I didn't know until last week that Sir Topham Hatt's other name was the Fat Controller.

I was originally excited that these videos were available and narrated by Ringo Starr as the original VHS versions were. Problem is, this is his UK narration, and not the one originally on the VHS tapes that were sold in the U.S.. Maybe in Britain, referring to Sir Topham Hatt as the "Fat Controller" isn't a cultural problem and maybe calling someone 'fat' isn't as offensive as it seems to be in the U.S. I just don't think it translates well here, though. Thus, I was a little disappointed they didn't put the U.S. narration on these DVD's. I'd rather my son know him as Sir Topham Hatt, rather than the Fat Controller.

Note that there are some other minor US/UK language differences, such as the train conductor instead being referred to as the "guard", etc. Those are minor, of course.

Overall, though, this a US video with Ringo's UK narration on it, instead of the one we liked on VHS years ago...so what were they thinking?. Call me picky, but that's how I feel about it. I'm disappointed in this release, and I hope they re-release it with Ringo's U.S. narration at some point in the future.

Growing up as a child i watched Thomas and friends all the time, back then it was called Thomas the tank engine.but as i grew up i stopped watching it and soon forgot about it all together till one magical day back in November of 2006 when i was channel surfing and discovered a piece of my childhood.I quickly became interested in the show and what was happening that was when i was 15 yrs old, after that day i began to watch Thomas and friends all the time, i found out it was on Pbs on demand and quickly began watching the episodes they had for viewing.

to the dvd review:

i beleive the early seasons of Thomas and friends to be the best, where everything looked old and like it was made in the 80's call me nostalgic if you will, and in this dvd set you get the whole first season narrated by Ringo Starr. each episode is 5 mins long and the episodes begin automatically when you put the dvd in and after all the episodes finish playing it plays again all by itself. if you,your kids, or someone you know like Thomas and friends treat them to this special gift because im sure they'll love it, Thomas and Friends is perfect for anyone of any age. I find it great that im still in love with the show at the age of 17 when all these things in my are goin on. thnx for taking the time to read my first review and i hope it helped :D

Not to knock any of the subsequent Thomas videos, but this is the best, closest to the great stories written by Rev. Awdry. I specifically sought this out to be viewed while reading the stories to my child...it really brings 'm to life! Ringo Starr is the best narrator out there for the Thomas stories...all these other actors 'n such can't hold a candle to him. A MUST if you like Thomas!

I just got this for my 5 yr old son, and not only does he love it but his 3 yr old sister as well. We already had a VHS version of Better Late Than Never which was used (from my neighbor). So I already knew how much better Ringo Starr's narration is than George Carlin and Alec Baldwin. This set is great! 13 episodes on the first two disks. The sound and video quality is great. Just wish I could get more of these older stories with Ringo on DVD.

A year ago the Wiggles' movie 'Cold Spaghetti Western' was played every day at my house. Now it's all about Thomas. My 3 1/2 year old just loves it. And, just like the Wiggles' movie, I love it too. These DVDs of the 1st season with Ringo Starr as the narrator are the best. There's a continuing storyline that runs from one episode to the next that you miss watching this on TV. The DVD's also all start playing again on their own which is great for super long car rides with handy car dvd players.



I would buy this again in a second.