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Saturday 30 April 2011

Date for 'DOTD' UK premiere confirmed

The date for the premiere of Day of the Diesels has been revealed for UK fans.

In an email by SiF's ellsworth as to when the premiere at Leicester Square would be happening, Hit confirmed that it is now set for a September premiere.

We will be having a premiere for the Day of the Diesels film on the 17th September.
The news comes just after the announcement of the early premiere for Australia on a July 23rd date. 9 days after the premiere, the DVD of Day of the Diesels will be released in the UK on September 26th 2011.

Cast member Ben Small previously confirmed via his YouTube Channel that he would be attending the Leicester Square celebrity premiere in the UK.

Day of the Diesels premieres in the UK at Vue Cinemas around the UK starting from September 17th 2011.

Thanks to ellsworth for giving permission to show the email.

'DOTD' confirmed for early Australian premiere

It has been revealed that the next Thomas & Friends special, Day of the Diesels will premiere first in Australia.

According to Wellsworthstation (SiF), while reading a new issue for the May Thomas & Friends Australian magazine edition, an advertisement was found.

It said "Watch 'Day Of The Diesels' at Hoyts Cinemas at 10am, Saturday and Sunday mornings from July 23".
This move may surprise Aussie Thomas fans who get to see the newest special before the UK and particularly the US as of now.

It is not currently known as to why Australia will see it first as no links can currently be found, even on the Hoyts Cinemas website. It is still possible that the US could see the special around the same time, as Misty Island Rescue premiered around that time last year.

The move could also apply to New Zealand while it was revealed back in early February by cast member Ben Small that the special had wrapped production on it's animation, then later, it's voices.

Day of the Diesels premieres in Australia starting from July 23rd 2011 at Hoyts Cinemas on Saturday and Sunday mornings, 10am while the special will currently reach the UK & US in September.

Thanks to Wellsworthstation for the alert.

Two US 'New Series' DVD's re-released

Two US DVD's featuring episodes from Seasons Eight and Nine respectively have been re-released.

Come Ride the Rails and Track Stars have been reissued by Lionsgate Entertainment to include a new Learn With Us tag.
The tag shows that the DVD's will each come free with Bonus Flash Cards.

The Learn With Us editions of Come Ride the Rails and Track Stars are now available to buy in the US.


Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

Friday 29 April 2011

Larger version of 'Thomas in Charge' cover

HitNewsOnline have released a high-resolution version of the cover for the fourth Season Fourteen DVD, Thomas in Charge.
The cover features Gordon crashing into some trucks while Thomas looks at the viewer and raises an eyebrow.

Thomas in Charge hits US DVD shelves on July 12th 2011.



Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

New 'YouTube' music video confirmed for upgrade

My next music video All You Need is still currently in production but has made progress due to the amount of free time so far this April.

It has been decided that my newest music video will feature in 1080p HD after a long think. From then on, newer videos will also carry the upgrade.
Anybody watching carefully on my YouTube Channel's comments section will know up to how much footage has been added to the music video.

As of April 29th, I have completed up to over 1 minute and 35 seconds worth of video.

No release date has been decided as of now although I can say that the remix of the song will run at 4 minutes and 30 seconds.

Thomas & Friends - TheTopHatts' 'All You Need' - Season Fourteen Music Video Remix, coming soon to YouTube.

Thursday 28 April 2011

Content confirmed for 'Thomas in Charge'

WalMart have revealed the content for the upcoming fourth Season Fourteen DVD, Thomas in Charge.

The US release features two Season Fourteen episodes and two episodes from the Thirteenth Series.

The description reads; Clickity-Clack, Thomas is back in exciting, engine-packed adventures! Thomas and his friends are preparing for the Railway Inspector's visit to Knapford Station.
But when the coal trucks crash, covering Gordon in soot, can Thomas take charge and help straighten out the mess? Find out as Thomas charges full steam ahead into fun.

Episodes;
Thomas in Charge
Henry's Good Deeds
O The Indignity
A Blooming Mess
Extras;
Track Trivia Game
Bonus Episode: Buzzy Bees

The release now completes the US' lineup for the Thirteenth Series while Percy's Parcel and Double Trouble were previously announced to be included on The Birthday Express release.
Buzzy Bees appears as an extra on the Thomas in Charge release even though it had already appeared on the Thomas and the Runaway Kite DVD and is the first Bonus Episode of Thomas & Friends to be included in the current run of DVD's.

The DVD will include English, Spanish and French Languages along with English Closed Captioned Subtitles.

Thomas in Charge hits US DVD shelves on July 12th 2011.

Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

Wednesday 27 April 2011

Next 'Season Fourteen' DVD release announced

Amazon.com have announced that there will be another DVD featuring four episodes from the Fourteenth Series.

The fourth release called Thomas In Charge has so far had it's title episode confirmed to be on the DVD while the other three have yet to be revealed.
VideoETA have revealed the cover for the release which can be seen on their website and features Thomas and Gordon.

The DVD will run at 50 minutes.

Thomas In Charge hits US DVD shelves on July 12th 2011.


Thanks to SteamTeam3211 for the alert.

'Pop Goes Thomas' UK DVD content revealed

The bbfc have revealed the content due to be featured on the second Season Fourteen release for the UK, Pop Goes Thomas.

The episodes as seen on the US release, Pop Goes Thomas, Jitters and Japes, Thomas' Crazy Day and Pingy Pongy Pick Up will be available on the release.

In between the four episodes, Mr. Perkins will return for more sketches in Watch With Mr. Perkins along with another Down at the Station segment called Morning.
The Sounds Song will make a reprise on the forthcoming release while another Guess Who? Puzzle will be included.

Rounding off the DVD are the trailers at the beginning with Little Charley Bear and the trailer for the next Thomas & Friends special, Day of the Diesels which can be seen on YouTube.

Pop Goes Thomas hits UK DVD shelves on May 9th 2011.

Second 'DOTD' character enters the Engine Depot

The official Thomas & Friends US website have now added another character involved in the Day of the Diesels special into the Engine Depot.

Belle will be introduced in the upcoming special where she already has appeared in the Fifteenth Series which was broadcast early in the UK.
 
Belle's description reads; Belle is a big brave blue engine. She has two water cannons high on her boiler from which she can shoot water to fight fires. Belle would be overwhelming if she wasn’t so nice, even Cranky likes her! She wants to do her best and be the best.

Belle realizes that she isn’t the fire engine Sodor needs and supports Flynn in every way. In fact, when Flynn makes mistakes…it's Belle who is always there to help him out.

The third Day of the Diesels character will be added onto the Engine Depot in a month's time.


Day of the Diesels premieres later this September.


Thanks to ByOnu for the alert.

Friday 22 April 2011

Poll Results: Season Fifteen on DVD?

My poll since more than two weeks ago looked at what kind of reception would Season Fifteen of Thomas & Friends get if DVD release's of it's episodes came into fruition.

Over 209 votes took place with 8 categories over fans decisions on buying the most recent series on DVD.
It was almost unanimous that 39.23% of 100 votes agree to buying Season Fifteen episodes on DVD.

What strikes me is how much fans would like to see the new series on home releases which can include the Down at the Station and Mr. Perkins extras, although this dosen't neccesarily count, this is about Season Fifteen.

More than half of the Yes category would rather Wait for a complete series release to come out as the second result shows with 18.66%.

8.61% of you would give yourselves a long think whether to buy the episodes or not as the third result calls on the Maybe decision.
The fourth result sees a tie between a decision on not purchasing the newest episodes and the dependence on what episodes you would enjoy or not when deciding on possible DVD releases with No and Depends which episodes are on which release, coming in at 8.13% each.

The next one was the one that I went for.

Only buying because of the CGI recieved 7.66% of the votes which shows the amount of fans wanting to watch these stories partly or mostly due to Nitrogen Studios' wonderful animation. I have been truly stunned as to the way that they have brought Sodor to life for a new generation and have no qualms over it.

The penultimate decision relies on dedicated Thomas fans who Would buy to complete own series collections in terms of owing this series on DVD to own all episodes of the Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends history and cherish it forever with their ultimate collection. 5.26% of the votes liked this decision.
Finally, fans who would Never buy Season Fifteen releases. Those who would be critical over it would rather pass on due to it's declined writing, switched character personalities and unrealisticness. 4.31% went for this.

I really enjoyed making this survey and was pleased at how much people took part in it so for anyone who is out there or know me, thank you for viewing and thank you for voting. So there we have it. After a survey that I really wanted to try, you, would rather buy Season Fifteen when releases of it come out.

Or would you.......?
The results of the Season Fifteen on DVD? poll

Thursday 21 April 2011

5 new books for 2012

There is to be a set of new books coming next year for Thomas & Friends fans.

The first book is a sticker book accompained by the theme of Valentine's Day in Thomas' Valentine Party while the second is a new Step Into Reading release with an Easter theme in Easter Engines.
The third is a colouring and activity book in Making Tracks while a Lift the Flaps will be released called Search and Rescue.

The last book called Off the Rails! will be a 3D release with 3D glasses included accompained by colouring activities. The image of Thomas on the cover has already sparked some concern as to why the titular character is smiling while coming off the rails.

The 2012 books will be released starting from December 27th 2011 with the first book while the last four follow January 10th 2012.

Thanks to SteamTeam3211 for the alert.

Tuesday 19 April 2011

High-res image of James from Lionsgate

The next Hit Entertainment compilation DVD Sweet Dreams includes the Season Fourteen episode, James in the Dark.

As part of the release, Lionsgate Publicity have published high-resolution images of each of Hit's characters featured on the DVD on their website.
Promo shot from James in the Dark.

Episodes include;
Thomas & Friends - James in the Dark
Barney - Day and Night
Bob the Builder - Night Time Scratch
Angelina Ballerina - Angelina's Sleepover
Timmy Time - Sweet Dreams Timmy
Fireman Sam - Twitching the Night Away
Kipper - Sleepless Night
Roary the Racing Car - Tunnel Vision

The DVD runs at 87 minutes approximately.

Sweet Dreams hits US DVD shelves on May 24th 2011.

Fun for the engines in new Hit DVD

Thomas will be included in another compilaton of Hit Entertainment's brands in the new Preschool Fun  DVD.

Best Friends, the Season Twelve finale episode has been selected for the DVD.

The synopsis reads; "A" is for adventure with your favorite preschool friends! Jump on the learning track because Thomas, Barney, and all of their friends are waiting for you to join in the excitement.
Create a dance-tastic school poster with Angelina Ballerina and then build a pirate ship with Bob the Builder. Don't forget your rescue hat because Fireman Sam needs help saving the school bus. With these fun-filled adventures, discover that playtime can be learning time for the whole family! 

Episodes include; 
Barney - Days of the Week
Thomas & Friends - Best Friends
Fireman Sam - Sheep On the Road
Bob the Builder - Scratch's Star Turn
Angelina Ballerina - Angelina and the Poster
Kipper - Pig's Sweater
Roary the Racing Car - Roary Goes Back to School
Timmy Time - Timmy's Jigsaw
 
The DVD runs at 86 minutes approximately with no extras present. 

Preschool Fun hits US DVD shelves on July 5th 2011.

Sunday 17 April 2011

YT Channel background update plus extras

My YouTube Channel background has now been updated and can now be seen on my Channel.

The update is basically the characters that were not previously featured due to Season Fifteen broadcasting. Now that it's passed, Dart, Den, Paxton and Norman can now be seen on the background.

Flynn, Belle, Stanley and Bertie were on the the first version but since their appearances in Season Fifteen, their images have been updated.
Now I did make an error with the first version as I left out one character in the CGI era, Captain, however, he is back and immortalized on the background along with Butch.

Now, I and some people might have been dissapointed with the lack of image quality due to saving it as a 256k JPEG as part of YouTube's background rule, however, with this version of my background, there's a twist.

I managed to find a way to save it as a high quality JPEG at just under 1MB, which means that for the first time, you can see my YouTube Channel background in it's clearest possible quality or, in all it's glory.
Plus, I have created a new icon each on YouTube and the SiF Forums. Both feature Scruff, one of my favourite characters with an Oil Painting feel, sort of Winnie the Pooh-esque..., eh?

I feel pleased about the quality of the background, but what about you? Comment if you wish.

BFDC rolls out Thomas stamps

British First Day Covers have issued some stamps featuring Thomas & Friends.

The 6 stamps each show an engine. The first three include Thomas, James and Percy in shots from the New Series which have been altered.
The last three have Daisy, Toby and Gordon from the Classic Series, all of which have also been altered to make the three have less shine on their bodyworks, like in Season Six to the present.

Each of the stamps have their own prices, with Thomas' price the same as a 1st Class stamp while James is 66p, Percy for 68p, Daisy 76p, Toby £1 and Gordon £1.10.

BFDC's Thomas & Friends stamps will be released on June 14th 2011 in the UK.

Friday 15 April 2011

Official website given Webby Awards nomination

The official Thomas & Friends website has been nominated for a People's Voice award from AOL's The Webby Awards.

The website is in the Family/Parenting category where it is going up against 4 more nominees.
The 4 include Babycenter, Making Sense of Baby, Parenting.com and the Partnership at Drugfree.org.

The winner will be announced on a live broadcast online via the Webby Award's official website on June 13th 2011.

Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

Wednesday 13 April 2011

Thomas to split from rest of Hit

Thomas & Friends will part ways from half of Hit Entertainment as the sale goes on.
The show will join Hit to split in two away from Hit's other brands including Angelina Ballerina and Fireman Sam.

6 Take-n-Play's for this Summer

Tottin Thomas Toys have revealed four new Take-n-Play models to be available soon along with two re-releases in the UK.

On the website's homepage, a box reads; Engines due for release around July/August, Butch, Dart, Den, Belle, Flynn & Rheneas.
This confirms that Day of the Diesels characters Den, Dart, Flynn & Belle will indeed be released to tie-in with the special.

Butch's re-release comes a month after his starring role in the Season Fifteen episode, Stuck On You.

It is thought that Rheneas' re-release has something to do with appearances in future episodes.

Thanks to The Colonel for the alert.

Tuesday 12 April 2011

Sneak peek of 'The Birthday Express' DVD

AOL Video have published a preview of the upcoming US CGI release, The Birthday Express.

The preview is a clip from Percy's Parcel where Percy wants to show Mavis his special before Rocky drops some slate.
The clip features the voices of William Hope as Percy, Jules de Jongh as Mavis, Glenn Wrage as Rocky and Michael Brandon as The Narrator.

The Birthday Express hits US DVD shelves on May 17th 2011.

Saturday 9 April 2011

Two 'Angelis' movies and landmark

Michael Angelis has since finished filming scenes for a British film titled First Time Loser, had a film released on DVD and about to have a landmark celebrated.

In First Time Loser, the longest running Thomas & Friends narrator plays Father Malachie who is involved in a wedding scene.

Also, Angelis' 2006 film Fated has now been released on DVD since late March after a 5 year hiatus. In it, Angelis plays Tatty, the lead role, a man who witnesses the love of his life come back to life after a hit and run accident 13 years previously.
On another note and some fans may have not known this but September 12th marks 20 years since Michael Angelis' voice premiered in Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends in A Scarf for Percy first broadcast on the above date in 1991.

Angelis has now narrated 15 series and 3 specials and will be involved in the next special Day of the Diesels and the Sixteenth Series.

It looks as thought Michael will be associated with Thomas for years to come as I remember sending an email to Hit Entertainment in 2008 about Angelis' commitments to the series.....;

Is Michael happy to work on the series?
Yes, he is very happy.

Will Michael Angelis stay on as the narrator in future?
The plan is to have Michael for all future series and specials.

MICHAEL ANGELIS FILMING FIRST TIME LOSER
#1, #2 AND #3
ANGELIS IN FATED
TRAILER #1, #2, CLIP AND DVD

Friday 8 April 2011

Cast posts get underway with Hiro's voice

For the more broader side of true Thomas fans, posts will be on the blog where you can find out what the cast and crew of Thomas & Friends are up to.

To kick off, Togo Igawa who provides the deep and calm voice for Hiro has recently been involved in the sequel of Johnny English called Johnny English Reborn.
An official first trailer was released on Thursday April 7th showing Igawa's involvement in the film which stars Rowan Atkinson.

Igawa plays Ting Wang, a monk who helps Johnny English return to his secret agent agenda after a mission goes terribly wrong which forces English to live in a cave for 5 years.

You can see Togo Igawa in Johnny English Reborn in UK theatres from October 7th 2011.

'Greg Tiernan' interview published on SiF

SiF's interview with the current director of Thomas & Friends is now available to view on the SiF fansite.
In the interview Greg Tiernan talks about how they were approached to join Thomas, the questions of returning characters and sets, the future and more.

Trust me, this one is a must see!

Thursday 7 April 2011

'Pop Goes Thomas' UK DVD cover revealed

Play.com have published the cover for the UK version of the Pop Goes Thomas DVD.

The cover is no different to the US cover apart from the obvious classification logos and the Mr. Perkins tagline.

The episodes look as though they will be the same to the US release, as this description shows; Thomas is bubbling with excitement as he delivers special cargo to the picnic extravaganza!
His friend Percy joins in on the fun for a game of Hide and Seek and Emily goes full steam ahead to cheer on the Sodor Football Team! Join Thomas and your favourite engine friends as they explore the sights and delights of Sodor in these exciting episodes.

Mr. Perkins returns for more sketches while the DVD runs at 54 minutes approximately.

Pop Goes Thomas hits UK DVD shelves on May 9th 2011.

Wednesday 6 April 2011

Blog Poll: Would you buy Season Fifteen on DVD?

Owing to the mixed and negative response upon the recent Fifteenth Series of Thomas & Friends, this new poll has been created.
The poll of mine is giving you the question, Would you buy DVD releases of Thomas & Friends that contained Season Fifteen episodes?, It is pretty self explanatory.

The questions have nothing to do with any extra DVD content as they are not related to the new series.

This is also a survey to determine if you would have any other thoughts on purchasing or not and will also show the winning fan preference if the newest series was to be available on home releases.

POLL IS NOW CLOSED. RESULTS DUE TO BE REVEALED ON FRIDAY APRIL 22ND.

Various new Trackmaster's emerge

Seven new stock from the Trackmaster range are due to be available soon along with one Take-n-Play product.

From Fisher Price's Trackmaster range, Henry will be re-released but will have the ability to talk with Talking Henry.
A new set will be released based on the Season Fourteen episode, Toby and the Whistling Woods which includes track pieces, trees and a sign.

For the Rolling Stock, some Red Express Coaches with a brakevan and all new Firework Cars will join the range.
A new type of Rolling Stock will emerge where you can see the inside's of the Mail Coaches, Livestock Cars with animals and the Passengers Cars.

Finally Take-n-Play will see the release of Mr. Pervical's Car in red which includes the man himself in the car.


Thanks to SteamTeam3211 for the alert.

Tuesday 5 April 2011

'Branch Line Engines' CD cover revealed

Play.com have published the cover for the upcoming Railway Stories CD release, Branch Line Engines and Other Stories.

The cover features a promo shot from the Seventh Series with Toby and Thomas.
Narrated by Michael Angelis, the CD will run at 1 hour approximately.

The Railway Stories - Branch Line Engines and Other Stories his UK CD shelves on June 2nd 2011.


Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

'The Big Book of Engines's in's and out's

Egmont have confirmed some of the other characters that will and won't feature in The Big Book of Engines book.

Contacted by SI3DFilms as to who else would be included in the book, Egmont confirms Duck, Oliver, Donald, Douglas and Daisy's involvement.
However, certain diesel engines are not included, those are Boco, Derek and D261.

The Steam Team, Arthur and Whiff are to be detailed in the book as revealed by amazon.co.uk

The Big Book of Engines is now available in book stores in the UK.


Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

Monday 4 April 2011

Saban makes a move on Hit

Haim Saban, the Cheif Executive Officer for Saban Brands is planning it's bid on Hit Entertainment.
Saban is still up against the various companies mentioned in previous reports.

Thanks to Ajani for the alert.

Suprises in and ahead from SiF

The SiF team have revealed two suprises on their fansite, one of which is now available, the other coming this Friday.

As part of some publicity for the Railway Series' 42nd book, SiF have published a rare video interview featuring Ringo Starr and the Rev. W. Awdry.
The video shows the two being interviewed on Good Morning Britain where they publicised the launch of the first series of Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends.

Near the end of the interview, Awdry talks about Clive Spong's illustrations for the Railway Series books. In a way, a way to plug the new book.

Also coming this Friday, SiF will have an extensive interview with the current Producer and Director of Thomas & Friends, husband and wife team Nicole Stinn and Greg Tiernan.
The two will be interviewed by the team and will answer many questions about the CGI era of Thomas which I have to admit is exciting!

The Good Morning Britain interview with Ringo Starr and the Rev. W. Awdry is now available on the SiF fansite while the interview with Nicole Stinn and Greg Tiernan will be published on the fansite this Friday.


Friday 1 April 2011

'The Lion of Sodor' is a No. 1 in the UK

In store via Tesco, The Lion of Sodor has been named the No. 1 DVD in the Family category.

The DVD which features four Season Thirteen episodes was released this Monday and has since then beaten rival shows such as Fireman Sam and Peppa Pig.
Not only that, but four other Thomas & Friends have also proved a success in Tesco's charts.

The Complete Series 12 is currently at No. 5, Season Fourteen's Wobbly Wheels & Whistles at No. 14 while last year's Misty Island Rescue and the Triple Pack hang in steady at No. 13 and 15 respectively.

'Day of the Diesels' UK trailer released

Hit Entertainment's official Thomas & Friends YouTube Channel have uploaded the UK version of the Day of the Diesels trailer.

The trailer is the same apart from the UK voices featured of course. Another difference is at the 0:04 mark where a transition is missing.
The voices that differ to the US version in the trailer are from Percy, The Fat Controller and Belle.

Day of the Diesels premieres in September.

Blog banner replaced and revamped

It was only a week ago that I felt the banner on my blog started to look rushed, so I decided that it needed a change.

Well it's Friday and after some consideration into making it neater, the new banner is here.
The new banner looks more completed than it's predecessor with a border added along with a different promo shot of Thomas along with most of the engines currently featured in the CGI Series.

The rest of the blog will remain intact, the only change made is the banner to make the blog look more tidier.

So, enjoy the new banner and if you would like to post your views on it, drop a comment if you wish.

First 'DOTD' character enters the Engine Depot

The official Thomas & Friends website have now added a character involved in the Day of the Diesels special into the Engine Depot.

Den will be introduced in the upcoming special where he already has appeard in the Fifteenth Series which was broadcast early in the UK.
Den's description reads; Den is a diesel who runs the Dieselworks…when Diesel 10 is not around. While he isn’t devious, he is still a diesel. Den is a hard worker and popular among the Diesels. He is very thoughtful and thinks hard before he speaks.

When Den does speak it is very slowly. This gives the appearance that he may be a little slow, but nothing could be further from the truth. Engines can wait a long time for Den to give his insight, but it is worth the wait!

Another Day of the Diesels character will be added onto the Engine Depot in a month's time.

Day of the Diesels premieres later this Autumn

VIEW DEN ON THE THOMAS & FRIENDS WEBSITE IN THE UK OR US

SiF's RWS character reveal shattered

I am afraid that it is very true everyone, SiF's reveal of the new character for the Railway Series' newest book is indeed.....
AN APRIL FOOL!
Yes I can sense how many fans are disappointed by this piece of news but perhaps also even more disappointed by the fact that we have been tricked.

I had no part of this at all but part of me was thinking that this would be true, the other part thought falsely.

Well it's no matter that SiF have succeeded in this joke but hey, it was a genius one wasn't it?

The 42nd Railway Series book hits UK book shelves on July 4th 2011.