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Friday 31 December 2010

'MIR on YouTube - II' - Song Remix available

The second Misty Island Rescue themed video is now on YouTube.

The music video remix of the song that's the same name of the special probably in my view would turn out to be the best remix out of the three that I have made for the YouTube.
There may be some scenes in it that may suprise you, but most of all, the song is remixed!

Third video on the way, 7th January 2011.

Remixes reinstated for mp3 downloads

Due to the popularity of the remixes that I have made on YouTube, I have now reinstated the songs to be downloadable as mp3's to listen to.

I have had a fair number of requests from fans and even parents of children as to where they can download the remixes.

You can now find them each on their respectable video descriptions, or alternatively, you can download them below:


If used for videos, please credit TheTopHatts.

Enjoy!

Wednesday 29 December 2010

Teasing 'Misty Island Rescue' on YouTube

After working hard on four new Misty Island Rescue videos for YouTube, I can now confirm that the remaining three to be released are now completed.

Now for the hints...!

The Song Remix video will probably be out of this, my Roll Along and Go, Go Thomas remixes, the best one out of the three.
The editing will be better, the remix would satisfy people, there are no scenes from Season Fourteen due to chronoligical order and maybe some extra audio is in there...

Onto the Song Remix's Sing-a-Long. This will be basic, you can work out the rest.

Finally the Theme Music Video Remix. This video could turn out to be one of my best works to date, there might be some scenes that would suprise you.

It is a remix of the special's theme tune, also a music video remix, but with a twist...
So here to this and the next 2 weeks!

Misty Island Rescue - TheTopHatts' Music Video Remix
Friday 31st December 2010
Misty Island Rescue - TheTopHatts' Sing-A-Long Music Video Remix
Friday 7th January 2011
Misty Island Rescue - Theme Music Video Remix
Friday 14th January 2011 

Sunday 26 December 2010

Blog revamped for the new year

Now that 2011 is coming upon us, I though it was about time that my blog needed a revamp.

I felt that the blog's look looked a bit tired and needed a rethink in time for the new year, which I think was the right decision.

Anybody who visited my blog on December 24th would have noticed that the layouts and the background had changed halfway.

I was due to finish the revamp on the day but didn't have the time to complete it.

Now, it is December 26th, just in time for the new year, a lot of it has changed.

A New banner, new background, new layout and a newer spruced up feel; I think you would agree with me that it looks miles better than the old one.

New Hornby models revealed + DOTD Model

Hornby have revealed two more engines to be released soon, with one being featured in the next feature-length special.

Murdoch will be one of the next models from Hornby to be released next year.
One of the newest characters in the next special Day of the Diesels has also be unveiled as a Hornby model, but sadly only on a side-on view.

Dart the Diesel's model on Hornby is likely to be innacurate to the model due to be featured in CGI, as the Bachmann Models closely resemble the proper engine types.
As you can see, Dart has the Dieselworks' logo, although it is hard to see.

Murdoch and Dart will be released by Hornby later in the new year.

Friday 24 December 2010

'Misty Island Rescue' on YouTube kicks off

It is now Friday 24th December meaning that the Misty Island Rescue themed videos have now been given the green light on YouTube.

Kicking off the 4 week period is the Instrumental Version to the song and music video.

The video now on my Channel and has been released in conjunction with TheUnluckyTug02 to bring the video back onto YouTube, which was originally uploaded by Tug himself.
Now some of you may know that I will not do a Christmas video and I am very sorry if you were expecting one from me, but it wasn't possible.

With my new job at NEXT, college homework and other matters, I simply didn't have the time to make one and I couldn't even think of one, maybe next year guys.

But hey, the 4 MIR's will make up for Christmas, I promise! So that just leaves me to say; 31st December, New Years Eve, The return of the Music Videos, with Misty Island Rescue - REMIXED!

Tuesday 21 December 2010

'WW&W's UK DVD cover art revealed

Play.com have revealed the cover art for the upcoming Season Fourteen DVD release for the UK.

The cover of Wobbly Wheels & Whistles is the same as the US cover, apart from some minor changes.
You can now see a fuller background, a description of the running time, the classification logos and a free Thomas whistle tagline along with the whistle itself.

The UK release will be released as a box cover due to the free whistle.

Wobbly Wheels & Whistles hits UK DVD shelves on January 31st 2011.

Monday 20 December 2010

'Misty Island Rescue' YouTube video dates revealed

All of the Misty Island Rescue videos that are coming to my YouTube will be available this month and in the new year.

There will be NO christmas video due to various reasons, however all 4 of the videos will be based on the 2010 special.
Here are the video's release dates:
- Misty Island Rescue - Instrumental Version
Friday 24th December 2010
- Misty Island Rescue - TheTopHatts' Music Video Remix
Friday 31st December 2010
- Misty Island Rescue - TheTopHatts' Sing-A-Long Music Video Remix
Friday 7th January 2011
- Misty Island Rescue - Theme Music Video Remix
Friday 14th January 2011 

I am still working on the theme remix video, which is another ambitious video, mainly on some of the scenes featured in the video.

I will say to everyone, you will not be dissapointed, especially on the remix and the theme videos. Promise!

The 4 Misty Island Rescue videos premiere on TheTopHatts' YouTube Channel starting from Friday 24th December 2010 to Friday 14th January 2011.

Saturday 18 December 2010

Read-alongs now on the iPad

Hit Entertainment have released 9 read-along books from the US, also available for the UK on the iPad.

The 9 books have never entered UK stores but can now be seen for the first time, only on the iPad for a respectable price.

All books include features such as a read-along cursor, recording functions, activities, narration and sound.
The book apps available are;
- Thomas Gets His Own Branch Line
- Thomas and Toby
- Thomas and the Castle
- Calling All Engines
- Thomas and the Snowplough
- Thomas-Saurus Rex
- The Special Delivery
- May the Best Engine Win
- Down at the Docks

The news comes just after the release of the read-along Misty Island Rescue app.

The 9 book apps are now available on the App Store on iTunes, the iTunes website and on the Thomas & Friends website at a price of £1.79 each for the UK and $2.99 for the US.

VIEW THE APPS, FOR THE UK AND FOR THE US

Thursday 16 December 2010

New Thomas app revealed for the iPad

Callaway Digital Arts and Hit Entertainment have released a brand new app for the iPad.
The Misty Island Rescue app based on the special of the same name features activities including read-alongs, games, puzzles, art and 1 music video.
Callaway Digital Arts Chairman and Cheif Creative Officer, Nicholas Callaway spoke of the news; This is truly the ultimate Thomas experience. The iPad is an entirely new medium and we've taken advantage of its breakthrough capabilities to create an immersive experience for play and learning. 

Our app tells the Misty Island Rescue story children already love and builds on it with interactive games, puzzles, video animation, and narration.
Senior Vice President of Global Brand Management and Digital Media for Hit Entertainment, Natasha Fishman also commented; Thomas is an experiential brand, and Misty Island Rescue for the iPad provides a unique and immersive experience that children and families will find completely new.

Combining the iPad's advanced technology and Callaway's creative and development sensibility, this app is a must-have for every Thomas fan.
The app includes these various features;
- Interactive Playability
- Narration
- Games
- Puzzles
- Painting Activities
- A Music Video
Misty Island Rescue for the iPad is available for $5 in the US from the App Store on the iPad and on the iTunes website.

Callaway and Hit Entertainment will release the app for the iPhone and iPod Touch in 2011.

Wednesday 15 December 2010

'DOTD' book covers and identities revealed

Random House have released the images for the Day of the Diesels book tie-ins, revealing more on the special.

The logo for the special has been revealed on all 5 book covers showing a blue diamond at the back with a wider but herioc looking text for the special's name.

All but one of the book covers show the logo accompaining the phrases, As Seen on DVD! and The Movie.

The first cover, Day of the Diesels, shows Percy, new character Flynn the Fire Engine, Diesel, the return of Diesel 10 and Thomas supposedly by the Dieselworks.
On closer inspection by ByOnu and Christopher (Sif), The Thomas & Friends logo on the top right has a little illustration next to it reading Vicarstown Dieselworks. This possibility could bring a Railway Series station back to the series.

The second, Danger at the Dieselworks shows Flynn with Thomas, putting out a fire which is out of view.
From what I can see here, Flynn is not only a road vehicle, but look closely, you can see he has small wheels on rails, meaning that he is also an engine combined.

The third, Flynn Saves the Day is a cheery aftermath after the end of the fire at the Dieselworks.

The fourth, Rail Blazers shows Thomas and Flynn supposedly passing Maithwaite station, where Flynn is clearly on the rails.

Finally the fifth, Steam Team shows Percy, Thomas and new engine Belle who is a blue engine with firehose equipment attached to her.

The Day of the Diesels books hit UK and US book shelves starting from August 9th 2011 whilst the special will be release in fall 2011.

'Pop Goes Thomas' episodes confirmed

Hit News Online have confirmed the episodes to be featured on the upcoming Season Fourteen DVD release for the US.

Pop Goes Thomas is the third release in the US DVD range from the 2010 produced series where 4 episodes and 2 extras will accompain the release.

Episodes:
- Pop Goes Thomas
- Jitters and Japes
- Thomas' Crazy Day
- Pingy Pongy Pick Up

Extras:
- A Sodor Hide and Seek game
- An episode from Roary the Racing Car called Roary's First Day.

Pop Goes Thomas hits US DVD shelves on March 1st 2011.

High-res version of 'Pop Goes Thomas' cover

Here is a larger version of the Pop Goes Thomas DVD cover.
The image size is 1375x1882 dimensions.

Pop Goes Thomas hits US DVD shelves on March 1st 2011.

Monday 13 December 2010

New possibilities for YouTube

Selected users on YouTube are now being the chance to upload new videos longer than 15 minutes.

I am one of those, yes it is true, from now on, I will be able to upload videos longer than 15 minutes.

As demonstrated in UnknownThomasFan1d's video, selected users have now been given the extension.

This means that when my Every Single Story video is updated in 2-3 years time, I won't have to reduce the time for the clips, which I originally had plans to.

Saturday 11 December 2010

'Misty Island Rescue' YouTube videos update

Just an update on the four Misty Island Rescue themed videos coming soon.

- Misty Island Rescue - Instrumental Version
COMPLETED AND AWAITING RELEASE
- Misty Island Rescue - Theme Music Video Remix
AUDIO COMPLETED, PENDING VIDEO
- Misty Island Rescue - TheTopHatts' Music Video Remix
COMPLETED AND AWAITING RELEASE
- Misty Island Rescue - TheTopHatts' Sing-A-Long Music Video Remix
VIDEO COMPLETED, LYRICS PARTLY COMPLETED

Yes, the Misty Island Rescue remix video is now finished, although the sing-a-long version has yet to be finished.

No official release dates have been made as of now, due to the theme music video needing it's video and that I am busy with college along with my new temporary job at NEXT.

However I can say that the remix video will be dedicated to some certain people, on YouTube and the Sif Forums, I can't say who, but you will all see in due course.

Friday 10 December 2010

'Pop Goes Thomas' cover art revealed

Amazon.com have revealed the cover art for the third Season Fourteen DVD release for the US, just a day after the title was revealed.

The cover is based on the main episode itself, Pop Goes Thomas.
Pop Goes Thomas is still the only confirmed episode to feature on the DVD of the same name.

Pop Goes Thomas hits US DVD shelves on March 1st 2011.

Thursday 9 December 2010

Third Season Fourteen release confirmed for US

Amazon.com have revealed the title of the third DVD accompaining Season Fourteen episodes for the US.

Pop Goes Thomas is the name of the next DVD which shall contain episodes from the 2010 Series.

So far, only the episode of the same name as above is the only one confirmed to be on the DVD, while 3 unknown episodes shall follow along with a few extras.

The DVD will run at 50 minutes approximately.

Pop Goes Thomas hits US DVD shelves on March 1st 2011.

Wednesday 8 December 2010

Hit Store revamped for US

Not only has the UK Hit Store website been revamped, but it has also affected the US version aswell.

The US Shopping website of Thomas products is different to the UK, but you can still find some bargains up for grabs.

On the front page is a banner that allows you to personalize Thomas & Friends clothing with a name, alongside different design methods and engines from the likes of James and Percy.
There is an information page concerning the shipping schedules for the Winter Holidays, or Christmas season for British people.

Alongside all that, the website also has a page for Misty Island Rescue themed products.

Hit Store website revamped for UK

Hit Entertainment have revamped their Shopping website for the UK, especially on Thomas.

The Store website now navigates to pages in a more easy format. On Thomas, there are now many deals to see, including DVD's with 70% off their price, now starting from as little as £3.99.
There is a page on Misty Island Rescue themed products including the DVD, Take-n-Play's, Wooden Railway's and more.

A new page has been added at the bottom left hand side of the page showing the Deals of the Week, where several Thomas products can be found at bargain prices.


Thanks to Callum Walker for the alert.

Tuesday 7 December 2010

Chorion now linked to Hit bid

Mr. Men and Noddy company Chorion is now the latest firm to be linked to the takeover bid for Hit Entertainment.

The company is now in closer stages of securing a January bid for £1 billion. Hit Entertainment has now shortlisted three companies for the takeover, one of them being Chorion.

Chorion chairman Lord Waheed Alli has made it clear that he wants closer links with Hit Entertainment, either a full merger or a commercial tie-up.
The new investor will be chosen in the next two weeks with help from the investment bank Jefferies which Chorion has appointed.

If the deal comes to fruition, it would see the two businesses rolled together, with 3i who owns Chorion maintaining a minority stake.

The report comes from The Sunday Telegraph, in an unsourced story.

WW&W's UK DVD content revealed

The bbfc have published the content that will feature on the upcoming Season Fourteen release for the UK.

Wobbly Wheels & Whistles will feature these four episodes from the 2010 Series;
- Toby and the Whistling Woods
- Victor Says Yes
- Jumping Jobi Wood!
- Thomas and Scruff

DVD Extras include;
- The return of Watch With Mr. Perkins
- A Guess Who Puzzle
- Another Down at the Station segment called Whistle
- The Go, Go Thomas music video

Trailers include;
- The Thomas Land at Drayton Manor commercial
- The Take-n-Play commercial

Wobbly Wheels & Whistles hits UK DVD shelves on January 31st 2011.

4 new DVD's announced for UK

Play.com have announced that 4 new DVD's will surface early next year.

- First up is Wobbly Wheels & Whistles which will feature 4 episodes from the Fourteenth Series, similar to the upcoming US release. It will run at 54 minutes and will come free Gift Box and Toy. Due for release on January 31st 2011.

- Second is The Complete Twelth Series which will feature all 20 episodes from the 2008 Series and will run at 3 hours and 20 minutes. Due for release on February 21st 2011.
- Thirdly is the nationwide release of The Complete Series 1-11 Boxset which was previously released as an ASDA exclusive a few months ago but was originally scheduled for release in November this year. The boxset runs at a whopping 36 hours and 55 minutes. Due for release on March 7th 2011.

- Lastly is The Lion of Sodor which will feature 4 episodes from the Thirteenth Series, similar to the upcoming US release and will run at 54 minutes. Due for release on March 28th 2011.

The Four DVD's hit UK DVD shelves starting from January 31st-March 28th 2011.

Thanks to Ross for the alert.

Monday 6 December 2010

'Misty Island Rescue' gets UK TV Premiere

FIVE are to air the recent 2010 special Misty Island Rescue on their milkshake slot, more than 2 months after it's UK DVD release back in October.

Misty Island Rescue is the second Thomas & Friends special to have it's UK TV premiere. The first being Calling All Engines! which first aired on Nick. Jr 2 in 2008, then on FIVE the next year.
It is currently not known when The Great Discovery and Hero of the Rails will get their TV broadcasts.

Misty Island Rescue will broadcast on FIVE's milkshake slot on December 23rd 2010 at 7:10am and will simulcast in HD on FIVE HD.

Thanks to Ross (CraneProductions27) for the alert.

Sunday 5 December 2010

2,500 attend Thomas' 65th at Drayton Manor

A host of celebrities, fans and members of the Awdry family attended Drayton Manor's celebrations for Thomas' 65th Anniversary.

2,500 people attended the celebratory party up in Staffordshire, where many gathered at Thomas Land, for a day to remember.

Among the celebrities who attended included DJ's Zane Lowe and Nihal Arthanayake, Model Nell McAndrew, Hollyoaks' Nicole Barber Lane, The Rev. W. Awdry's daughters Hilary Fortnam and Veronica Chambers, the Voice of Thomas Ben Small and of course, The Fat Controller.
Some light entertainment was provided at the party by jugglers, magicians, story tellers, 4D cinema screenings and a fireworks display at the end.

Senior Vice President and Global Brand Management of the Thomas Division, Rick Glankler reported on the celebrations; 65 years since the Rev. Wilbert Awdry first told his young son Christopher a story about a cheeky little blue engine, Thomas continues to capture hearts and imaginations. Today’s event has provided an opportunity for us to celebrate the huge enjoyment Thomas has brought to generations of children from all around the world.

Managing Director of Drayton Manor Theme Park, Colin Bryan also commented; It’s an amazing honour for Drayton Manor Theme Park to be the home of Thomas Land and host this special 65th Anniversary Party. Thomas & Friends has a magical quality that entertains the young and young at heart, and has done so for over six decades.

Bryan also confirmed plans for a new ride; We opened Thomas Land in March 2008 and it quickly became one of our most popular attractions. We plan to develop Thomas Land further by adding a new ride, which is due to open Easter 2011.

'Day of the Diesels' confirmed for tie-ins

gforcemagazine has confirmed that the next special of Thomas & Friends, Day of the Diesels will have product tie-ins.

The media website confirmed that Diesel 10 is indeed returning along with some new characters.
Looking ahead, 2011 sees the return of Diesel 10 along with new characters and destinations in the movie ‘Day of the Diesels’.

Concerning the tie-ins, current toy makers Fisher Price and Mega Bloks will be tie-ing in the special with new toy's and other products.

Accompanying tie-in product from Fisher Price and Mega Bloks will hit stores and new broadcast episodes will debut on TV. With all this activity, the world’s number one favourite little blue engine has lots to celebrate and is on track to greater destinations than ever before!

Thomas & Friends returns with it's 15th Series next year along with the newest feature-length special, Day of the Diesels.

Thomas' voice interviewed at Drayton Manor

The voice of Thomas himself, Ben Small attended Drayton Manor's celebrations for Thomas' 65th Anniversary where he was interviewed by a known YouTuber.

Chris Thomson who is ThomasPercyandToby2 on YouTube and a good friend of mine, had the chance to interview Mr. Small at the celebratory party.

In a 5 minute interview, the voice of Thomas reveals that he listened to various Johnny Morris recordings for the Railway Series and also complimented on his fellow cast members, including Michael Angelis.
Michael Angelis is still doing the narration. He gives it that seal of approval dosen't it? He's still got his classic voice on it you know. He's been you know doing it for you know so long. He's great.

Ben also spoke of the model era of Thomas, what he thought of the CGI and his opinions of fan criticism, especially concerning the future of Thomas.

You sometimes you look at things, people on YouTube and they don't like it and they say they've ruined it. I think, the things is for you guys, the guys that really really, the bigger fans, if you improve it then we're laughing really.

You can see in the video below just how dedicated the man is!

Thursday 2 December 2010

Announcement: 4 Upcoming MIR videos on YouTube

Yes everybody, I will be back with more videos, which will all be based on the Misty Island Rescue special.

No release dates have been made yet, although at least one of them will premiere on Christmas Day.

Here are the videos coming up, along with how much progress have been made on each of them:

- Misty Island Rescue - Instrumental Version
COMPLETED AND AWAITING RELEASE
- Misty Island Rescue - Theme Music Video Remix
AUDIO COMPLETED
- Misty Island Rescue - TheTopHatts' Music Video Remix
AUDIO COMPLETED, VIDEO PARTLY COMPLETED
- Misty Island Rescue - TheTopHatts' Sing-A-Long Music Video Remix
AUDIO COMPLETED, VIDEO PARTLY COMPLETED

The first video is basically the full instrumental version of the special's song, which has been made in conjunction with TheUnluckyTug02.

The second will feature a remixed and extended version of the main theme towards the special, which can be heard in the title sequence.

Finally, due to the popular demand on my music video remixes, messages saying that viewers would want to see more have been granted their wishes. Yes, the last two videos will be a remix of the special's song.


Expect those four very soon.....

Wednesday 1 December 2010

The Sun shines on Thomas Land

The Sun are giving the chance for a family of four to visit Thomas Land at Drayton Manor during it's Christmas party season.

The competition will give you the chance to win a VIP to all rides an hour before the park opens, lunch with the Fat Controller above Knapford Station and a spectacular fireworks display at the end.
The prize also includes a copy of the new Christmas Express DVD and Egmont's 65th Anniversary book, which contains rare images of the Rev. W. Awdry's artworks.

The question is available in the middle of the page, which you probably won't have trouble with.

Entries must be 18 or over and you must register with The Sun in order to enter.