Thomas & Friends - Bumper Party Collection [DVD]

One of the best things about this release is that it is any fan's only chance to own two of the 'missing stories' - 'What's the Matter With Henry' and 'Rheneas and the Roller Coaster'. Those who are seeking new stories will be disappointed, as this release compilates selected titles from previous releases, including 'The Fogman and Other Stories', 'The Chocolate Crunch and Other Stories', 'Brave Little Engines' and 'Happy Little Helpers'. For those aware of the season order for 'Thomas and Friends', the release contains largely stories from the 6th Season with only a handful from Series 7. This is a shame, as there are two other stories yet to be released including 'Jack Frost' (S. 6) and 'Not So Hasty Puddings'.
One other significent feature of the release (aside from the activity package included inside) is a preview for the upcoming 'direct-to-video' release entitled 'Calling All Engines'. Fans worldwide are waiting in angst and excitement, for 'CAE' will be Thomas' second feature length presentation. However, this release will be of a similar standard to a full-length, 55 minute television episode. The plot is simply - The engines of the Island of Sodor must work and collaborate in order to complete the nessessary building work required for a new national airport. But conflict arrises between the steam engines and diesels, and work slowly grinds to a hault over 'cultral' differences. Thomas has even more to worry about when a storm strikes the island and an incomplete bridge leaves the line exposed to danger. The UK release (narrated by legend Micheal Angelis) will be arriving in October. A short preview for the release can be found on the Bumper Party Collection.
Stories included on this release:
1. Harvey to the Rescue (S6) - A new engine arrives at the dockyard, but his strange appearence causes him to swiftly become an outsider. The new arrival gets a chance to shine when Percy has an accident.
2. A Bad Day for Harold (S6) - Percy enjoys taking the post train, but occassionally Harold stands in for him in emergences. One day when Percy is forced to break his jounrey, Harold's services and determination leads to an embarressing hiccup.
3. Twin Trouble (S6) - When an accident puts strain on Donald and Douglas' relationship, Duck and Thomas worry that the Scottish twins may never set aside their differences.
4 Percy's Chocolate Crunch (S6) - Can Percy survive a day of dirty chores when a water-shortage means he cannot get a washdown?
5. Thomas the Jet Engine (S6) - Thomas gets an unexpected opporunity to knock Gordon off the speed-record table.
6. The World's Strongest Engine (S6) - Diesel is up to his old games, but the trucks prove to Thomas and Percy that their trickery can be useful when it comes to getting rid of the infamous smooth-operator.
7. Thomas, Percy and the Sqeak (S6) - Thomas becomes conceited when he is given the task of taking a famous opera singer to her concert venue, but he is soon silenced by an unwelcome passenger who helps to repair his strained friendship with Percy.
8. Edward the Very Useful Engine (S6) - Edward is sent away to help Stepney run the loop-line, but his abscence leads to confusion and grid-lock when a goods train and an express passenger train find themselves stuck fast on Gordon's Hill.
9. Three Cheers for Thomas (S7) - Thomas wishes to partake in the children's annual sports day event and win a medal. His wish comes true after an eventful race with Bertie the Bus.
10. Gordon and Spencer (S7) - The sleek and conceited Spencer realises the importance of taking advice when he founds himself stranded on a hill with an empty tank.
11. What's the Matter with Henry? (S7) - Henry is feeling poorly. The little engines realise that their chance for some fun and games has come, but the Fat Controller is not impressed when their games result in danger for Henry.
12. Rheneas and the Roller Coaster (S7) - Rheneas feels like a small engine in a big world, but he soon forgets to be sad when he must brave a dangerous mountain-side route whilst giving some school-children a railtour.
Overall, the release has a very limited appeal for those wishing to collect entire seasons. This is the only way to gain two of the missing episodes, but one must question whether the price is worth it for only two extra stories when the rest have all been previously released. But then again, it is aimed for younger children - so parents, if you wish to entertain and introduce your children to the 'Neo-Seasons' of Thomas in the new generation, this release provides a mix of exciting and entertaining stories.

Around 5 years ago i bought this on Video & my then 2 year old son loved it & has played it ever since .
The DVD has a great range of stories & is well produced . I got this DVD at a very good price & the speed of delivery was also very good . I can happly say that this DVD has made my son ( and me ) into a big Thomas fan & i would recomend this to anyone .

My granddaughter didn't like this, but, sometimes we get it wrong don't we? Good variety on dvd though. It was worth a try.

my son loving this dvd.

kids loved it

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