Plot: What’s it about?
I am unsure if I can summarize the storyline of this movie, as to be honest I was baffled by it at times. This isn’t a bad thing per se, it just makes this synopsis a little more difficult than usual. This film takes place in two environments, Shining Times and the Island Of Sodor, both of which are very different places from each other. On the Island Of Sodor, you’ll find a realm of fantasy and that is complete with a team of talking trains. One of these trains is Thomas, who is a small train that happens to have a big heart. Shining Times however, is the real world and that means no talking trains and more serious issues to deal with. Between the two worlds is Mr. Conductor (Alec Baldwin), a small person who can travel between the two realms using his magical golden dust. But he is running low on the stuff and can’t seem to find more, which is bad news for him and those he takes with him. In order to get more, he will call on a young girl (Mara Wilson), her grandfather (Peter Fonda), and even Thomas to help him figure out the reason for the gold dust shortage. But when it is revealed that diesel powered trains are behind the scheme, can they overcome and regain the supply of the golden dust?
This is the feature film debut of Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends, which manages to maintain the show’s feel and add some new elements as well. This ensures that whether this is your first experience with Thomas & friends or your millionth, this movie has a lot to offer you as a viewer. I think the television show is a fun watch now & again, but this movie is much better if you ask me. The visual effects are excellent (done by the man behind The Fifth Element’s F/X) and the whole thing just seems so much more refined and professional. The storyline & details are different from the show though, so don’t expect a complete rehash at all. This is an odd movie to be sure, with some strange events and sights, but I think it ends up being a lot of fun for viewers of all ages. The cast features some names such as Mara Wilson, Peter Fonda, and Alec Baldwin, but none of them seem to be the same people. I mean, the acting is decent enough, but they all seem so unusual here, especially Baldwin. If you’re looking for something to keep the little ones occupied for a while, or you just like offbeat children’s movies, then give this one a rental and decide from there.
The big screen debut of Thomas and his buddies was written & directed by Britt Allcroft, who also happens to own the rights to Thomas and his friends. I do wish this film was closer to the television show, but other than that I could find little to complain about. I mean, I know the story is a little off kilter at times, but the kids I’ve seen with think it is terrific. I showed this film to my brother’s children and they were glued to the screen, so I think that speaks for itself. I refuse to judge Thomas & The Magic Railroad by the normal standards, as it is aimed right at the younger crowds. Not teens either, I mean very young people and they see things much differently than some of us older folks. Allcroft has fit in some nice touches to keep the adults entertained as well, which is always welcome. The cast of Thomas & The Magic Railroad includes Didi Conn (Grease, Tv’s Shining Times Station), Peter Fonda (Escape From L.A.), Russell Means (Pocahantas), Alec Baldwin (The Shadow), and Mara Wilson (Mrs. Doubtfire, Matilda).
Video: How does it look?
Thomas & The Magic Railroad is presented in a full frame transfer, which seems to be an open matte version of the original aspect ratio. I am unsure why no widescreen option was included, but open matte is much more welcome than pan & scan and since this is a children’s aimed title, I won’t knock the rating too much. The image looks good and I found no serious problems, as colors were bright, flesh tones natural, and black levels well balanced at all times. I did see some minor instances of edge enhancement, but nothing to be concerned about in the least.
Audio: How does it sound?
I can’t say I was overwhelmed, but the included Dolby Digital 5.1 track is more than up to the task in this case. The music uses the surrounds more than the other elements, but some effective sound effect placement can also be heard. All the toots, chugs, and other train noises sound terrific in this mix and since this is a train movie, that’s important. The dialogue is also crisp, easy to hear, and always at a proper volume. This isn’t an overly impressive track, but it is more than enough for this movie’s audio. You’ll also find additional Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1) and English (2.0 surround) options, as well as subtitles in English & Spanish.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s trailer, a slew of bonus trailers, talent files, and a deleted sequence, which is fun to have on this release.
