Tenders and Turntables and Other Stories review

Thomas was still going strong by the time of his third video release. This one introduced soon to be well known engines Toby and Percy to the engine family in: Tenders and Turntables and Other Stories.

Notice the missing "s" in Turntables.

More episodes from Season 1 plus one from Season 2 make up this collection. Once again, Ringo Starr narrates. Our Episodes Are: 

• Tenders and Turntables
• Trouble in the Shed
• Percy Runs Away
• Thomas Comes to Breakfast
• Henry's Special Coal
• The Flying Kipper
• Toby the Tram Engine (mistakenly called Toby the TRAIN Engine on some releases) 

The episode selection is not bad but I still do not understand Thomas Comes to Breakfast coming before both Toby the Tram Engine and Donald and Douglas. It is a good episode none the less but it's placing just seems odd to me. If I could replace it with anything, I would put in Whistles and Sneezes, the only episode from Season 1 not re-narrated in the States by Ringo. I also like how the Video ends on a cliffhanger, making you wonder what the good news in Toby's letter was. Of course we all know what it is but it is finally answered in the next VHS. 

Sadly, this release is one of the few that did not get a DVD version making all but one narration very rare. Ringo's narration of Trouble in the Shed made it's DVD debut on Engine Friends. George Carlin's narrations of these however are on at least one DVD. 

Overall

This is another enjoyable release except I still feel off about Thomas Comes to Breakfast's inclusion. It contains some more well know stories like The Flying Kipper, a definite fan favorite. If you are able to find a copy, I suggest buying it. You won't regret it. 4/5.
 

James Learns a Lesson and Other Stories review

As with the previous release, Thomas' 2nd VHS was released in 1990. This one was focused on the events that happened after Thomas rescued James and got his own Branch Line which was entitled: James Learns a Lesson and Other Stories.

This VHS contains the next 7 episodes from Season 1 which are:

• James Learns a Lesson
• Foolish Freight Cars
• A Proud Day for James
• Thomas and the Conductor
• Thomas Goes Fishing
• Terence the Tractor
• Thomas and Bertie's Great Race

Once again, Ringo Starr narrates but unlike the previous Video, George Carlin does not narrate it for Video Streaming websites making his narrations of Thomas and the Conductor and Thomas Goes Fishing slightly rare. Both have been shown on Shining Time Station and Thomas Goes Fishing is on Sprout but both have not been given a DVD release. In my opinion, each of these episodes are just as excellent as the last one. The final episode is one of the most well known of the Classic Series and one of my favorites.

The DVD version was released in 2005 with a new cover.

Covers like this have always been my favorite with one or two characters at the top and a shot from an episode at the bottom. I still do wonder why they don't do them anymore. The DVD gained a new cover in 2009 which was very lamely done. It was just Thomas and James in a generic countryside. As for Special Features, they are minimal. A lot of the early DVDs were like that. Included here is the Character Gallery that's on most of the Early DVDs and a Sing-Along of Thomas' Anthem. While the song is one of the most well known, I think James the Really Splendid Engine would fit more as the video is called JAMES Learns a Lesson.

  Overall

Like Thomas Gets Tricked, this video is great if you want to live the old days of Thomas. I think the only flaw I can find is the minimal Bonus Features but other then that It's another great video. 4.5/5.

                                                                

Thomas Gets Tricked and Other Stories review

Long ago, in the magical year of 1990, Thomas was starting to become a world star. Already popular in the UK and increasing in US popularity with the help of Shining Time Station. That same year, American children were finally able to watch Thomas' adventures whenever they wanted, as Thomas' first US VHS was released: Thomas Get Tricked and Other Stories.

 This VHS contains the first 7 episodes of Season 1, which are:

• Thomas Gets Tricked
• Edward Helps Out
• Come Out Henry
• Henry to the Rescue
• A Big Day for Thomas
• Trouble for Thomas
• Thomas Saves the Day

All episodes are narrated by Ringo Starr yet, for some reason, George Carlin narrates them on sites like Netflix and Hulu. I find each episode great and they shows us how inexperienced Thomas was before getting his own Branch Line.   

The VHS was released on DVD in 2007 with a very different cover.

  This shows a mirrored Thomas with the Jet Engine going past Callan Castle which didn't appear at all on the DVD. I suppose this was done to make it more "eye-popping" for kids but the "1st Ever Thomas Episodes!" tag was a nice addition. Bonus Features include two activities which can be found on some other DVDs. Gordon's Memory Game is a simple game where you must chose the item NOT in the scene that Gordon shows you while Sodor Memories features Sir Topham Hatt's main 6 engines recalling on some of their favorite and least favorite memories from Season 1. Also included is a Sing-Along of Come for the Ride. While I do enjoy the song, I feel it doesn't really fit the theme of the video.

Overall:

If you want to hear Ringo Starr narrate the first 7 episodes, this is the video for you. I find it to be an enjoyable release and I'm sure you will too. 5/5.

   

Re-doing Blog

Do any of you remember my old blog? I bet you don't. :P Anyway, I decided to re-do it. I'll be doing reviews of various things in the Thomas merchandise world. DVDs, Toys and Other Things. I'll be posting my first review shortly, so you don't have long to wait! :)