NWR Editorial: Sodor's Legend of The Lost Treasure Trailer

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

THIS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

NWR EDITORIAL: 
SODOR'S LEGEND OF THE LOST TREASURE TRAILER

After months of waiting with the likes of 'The Adventure Begins' released in March along the way, we finally got a glimpse of the next DVD special for 2015. When I first heard of the movie's title I thought to myself how are they going to write a story around a treasure hunt? After all we have the likes of 'Thomas and the Treasure' from Season 10. But after seeing the trailer for the first it looks bigger then a ten minute episode from nine years ago. 

The trailer opens up with Thomas having a race with Bertie most likely on his branch line with Toby coming along the same track. Then we see him at Knapford station, the same set from The Adventure Begins, most likely demoted to shunter? and caused an accident with the express coaches and so he was 'sent away in disgrace' to most likely Arelsburgh Harbour on the Little Western, according to many toys that were released beforehand where he discovered a lost pirate ship. We then meet characters like Ryan (voiced by Eddie Redmayne) along with the comeback of Alfie, Jack and Oliver from 'the pack' as well as Donald and Douglas, the 'game changer' the debut of the Arelsdale Miniature Railway engines as well as Sailor John (voiced by John Hurt) and Skiff (voiced by Jamie Campbell Bower) 

I believe some fans might think that this special could be in the likes of Season 5, explosions and dark themed stories, but the trailer had made me excited for it as I believe it has reason to be there. It looks very action driven and I think it might be better then TOTB. The trailer also gave me that vibe of 'The Great Discovery' as well probably with the amount of characters and the story so far. I have a feeling Thomas might've lost his branch line and his two coaches as was given to by Ryan in the movie while Thomas works at the Little Western. Ryan actually looks good in purple in my opinion and I understand that in reality the GNR N2 class tank engine are painted in apple green. But over the years we have seen many green characters coming into the series and there's a lack of purple engines when you think about it. Plus it adds more outside of the 'gender stereotype' colours like boys love blue and girls love pink.

Some fans may have a problem with Skiff being a 'rail-boat' but the concept of his basis intrigued me as in real life we have 'Spooner's Boat' on Ffestiniog Railway in Wales and the idea of Skiff's face being plastered the boat, which to some may look generic, but we have the likes of TUGS with a midget submarine having a face.

For the first time in over 20 years, we finally see the Arelsdale Miniature Railway being adapted into the series. It's great timing too with the 70th anniversary of the Railway Series books this year and Arc Productions had an extraordinary job on the basis of the engines, even though they've given the likes to Rex and Bert coloured wheels it's fine by me. As for Mike's, well his basis also have red coloured wheels.

It's also great to see more returnees coming into the series such as Oliver and Alfie, first time we saw Oliver (above left) and Alife (middle) since 2008! I have to say Arc Production had done a splendid job on them. They look so much like their model counterparts as well as the faces, although Alfie's face looks similar to his one from S12. 

Probably the returnees I'm looking forward to the most is Donald and Douglas. Ever since the comebacks of old characters such as Duck, Toad, Oliver and all I always look forward to the return of the scottish twins. I love the detailing around the smokebox door of Donald as well as the buffer beam. However since this era of the series is showing continuity of the Railway Series books as well as respecting the original source material, I wish that they were in their Caledonian blue livery. I understand that fans remember them being black since S2 but with the way of the series respecting the Railway Series and its source it would be nice to see that. It is a fact that the colour black, like Donald's paint above, can't sell well on toys as children enjoy bright colours. However I don't worry what colour they are because character is more important. 

Our new human character, Sailor John (voiced by John Hurt) and looking at the detail on him, Arc Productions had created such a realistic looking human being. Fans also think he's like P.T Boomer, although looking at the August 1999 draft script of T&TMRR on SiF. Boomer looks more dark and such an idiotic character anyway but that's a different story. 

Since this location is likely Arelsburgh harbour I am amazed by the amount of work and detail that Arc Productions had put into the location. It has that British look towards it with the pier and township and all. Im looking forward to more of it and I do love the, sunrise as well as the haunting night when Thomas was chasing Skiff and Sailor John.

So far this trailer looks epic and since that many are being hyped up towards it and I'm not surprised by it either, I think people should take it easy for the time being. As I said before in my review for 'The Adventure Begins', expect the unexpected. It might not be like a S5 story or anything like a classic series episode. But I'm looking forward towards July as Hoyts cinemas will be showing this movie and July's really not that far at the moment. I will give my views on the movie once the DVD is out in the UK.

SODOR'S LEGEND OF THE LOST TREASURES

COMES OUT ON DVD IN LATE 2015! 

DVD Review: The Adventure Begins (SPOILERS)

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

With 2015 marking the 70th anniversary celebrations of Thomas the Tank Engine, the Railway Series, a special DVD is released to celebrate the occasion based on the first two Railway Series books by the Rev.W.Awdry, 'The Three Railway Engines' and 'Thomas the Tank Engine', the former which was published 70 years ago. The DVD is released exclusively at Wal*Mart in the US as well as iTunes and it'll be released in summer 2015 only at ASDA stores across the UK. So let's see how, the Adventure Begins. But first let me tell everyone why the definition 'spoilers' is used in some people's cases:

I understand that people can still buy the product even when they see spoilers, I do as well. But over the years I realise that there are people who would like to expect the unexpected because they wait in anticipation and I understand that they expect to see things there way and it ended up being the opposite. But people should know that not everything goes there own way. Plus the people with the days of the internet like Blogs, forums, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, many fans and including myself had posted many screenshots or footage from new Thomas productions before they're even released to other countries. I learned my lesson in the end and sometimes when I review specials I post the words spoilers. The new team had put hard work into these new things, like this for example, and the only way possible for a sequel would be to make this DVD sell well is definitely respect and leaks hurt that unfortunately.  The term 'spoilers' may annoy some people but in my views it's better to expect the unexpected rather then knowing what's going to happen anyway. 

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

Written by

Andrew Brenner

Directed by

Don Spencer

Produced by

Ian McCue

Plot

A little tank engine discovers a big new world when he arrives on the Island of Sodor. Escapades abound as Thomas explores his new home and meets some Really Useful new friends. Finding the true blue meaning of hard work and friendship, Thomas transforms into the Number one engine.

Special Features

Really Useful Engines - Music Video

Troublesome Trucks - Music Video

Old Reliable Edward - Bonus Episode

Distributed

HIT Entertainment (UK/US)

Universal (US)

Release Date

3/03/15 - US (Wal*Mart)

Summer 2015 - UK (ASDA)

OVERVIEW

There'll be purists that will raise their voice such as Thomas not being tuscan, Henry not being in his old shape or not even a direct adaptation of the book. If it were the latter then what is the point of having it as a special despite that people can watch the original Thomas episodes from the first season or read the Railway Series book? Not that I'm saying that there opinion is worthless or anything as they have the right to dislike the special but I'm saying that this is an adaptation and there's bound to be some changes but at least respect the original source which this special clearly does! We see James in his black livery for the first time on screen, some dialogue from the first and second book and there are also some improvements as well that weren't in the books.

The CGI in my opinion is amazing. There is so much shine and glimmer that it makes everything look realistic. A bit like the models from the fifth season, yes despite my hatred for that season I do have to admit the shine they put onto the model to make them look realistic is fantastic. I also realised too that Arc Productions had improved on the lighting of there animation since TOTB. Whereas KOTR had shown pail faces here and there. 

The engines where in great characterisation and yes that will go for Henry too. I know fans say that Henry acted like a wimp, just like he was during the 'new series' era, but his wimpy attitude is good here because he's scared about the rain spoiling his paint and I know at the end of the book he got over the rain but in real life, old habits die hard and Henry wouldn't get over the rain in just a day. In fact even the first picture of Henry in 'The Three Railway Engines' of that story shows his face of worry and seeing Edward like this original character really made me to like him again. His wise but flawed persona was fantastic, with the Fat Controller punishing him for not following his orders as it shows Edward that he's not on top of the world or perfect, and Andrew Brenner had done great work. 

The music by Peter Hartshorne feels very much like an orchestrated piece for a theatrical film and it was also great to hear there version of the original themes and songs with there own pieces. I know I said that using Mike O'Donnell and Junior Campbell's music is pointless and out of date when put it behind modern footage. But what I mean is slapping the original music that can be heard in the first seven seasons and trying to make it like a classic episode and they end up to be horrible. I do like O'Donnell and Campbell's music very much as well as Hartshorne's style as they're both great in their own right. Plus it was great hearing Robert Hartshorne on the mic again singing 'Really Useful Engine' and 'Troublesome Trucks' with a children's choir in the back harking to the days during the classic era where a choir of children is used for the songs. I have to say I really prefer the updated songs more then the original. RUE is rather catchy and it really fits into the purpose of this special, much better then that travesty of a movie called 'Magic Railroad' where RUE was just out of nowhere. TT was fun to listen too as well as it sounds catchy as well but I prefer the former of the two updated songs featured. 

As of the new characters featured such as Glynn, Judy and Jerome. I do like how the two cranes have personality of taking emergencies seriously and as for Glynn. Despite that he was there for a few second I hope they consider using him for future episode or a possible sequel to this special. 

I really do enjoy this special very much and it's equel with TOTB. The story as well as character persona and development are amazing and I do salute to Andrew Brenner and his writing team for the best effort they've made to commemorate the 70th anniversary. I look forward one to see the UK dub coming out in the summer. If a sequel is to be made please buy the DVD now at your local Wal*Mart or iTunes and if you live in the UK buy it at your local ASDA in summer.

RATING:

10/10

NWR Editorial: 2015 Bachmann Range

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

NWR EDITORIAL:

2015 BACHMANN RANGE

With preparation for the 70th anniversary of the Railway Series well underway for 2015 and that Hornby had announced that they'll be bringing back their Thomas range, Bachmann had announced their release for 2015. Here are my views on the 2015 range.

I think the big surprise for all fans is the announcement of Oliver and Toad . There has been many fan requests for it since the incarnation of Bill, Ben, Donald and Douglas as well as Duck and considering that a Bachmann representative had stated that they had no plans for them on a video from a fan on Facebook sometime last year. However I will say this to some fans. Don't expect them to be like there classic series model since now that he has been rendered into CGI.

Another surprise would have to be Skarloey and it's a first time they're introducing an N gauge range, although I'm really interested in seeing how a HO scale model running on N scale track as it's something that I've never seen before. It'll be interesting, and if I have some money saved up, to start a collection of these and I hope Bachmann creates more of the Skarloey engines.

With the 70th anniversary underway Bachmann has a way to celebrate the anniversary there own and here is the picture of there 'Celebration Thomas'. Personally the metallic blue livery reminds me of the old ERTL toys that they've released in 1995 for the 50th anniversary. I am looking forward to the model, however I hope Bachmann would improve the Thomas and Percy models. I know that they're improving James and I believe they might release him next year.

For the large scale range it was surprising that Winston was announced even though no fan have a demand for him. I know that Winston is not the best character, but he is growing a persona since the new writing staff had entered in 2013. Plus I think it is quite interesting to have character with a unique basis. I'm not a big collector on the large scale models, considering that I don't have the garden size nor the money to spend on the models. I know there are other models such as the red coaches and from the looks on a video from Bachmann on YouTube, the coach looks splendid. 

OVERALL

I think this is a good range of models and to be honest, I'm glad that they're not introducing sets that look cheap like their Christmas set they had a few years back. Bachmann had been doing good models since 2002 and I'm glad that they're open towards fan's wish lists. So let's hope 2015 is good for Bachmann and the 70th anniversary.

NWR Editorial: Sam

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

NWR EDITORIAL:

SAM

Last year, Thomas Wooden Railway had released Logan as a 'exclusive character' for merchandise across the United States. Now in 2015 we will see another one entering in that canon with the newly revealed Sam. To be honest I'm glad that Fisher Price, who run the Thomas toy brand, didn't over hype him like they did with Logan last July by putting him on the official Thomas website claiming he's a 'new friend' so that fans and parents of the brand might mistaken the new character as a TV series one. So well done to them.

I understand that design won't fit the British loading gauge but design shown in the promos like the picture above looks excellent with the detail. I understand that with Logan getting a CGI render and a possibility of a part in the TV series, which I doubt because I think it ruins the uniqueness of him being exclusive. But as Chris Tomson said on his TTTE Wikia blog that if he's to be in the TV series it seems unlikely considering that we have Hiro and Murdoch introduced as the goods engines as his basis the 2-6-6-6 'Virginian Railway Blue Ridge' haul coal trains. But looking at an earlier promo for Sam I notice that the sign on the book cover was promoting a railway show at a museum so it's more likely we'll see him more as a visitor rather the being an engine for the Fat Controller.

Now onto with the face. To be honest, I'm fine with the face. Yeah it looks too real but compare the facial design towards Logan when they've revealed him. I think Logan's face was poorly designed as you can clearly see the likes of Victor and Salty so it's good that we see a proper design rather then a rushed look of a photoshopped face. I more prefer Logan's face made by Arc Productions and who knows we might see Sam's promo video later on in the coming months or the next year maybe.

As of the 'exclusive character' thing made by Fisher Price and Mattel, the latter who owns HIT Entertainment. I'm fine with it all as started with Logan he was a 'one-off' with purpose and I believe that Sam will have purpose as a 'one-off'. Plus children who purchase the set or the book pack can make up there own personalities for either Sam or Logan or react with the book. Nowadays toys are the lifeblood of the show's existence with such brands like Pokemon for example. 

SAM AND THE BIG BELL

WOODEN RAILWAY BOOK WILL BE RELEASED

SOMETIME IN 2015

Top 5/ Least 5 Favourite S18 Episodes

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

TOP 5/ LEAST 5 FAVOURITE S18 EPISODES

Another Season has been and gone and so, as mentioned in my DVD review, here's my top and least favourite episodes of the 18th season. Please be reminded that over the course of 2014 and early this year some of my opinions may have changed. 

TOP FAVOURITES

1. 

One of the best Christmas episodes I think since 'Thomas and Percy's Christmas Adventure'. This episode definitely shows, what I believe, the true meaning of Christmas, Effort. The engines you see in the story are making the effort to get the lines cleared to get the last train back on Sodor in time for Christmas and Connor promising a small boy to bring him and the other passengers home. It also shows the railway doing the number one important thing like all railways, serving the public. Andrew Brenner had really created such an amazing episode and I'm glad to call this a top favourite.

2.

As I've mentioned in my review for the episode as well as my 'Top 10 Favourite Thomas Episodes' list, I still stand by and saying this as a modern classic. The two writers aren't perfect but this is there best work in their part of Season 18. They've captured James' persona very well and Duck as well with his knowledge about the Great Western Railway and the idea of introducing slip coaches to the series to teach kids about how the way they've used. However I do agree with some people about the 'Emily vs. Duck' joke. It would've been better if they've ended the episode with Emily coming out on top then it wouldn't have been mean spirited, although some 'fans' accepted how the way it end. To me the joke was sour in my taste.

3.

Edward had missed out on an episode in S17 but regained an opening number in August 2014 with this modern classic. Although it has been done before in previous years with the usual tropes, but I believe that each generation has there own Edward episode. The fans grew up with the classic series has 'Edward and Gordon', The post-Awdry classic series fans has 'Edward the Very Useful Engine' and the new series has this one, yes I'm calling it new series because there is still some continuity for it. Andrew Brenner had captured Edward so well with his sarcastic humour, watch the end of 'Cows', and wise persona. It even has a great moral that you should never take your friends granted and that you must always say thank you. 

4. 

I've stated that episode reminds me of people in this fan base and months after this episode had aired I still think of that. Davey Moore had captured Duncan's grumpy personality very well however I hope we don't see him with that persona too often. We had see him being a bit conceited in 'Duncan the Humbug' over about a new coat of paint for the winter. But this episode does show that we can't please everyone with everything and it's best that we ignore them instead.

5.

Despite its flaws like the lack of coaches and I do agree on people's views for that reason. I usually say that if we have that, having more coaches then we have no plot, but thinking about having that in the plot it could work differently. We might have Gordon getting annoyed that his express, with different express coaches, is late say he stopped at Wellsworth and then he saw Samson coming by and was shocked that his express coaches were there. So yeah it could've worked that way but you might be thinking why I considered this as my fifth favourite episode? Well it's all down to Samson's character of being stubborn and arrogant and always wanting to be right and perfect after one mistake and that his character is pretty much like what a child can be at times. Plus its moral that we always make mistakes is thought out well and that the words 'Confusion and Delay' is needed for an episode like this. They should've called this 'Samson's Confusion and Delay'.

LEAST FAVOURITES

1.

I understand that it's Samson's personality is suppose to be stubborn and head strong but this episode shows that he has lack of common sense. I don't know though of continuity, considering that these episodes were released only on DVD and many DVDs don't follow by production order, maybe we'll wait for the series compilation DVD in future? With the lack of common sense part, Samson thinks a bike, a bus stop and the Fat Controller's car that all look new is deemed as scrap. I also don't like how Harvey was portrayed in the episode as well, he's just there all nervous and worried. I understand with Samson's stubbornness Harvey may've been worried not to mess with him but Harvey should at least stand up against him and put some common sense in him. Plus the lack of remorse from Samson as well for not knowing the car, bike and bus stop. Despite that I like some of the comedy in the episode, it could've been improved with its story and characterisation. 

2.

Even though I gave the episode a good rating, it's the choice of character that I don't like. Now if the plot was about Toby being nervous of the junction being new and not being used to it due to him working on a rural branch line then that would work. Plus looking back at the episode, some parts do get repetitive mostly with Thomas and Henrietta saying that Toby is the 'number seven brown tram engine.' It feels a bit lazy in my opinion. I may have given this episode a good rating when I first saw it but my opinions for the episode had changed after seeing it many times and I do believe it's not one of the strongest episodes of S18. The Ferdinand cameo, as it was confirmed by a Thomas & Friends production member, it's really not a big deal. If the writers do consider of bringing him as well as the other two idiots back then there would be some common sense in them.

3.

This episode has a nice moral for kids that everyone celebrates their own way and it was written to show Percy's not giving up attitude. But the story concept is not anywhere new and I understand that can be said for previous episodes in the past but we're focusing on S18. The plot feels like a rehash of 'The Biggest Present of All!', 'The Party Surprise' and 'Salty's Surprise', if you've seen those episode you'll understand. If you haven't, it's main character sees secondary character and thinks that a present might be great to give either it's for a party or cheering up, messes up three times and realises in the end. 

4.

I find the episode alright and it shows a nice ending to the Percy and Gator story arc. But there are some unexplained parts such as Gator knowing Owen, the purpose of the rock salt having Gator delivering them from the docks then delivering them for the docks. I don't find it bad it's just not written well in my opinion.

5.

I don't see this as 'Percy and The Monster of Brendam' of S18 as the episode is nowhere near that plot line. It's a bit complex with Salty's story. It's not that frightening enough and I do know that it's a pre-school show but I believe that a young child wouldn't find that scary. I think it would've worked say that the flatbeds have pipes of them and that was the cause of the sound as the flatbeds in the 'flashback' is just generic parts and all. The sound effect would've made more sense. 

OVERALL

So these are my most favourites and least favourites in the 18th season. So what would that mean for S19. Well on my wish list I would like to see better stories better then the last as they've proven that in this season and maybe some returnees like Duke, Daisy and BoCo. But only time will tell later on in the year, all we know that Donald and Douglas are set for a return this year thanks to their voice actor, Joe Mill for leaking it back in March 2014 on his website. It's not there now but it's happening.

DVD Review: Dinos and Discoveries

As we are now in the 70th year of the Railway Series books ready for May 12th according to the newly made official website, we take a look at HIT Entertainment's DVD 'Dino's and Discoveries' featuring six selected episodes of the 18th season. First confirmed last year in book form by Random House publishings in America, which is the DVD title with another episode which is 'Emily Saves the World' and a trailer was later released on the UK's 'Santa's Little Engine' and the US' 'The Christmas Engines'. Sadly this will be the last DVD released with Ben Small, the voice actor of Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as Toby, Rheneas and Owen in the UK dub and Stanley and Charlie in the US dub, as he was released by HIT Entertainment last year as announced by SiF, so good luck to Ben Small and his future, he will be replaced by John Hasler who sounds striking similar to Small but younger. Martian Sherman, who voices Thomas in the US as well as Percy and Diesel, left the series due to pay dispute and this will also be his last DVD to voice the iconic blue engine, it's not yet confirmed who will replace him. I wish Sherman well and his future.

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

DINOS AND DISCOVERIES

Episodes

Marion and the Dinosuars
Millie and the Volcano
Timothy and the Rainbow Truck
Samson at your Service

Emily Saves the World
Samson Sent for Scrap

Written by
Andrew Brenner
Davey Moore
Laura Beaumont and Paul Larson
Mark Huckerby and Nick Olster

Directed by

Don Spencer

Produced by

Robert Anderson and Brian Lynch (Arc)

Ian McCue (HIT)

Special Features
Really Useful Engines - Diesel and Caitlin
Mr. Perkins' Storytime - Edward and Gordon
The Earl's Quiz - Chickens and Kites
Mr. Perkins Postcard - Shunting Yard
Who's That Engine? - Gordon

Release Date
12/01/15 - UK
3/03/15 - US
4/03/15 - AU

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

EPISODES

As I've announced mid/late last year, I'll be reviewing the episodes only from these kinds of DVDs released around early in the new year. So here are the episodes:

MARION AND THE DINOSAURS

Written by

Andrew Brenner

The episode has a certain feel to 'Thomas, Percy and the Dragon' from the third season, one of Andrew Brenner's stories that he created for the magazines. This is pretty much more the start of Samson's story arc that it almost feels like a RWS book. The story is simple but good and it definitely shines Marion's personality and her love of digging and Oliva Colman who voices Marion sounds really enthused and did wonderful with the emotion of her. Plus it was good how they hid Samson until the very end. However there are usual animation errors from the episode as well such as when Thomas left the second time after meeting Marion he had about four trucks but then in another show he had only one without a brake van, however it's only a nitpick. It's simple but entertaining in the end. This is Ben Small's last episode as Toby.

Rating:

9/10

MILLIE AND THE VOLCANO

Written by
Andrew Brenner

One of the best things about the new production team is that they add more vocabulary such as 'megalosaurus' giving the pre-school audience more words to learn. The moral is good too for kids, telling us that we can be scared of anything and the engines' knowledge about dinosaurs and volcano's is good too as there are about ten different ones although none in active service. Another moral too on Mille's part that even though you've been called names it still doesn't give you a right to trick them and that size doesn't matter. However there is two plot holes in this episode and that's the dinosaur models being disconnected. While in the previous episode, the dinosaurs were transported all connected on the flatbeds and yet Samson would have to go through Henry's tunnel on the way from the mainland. Despite that they're very tall. Plus as Chris Tomson said on his blog, Andrew Brenner had wrote for Fireman Sam and 'Too Many Fire Engines' and we see a groundskeeper having a bonfire near the railway line. There could've been major consequences with the fire as well. It could've worked better if say Millie delivered a workmen who can do smoke effect and Millie would've tricked Samson and Harvey that way. Andrew Brenner is one of the best writers in the series but he can have some flaws with his work. However the episode gives good moralisations and a feeling of a classic series episode and I hope one day we see an episode of the Earl and Dowager Hatt together.

Rating:
8/10

TIMOTHY AND THE RAINBOW TRUCK

Written by
Davey Moore

The beginning of this episode seems to be very much filler to fit the time frame. The audience knows who Bill and Ben are and what they do. Some fans have said that this episode feels like a S13-16 storyline and although it shares the familiarity it's actually a S13-16 storyline done right. The episode really shines Timothy's gullible nature and their was not much of a three strikes formula. It was just Timothy puffing past three things and that's it because it doesn't feel repetitive nor lazily written. Plus the joke at the end shows great comeuppance for Bill and Ben with a truck looking like a rainbow truck instead of discovering a real one. It's not the best episode but decent enough.

Rating:
7/10

SAMSON AT YOUR SERVICE

Written by
Davey Moore

This episode shows Samson's stubbornness and development about making mistakes. I think it's good that we have a character that act like that like what Sir Handel was back in the fourth season. Plus Samson is an example of a character acting like a child. Children can get stubborn and want to be perfect and right, even though mistakes come along the way and that helps us improving ourselves. I enjoy the episode and I think there some good comedic scenes such as Gordon with Annie and Clarabel.

Rating:
8/10

EMILY SAVES THE WORLD

Written by
Laura Beaumont and Paul Larson

Yes I've panned many Thomas episodes that share its unrealistic value. But despite this episode having it as well it's actually entertaining too. I know many will say 'Rusty and The Boulder' is the same way and it's fine if people like that episode but to me the latter is not really entertaining as its story feels like bad fan fiction with many plot holes, such as the shed blowing up for no reason, the workmen not checking if it's safe to work below, the movement of boulder. Though there is some realism in the episode when it comes to the globe with it stopping on flat ground and near the crest of the hill. Though compare it to RATB, the moral of the story is much better then what the S5 episode gave us, that is if the moral in that episode was given. The moral in this episode is that we shouldn't be overexcited and be more careful first. I know that this episode shares the same flaw such as incompetent workmen not knowing the safety of the earth on the flatbed and I agree with that if many people share the same thought. So while this episode is good in my opinion it's not the best of all nor perfect. I love the call backs to the past episodes too, thanks to Sam Wilkinson the Railway Consultant. Yes it's unrealistic but it's entertaining at best.

Rating:
8/10

SAMSON SENT FOR SCRAP

Written by
Mark Huckerby and Nick Olster

This episode has its problems such as Samson knowing a bike, a bus stop sign and the Fat Controller's car are scrap in his eyes. I know it's Samson's personality to be stubborn and a know it all, but he should've known better. Plus Harvey could've at least tell Samson they look too new to be scrap, or for the bus stop, explaining its importance or could go against his word (Samson's). I understand that the writers bend the rules to make them learn the moral, but the episode could've been better. But there are some good comedic parts such as Scruff and the Fat Controller. So the episode is alright but could've been better.

Rating:
6/10

SPECIAL FEATURES

The first we see is the 'Calling All Engines!' segment with the Fat Controller with giving us the biography of characters. In this DVD we see Diesel and Catlin. It's the same thing as we see in every DVD but it's great to introduce kids who are new to Thomas towards some of the selected characters.

In the intervals is Mr. Perkins' Postcard about the Shunting Yards. Although it doesn't feel different in my opinion but the postcard picture seem to be implying that Stafford is the engine there, considering that his basis is a shunting engine. Who knows, we might see engines having a specific job in future? Although this is a nitpick but Thomas rarely works in the shunting yards as well as Percy as they both work on Thomas' branch line.

Another interval is the Earl's quiz with episodes of 'Kevin's Cranky Friend' and 'Thomas and The Runaway Kite'. It's a usual thing as well like 'Calling All Engines!' good for young kids and there thinking skills.

It's quite funny that the first Railway Series story to be told by Mr. Perkins for 2015 is in fact from the first book that was published 70 years ago, 'The Three Railway Engines'. The story is 'Edward and Gordon' despite some little alteration from the story, not with engine repaints or having the story going with the TV series adaptation. Lorraine Marshall once again captured such brilliant artwork in the likes of Dalby they feel so nice and nostalgic.

Making a comeback after missing out a few DVD releases over in the UK and US is 'Who's that Engine' with the Fat Controller and the character is Gordon. Although out of all the episodes that Gordon had in the CGI era of the series you think maybe it might be the likes of 'Gordon Runs Dry' or 'Old Reliable Edward'. I accept that S13-16 exists and is a part of Thomas history but 'Bust My Buffers' is not a brilliant episode with its clichéd storyline of steam and diesel rivalry, which was highly overused in the 'reboot' series, thankfully we have less of that with the new production team nowadays. But it wasn't a good choice for Gordon.



S18 OVERALL

For Series 18 overall it is actually much better then S17 with its realism and storylines, it's not perfect though but enjoyable. There have been story arcs between Gator and Samson, they are OK but not great. Plus the new character for the DVD which is Samson is a stubborn character and at times in my opinion he can get rather annoying at times but not too annoying as there can be people in life who are like that but after seeing the episodes a few more times he grew on to me quickly and he reminds me of other characters that like Sir Handel in S4. Hopefully we see him being develop soon in the future. There are so many episodes that I call favourites that I can't list them all! I might make a list of my favourite and least favourite episodes S18.

As of the selected episodes, half of the episodes are female characters so to the journalists who are bad mouthing Thomas with the sexist tag, take that. There has been much comedy through the writing and the visuals. I know that during the course of 2014 when S18 aired on TV many fans have been arguing over the stories or characters like Duck, Bill and Ben appearing too much out of fan service even though for over ten years they've been begging to comeback. I'm sorry but that sounds hypocritical of them. I appreciate that they've made a comeback and even though some may've been added for fan service it doesn't hurt the experience of watching the episode. Would those fans rather have more Thomas appearances to be shoehorned in because he's the main star or have more engines and less Thomas, after all it is called Thomas & Friends for a reason. Besides Bill and Ben were in eight episodes this season and Duck was in five episodes while Thomas was in about 22 episodes this season. With the stories, it would be nice to see a RWS like story in the series but the only people that can pull that off are really the Awdry family. Sure I said episodes like 'Duck and The Slip Coaches' feel like an unused Railway Series story but it's still not the RWS. Sure I've seen many fan made material that can write in the similar style of the RWS and they're great, but it is still no Awdry. The only reason the series now is never going to be like the classics is that most of the stories between the first two seasons were all of the Reverend's material being adapted and purists need to know that the Reverend himself had accepted that the first two series the way it was even though. While the third series was half magazine stories by Andrew Brenner and half RWS stories and a lack of realism (mainly in 'Henry's Forest') and S4 were most of Awdry's stories but some were dramatically rewritten and some treated as leftovers. Andrew Brenner says in an interview with TTTE Wikia that he's trying to bring back the flavour of the early series and he's doing well. He didn't say he'll bring it back in the classic sense.

Tis a shame that this is the last time we'll hear Ben Small and Martin Sherman being the voice of Thomas as well as other characters. Both had done outstanding voice work since 2009 and will always be remembered by Thomas fans. If they're reading this, I wish them all the best of luck for their future.

DVD OVERALL

Well I will say the episode choices are good but they're not perfectly written but have much effort putting into the storyline. The animation is once again top-notch towards from Arc Productions even the camera angles and all. There are the usual animation errors coming from them but you can miss them by the blink of the eye, expect for James sliding away from his chassis. 

Well now that S18 is over I think we'll now await for S19 and the two DVD specials for 2015 which is 'The Adventure Begins', in celebration of the Railway Series' 70th anniversary, and 'Sodor's Legend of The Lost Treasure'. So let's hope 2015 is the year of Thomas! 

DVD Rating: 7/10

S18 Rating: 205.5/220

NWR Editorial: Logan Gets A Render

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

NWR EDITORIAL:

LOGAN GETS A RENDER

The new year had started off with two surprises. Of course the 'The Adventure Begins' trailer, which I've discussed earlier and the CGI rendered Logan. Last year in July 2014, Fisher Price has revealed on the Thomas & Friends 'Engine Depot' website the new exclusive character Logan. Which is available in his own Wooden Railway train set and Book Pack. This year the official Thomas Wooden Railway website had revealed a promotion video of Logan in a full CGI render by Arc Productions.

When I first saw the picture above from the TTTE Wikia, I thought it's a fake picture. As there has been previous images in the past when it came to Tale of The Brave of engines with sloping boilers. But thanks to friends on twitter it was real. Though it had lead to the speculation that Logan will join the television series in Series 19. As SiF had put it on their blog, Logan is created by Fisher Price. No one from HIT Entertainment were involved towards the creation of the character. Plus he's a 'merchandise exclusive' character and even if he's added in the series it loose that uniqueness, in my opinion. It's understandable that some people don't like how he's a one-off character but in my opinion it's in a good way. Children who have the item can give there own personality towards Logan using their imagination and can recreate the adventure with the book through a train set. Plus he's a one-off with purpose, by working at a coal depot at Crosby. Much better then the previous one-off's between S5 and S9-16. 

Although fans do want him in the series and I have nothing against that, I think we should wait and see if he is confirmed to be in the series. In my eyes I see this as a promotion only video and I understand that it's costly to render a model just for a one-off deal. Though that happened to characters like Trevor and Jack in the past. But there has been many promos that use CGI such as the Pixar teaser trailers and some Toy Story promotional videos that were on TV in the 90's on Fox Kids I believe, but they're on the 10th anniversary DVD from 2005. 

But I will admit, the CGI render is much better then the book. His face in particular doesn't look like plastic surgery gone wrong or a jacked up Victor. Although in some places it looked awkward but natural as well. Plus I'm glad Arc had given him a front coupling too and riveting and detail of his body looks amazing. In conclusion though there is nothing to confirm that he'll be in S19 this year. 

LOGAN'S PROMO VIDEO 

IS VIEWABLE ON THE THOMAS WOODEN RAILWAY

WEBSITE