Vue talks 'Tale of the Brave' UK cinema release date

Vue is to bring the Tale of the Brave feature-length special to their UK cinemas this autumn.

The cinema chain, who have played out all of the show's specials to the public since The Great Discovery, are in the stages of negotiating Tale's theatrical release.

Asked about its arrival on the big screen on their facebook page, Vue commented on the progress of the release date.

We have a UK [DVD] release date of 1st September this year. Because it's so far in advance, we can't confirm anything yet, but fingers crossed!

As quoted, yesterday saw the special's 68 minute DVD dated for the first day of September, with an array of bonus features to be included.

Tale of the Brave: The Movie is coming soon to Vue cinemas in the UK this autumn.

Exclusive: UK Series 18 air in 2014 and 'Tracks' in 2015

The 18th Season is on course to be broadcast on British television later this year.

Hit Entertainment's tenth series of the show at the helm, heading for the US in the autumn, is set to be on Channel 5 milkshake! sometime in 2014.

The plans were confirmed by the makers to Roll Along Thomas, as was a DVD release for the British version of Trouble on the Tracks.

In the UK, Series 18 will broadcast on Channel 5’s milkshake later on this year with Trouble on the Tracks being released on DVD in 2015.

Mark Moraghan and Teresa Gallagher both tweeted recently about their recording sessions for the run of new episodes.

Thomas & Friends' 18th season marks its network premiere on Channel 5 milkshake! in the UK later this year, with Trouble on the Tracks coming soon to DVD in 2015.

'Tale of the Brave: The Movie' UK DVD date confirmed

Tale of the Brave: The Movie's DVD release date has been confirmed for the United Kingdom.

As announced, 2014's coming attraction will appear on home video in the country on the first day of the month.

Its cover adopts the US' version, glimpsed at New York's Toy Fair in February. A 68 minute run time is applied to the disc.

Hit Entertainment revealed their intention for Tale's DVD and extras along with a new Christmas US DVD to Roll Along Thomas earlier this month.

The blurb reads; Thomas and his friends face their fears in their boldest adventure yet! After a monstrous storm on the Island of Sodor, a landslide unearths some very unusual footprints.

Thomas and Percy are eager to find out what could have made these marks but obstacles and danger seem to appear around every bend in the track.

With the help of new friends, a little digging, and a heap of courage, they discover the surprising answer and, along the way, uncover the true meaning of bravery. 

Tale of the Brave: The Movie from Hit Entertainment hits UK DVD shelves on September 1st.

PRE-ORDER THE 'TALE OF THE BRAVE: THE MOVIE' DVD FROM AMAZON.CO.UK

Exclusive: Season 18 to air on US television in autumn

Thomas & Friends' 18th Series is set to air on PBS Kids in the US at autumn time.

The 2014 run and the second to have full CGI from Arc Productions will arrive on the American network in the fourth quarter of the year.  

Hit Entertainment confirmed the plans to Roll Along Thomas, at least reflecting recent DVD Trouble on the Tracks.

Trouble on the Tracks [was released] exclusively at Walmart in the US on April 8th with five never-before-seen episodes. The episodes on this DVD will air on PBS KIDS this autumn in the US.

A spokesperson also revealed why new episodes have been previewed from Walmart.

With the demand for Thomas content at an all-time high, we think this is a great way to give the fans an exclusive first look at new content before it airs on TV.

Thomas & Friends' 18th season marks its network premiere on PBS Kids in the US in the autumn.

Exclusive: Hit talks 'Spills & Thrills' UK television hiatus

The last six episodes of Season 17 are still planned to air on UK television this year.

Spills & Thrills, released in March, premiered the season's yet to air stories only on the DVD.

Involved were Away from the Sea, The Smelly Kipper, No More Mr. Nice Engine, Gone Fishing, Thomas' Shortcut and The Afternoon Tea Express. 

In response to the continuous gap on Channel 5's milkshake! block, Hit Entertainment explained the reason to Roll Along Thomas.

All scheduling decisions are made by the broadcaster, and while we expect the Spills & Thrills episodes to air shortly as part of Season 17, we cannot provide specific dates at this time. 

Last December, the Christmas set No Snow for Thomas, Santa's Little Engine, The Missing Christmas Decorations and Frozen Turntable made their way to the channel.

'Tale' characters and sets detailed for Wooden Railway

Tale of the Brave's characters and set pieces have been detailed for Wooden Railway merchandise.

In the latest Wooden Railway Yearbook for 2014, available as a video on YouTube, the range's products reveal more on the newcomers starring in the special, starting with Timothy, confirming theories of his role.

Timothy is a cheerful little oil burning steam engine who works at the China Clay Pits. He is friendly, helpful, and loves being really useful.

Marion's too shares a similar background to Timothy; Marion will work at the China Clay Workings. She is bubbly and friendly and loves digging, talking, and talking about digging.

Gator's however identifies more on his being; Gator is a brave engine working in the high mountains whose real name is Gerald. He is nicknamed "Gator" because his long sloping water tank makes him look like an alligator!

The two spin-off packs James' Roaring Delivery and Oliver's Fossil Freight share inspiration from the special, while a plot spoiler for the Scrap Monster is amongst other incoming products and sets.

Thanks to jlouvier for the alert.

'Really Useful Collection' DVD boxset cover published

Play.com have published the cover art for the UK's Really Useful Collection DVD set.

The collection of existing titles Thomas in Charge!, Up, Up & Away! and Rescue on the Rails is heading for a late May arrival.

Its front artwork shows a new promo shot of Thomas, similar to another used for the Hero of the Rails release.

Episodes involve the 13th to 15th Seasons coupled with Watch with Mr. Perkins, songs and other extras.

Really Useful Collection from Hit Entertainment hits UK DVD shelves on May 26th.
 

PRE-ORDER THE 'REALLY USEFUL COLLECTION' DVD SET FROM PLAY.COM

Exclusive: Moraghan confirms start on Series 18 UK dub

The British dub of Season 18 has commenced recording with the voice cast in London.

Today, Mark Moraghan took to Twitter on his return to record more episodes; Early into dat Lundon back on the little blue tank engine. Nice morning but a bit parky, four degrees, brrr! 

Roll Along Thomas meanwhile contacted the storyteller to clarify the series; Yes it is [Season 18]! I'm not really allowed to talk about it!

The American dub was completed sometime before, with the Trouble on the Tracks DVD offering the first glimpse of the season.

At the tailing end of March, Moraghan tweeted his excitement ahead of his sessions; Looking forward to recording the next series of Thomas & Friends very soon!

Thomas & Friends' 18th series premieres on UK and US television this fall.

Exclusive: Henrietta face gain to be explained in series

Henrietta's change from a faceless to a non-faceless character will be explained in a new episode.

The coach close to Toby was revealed to grow a face for the show's 18th Series, in a hero shot released by the Mexican Thomas & Friends Twitter. 

Speaking to Roll Along Thomas this week, a Hit Entertainment spokesperson responded to the move.

While we were hoping for this to remain a surprise for Thomas & Friends fans, you’ll just have to wait and see Series 18. [An] episode will explain the decision to give Henrietta a face and voice.

Despite having no face in the majority of the show, Toby and the Stout Gentleman and Daisy allowed dialogue for the character.

Exclusive: New Christmas DVD coming to US in October

A new forthcoming DVD release is to head to the United States for the Autumn.

The as-of-yet named title will feature Christmas themed episodes, although it is unknown if it would be related to the 18th Series.

A representative from Hit Entertainment confirmed the plans to Roll Along Thomas.

In the US, we recently released two episodic titles on March 4, Spills & Thrills which includes six never-before-seen episodes and Railway Mischief.

Trouble on the Tracks [was] released on April 8 exclusively at Walmart. This autumn, we are thrilled to offer our new movie Tale of the Brave on DVD and digital download followed by an all-new Christmas themed DVD in October.

The studio also reaffirmed minor details for Tale of the Brave's DVD; Tale of the Brave will introduce new engines and characters and an exciting new destination on the Island of Sodor.

The DVD will have some bonus features, which are still to be announced.

'King of the Railway' on Channel 5 Easter weekend

Channel 5 is to show King of the Railway: The Movie in the United Kingdom this Easter.

The special marks its second terrestrial broadcast on the channel after its last on New Years Day.

It appears in an hour long slot on the milkshake! show as part of their Easter schedule.

Their summary reads; Sir Robert Norramby comes to the Island of Sodor and asks Thomas and his friends to join French engine Millie and other engines from the Mainland to help rebuild Ulfstead Castle.

They are over the moon about their new job, but when Stephen disappears, they face a race against time to find him.

King of the Railway: The Movie airs on Channel 5 in the UK on Easter Sunday at 7:50am.
 

Thanks to Chris Tomson for the alert.

Bob Golding reprises Eric Morecambe role for ITV drama

Bob Golding is to appear in a one-off drama for ITV in the United Kingdom as Eric Morecambe.

The man behind the voices of Stephen and Sidney reprises his role as the one-half of classic comedy duo Morecambe and Wise for Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This this month.

Dramatisating the life of the comedian and magician, played by David Threlfall, Men Behaving Badly's Simon Nye pens the script.

A known admirer, Golding has portrayed Morecambe in the Olivier Award winning one-man show of the same name since 2009 and is currently on tour until June 21st.

Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This airs on ITV in the UK on April 21st at 9pm.

'The Complete Series 15' coming to UK DVD in July

The Complete Series 15 has been confirmed for release on UK DVD in the summer.

The 15th run of the TV series will be gathered together for completists on one disc in July.

Its date was revealed by the Thomas & Friends UK facebook, to come almost a year after the previous volume of Season 14 episodes.

Asked by a fan on the possibility of further Complete Series releases, the page responded with the intention for more.

Complete Series 15 out 7th July 2014 and Complete Series 16 out date TBC. The Thomas Team.

First airing in the UK in March 2011, the series was panned by fans as the worst in the show's history.

The Complete Series 15 from Hit Entertainment hits UK DVD shelves on July 7th.

Exclusive: Studio Hansa on Thomas Innovation Institute

Animators Studio Hansa have created a short film about the Thomas & Friends brand.

The London based film and animation company released The Thomas & Friends Institute of Innovation on their website in March, with only two clips and screencaps present for public viewing.

The full film was set up to devise a way to show the developments being made with regards to the Thomas & Friends franchise whilst protecting the integrity and heritage in terms of unnecessary modernisation. 

Describing it as a distinctly British, Monty Python and Willy Wonka-esque world where all manner of research takes place, the studio were tasked by the brand's current producers.

Speaking to Roll Along Thomas last month, Studio Hansa's Art Director, Gary Roberts, reaffirmed the details of the agreement.

Hit Entertainment asked us to help make a scheme to promote Thomas & Friends to commissioners and merchandising partners worldwide.

Sadly due to the confidentially of the project, everything and what's on the site is as much as we can share about the project, by all means.

WATCH CLIPS FROM 'THE THOMAS & FRIENDS INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION' FROM STUDIO HANSA

'Talking Porter' and Season 17 models for 'Take-n-Play'

Porter the Dockside Tank Engine is to appear in Take-n-Play form again for the Talking series.

The character is the latest for the spoken die-cast model line by Mattel and Fisher Price. 

Playing a role in this year's Tale of the Brave and introduced in Away from the Sea, Porter has provided supporting roles in The Smelly Kipper and Gone Fishing.

Other products to come include Smelly Scruff, based on Scruff's Makeover, and Whiff's Banana Blooper, incorrectly referred to the Spills & Thrills DVD.

The new Take-n-Plays from Fisher Price are out now to buy in the UK and US.

Thanks to Bass Tbone for the alert.

'Trouble on the Tracks' release date reverts to original

The Trouble on the Tracks US DVD from Walmart is to be released on its original date.

The Season 18 preview disc, to be exclusively available by the consumer, was presumed to have been pushed back to April 15th last month.

It has instead reverted back to its original date by a week, albeit its shipping time, mirroring its iTunes download version.

New episodes Thomas the Quarry Engine, Not So Slow Coaches, Flatbeds of Fear, Disappearing Diesels and Toad's Adventure are confirmed to appear.

Trouble on the Tracks from Lionsgate Entertainment hits US DVD shelves in Walmart stores only at the new date of April 8th.

PRE-ORDER THE 'TROUBLE ON THE TRACKS' DVD FROM WALMART

Thanks to Bass Tbone for the alert.