As we near the end of 2014, let's all take a retrospective view on the Thomas DVDs that were released during the show's 30th year. Some were great and others were not so great, but first:
ARE NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FANBASE
THE THOMAS WAY
Review Date:
31/1/14
The UK's first DVD release of 2014 and it's really enjoyable. There is a good selection of episodes from the 17th series and the segments between episodes such as Mr. Perkins and the quizzes are very fun. Especially the RWS stories that were read by Mr. Perkins as well, showcasing the Awdry's work to an entire new generation.
Rating:
9/10
SPILLS AND THRILLS
Review Date:
5/3/14
In January 2014, ABC and Hoyts cinema had showcased this DVD at various Hoyts cinemas around Australia and it was entirely different compare to this one released on DVD two months later. Instead of the intervals like in the UK and US DVDs, we were given individual episodes and one bad and bland S14 episode, 'Jitter and Japes' replacing a great S17 episode 'Thomas' Shortcut'. ABC, the distributors of the Thomas DVDs for Australia for nearly 30 years, had false advertised their customers of the DVD cinema screening which made me very disappointed with this release. Though the five S17 episodes are worth it but it would've been better with how it was shown in the cinema screening.
Rating:
6/10
HOP ON BOARD - SONGS AND STORIES
Review Date:
22/3/14
The DVD is fine and entertaining. But all of the Anchor Bay re-releases have bland quality from the VHS transfers and the only good quality video is 'It's Great To Be An Engine'. The special features were bland but good enough for the young viewers of the show to know characters like Duck. Despite the quality it's a fine DVD, as I said before. Though it's unlikely America will see crisp quality restored footage of the classic series that the UK got back in 2012 but LG had released Spills and Thrills in widescreen so you never know, but don't get your hopes up too much though.
Rating:
5/10
TROUBLE ON THE TRACKS
Of course like 'Railway Mischief' back in 2013, Wal*Mart had released another DVD exclusive with five selected episodes from S18. The DVD has beaten 'Railway Mischief' out of the water. The episodes are good and entertaining too, plus the intervals were entertaining as well.
Rating:
10/10
TALE OF THE BRAVE
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HOP ON BOARD - SONGS AND STORIES
22/3/14
The DVD is fine and entertaining. But all of the Anchor Bay re-releases have bland quality from the VHS transfers and the only good quality video is 'It's Great To Be An Engine'. The special features were bland but good enough for the young viewers of the show to know characters like Duck. Despite the quality it's a fine DVD, as I said before. Though it's unlikely America will see crisp quality restored footage of the classic series that the UK got back in 2012 but LG had released Spills and Thrills in widescreen so you never know, but don't get your hopes up too much though.
Rating:
5/10
TROUBLE ON THE TRACKS
Review Date:
8/4/14
Rating:
10/10
TALE OF THE BRAVE
Review Date:
16/09/14
Definitely better then any previous Thomas special as of yet. The story can be focused to children who can deal with scary things in real life situations and shows brilliant morality of bravery. Although some parents say this is 'too scary' for kids, granted I understand what they're saying, but parents need to know the special needs to show the morality of bravery somehow and it can't be sugarcoated. The UK dub is better then the US one in my opinion. The UK dub has more emotion and feeling into the dialogue. The US dub is okay but it just lacks so much emotion, especially at the two climatic scenes, and feeling into the dialogue, generic and some of the voices sound like something from a cheesy 80's or 90's sitcom.
Rating:
9/10
ENGINES TO THE RESCUE
Review Date:
24/10/14
The DVD showcased many episodes that fit well with the rescue theme and morals too. Though I personally wasn't a fan of the special features menu with music videos being rehashed to probably fill up the disc space. The DVD menu wasn't great either. But it's still a great DVD.
Rating:
9/10
THE CHRISTMAS ENGINES
Review Date:
7/11/14
Five brand new unaired Christmas episodes (in the United States at the time of its release) from the 18th series. Episodes like 'Last Train for Christmas' and 'Duncan the Humbug' were the episodes to me that stood out. 'Long Lost Friend' was good and 'Duck in The Water' and 'The Perfect Gift' were OK. The music video gave a nice festive feeling and the lyrics were good. I was even surprised that Andrew Brenner had used the television series adaptation of 'Percy and the Trousers' instead of the Railway Series one, though it was understandable.
Rating:
9/10
SIGNAL'S CROSSED
Review Date:
10/12/14
The DVD is good and it has a nice selection of episodes. However the strange thing about the DVD was that Universal's press release had announced that the Roll Call video is extended but all it turns out to be was the same song but was strangely cut from the end of the DVD. Many people have thought it's going to be remixed by EggPlant but on the plus side the new theme from EggPlant may as well be for the series, which was announced on their website months ago, which it could a remix of the original S1-7 theme or S8-18 theme.
Rating:
8/10
Though there is one DVD was going to review but decided to delete it as I've already done the American version and that was 'Santa's Little Engine'. Though I'm very happy with its release here in Australia. After seeing their version of 'Spills and Thrills' back in March I've written some criticism towards the ABC of how the way they've treated the DVD despite showing the one that the UK have released that month at various Hoyts cinemas in Australia, showing false advertisement to there costumers. Thankfully ABC had listened and released the UK version of 'Santa's Little Engine' to the Australian audience, many of the previous Thomas DVDs and videos prior to the CGI releases are UK copies. So if anyone from ABC is listening, I am thankful that it happened and I hope you continue on with them in future releases.
2014 had brought us many surprises in their DVDs but now the time comes to end the year and bring in the new year of 2015 were we now celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Railway Series books, the one that started the popularity of Thomas the Tank Engine. Many things have been planned for the upcoming 70th celebrations and one to be a game changer according to Melad Morishi. More DVDs will be coming as we will be entreating the 31st year of the blue engine and his friends' long television run. Hope everyone has a Happy and safe New Year and hope that 2015 brings you something good.
DINOS AND DISCOVERIES REVIEW
COMING SOON EARLY 2015
