Thomas Hits the Big Screen

Thomas the Tank Engine is a popular guy. Beloved in more than 185 territories in over 30 languages through books, toys, DVDs, live events, TV, and online, HIT Entertainment relates that the brand has sold more than 55 million Thomas & Friends books, more than 30 million Thomas & Friends wooden engines (the equivalent of one engine every 17 seconds over the past 15 years), more than 21 million pieces of track, and over 45 million titles on DVD &VHS (in the US). Not only that, but in spring 2011, he is slated to hit the big screen. HIT entertainment has announced plans for a Thomas & Friends movie, which will be a mix of live-action and CGI. In honor of Thomas' 65th birthday, HIT also has plans for a new CGI series that is set to premiere next year.

Thomas & Friends has gained such popularity world wide due to the simple stories and unique charm of Thomas and the other trains. Is it possible to translate such charm into CG animation? The current Thomas & Friends series is made using actual toys. Yes, it's old school, and the characters can't actually move their mouths, but the timelessness and simplicity of it all is part of makes the show so appealing.

For those who are curious about what a CG Thomas will look like, the recently released DVD Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails is the first ever CG animated Thomas movie and is now available on DVD.
I think kids will still enjoy Thomas as a computer animated character, and I do understand that it would be difficult to make a full-length theatrical release using characters that can't be animated, but it is a little bit sad to see Thomas become just like everybody else.

(Photo © HIT Entertainment)