I have always loved Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends getting into scrapes or working together in different stories. It has a moral to each episode such as friendship, trust and teamwork, I loved hearing Ringo Starr's voice narrating the series which is 21 years old since it was shown on television in 1984. It's great having all twenty-six stories from the first series because it saves a lot of space on your shelf, it's good value for money and plus there's over two hours of accidents, fun and mishaps on the Island of Sodor. My favourite stories are Coal, Troublesome Trucks, The Flying Kipper, Whistles and Sneezes, Off the Rails, and many more.
Even adults and younger children alike will adore watching Thomas adventures on DVD with a good sharp picture and clear sound to boot. I reccommend this to fans, whether they're young or old because it brought back happy memories for me and it'll probably do the same for you!
Thanks for taking time to read this, I hope you find it useful!
In recent times, later seasons of 'Thomas the Tank Engine' (now 'Thomas & Friends') are beginning to shunt it's origins further and further into the darkness of the past. Although it is always exciting to see new and original stories that were not adapted from Wilbert Awdry's 'Railway Series', there is truely no comparison to the delights of the classic first and season seasons of 'Thomas' from back in the early/late 80's. This collection presents all 26 stories from the first classic series, all of which are adapted from the earlier volumes of the Railway Series. Made even more memorable by Ringo Starr's narration and the remarkable musical scores (I apologise for I cannot remember the composer's names!), these stories bring to life the Rly. Series in a way that stunned the world with awe. Where as more recent stories tend to focus on the importance of friendship and social skills, these classic tales deal with the comedy, sorrow, joys and tragedys of railway-life - which is exactly what Awdry wanted. Most of the stories that you see here are based on actual events that happened to one engine or another, somewhere in the world. For a taste of what it's REALLY all about - this DVD is essential for any fan, veteran or newly introduced.
Series 1 includes the world to the first seven engines of the main fleet, the concrete for the cast. Thomas, Edward, Gordon, Henry, James, Percy and Toby are established as family as time goes on, each with their own distinctive personalities. Thomas, who was at first cheeky, but grew wiser as time progressed. Edward, good-hearted and heart-moving. Proud Gordon, who's conceit often led to trouble. Henry, who's vainty and bad-health caused him many problems. James, flamboyant, rebellious and forever providing comic releif. Percy - baby-faced and adorable. Toby, quiet and sinless.
The Series begins with the memorable introduction of Thomas - flagship of The Railway Series and a landmark face in children's televison - followed by a comical incident in which he learns to hold back his cheekiness in the face of Gordon. Following this is an adaptation of the very first Rly. Series book - 'The Three Railway Engines' - which sees Gordon laughing on the other side of his smoke-box after taunting Edward, Henry's vanity leading to his temporary excile and all three brought together in harmony afterwards. We then see Thomas struggling with the reality of being station-pilot and his constant rebellion to escape from the small world he is confined too - and one memorable day in which a new-arrival called James has a terrible accident, Thomas' hard-work sees him rewarded with his very own branch line.
Following Thomas' 'escape' we see James brought into the spotlight - flamboyant, splendid and rebellious - who at first caused trouble for the Fat Controller, but then won back his honour not once, but twice. Whilst James establishes his place among the fleet, Thomas has some seperate adventures of his own on the branch line (with his coaches Annie and Clarabel, Terence the Tractor and Bertie the Bus).
Following this, the action turns darker. The loss of Thomas has caused upset and rebellion among the big engines, who go on strike after a string of humiliating events. Percy is drafted in as the new station-pilot, and after the peace is restored, the child-like new-comer realises the dangers of travelling on the main line with a free-mind. But Henry is still not happy, for we learn that his constant bad-health and lack of energy has put his career on the line. The problem is temporarily corrected by Welsh Coal, but disaster awaits Henry in the days that follow. By fate, an earth-shattering accident leads to a successful overhaul at Crewe, from which Henry emerges as a newer, stronger and happier engine.
After Henry teaches Gordon and some naughty school-boys a lesson, Thomas has some trouble with the police, which leads to the rescue of Toby the Tram Engine from retirement. In the light of Toby's arrival, James' conceit leads to a sticky accident. And after an ironic twist of pit-falls, Gordon and Thomas form an alliance of disgrace before all 7 friends are brought together in harmony for Christmas celebrations.
This DVD will bring tears of joy to veteran fans who remember the show in its youth, bringing back wonderful and charming memories. Newly introduced fans will see the further delights of the world of Sodor from the past - and hopefully come to appreciate the origins of this classic show even more.
