and Nick Jr. in the UK. I do like these segments as it show kids about certain parts of a steam engine or a diesel that they see in real life and it's always beautifully shot with the real steam locomotives on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. It also made me realise sadly that we lost Ben Forster earlier in the year! May the good man rest in peace.   

OVERALL

At the time of writing this review, I was reviewing the US copy that I bought from iTunes, I have an account despite living in Australia. 

I know there's another upcoming Christmas DVD releasing soon in America, which is 'Thomas' Holiday Collection'. But despite the addition of the model series episodes, it's a DVD that's not worth getting considering for parents, they would want more CG episodes and less of the old stuff, I know that sounds crazy but it's sadly true by looking at the Amazon reviews on the US site when it comes to the classic series. There are DVDs with the same episodes as the other discs and that, for the older fans' sake, they already have these DVDs when they were released years ago and the CGI DVDs in the collection have terribly written stories! In all honesty why not release another generic release DVD? I don't know how many episodes from S17-20 are released over in the US but you can have that along with maybe two additional episodes from S21 or episodes from the same season that had been released over in the UK recently on television!

Plus the DVDs from that collection are more cheaper to buy on their own than as a bundle they are about $5.00 - $9.00 USD or you can watch them on either Amazon Prime or Netflix through your membership, I know because I have used my sister's account while I visited America.

If you want something for your child for Christmas, I recommend this DVD as they are all brand new episodes and not repackaged DVDs. The special features may be standard but they are good in the end despite some being in previous releases. I know most of my overall is about another DVD that's coming soon but there's not much I need to say about this DVD and I want to get it off my chest as I have no interest in buying it because I already have these DVDs already and I think it's just lazy of Universal to put all these together when there are cheaper copies on their own and that they are up for streaming on streaming services.

RATING

8/10

A Retrospective of Thomas & Friends DVDs of 2016

As we end another year, we take a look back at the DVDs that were released during the course of 2016. But first:

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

SOME OPINIONS MAY HAVE CHANGED DURING THE COURSE OF THE YEAR

A RETROSPECTIVE OF THOMAS & FRIENDS

DVDS OF 2016

START YOUR ENGINES!

Review Date: 2/03/16

Rating: 8/10

I still think this did better than 'Spills and Thrills' and 'Dinos and Discoveries'. There are stories that don't feel they are the same with the 'character vs. character' plot line and give out different plot lines like about being who you are in your own right. However, I still find 'Race With You' a meh song and it's sad that Robert and Peter Hartshorne had left the series last year. So who would be the songwriters now? EggPlant aren't really the best at writing songs, not I'm not talking about the fruit. 

I love Philip and his persona but the debut episodes he was given was not entirely good, at the end. I hate how he broke his promise to the Fat Controller that he won't race around again but decided to have a race with Gordon anyway was not punished for it. It would've been better if say Philip loves to race and dreams of racing around Sodor, like Thomas wanting to see the world, but after 'racing' Gordon, the Fat Controller scolded him for neglecting his work. Maybe the writers don't want to show TFC as a harsh person so they wouldn't get the 'communist' tag from the 'journalists',  but when it comes to tell kids the message, they have to show TFC's harsh side to understand the consequences. 

WHALE OF A TALE & 

OTHER SODOR ADVENTURES

Review Date: 30/05/16

Rating: 6.5/10

One year after the US got it as a Wal*Mart exclusive. It's pretty much the same as the US' except for the Mr. Perkins intervals and 'Salty All at Sea' as an extra episode. I'm glad that HIT didn't forget about them (Perkins) as they are entertaining to watch with him reading out the Railway Series stories, but they were released before in the UK version of 'Trouble on the Tracks' last year along with the intervals that were in the US copy. It would've been much better if they had just delete them and given us a new 'Landmarks of Sodor' interval. 

The only difference this DVD has compare to the US copy is that 'Salty All at Sea' was added. But if this were released like the US copy it would've been pointless to release one year after it was released over in the US considering that the episodes are already on YT or stream demand websites after their TV run. But considering that 'The Great Race' was scheduled one week after the UK and Australia releases their version, I hope HIT keeps this up with the generic releases and episode exclusive copies as well.

THE COMPLETE SERIES 17

Review Date: 27/07/16

Rating: 9/10

Ever since 2013/14 I had enjoyed Season 17 with its writing and animation and now three years later after seeing a collection of episodes banded together of a new era from Brenner and Co. this season is still great to watch. It may as well be dated considering the mass amount of upgrading that Arc Productions did in the next two seasons and specials, but there are memorable episodes to this day such as 'Thomas' Shortcut', 'Gone Fishing' etc. there are some bumps here and there and some episodes that I considered as my least favourite are still worthy of a watch. 

WILD WATER RESCUE & 
OTHER ENGINE ADVENTURES

Review Date: 28/08/16

Rating: 3/10

I decided to give this one a proper review back in August and looking back at this 'exclusive' release, this was an entirely pointless release from Target all to promote a Trackmaster train set for the titled episode. This is 'Big Bang Surprise' but with a S19 episode. The title episode wasn't the best but in comparison to the ones its released alongside with, It is the only bearable episode to watch. There are good segments but it's still a pointless release and it could've been better as a barebones release with just the one episode, maybe a trailer for the 2015 special and maybe a Guess Who puzzle with the Trackmaster set.

THE GREAT RACE

Review Date: 5/09/16

Rating: 6/10

It had flaws such as Diesel's subplot, Thomas' bridge jump and the redundancy of Vinnie as the antagonist. But it provide good songs and a relatable moral. Although in comparison it didn't beat the likes of 'Sodor's Legend of The Lost Treasure' but within a 60min limit there probably would've been great potential if HIT and Mattel had expand the time limit to 1hr rather than 60 minutes, but that's not the main problem though. It would've been better if the special was focused on Percy and the moral about losing is OK as long as you tried your best or, probably better, Gordon trying to better than his brother! It could've easily worked on the jealously that has towards his brother, Flying Scotsman. The actual plot within Diesel's clunky subplot had used the overused 'Steamies Vs. Diesel' plot line all for Thomas' crash with no pay off and the hype for the international engines was very underwhelming and I feel it didn't brace the multicultural side of the story that media had been pointing out. It's OK, I don't even hate it, but it had missed opportunities and the movie didn't fit for a character like Thomas.

TINSEL ON THE TRACK

 Review Date: 12/10/16
Rating: 9/10

Probably this DVD had the best Christmas episodes to date. I love the episodes that were made for S20 as they were so creative with great storytelling, characterisation and amazing visuals. It's hard to choose a favourite as Helen Farrall & Davey Moore had both written brilliant episodes. It's also great that they had released three episodes for 'Thomas' Christmas Carol' and 'Full Steam To The Rescue' over in the UK as well.

FULL STEAM TO THE RESCUE

Review Date: 4/11/16
Rating: 7/10

This DVD has the last remaining Thomas episodes from the 19th season and of course they are still a hit and miss to me. However there were two episodes from 20th season that are the Christmas ones and I think they are on the scale from OK to great. However I think the UK releases should be edited in the same way as the US releases. Have the intro, episode, interval, rinse and repeat and then credits as what they do now currently feels a bit awkward. 



ULTIMATE FRIENDSHIP ADVENTURE

Review Date: 3/11/16
Rating: 7/10

It's a surprise to see that this was the only episodic release that has no special features which kinda makes me believe that this felt it was like a last minute addition or maybe they didn't have any intervals or special features at the time, yet last year they had placed previous ones from 'Santa's Little Engine' US DVD on last year's 'generic release'. Despite that there were some good and not so good episodes on this DVD. I'm sure everyone knows that I'm not a fan of some season 19 episodes that were placed on here but there are some good one from that season too, at least in my opinion and there are some good ones from season 20 as well. 

It's a simple DVD with ten episodes and that's pretty much it as there are no intervals and special bonus. There were some good episodes and some, in my opinion, that are not so good. But despite that it was a fine DVD.

---

And so we now come to the end of 2016. What's next for Thomas in 2017? Well there is the upcoming 21st season, now all animated by Jam Filled Productions who bought out Arc Productions back in August 2016 and thankfully with the staff that were part of the former animation studio. There is also the upcoming yearly special 'Journey Beyond Sodor' for the first time being a 70min special. We know little about the plot but not much of its outcome but we know it's about friendship focusing on James and Thomas and some experimental engines. 

There is also the upcoming new character, Hugo, for next year's Spring/Autumn DVD 'Extraordinary Engines'. So to conclude this post I like to wish everyone a happy and safe 2017 and hope you have a great future ahead of you.

-NWR1991

DVD Review: Tinsel on the Tracks

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

TINSEL ON THE TRACKS

Episodes

Letters to Santa
The Christmas Coffee Pot
Railcar & Coaches
Over the Hill
Love Me Tender

Written by

Helen Farrall

Davey Moore

Special Features

'Glynn's Christmas Wish' Sing-Along Music Video

Guess Who puzzle

Directed by

Dianna Basso

Produced by

Ian McCue

Release Date
11/10/16 - iTunes

18/10/16 - DVD 

It's been a strange year for the US when it comes to the DVD releases of Thomas & Friends. Last year they were given the Spring episode exclusive DVD, The Adventure Begins, the Wal*Mart Exclusive, Big Bang Surprise disguised as S19 DVD, a S19 Christmas DVD and a generic release with three S19 and S18 episodes as well as the usual annual special. All their in the 70th Anniversary year and yet this year, they only got 'Start Your Engines', this year's special and now this year's Christmas release and the upcoming 'Ultimate Friendship Adventure' with ten episodes all together with five from S19, except for 'Wild Water Rescue' and five episodes from S20.

But nevertheless, the US has finally got some new S20 episodes with lots of surprises shown. Not only do we see Donald and Douglas back after their debut in last year's special but Glynn the Coffee Pot engine is making his TV series debut after 'The Adventure Begins' the 70th anniversary special from 2015. Considering he was called off as 'pointless' by some, I'm glad to see that they hadn't wasted his render. Hopefully this means we see Jerome and Judy make their TV series debut too, who knows what we see in this season? 

EPISODES

As usual, the episodes shown on this DVD will be reviewed once they are on TV during Season 20's run. That is until whenever ABC Australia airs them, although most likely around the Christmas week. But in short, these would have to be the best Christmas/Winter episodes I've seen yet. Much better than the previous ones, with an exception that they haven't topped 'Last Train for Christmas', although that's my opinion.

SPECIAL FEATURES

So in the DVD, the intervals are 'Calling All Engines!', 'The Earl's Quiz', 'Landmarks of Sodor' and 'The Fat Controller's Tales' or Sir Topham Hatt as he's known in North America. The CAE! segment featured Samson and Scruff and as usual these are nice. Showing kids the other engines of Sodor and knowing there personalities and purpose on Sodor and what makes them really useful. 

The Earl's Quiz showcase three questions for kids. The episodes featured are 'Marion and the Dinosaur', who owns the number four on the railway with footage from 'The Adventure Begins' and 'Henry's Hero', although they could've at least shown Henry from TAB as well but beggars can't be choosers and the last one featured the episode 'Duck in The Water'. 

We see another 'Landmarks of Sodor' segment and this time focusing on Brendam Docks. I like these segments as they feel like old railway documentaries, I'm kinda going to repeat myself on why I like these things. Though it's kinda sad that they featured Porter saying that he's important, of course for his uses at the docks, but hopefully the writers develop him more on his character, I'm hoping this season but I have some doubts over it considering that they'll be focused on the 2015 special's newbies as well as Hugo in the 2017 DVD 'Extraordinary Engines'. 

The last segment and probably one of my least favourites and that is 'The Fat Controller's Tales' why? Because it feels like Calling All Engines again and it's basically recapping an episode, not that it's bad but it's repeated on TV at times, on demand stream sites and of course DVDs and digital downloads. It would be nice to see maybe more Railway Series being used, maybe use them different as it doesn't have to be Mr. Perkins. Like maybe have them recapped through various engines such as Thomas telling the viewers at the time he once teased a tractor named Terence or Duck stopping trucks that were a runaway from Gordon's Hill. Have the art pictures shown along with some music etc. I'm open to new ideas though but maybe something that's not repeatable. 

Now for the special features we see another song by Eggplant. This time it's all about Glynn the Coffee Pot Engine and his Christmas Wish, which is based upon the episode 'The Christmas Coffee Pot'. To be honest, Eggplant made hit and miss songs, of course 'Race With You' is probably there most controversial one among fans, although I'm not a fan of it, it was a hit and miss to me. However this song is..in my opinion, not a bad song but more of an OK but nice and far more better than 'Race With You' and 'Hear The Engines Coming', seriously as I said before for the latter I hate that song and definitely one of the least creative songs ever, but I digress. The song, Glynn's, has basically recapped the whole episode but you could just watch the whole episode for it but the music was nice and very Christmassy. The lyrics are nice but there line 'Christmas is a time for things' is probably showing that they're not even trying to create a good song. I think it was nice but not among the best songs I've listened too. 

To be honest, when it comes to the songs, we had been shown with 'Sodor's Legend of The Lost Treasure' and 'The Great Race' that Andrew Brenner can write songs and they are far more better than what Eggplant can write and we have other singers such as Mark Moraghan, the narrator of the show and he has a fantastic voice and Teresa Gallagher as well one of the voice actors as well, in fact most of the VA's have a great singing voice as shown in this year's DVD special. So why have Eggplant? If the production team are opening up to new ideas maybe they should give the writers and the narrator a try when it comes to the songs. 

The Guess Who puzzles are just your typical Thomas puzzles and the characters featured are Gordon, Thomas & Rocky together, Rusty and Winston. It's good for kids as usual though in the end. 

OVERALL

This DVD is far more better than the US' 'Thomas' Christmas Carol' last year. The episodes are worth every penny with the writing, characterisation and strong continuity. The intervals are good, except for The Fat Controller/Sir Topham Hatt's Tales and while the Glynn song is not the best it's better than 'Snow Place Like Home'. It's also good to hear that these episodes will also be on the UK's 'Thomas' Christmas Carol' and hopefully two more on 'Full Steam To The Rescue' around October/November 2016, if it happens for the latter maybe the UK might be in sync with the US when it comes to upcoming episodes next season. Fingers crossed.

The DVD comes out to the American audience next week on the 18th but I think it's better to buy them on iTunes if you want the clear quality of 1080p or Amazon Video, since it came out last week on the American website.

RATING:

9/10

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

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

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

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

DVD Review: Merry Christmas Thomas/Big Bang Surprise

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

MERRY CHRISTMAS THOMAS

Written by

Sharon Miller
Max Allen 
Jessica Kedward & Kristy Peart
Geread Foster
Lizzie Ennever 

Merry Christmas Thomas! Episodes

The Christmas Tree Express
Ho Ho Snowman 
Salty's Surprise
Emily's Winter Party Special 
Percy the Snowman
Tree Trouble

Big Bang Surprise Episodes
Sodor Surprise Day
Thomas and The Sounds of Sodor
Percy and the Calliope 
Happy Birthday Sir!
Percy and the Monster of Brendam 

MCT! Special Features
Down at the Station - Points
Guess Who? Puzzles

BBS Special Features
Guess Who? puzzles
Down at the Station - Engines

Directed by

Greg Tiernan

Release Date:

28/10/13

Distributed by

HIT Entertainment

My theory from last year was correct, in my 'Merry Winter Wish' DVD review, that they'll release this DVD this year. But with all four episodes from 'A Very Thomas Christmas', it's unlikely that the DVD may as well be a US only release like 'Schoolhouse Delivery'. Which means the UK is most likely to have 'Santa's Little Engine' released in time for Christmas in 2014. So since that it's now nearly a month until Christmas, let's see if this DVD is good enough for a Christmas present for the young Thomas fans of the UK.

EPISODES

With the episodes from 'Merry Christmas Thomas' the selection is in a mixed taste. I personally find 'The Christmas Tree Express' to the the worst of the S16 episodes due to its writing and character development, and considering at the time of its television run, the television stations in Australia and the UK had delayed the episode until the Christmas period. But the UK voice actors were good but with the way the script was written it was bland and bad and worth only one watch. 'Ho Ho Snowman' comes second, the whole idea of Henry being scared of a snowman that can 'talk' is just confusing. Charlie was right behind the trucks and Henry would know what he sounds like anyway! Of course there are two episodes from the 15th season, that were originally intended to be released for 'Merry Winter Wish' two years ago, to be honest I don't find these episodes enjoyable either considering that these two are from the worst written series in history of brand. But 'Percy the Snowman' had a nice hinder of S5 nostalgia but it didn't execute the episode well with its blandness and 'Tree Trouble', despite that I find the steam vs. diesel plot fun, it wasn't great episode as well. I kind of enjoyed 'Emily's Winter Party Special' but as Callum Walker (SI3DFilms) says on his views of the episode it is more of a 'fun comes first before work' storyline and it's certainly not a good moral for children of the target range. Plus it has the rehashed feeling of two episodes fused together from S9 or 10?, it's in the episode review but I do see as an OK episode, but the message is kind of wrong for kids when I look back at the episode. 'Salty's Surprise' is another episode that I liked, but not in the style of the classic episodes. I do have to say it was a rehashed plot of 'The Biggest Present of All' and Edward's role would've gone to someone like Percy or Thomas. 

Considering its writing at the time, before the changes in S17, it was nice to hear 'Christmas' again. I don't like to go through a religious or PC debate as I have no interest in the issue. Though it wasn't great hearing 'Happy Christmas Holidays', since I know they just omitted the word 'Winter'. But I'm glad that Andrew Brenner had cleared that up in the 'Santa's Little Engine' DVD that was released last month.

Now onto 'Big Bang Surprise'. There are episodes on that DVD that I don't like. 'Sodor Surprise Day' is weak and stupid. It is more of the Island's version of 'April Fools Day'. 'Thomas and the Sounds of Sodor' was OK but the music scene was just pointless since the people are only hearing the music for a few seconds. 'Happy Birthday Sir!' was a good episode and it shows Thomas has put his work first before fun, but the episode was too repetitive. 'Percy and the Monster of Brendam' is bad. Instead of being at Brendam docks, it's more like it's the 'Monster of Sodor' and I'm not mentioning the working title of the upcoming special 'Tale of The Brave' in 2014. If it were a S17 it would've worked for the Brendam branch line, since that Andrew Brenner and his writing team are focusing the Island with the Railway Series books. 'Percy and the Calliope' is the episode I liked the most, not just because of Hartshorne's rendition of the classic Thomas theme song, but because of it's moral about restoration and it's educational part about Calliope's and of course the vocabulary for the title. But the episode is still have some repetition and Percy did get air headed in the episode, such as putting coal and water in the Calliope and pushing it up the hill, considering that he pushed the whole thing along the main line! To make the Calliope work.

SPECIAL FEATURES

It is the usual on many UK DVDs. Have a segment with Mr. Perkins and then the episode. When you look at the major differences on the DVDs in the UK (this one) and the US (Santa's Little Engine). The US one, from this year, are more better. After a segment with Mr. Perkins we have a transition of silhouette engines and signals and then on with the episode without the theme song and leaving the credits until the end, this may as well go out to the past DVD releases prior the S17 ones. But the Perkins segments are enjoyable and entertaining to watch and I do hope we see the new and improved Perkins segments like in the recent Thomas DVD that was released last month soon. 

Of course we have the 'Down at The Station' segments and they're nice to watch and to let kids learn about what goes on on a real railway. Of course with a segment like 'Engines', it teaches kids about the differences of steam and diesel engines, this segment is used in the 'Big Bang Surprise' DVD. The one on 'Merry Christmas Thomas' is about 'Points', it is simple to showcase about the different tracks on the steam railway. I believe it would've been better if the new writing team (Andrew Brenner) did these segments, there are more things along the steam railway then points. Such as the people who work on the railway (e.g - stationmasters, guards, workmen) but with the Mr. Perkins segments that are written now for use on PBS over in America and hopefully other networks around the northern hemisphere about the steam railway, such as this one, hopefully we see these on DVDs as extras maybe? 

OVERALL

Both DVDs have a mixed bag of episodes that aren't as great as the ones from S17, obviously. But it is great value of two DVDs for the price of one, despite the stories. Now that Michael Angelis had left the series and compare his narration to Mark Moraghan, I think HIT had done the right choice. When you compare MM's narration, as I stated in my 'Railway Mischeif' review, Angelis' narration sound so bland and boring and had lost all enthusiasm and it shows in S16. Moraghan has that fusion of Angelis, Starr and Morris together and had put some enthusiasm towards the series to make the target range entertained. However when it comes to recommending Thomas DVDs for Christmas, I recommend buying 'King of The Railway' as it has a good story and with the history of Sodor at the beginning, it makes the Island of Sodor feel so real at first. Or if you're opened up to Thomas DVDs or if you're from the US, 'Santa's Little Engine' and the upcoming DVD 'The Thomas Way' from the US will be another recommendation as well. 

Rating: 3.5/5

Merry Christmas, Seasons Greetings, Happy Holidays and New Years

In the words of The Beatles, 'Christmas Time is Here Again!'. Yes it's December and that means the Christmas holidays or Winter Holidays whatever you can choose, is here once again. Anyway, I like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year be with your friends and or family and celebrate the day to be together. Don't forget that on December 31st I have a special post about all the Thomas DVDs that I reviewed during the course of 2012, that'll be my final post of the year too.

Make sure you visit again in the new year of 2013. My S6-12 reviews will be up on January 1st starting with 'Salty's Secret'. 

So what we'll we expect in 2013? Well as of course Thomas fans will be expecting the new writing style in the 17th season by writer of the Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends Marvel Comic series between 1987 - 1992, Andrew Brenner and his new special for the brand; 'King of The Railway'. 

In May we will be celebrating the life of David Mitton as he passed away five years ago next year, the man created the show 'Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends' and 'TUGS'. 

According to the TUGS wikia, it'll be 25 years since the airing of the late David Mitton and (not late) Robert D. Cardona's first episode 'Sunshine' in November. 

So see you all next year have a 

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 

FROM NWR1991

DVD Review: Engine Friends

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

ENGINE FRIENDS

Written by

Rev.W.Awdry

Christopher Awdry 

Britt Allcroft & David Mitton 

Simon Nicholson 

Brian Trueman 

Paul Larson 

Jan Page

Abi Grant

Marc Seal 

Sharon Miller

Simon Spencer

Wayne Jackman 

Directed by

David Mitton

Steve Asquith 

Episodes

20 selected episodes from S1 - 11, 

with four episodes from the first two seasons all remastered. 

Special Features

- Sir Topham Hatt's Scrapbook 

- Picture Puzzle Fun 

- "Who Am I" Picture Game 

- Gordon's Memory Game 

- "Spot the Difference" Game 

Distributed by

HIT Entertainment/Lionsgate

I had this DVD since May/June and was going write a review at the time, but I was sick and didn't had the time at the time. But since Christmas is coming, I think many American parents who have kids who love the show might consider this DVD as a present for their child, 

along with 'Blue Mountain Mystery'. 

EPISODES

It's rare to find Thomas DVDs these days that have more then four episodes, like the CGI DVD releases both in the UK or the US. However, this year in May, Lionsgate had released a series compilation DVD containing many Thomas episodes narrated by Ringo Starr, George Carlin, Alec Baldwin and Michael Brandon with some episodes from the classic era that are remastered. Another release like this happened in 2010 when it was the 65th anniversary of the Railway Series, or in HIT's view, Thomas with the DVD entitled 'The Greatest Stories'. 

There are some notable things on this DVD, the episode 'A New Friend For Thomas' has the original US Ringo narration, which was last seen since 1989 on the 'Shining Time Station' episode, 'Is This The End'. For those people who are new to Thomas, the show 'Shining Time Station' was created in 1989 by Britt Alllcroft with Rick Siggelkow to introduce Thomas to the US on PBS Kids with Ringo Starr playing as Mr. Conductor, before he was replaced with George Carlin as Ringo left the series for his 'All Starr Band'. It was a nice thought of HIT and Lionsgate to do that with the remastered episode and the original US dialogue and unlike the error back in 2004 with 'The Early Years', has the mention of 'The Fat Controller', he was then called 'Sir Topham Hatt' for the US due to PC reasons.

Episodes like 'Hide and Peep' and 'Emily and The Garbage' also have their debut on US home entertainment. But there are the errors like the first few seconds of 'Thomas and The New Engine' was used on 'Thomas and The Statue'.
     

SPECIAL FEATURES

I find the special features dull, but 'Sir Topham Hatt's Scrapbook' was the only entertaining one in my opinion. The others would be good for kids. But to be honest, I never liked Robin Smith's voice over, but his The Fat Controller's voice or Sir Topham Hatt in the US is well done. I find his narration in the old Thomas computer games nice, energetic and fun, I had his narration in 'Building The New Line' and 'Thomas Saves The Day'. 

I recommend to have 'The Greatest Stories' for their special features. The games are fun and entertaining. 

OVERALL 

Even though the special features are dull, the DVD is actually pretty good. It has got some episodes to introduce younger Thomas fans towards the series' early years and the episodes that they know in the newer series which are enjoyable, but not as great as the older episodes. The narration are top notch from all the respective narrators. Even though Ringo Starr was not mentioned on the back of the DVD, I have a feeling that many people who have heard of Thomas or know a bit about the show's history would know about Ringo Starr being the first to narrate it. On YouTube or on 'That Guy With The Glasses' on the Nostalgia Critic's 'Thomas and The Magic Railroad' many people look back on their childhoods when they've watched Thomas and they remembered Ringo narrating, it also happens on some Thomas episodes on YouTube. So I believe that's how he's not mentioned because some people remembered him narrating the show due to his well-known stage name. But I do think they should put his name on the cover as of course it might get people interested in buying the DVD. 

I find this the US' best release and this should be a recommendable Christmas gift along with 'Blue Mountain Mystery' again, it has some great episodes, well known narrators like Ringo Starr, George Carlin and Alec Baldwin along with Michael Brandon and some remastered episodes from the very first episodes of the series. I enjoy the DVD very much. 

Rating: 5/5