Thomas & Friends: Journey Beyond Sodor - The Movie [DVD]

To be honest, the trailer is what got me interested in buying this movie for my kids. I thought the music was catchy and the plot interesting. I did not read any reviews before my purchase. However—***I recommend that you read through both positive and negative reviews before your purchase.***If your children are hyper-sensitive to villain-like qualities, intense feelings in a fleeing-situation, or the emotions of being trapped, or separated, wait to get this when they're older.As for my kids, (2 and 4) they really enjoyed this. They started watching Thomas and Friends this past winter when Netflix had their Christmas movies--and we've been watching episodes on YouTube show ever since. And now, we have been slowly purchasing these episodes and movies for our video library. This is our second movie purchased for their entertainment.As an adult viewing this, I find the the plot and emotions comparable to that of Day of the Diesels. Both movies have intense, real-life plots; and both movies have villains who use temptations to lure the antagonist in. The biggest difference here is Thomas gets physically trapped and forced into labor, whereas Days of the Diesels, Percy is emotionally trapped and puppet-ed.There are several other actions that are questionable—and probably beyond the comprehension of a young child—but our world is full of these kinds of actions and this kind of movie is probably the gentlest way to introduce it to children. For this aspect of the movie, this show can be an opportunity for parent-to-child discussion, education, and hopefully prevention of such things happening to kids. In my personal opinion, it is never too early to start guiding our kids through the unpleasant things life throws us.As for the rest of the features of the movie:—I actually like the added tilting movements of the engines. It is a huge difference from the statue bodies from before, so it’s noticeable; but it’s not nearly as drastic or distracting as the Chuggington series. As far as I could tell, the amount of movement depended on the character. It really made a difference in James.—This movie is definitely a musical. Even though the tunes are catchy, there are A LOT of them. It was probably how they got this show extended this to a full-length movie. Initially, this made the movie hard to watch for me; but for the intended audience, my kids, they enjoy it and can easily sing along to it. These songs are now a part of our daily routine, “WHO GOES THERE?!” “You can give anything a try!”Overall, the movie is well received and I support the changes being made. This is one my kids' favorite Thomas movie to watch. If my review counts for a vote in the direction of the emotional intensity, keep a foot in both worlds: An intense ride of a rare situation, and more gentle like what “mundane” daily life is.

Before I review it, what matters most are my kids' reaction to it: they LOVE this movie! Other than Hero of the Rails, this is the only other Thomas movie they've ever requested again and again, back-to-back. My sons are (currently) 2.5 and 5, and not one part of this movie has ever scared them. And as for the music? Well, it's the first true "musical" Thomas movie: Six different songs, with the first and last based upon one another in order to start and finish the story arch. My kids can now sing all six songs by heart, in the car, in the bath, at daycare, at the dinner table. And if it wasn't enjoyable enough, it's PERCY who delivers the funniest, grown-up humored joke in the entire movie!There are two significant, questionable (adult-upsetting) plot choices made by the production company in terms of how the story unravels. 1) Thomas outright STEALS a job from James, and as a result, Sir Toppemhat is complacent, and James is stuck unfairly pulling Thomas' branch line in his place. Thomas is never truly punished, scolded, or even given a talking to for his selfish actions. 2) Two trains working in what can only be referred to "train hell" - a molten steelworks factory - lure other unsuspecting trains into the factory and essentially entrap them because they, themselves, are overworked in their highly-dangerous professions and would rather be doing nothing except telling their "captives" what to do. Ultimately, they become friends with Thomas and the other new friends Thomas has made along his journey on the mainland... essentially rewarding the former captors for their misdeeds.It's not a perfect story. Again, I've highlighted larger, adult-noticeable flaws. Otherwise, the movie itself is actually quite enjoyable as an adult to watch! The pacing is very good for keeping my kids attention; the songs are far from Grammy- or Oscar-worthy, but plenty fun enough for my sons to have memorized. I believe "catchy" is the correct word. I feel like modern toddler TV shows have moved towards the "act poorly and be rewarded" model - look at great shows like Curious George and Caiou (well, Caiou maybe not so great) as perfect examples.And, perhaps most importantly, my kids didn't see the two plot issues I've had, but instead gleaned the positive messages: Even if you don't think you can do anything right, you should still always try; Friendship is more important than selfish pride.So, after all this... I do so badly want to give it only 4 stars, but cannot! Because it's not really about what I think in this case, but what my sons think. And to them? This is perhaps the BEST movie yet. Musical Thomas movies are hopefully the way of the future! Combine the musical idea with better stories (like Hero of the Rails or The Great Race) and they'd have a superb toddler masterpiece.

I enjoyed watching this along with my grandchildren (5 & 7)

great product, fast delivery, exactly as described thanks

Creo que es una de las mejores películas de Thomas que he visto, la recomiendo mucho

Our 1 year old son is really into movies that have songs in them. One day this was on the television and our son loved it so much that we had DVR it. The reason we bought it was that we were going on a 2 1/2 hour flight and we were worried that our overly active 1 year old would just cry the entire time because all he ever wants to do is walk. Well this story has a happy ending, not only did he sit and watch this the entire time but even though he couldn't hear the movie because he wouldn't keep the headphones on, he knew exactly when the songs came on and would dance on my wife's lap to each song. More importantly the story is ok and the songs are good enough for adults to listen to for a couple of hundred times.