As much as I enjoy this movie, I can’t help but calling this the Toy Story of the Thomas universe. Stanley is obviously Buzz Lightyear and Thomas is Woody.
You're not wrong, Thomas giving stanley too many trucks leading to the tower destruction is like Woody pushing Buzz out the window with RC. Also when both duos make amends its very similar.
The only difference is that Stanley isn't really much of a threat like Buzz was. He wasn't like more advanced than Thomas, he was just a silver tank engine. I could see how Thomas would feel threatened by Ryan as he is bigger than Thomas, but Stanley is a bit smaller than Thomas. I mean Thomas can get jealous, but in terms of physicality, Stanley is no more strong or fast than Thomas.
This here is how you write Thomas as a stable main character. Despite being butchered nowadays because of his fame, he will always be useful to everyone he knows as a best friend.
29:18 That montage. Holy shit that montage of our favorite little blue tank engine, the friends he's made over the years, and all the adventures, life-lessons, ups, and downs over the years. Damn that almost brought a tear to my eye. Emotional montage aside, great review Luke, this was a wonderful way to cap off the year!!! :)
I never thought of Stanley as the naive nice guy before! I think him realizing Thomas being a sad engine because Thomas seaks validation is a real eye opener, which makes sense as Thomas' basis is the E2, which in real life were sucky engines for everything except shunting if I recall. Stanley and Thomas having stark contrasting personalities is just amazing! This movie is one of the best model series movies ever, if not the best!
If The Great Discovery was the finale of Thomas, this would be a really good send off to the show. I like your view point of Stanley, it’s very fascinating to think about.
I remember someone out there said The Great Discovery is such a great title (tho Leader of the Track is cool too) cuz it works in two ways. First is obvious, Thomas discovers the town of Great Waterton. But by the end of the film, he has another great discovery, that standing with your friends as equals and all being leaders of the track is the greatest part of all. It’s just wonderful. If only I knew who said that, they deserve a medal.
Good lord, did Thomas' Final Atonement have me bawling buckets. I've only seen a couple of your videos, Luke, but this was simply a masterstroke of brilliance you put to screen. A fantastic summation of Thomas' character, and of the friends that he's made along the way, and will continue to make. I don't think i've ever felt the pure beauty of friendship more powerfully as I have than watching that montage. Take a bow, sir. You've earned it!
@@usualblokeluke Aww thank you for replying! And so you should feel very proud! Also, as an aside, I love your analysis of Stanley as well. And if I may add to your analysis, his bright silver paintwork really adds to his character. While the bright silver and red might look too flashy and unrealistic, only being used to say "Hey, look at the new engine, buy our toys!", if you take a closer look, I think it matches wonderfully with his naive, pure-hearted optimism.
I just finished the part where you talk about Thomas‘s journey. And I want to cry. It’s so beautiful. You included audio from every English narrator of the show. That’s so touching. And I’m so happy that I’m not the only one who loves this movie to pieces. I’ve wanted to explain to my friends why this movie is so special to me. Why I love it just as much as lost treasure. I think you’ve just given me the words that I’ve needed. I was born the year this movie started production. And my life journey has been very similar to Thomas’s. And I’m thinking i’ve reached the point where Thomas is at the end of this movie. I’ve been very high and very low. Just like him. I actually wanted to be on top at one point when I was 5 or so. But I was humbled and learned so much from my experiences in life. Why have the most when you can have the same amount as everyone else? And I feel like I understand it all deeper now that I’ve seen your perspective on the movie. Thank you for bringing to light what amazing things this movie shows. I loved it even when I didn’t see all that. But now I love it 10 times more.
Other than the stunts with the models, I also like Thomas’ arc in the Great Discovery. Although he has matured since S1 (Despite flip flopping in the HIT era) his cheeky side is still there. Now that you mentioned Stanley’s arc, I also admire his too. Awesome review Luke. Although this is where Thomas ends for me, I wish you the best of luck going into S12………
Just want to say Luke this is one of the best reviews I've ever seen I found your videos around the time of your season 7 review which was around the time of January 2022 your content has improved so much since then and it's some of the best content I've seen. I would be lying if I didn't admit this video made me emotional and thank you for such a great video not just for the fans but as a send-off to model Thomas. Have a great 2025 my friend.
What you said about Thomas acting the way he did out of insecurity, WOW! THANK YOU! I’ve had that feeling in the back of my head for years! And it makes total sense
25:25 That poor truck is probably still stuck in Morgan's mine, stuck in complete darkness for an eternity. Purely because Thomas had an adrenaline rush for about 2 minutes. That's a raw deal for that truck
I had so much nostalgia for this movie when I was a kid. I was born in 2007, so I was a Thomas kid that grew up on DVDs. This movie was one of them. I remember watching this movie in both English and Polish (bc I’m half Polish) over and over and over again. I never realized how good the movie was until rejoining the fandom so many years later and I finally understood that this was Thomas’ last hurrah for the model era. Thank you so much Luke for creating this video talking about The Great Discovery and watching your vids is always such a joy. Hopefully the new year will be nice to you and your UA-cam channel! (Well maybe not with Season 12 lol)
The Great Discovery is probably my most nostalgic piece of Thomas media, right by HOTR and the Nitrogen era and Hit era(unironically), and it’s definitely still holds up as a top favorite of mine. Great job with this review Luke, and brace yourself for S12 lol.
I really like The Great Discovery. Things I really like about the movie are the model sets, including Rolling River Bridge, Great Waterton & Morgan’s Mine and even especially Pierce Brosnan’s Narration along with the new engine, Stanley
43:30 I loved that jab at Mattel's poor job on restoring old episodes. Maybe it's because I finally watched this after... that recent loss but I teared up a little during the "Final Atonement" segment. I also appreciated hearing George and Alec in the montage, along with Magic Railroad.
17:39, damn I guess Thomas really did tripped up over *Thin* Air XD 38:21, the Mike Wazowski scream caught me off guard XD Also that commercial is legitimately peak, so good.
That beginning segment where you discussed how you found out about this movie was so professionally done… it felt exactly like a fully produced documentary! I absolutely love it when commentary UA-camrs integrate live action footage in their works, well done mate!
I really love this movie, and It's really special to me. Being the first Thomas movie I saw when I was young, even though i was young, I still found myself resignating with Thomas because I always used to be outshined by my older brother feeling like I didn't matter at times... but Damn The Thomas' Final Atonement section hit me like a truck and actually made me tear up.... This is a amazing review. Keep up the good work Luke.
This movie makes me really appreciate Stanley as a character and that part with Thomas’ journey made me cry. An absolute masterpiece of a review Luke, and what a way to end the year. Can’t wait for new content next year!
50:36 What makes Push Me, Pull You worse is that this was the final episode of the model era with the Skarloey Railway. Of all episodes to end the Model Skarloey run on, THIS is what they chose. Unbelievable.
I actually found some positives in that episode, as crazy as it sounds: 1. It jumps straight into the story. 2. It's a Skarloey episode that DIDN'T repeat the bravery trope. 3. Skarloey claiming he's stronger than Rheneas actually isn't wrong. (The proof is in My Thomas Story Library: Skarloey) (Also, Skarloey using his brakes the first two times in the 3-strikes formula was NOT meant to happen. If the wheels were still rotating when Skarloey crashed into the bunting and ice cream, either his wheels would still move after he stopped, OR something in the model would get JAMMED.) Also, I actually LIKE the episode. Ignore the narration inconsistencies AND the model limitations and you actually have a nice episode.
I had a bootleg dvd of the great discovery as a young child, and I loved it. Thomas, you’re the leader was one of my favourite songs and I would watch it over and over. Great video Luke, I loved to hear your personal thoughts on a Thomas film that means so much to me! Also, as an Aussie, the Australian joke was goddamn hilarious.
Happy new year Luke, I’ll always have fond memories of this special. Not only my parents took me to see this The Great Discovery in cinemas when I was six years but Hornby produced a bunch of wonderful merchandise based on the direct to dvd special from buildings, an exclusive train set with model variants you can’t find anywhere else and a missed opportunity for Hornby making an official model of Stanley for their Thomas range.
4:29 I’m American, but the term “trucks” is what I use because of Thomas. It’s weird because I grew up with mostly US releases, so I have no clue where I got it from😂
Maybe some of the songs kept the British terminology? Like, "Little Engines" has the line, "We're strong enough to deal with those trucks", and the half-rhyme wouldn't work if you replaced it with "cars".
Similar thing with me. I only found out relatively recently that "The Fat Controller" was cut from the US release, which was surprising, but I remember it when I was little. Maybe it was how much I watched online, who knows.
What’s funny about the fandom softening on Stanley in recent years is that I’d been thinking of ways to make him more RWS-friendly. My idea was to make him the Hoist (Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye) of the North Western Railway: a chill guy who’s annoyed by how excessively extra everyone around him is. All he cares about is doing his work well and being really useful- and he cannot STAND when the others are more concerned with their personal nonsense.
Tbh of her movies, 3/5 isn’t terrible, considering the 3 movies (TGD, Hero Of The Rails, and BMM) are actually some of the better movies of the series.
I really like this review. The Great Discovery really felt like a finale to the full model series. I can’t believe you’re done with the full model series. Only one more season to review which is Season 12 and then you would be halfway done with the model seasons.
16:00 He wanted to be with his friends. 16:25 The tracks were probably closed and forbidden, although they should’ve a board their saying so. But knowing Thomas he wouldn’t have listened to it anyway.
The Great Discovery was the best way to end model-Thomas & Friends (Season 12 isn’t real and is a figment of your imagination), and this video was the best way to close off 2024. Great analysis as always, Luke! This year was great for your channel. Of course, I’m biased since this is the year you started your Cars THQ game trilogy retrospective, but even then, despite the hardships, delays and personal things you’ve dealt with this year, you still managed to deliver some extremely high-quality content! I’ve gotta commend you for that, at least. Happy New Year’s Eve and here’s to an even better new year!
The Great Discovery is definitely the best thing to come from the HIT Era. It truly feels like a grand finale to Model Series Thomas. Too bad it was followed up by a certain hybrid season that I shall not name!
I love your entire review it was amazing the part when narrator of the special say he had friends and the memories of the past seasons make almost cry it was beautiful happy early new year everyone in here and Luke keep up your amazing work and content 🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🙌💙
God I have memories of watching this in the theater, damn near crapping myself during the film, actually tearing up when the chorus of ‘You’re the Leader’ was playing, and getting the DVD for my birthday the next year
Just wow. I did not expect a video about this movie to make me emotional. That montage legit reminded me of Po’s memory montage in Kung Fu Panda 2 and really hit me in the feels plus the entire atonement section in general actually made me realise that Thomas really did go through a full hero’s journey in a way and just makes me appreciate the old show even more than I do now. Fantastic video.
I do feel like it’s easy to talk up the writing of this story as though “that’s how the writers planned”, I will say the writing is a step up in the dialogue and everything. But of course I can see you have put a lot of your heart and emotion into this retrospective, and it does give me something to think about. I never watched this, CAE was the last I watched. Of “big Thomas stuff” but I’d say this is probably the best “special” the show had done even better than the cgi movies. Good stuff mate.
3:06 I’m willing to believe that because the final lines of the movie mentions “The Leader of The Track” Title, and the final song of the movie is Thomas You’re The Leader sort of point out “The Leader of The Track” Title, so it’s easy to see that this movies intentionally name was supposed to be “The Leader of The Track: The Movie”
A great review! Before watching this review, I rewatched Great Discovery that I got for this year's Christmas and boy was it a terrific ride and swansong to not just model Thomas, but the entire show in general had the CGI Series never happened (unless you count one archival SiF interview where the switch to full CGI came out at the last minute by HiT). It's my third favorite Thomas movie overall and I prefer it over Lost Treasure (which is overrated for me). I really love Thomas' arc in this movie (and everything you said in his section about his insecurities I agree), and I place the events of said movie in my series in the early 70s where it becomes the explosive end to his cocky persona and becoming mature yet cheeky (Stanley would've been a visitor at that time before being purchased officially by the NWR in the 80s). Speaking of Stanley, I like him in this movie and is another great character (though I wish he got a few more spotlight episode roles after this - how could've easily taken the role of Puts the Brakes On - I mean, they gave Rosie three more spotlight episode to herself in the remainder of the show, why not him?). While I enjoy Pierce Brosnan's narration, there are a few areas where he could've given a bit more energy in his performance (but that's okay). Also, since Tom Hanks was on the model set at Shepperton Studios at the time in 2006, it would've been surreal to hear him doing the US dub of the movie while Brosnan did the UK. I do appreciate him for attempting at giving the characters a few distinct voices, especially in his BTS interview w/ Jamie Thomson (who the latter actually worked on Magic Railroad, albeit uncredited). Songs-wise, I only liked Jobs-a-Plenty and Thomas You're the Leader and the model work is a lot spectacular, including the tower scene in true-Mitton fashion (he would've been so proud - wonder why they never dedicate the movie in his memory - I mean The Wiggles or any other movie/show gave dedications to many famous people who passed on in their own productions).
Luke, you absolutely delivered once again! That backstory you had with The Great Discovery was interesting, and where you explained Thomas' character journey and final atonement, I was taken aback! You're narration was chilling, the emotional music hits, everything about this is great! This is also my first time commenting on you're videos, hmm... But anyways, have a happy new year and I hope you survive Season 12!
Not necessarily his fault He was just doing what was efficient He didn't have a frown on his face when he said Stanley was going to stay in charge so it definitely wasn't out of malice
@@usualblokelukeBut I mean did he even consider Thomas’ feelings? I think they should’ve have Thomas act up in some way to make it feel more justified.
Thomas getting stuck in the mineshaft and then flying out of a waterfall is one of the most impressive things the series has ever done imho, I remember loving this movie as a child. The ending credits song was a bop as well!
This is my favourite Thomas special! And I think this is an amazing finale to the model series! Thomas’ Final Atonement is my favourite part of the review! Keep up the good work!
Personally, I think this might be my favorite of the review series so far. Mainly because The Great Discovery is my all-time favorite Thomas and Friends movie. Also, I think my favorite part of the review was Thomas' Final Atonement. I always loved how the Great Discovery is a character study of our main character but I never realized what the mine sequence means symbolically until I watched the review. Great Job, Luke and I look forward to seeing your review of Season 12.
I'm out of town at a friend's house atm. So, I might not get to this video properly for a day or 2. But I'm sincerely hyped for this video. I only watched Great Discovery after I reembaced Thomas as an adult within the last couple of years. My Headcannon for what Thomas is Series 1-5 + this as the Finale. This film is the Avengers Endgame of my internal Thomas universe. With Magic Railroad as this other optional Elseworld type of thing just for fun. And I love the longform stuff on this channel as I unwind after work.
The great discovery was (if not) my first Thomas movie I saw (apart of Magic Railroad and calling all engines). As I kid, I loved the Action Canyon set and one time, I pleaded my parents to get it for me. However, they sadly didn't get me the set, but they did get me a Stanley truckmaster instead. So at least I had the new character. I loved this movie so much. The new narrator Pierce Bronson, who also plays as "James Bond" being in Thomas was wild. Great review on this movie. Let's hope next year you're into Season 12. Good luck and happy new year mate. Love your vids :)
Great way to close off the year Luke, plus you gotta admit Hartshorne actually goes really hard with the music this time, I mean he went out of his way to make a lot of new music for the special and you just can’t help but just get this really nice feeling whenever you’re listening to pieces like the opening theme, the theme that plays both before Thomas discovers Great Waterton and when the town is finished being restored and especially the ending music which is what makes the ending feel even more like a true finale than it already does
What i do love is the perspective on who Thomas is and Stanley i found that very heartfelt and seeing this the last model production in 2008 seeing the great discovery the childhood nostalgia loved it. And very interesting way for Stanley to look at Thomas i can see the strength of Stanley's character.
What a great way to end off the year with my favorite Thomas movie. I’m excited about the great videos that you have planned next year. Happy New Year’s Luke and everyone watching.
Making this your last video of 2024 was smart. This movie is a masterpiece; from the amount of characters that appeared to the sets, music and story (despite a few flaws here and there), it's just *chef's kiss*
39:27 RandomMelon and I used to be great friends back in the day sadly a few years ago he left the fandom and left behind a few fan stories and colour corrections to this movie!! Just got a nostalgia trip there so thanks Luke :)
Loved your analysis of Stanley, it really makes me want to see more of him. And the Final Atonement section is great, that made me appreciate the movie even more.
Dear Luke, This is Without A Doubt, The best video That you've ever made. When I watched the Whole Video, I feel like I now understand what to do with my storytelling. Sure I guess your other reviews tried to do that, But this video, THIS VIDEO...Just, BLEW ME Away at how much this video helps me. Prior, I was just a younger child at the age of 12 and Acting like a bit of an idiot when it came to storytelling. But with the gradual build up to my knowledge of storytelling, (Thanks to the help of lots of people including my friend group) And with this new video out, I Now Understand How storytelling is supposed to work. At the beginning (as stated) I was a bit of an idiot at storytelling, But over the next 3 years after that, I learned more and more knowledge about storytelling. Now, (again as stated) With this new review video uploaded, I Now Mostly understand of what to properly do with storytelling creativity Currently at my age of 15 years old. I am planning to make a movie that takes inspiration from the great discovery, But with more originality of course lol. In all honesty, I know this is just explaining your opinions on this movie (Hence This Video Title) But I see it as a way to learn from the experienced. Just like Stuart And Falcon When they learned sense from Duke in the Season 4 Episode "Granpuff" where Duke tells the story of Smudger To Them. Explaining What happens if you Don't learn common sense. It's Similar to if you don't learn the knowledge of storytelling, That movie Could be a major flop or worse. I know people look up to the unlucky tug opinion wise, But I think I'm slowly starting to look up to you more for what to take away or learn from the reivews or other videos you create. This video (Opinions on THE GREAT DISCOVERY) shows that in the best way possible. Again, I know this is you just explaining your opinions, but I see more than that. I don't know if you had it as an intentional thing. If it was then, Thank You. You're an inspiration to me more than the unlucky tug I'd say. If not, Then that's fine. Just wanted to say Thank you for uploading this video for us. WELL DONE Sincerely, Triumphant Studios🙂
This was one of my favourite reviews you’ve done yet this gave me more respect for The Great Discovery my favourite part without a doubt is Thomas Final Atonement. I love the music that played especially when Thomas was in the mine, And that ending too! Honestly this was the perfect send off to model Thomas Bravo Luke.
Great Review Luke. The last part of the final atonement part really did speak to me personally. As someone who is a college student and feels like he’s alone and isolated 28:56-29:05 was something I really needed to hear as a nice reminder that I have people who love & care about me. Keep up the good work man and happy new year.
When I was introduced to The Great Discovery, it got me so hyped. The story is really engaging with the concept of Great Waterton being found and refurbished (even though anyone up the sky like Harold would have sawn it). I never knew who Pierce Brosnan was at the time, but hearing a different narrator was really interesting and I immediately loved him. I absolutely loved how Thomas is handled making him feel like his Classic self, as you said this feels like his conclusion to his character in the Model Era! I love Stanley, he’s one of my favorite characters. And I also have a Trackmaster toy of him, its a shame that they didn’t really do anything with him (in terms of character traits) at all even in the CGI Era! Also thank goodness they cut the learning segments out and put them as bonus features (which the US DVD plays them after the film and Behind the Scenes with Pierce are shown), otherwise it would’ve been like Calling All Engines style again! This film did justice to me and I remember it so well alongside Thomas and the Magic Railroad & Hero of the Rails, in fact its one of my Top Favorite films of Thomas! Way to go dude, this is a perfect way of closing 2024! And oh geez…the next season and beyond (until the Brenner Era) is gonna be a strong struggle🙄😑.
Miller's actual finest, also loved the part where you described Morgan's Mine as this area where it seemed like you found your own joy but seemed to be isolated and dark because of your own choice you taken.
My favorite Thomas movie and a grand way to end the model era of Thomas! Though, I wished if Michael Brandon and Angelis narrated this film. Angelis would still have energy while Brandon would be at his peak moment. Other than that great review and happy new year!
This movie takes the deep hearted in and out of Thomas franchise, special the main character. Took a long process to think or even understand the intelligence from it, but finally with in alittle attention and learned the importance… you finally get it. That what feels about the Great Discovery. 🥹 Deep and absolutely thrilling sweet present. Anyway, thinking a break on emotions, the stories phenomenal and stick back in the fully accidentally lost, and then we find it into the oldest dvd 📀 collection. But here the little twists with in this year of lighting. We have to patch it up and Walla. Special lighting in 2024. Thomas’s Greatest Discovery or Great Production: A- 90 out of 💯. And being 38:21 😂 Happy New Years, Luke! Series 12… it’s not over yet…
I find all the talk about Stanley being bigger and stronger than Thomas is a bit odd, as Stanley's basis (A Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0 tank engine) is actually smaller than the LBSCR E2 class. If Stanley had been something much larger like a SR Z class 0-8-0 tank engine, then all the bigger and stronger than Thomas talk would make sense.
I really wish The Great Discovery was the true finale to Thomas & Friends. But I’m curious at 50:32 you said “Except…………. It wasn’t”. I wonder why, Luke. That’s where I’m a little curious
I think Thomas is constantly worried about having the rug pulled out from under him. He is (at least in the RWS cannon) a member of a less than satisfactory class of which all examples were scrapped . He comes to Sodor and isn’t wanted back by his old railway, but then things get better for him as he gets the extremely important task of building a new railway and becomes the new railway’s number one. But then after this high, he gets kicked back to the curb and is relegated to station pilot where he is stuck in one place and belittled by the bigger engines. He has another high point when he gets his own branch line, yet he still feels deeply insecure and worried that the plug might be pulled on him again, which leads him to constantly try and elevate himself; hence why he feels the need to belittle Terence or is mistrusting of new comers, almost mimicking the bigger engines’ behavior towards him when he was station pilot. Although it’s hard for him to admit it, Thomas is aware that he is flawed and that he puts on a front to hide his insecurities. Thomas is worried about being replaced by newcomers because that is what happened to his class. Thomas deep down is unhappy with himself, yet he buries this with an outward display of overconfidence. Thomas being unhappy with himself also explains why after every special he resets to wanting another big adventure because it wasn’t fulfilling for him. He knows how inherently replaceable he is, and he doesn’t want the rug to be pulled from under him again. But through various humbling and also uplifting experiences, Thomas matures and realizes that he is valued and doesn’t have to always put up an overconfident front to succeed. While he still slips up from time to time and is still his cheeky self, Thomas eventually becomes truly content with who he is, flaws and all. I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize how long this would be when I started writing, but your analysis of Thomas’s character unlocked something in my mind that I couldn’t put into words before, and I honestly feel like I understand Thomas’ character a lot more thanks to this video. Cheers!
a small thing i appreciate is D10's cameo. an odd thing to point out i know, but it illustrates three things. one is that Diesel 10 makes an appearance in every part of the model era trilogy, even though the three have barely anything to do with eachother, two, it sort of serves as a fitting end to his journey, from the bombastic megalomaniac who wanted to destroy Thomas to an annoyed yet helpful brute who was pleased to hear him ok. i know TATMR is weird and vague canon wise but it was nice to see with the other diesels Thomas had beef with, espcially since D10 and him are kinda the most personal as enemies. and three, it meant that every season, mini-series, and film that introduced a new character got atleast one representation in the film. I've heard that D10 needs to be licensced by Sony to be used, and if thats true it's really sweet that Steve and the other crew atleast respected TATMR enough to even ask HiT to go through the legal trouble for it to be represented in a non speaking cameo. TGD truly is a tribute and send-off to the full model era that Britt, David, Steve, etc. created, even with little details like this, and i'm glad full-model Thomas went out on such a high note. (if only it had engines 8-11, then it'd be perfect /j)
I really love this movie and it holds a very special place in my childhood and my heart. But damn! This review goes so hard! I expected you having a lot to talk about with this movie, but I didn't expect to end it with a lot to think about. You've certainly gave me a new perspective on this special and now I have a new respect for it. Nicely done Luke. Nicely done. 👍
Ah yes, The Great Discovery, one of my all time favourite Thomas specials. Really enjoyed this special, and I still love that they got in so many characters for the last (full) model series production, I give this special a 9.5/10.
They had a similar plot in this series in a later special entitled "Sodor's Legend Of The Lost Treasure" with an engine named Ryan where it made slightly more sense than Stanley. Because Ryan is significantly bigger than Thomas whereas Stanley is a tad smaller than him and is even less strong than Thomas. Ryan actually gave Thomas some reason for fear even if he meant no malice. I personally prefer that movie as it also has a human antagonist named Sailor John who is later arrested. I like this movie as well though. But it's evident that Ryan was like a reworked version of Stanley and wasn't entirely "friendly" in the same way, he was at least more of a character and flawed as he could lack courage.
25:50 - 30:20 Damn.When did Thomas become Neon Genesis Evangelion? Anyway,great video.I was a little scared of this film for a while when I was younger as Thomas in the mine kinda freaked me out (lol) but nowadays I really appreciate this film as it does feel like a grand finale to the model series,and the show as a whole,the production design is great and Thomas' arc is wonderful.
Thank you Luke for that video on the great discovery. it was worth the wait for such a excellent review of what would have been the finale of Thomas the tank engine and friend. It wasn’t but still it could have been a whole lot better or worse. I don’t know anyway have a happy new year and let’s hope what twenty twenty five has in store.
47:09 I don’t know if this is a Mandela effect or not, but I remember the US DVD having the Learning Segments play after the credits roll. I don’t know if it actually is on the US DVD, but I do have that memory.
17:21 I think that the other two tracks were pulled up or something. Then later that line was extended to 3 tracks wide. But I don't know if the line is later seen again and it's one track.
As much as I enjoy this movie, I can’t help but calling this the Toy Story of the Thomas universe. Stanley is obviously Buzz Lightyear and Thomas is Woody.
Interesting analogy
You're not wrong, Thomas giving stanley too many trucks leading to the tower destruction is like Woody pushing Buzz out the window with RC. Also when both duos make amends its very similar.
@ That and Thomas stuck in the ground is Woody stuck in that blue crate. I even made a parody video of it
I dig that comparison.
The only difference is that Stanley isn't really much of a threat like Buzz was. He wasn't like more advanced than Thomas, he was just a silver tank engine. I could see how Thomas would feel threatened by Ryan as he is bigger than Thomas, but Stanley is a bit smaller than Thomas. I mean Thomas can get jealous, but in terms of physicality, Stanley is no more strong or fast than Thomas.
that Final Atonement part made me nearly tear up. It's so deep... I think you just made the great discovery my favorite thomas film from that alone.
I was thinking and feeling the same thing❤
I was getting scared when he was talking about the Morgan's mine scene
This here is how you write Thomas as a stable main character. Despite being butchered nowadays because of his fame, he will always be useful to everyone he knows as a best friend.
He was fine in the Brenner era.
@DavidBContentExtravaganza3967 Albeit being forced into stories which would’ve still worked either way without him.
Interesting way to look at Stanley, and i thought he was just a flawless nice guy... Nice catch.
I thank Duncan for kickstarting this great movie.
29:18 That montage. Holy shit that montage of our favorite little blue tank engine, the friends he's made over the years, and all the adventures, life-lessons, ups, and downs over the years. Damn that almost brought a tear to my eye.
Emotional montage aside, great review Luke, this was a wonderful way to cap off the year!!! :)
26:01 - Oh my gosh it’s just a burning memory! Never thought I’d here that in a Usual Bloke Luke video.
I never thought of Stanley as the naive nice guy before! I think him realizing Thomas being a sad engine because Thomas seaks validation is a real eye opener, which makes sense as Thomas' basis is the E2, which in real life were sucky engines for everything except shunting if I recall. Stanley and Thomas having stark contrasting personalities is just amazing! This movie is one of the best model series movies ever, if not the best!
If The Great Discovery was the finale of Thomas, this would be a really good send off to the show. I like your view point of Stanley, it’s very fascinating to think about.
I remember someone out there said The Great Discovery is such a great title (tho Leader of the Track is cool too) cuz it works in two ways.
First is obvious, Thomas discovers the town of Great Waterton. But by the end of the film, he has another great discovery, that standing with your friends as equals and all being leaders of the track is the greatest part of all. It’s just wonderful.
If only I knew who said that, they deserve a medal.
I like that the story is driven by the CHARACTERS not what the characters can DO, which is pretty evident when compared to calling all engines
Good lord, did Thomas' Final Atonement have me bawling buckets. I've only seen a couple of your videos, Luke, but this was simply a masterstroke of brilliance you put to screen. A fantastic summation of Thomas' character, and of the friends that he's made along the way, and will continue to make. I don't think i've ever felt the pure beauty of friendship more powerfully as I have than watching that montage. Take a bow, sir. You've earned it!
Thank you so much!
That montage took a good few days to make while balancing it with my job and I am very pleased with how it turned out.
@@usualblokeluke Aww thank you for replying! And so you should feel very proud!
Also, as an aside, I love your analysis of Stanley as well. And if I may add to your analysis, his bright silver paintwork really adds to his character. While the bright silver and red might look too flashy and unrealistic, only being used to say "Hey, look at the new engine, buy our toys!", if you take a closer look, I think it matches wonderfully with his naive, pure-hearted optimism.
25:50 Jesus, things got dark for a child’s movie in the 2000’s…
That part got me feeling scared
I just finished the part where you talk about Thomas‘s journey. And I want to cry. It’s so beautiful. You included audio from every English narrator of the show. That’s so touching. And I’m so happy that I’m not the only one who loves this movie to pieces. I’ve wanted to explain to my friends why this movie is so special to me. Why I love it just as much as lost treasure. I think you’ve just given me the words that I’ve needed. I was born the year this movie started production. And my life journey has been very similar to Thomas’s. And I’m thinking i’ve reached the point where Thomas is at the end of this movie. I’ve been very high and very low. Just like him. I actually wanted to be on top at one point when I was 5 or so. But I was humbled and learned so much from my experiences in life. Why have the most when you can have the same amount as everyone else? And I feel like I understand it all deeper now that I’ve seen your perspective on the movie. Thank you for bringing to light what amazing things this movie shows. I loved it even when I didn’t see all that. But now I love it 10 times more.
Other than the stunts with the models, I also like Thomas’ arc in the Great Discovery. Although he has matured since S1 (Despite flip flopping in the HIT era) his cheeky side is still there. Now that you mentioned Stanley’s arc, I also admire his too. Awesome review Luke. Although this is where Thomas ends for me, I wish you the best of luck going into S12………
Just want to say Luke this is one of the best reviews I've ever seen I found your videos around the time of your season 7 review which was around the time of January 2022 your content has improved so much since then and it's some of the best content I've seen. I would be lying if I didn't admit this video made me emotional and thank you for such a great video not just for the fans but as a send-off to model Thomas. Have a great 2025 my friend.
28:56
Holy shit dude, this hit so hard
I'm not crying I swear 😭
(Edit): Nope I am nvm
Me too... that hit me hard 😭
What you said about Thomas acting the way he did out of insecurity, WOW! THANK YOU! I’ve had that feeling in the back of my head for years! And it makes total sense
25:25 That poor truck is probably still stuck in Morgan's mine, stuck in complete darkness for an eternity. Purely because Thomas had an adrenaline rush for about 2 minutes. That's a raw deal for that truck
I had so much nostalgia for this movie when I was a kid. I was born in 2007, so I was a Thomas kid that grew up on DVDs. This movie was one of them. I remember watching this movie in both English and Polish (bc I’m half Polish) over and over and over again. I never realized how good the movie was until rejoining the fandom so many years later and I finally understood that this was Thomas’ last hurrah for the model era. Thank you so much Luke for creating this video talking about The Great Discovery and watching your vids is always such a joy. Hopefully the new year will be nice to you and your UA-cam channel! (Well maybe not with Season 12 lol)
Same
The Great Discovery is probably my most nostalgic piece of Thomas media, right by HOTR and the Nitrogen era and Hit era(unironically), and it’s definitely still holds up as a top favorite of mine. Great job with this review Luke, and brace yourself for S12 lol.
5:36 as an Aussie that was the best thing I’ve ever seen😂
That gave me a chuckle too, I’m also an Aussie so that would make sense
I really like The Great Discovery. Things I really like about the movie are the model sets, including Rolling River Bridge, Great Waterton & Morgan’s Mine and even especially Pierce Brosnan’s Narration along with the new engine, Stanley
43:30 I loved that jab at Mattel's poor job on restoring old episodes.
Maybe it's because I finally watched this after... that recent loss but I teared up a little during the "Final Atonement" segment. I also appreciated hearing George and Alec in the montage, along with Magic Railroad.
17:39, damn I guess Thomas really did tripped up over *Thin* Air XD
38:21, the Mike Wazowski scream caught me off guard XD
Also that commercial is legitimately peak, so good.
That beginning segment where you discussed how you found out about this movie was so professionally done… it felt exactly like a fully produced documentary! I absolutely love it when commentary UA-camrs integrate live action footage in their works, well done mate!
This and season 11 are the kings of the HiT era best stories great new characters mostly and bringing back many of the forgotten supporting cast.
That part with Thomas arc finale oh my god man that hits hard.
I really love this movie, and It's really special to me. Being the first Thomas movie I saw when I was young, even though i was young, I still found myself resignating with Thomas because I always used to be outshined by my older brother feeling like I didn't matter at times... but Damn The Thomas' Final Atonement section hit me like a truck and actually made me tear up.... This is a amazing review. Keep up the good work Luke.
This movie makes me really appreciate Stanley as a character and that part with Thomas’ journey made me cry. An absolute masterpiece of a review Luke, and what a way to end the year.
Can’t wait for new content next year!
50:36 What makes Push Me, Pull You worse is that this was the final episode of the model era with the Skarloey Railway. Of all episodes to end the Model Skarloey run on, THIS is what they chose. Unbelievable.
I actually found some positives in that episode, as crazy as it sounds:
1. It jumps straight into the story.
2. It's a Skarloey episode that DIDN'T repeat the bravery trope.
3. Skarloey claiming he's stronger than Rheneas actually isn't wrong. (The proof is in My Thomas Story Library: Skarloey)
(Also, Skarloey using his brakes the first two times in the 3-strikes formula was NOT meant to happen. If the wheels were still rotating when Skarloey crashed into the bunting and ice cream, either his wheels would still move after he stopped, OR something in the model would get JAMMED.)
Also, I actually LIKE the episode. Ignore the narration inconsistencies AND the model limitations and you actually have a nice episode.
I had a bootleg dvd of the great discovery as a young child, and I loved it. Thomas, you’re the leader was one of my favourite songs and I would watch it over and over. Great video Luke, I loved to hear your personal thoughts on a Thomas film that means so much to me!
Also, as an Aussie, the Australian joke was goddamn hilarious.
what was the joke.
@@racheljackson4428 towards the start he talks about when the movie released in Aus and how it was all upside down.
Happy new year Luke, I’ll always have fond memories of this special. Not only my parents took me to see this The Great Discovery in cinemas when I was six years but Hornby produced a bunch of wonderful merchandise based on the direct to dvd special from buildings, an exclusive train set with model variants you can’t find anywhere else and a missed opportunity for Hornby making an official model of Stanley for their Thomas range.
"I came to this thinking i was the leader of the track, but we're all the leaders of the track" said Thomas
haha "max and monty are dumping such big loads their getting dizzy"
4:29 I’m American, but the term “trucks” is what I use because of Thomas. It’s weird because I grew up with mostly US releases, so I have no clue where I got it from😂
Maybe some of the songs kept the British terminology? Like, "Little Engines" has the line, "We're strong enough to deal with those trucks", and the half-rhyme wouldn't work if you replaced it with "cars".
Similar thing with me. I only found out relatively recently that "The Fat Controller" was cut from the US release, which was surprising, but I remember it when I was little. Maybe it was how much I watched online, who knows.
What’s funny about the fandom softening on Stanley in recent years is that I’d been thinking of ways to make him more RWS-friendly. My idea was to make him the Hoist (Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye) of the North Western Railway: a chill guy who’s annoyed by how excessively extra everyone around him is. All he cares about is doing his work well and being really useful- and he cannot STAND when the others are more concerned with their personal nonsense.
Happy New Year Luke! Another great review as always! I'd like them to release behind scenes pic of them filming the mine water scenes!
This and Blue Mountain Mystery are Sharon Miller’s most competently written work.
Tbh of her movies, 3/5 isn’t terrible, considering the 3 movies (TGD, Hero Of The Rails, and BMM) are actually some of the better movies of the series.
@@tge_iiiIndeed
I really like this review. The Great Discovery really felt like a finale to the full model series. I can’t believe you’re done with the full model series. Only one more season to review which is Season 12 and then you would be halfway done with the model seasons.
16:00 He wanted to be with his friends.
16:25 The tracks were probably closed and forbidden, although they should’ve a board their saying so.
But knowing Thomas he wouldn’t have listened to it anyway.
This is one of my favourite Thomas movies. An immaculate send-off for the models. I truly with it was the series finale. BTW, Happy New Year, Luke!
The Great Discovery was the best way to end model-Thomas & Friends (Season 12 isn’t real and is a figment of your imagination), and this video was the best way to close off 2024. Great analysis as always, Luke! This year was great for your channel. Of course, I’m biased since this is the year you started your Cars THQ game trilogy retrospective, but even then, despite the hardships, delays and personal things you’ve dealt with this year, you still managed to deliver some extremely high-quality content! I’ve gotta commend you for that, at least. Happy New Year’s Eve and here’s to an even better new year!
The Great Discovery is definitely the best thing to come from the HIT Era. It truly feels like a grand finale to Model Series Thomas. Too bad it was followed up by a certain hybrid season that I shall not name!
I love your entire review it was amazing the part when narrator of the special say he had friends and the memories of the past seasons make almost cry it was beautiful happy early new year everyone in here and Luke keep up your amazing work and content 🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🙌💙
God I have memories of watching this in the theater, damn near crapping myself during the film, actually tearing up when the chorus of ‘You’re the Leader’ was playing, and getting the DVD for my birthday the next year
That speech you made in the mineshaft was beautiful, Amazing video!
I really like the section of the video on Thomas’ Final Atonement on your review of The Great Discovery
Just wow.
I did not expect a video about this movie to make me emotional. That montage legit reminded me of Po’s memory montage in Kung Fu Panda 2 and really hit me in the feels plus the entire atonement section in general actually made me realise that Thomas really did go through a full hero’s journey in a way and just makes me appreciate the old show even more than I do now. Fantastic video.
Great Waterton was not found due to it being on a unused line(Rolling River Bridge proves that the way thomas took was unused)
I do feel like it’s easy to talk up the writing of this story as though “that’s how the writers planned”, I will say the writing is a step up in the dialogue and everything.
But of course I can see you have put a lot of your heart and emotion into this retrospective, and it does give me something to think about. I never watched this, CAE was the last I watched. Of “big Thomas stuff” but I’d say this is probably the best “special” the show had done even better than the cgi movies.
Good stuff mate.
What a great video to cap off 2024, I love the great discovery probably even more than you do and I always love rewatching it from time to time
Great job with the review, Usual Bloke Luke!
3:06 I’m willing to believe that because the final lines of the movie mentions “The Leader of The Track” Title, and the final song of the movie is Thomas You’re The Leader sort of point out “The Leader of The Track” Title, so it’s easy to see that this movies intentionally name was supposed to be “The Leader of The Track: The Movie”
A great review! Before watching this review, I rewatched Great Discovery that I got for this year's Christmas and boy was it a terrific ride and swansong to not just model Thomas, but the entire show in general had the CGI Series never happened (unless you count one archival SiF interview where the switch to full CGI came out at the last minute by HiT).
It's my third favorite Thomas movie overall and I prefer it over Lost Treasure (which is overrated for me). I really love Thomas' arc in this movie (and everything you said in his section about his insecurities I agree), and I place the events of said movie in my series in the early 70s where it becomes the explosive end to his cocky persona and becoming mature yet cheeky (Stanley would've been a visitor at that time before being purchased officially by the NWR in the 80s). Speaking of Stanley, I like him in this movie and is another great character (though I wish he got a few more spotlight episode roles after this - how could've easily taken the role of Puts the Brakes On - I mean, they gave Rosie three more spotlight episode to herself in the remainder of the show, why not him?). While I enjoy Pierce Brosnan's narration, there are a few areas where he could've given a bit more energy in his performance (but that's okay). Also, since Tom Hanks was on the model set at Shepperton Studios at the time in 2006, it would've been surreal to hear him doing the US dub of the movie while Brosnan did the UK. I do appreciate him for attempting at giving the characters a few distinct voices, especially in his BTS interview w/ Jamie Thomson (who the latter actually worked on Magic Railroad, albeit uncredited).
Songs-wise, I only liked Jobs-a-Plenty and Thomas You're the Leader and the model work is a lot spectacular, including the tower scene in true-Mitton fashion (he would've been so proud - wonder why they never dedicate the movie in his memory - I mean The Wiggles or any other movie/show gave dedications to many famous people who passed on in their own productions).
Luke, you absolutely delivered once again! That backstory you had with The Great Discovery was interesting, and where you explained Thomas' character journey and final atonement, I was taken aback! You're narration was chilling, the emotional music hits, everything about this is great! This is also my first time commenting on you're videos, hmm...
But anyways, have a happy new year and I hope you survive Season 12!
31:54 Isn’t Sir Topham Hatt a bit to blame too?
He took away his job for little to no reason, he hadn’t done anything wrong from that point yet.
Not necessarily his fault
He was just doing what was efficient
He didn't have a frown on his face when he said Stanley was going to stay in charge so it definitely wasn't out of malice
@@usualblokelukeBut I mean did he even consider Thomas’ feelings?
I think they should’ve have Thomas act up in some way to make it feel more justified.
Thomas getting stuck in the mineshaft and then flying out of a waterfall is one of the most impressive things the series has ever done imho, I remember loving this movie as a child. The ending credits song was a bop as well!
This is my favourite Thomas special! And I think this is an amazing finale to the model series! Thomas’ Final Atonement is my favourite part of the review! Keep up the good work!
Personally, I think this might be my favorite of the review series so far. Mainly because The Great Discovery is my all-time favorite Thomas and Friends movie. Also, I think my favorite part of the review was Thomas' Final Atonement. I always loved how the Great Discovery is a character study of our main character but I never realized what the mine sequence means symbolically until I watched the review. Great Job, Luke and I look forward to seeing your review of Season 12.
I'm out of town at a friend's house atm. So, I might not get to this video properly for a day or 2. But I'm sincerely hyped for this video. I only watched Great Discovery after I reembaced Thomas as an adult within the last couple of years. My Headcannon for what Thomas is Series 1-5 + this as the Finale. This film is the Avengers Endgame of my internal Thomas universe. With Magic Railroad as this other optional Elseworld type of thing just for fun. And I love the longform stuff on this channel as I unwind after work.
The great discovery was (if not) my first Thomas movie I saw (apart of Magic Railroad and calling all engines). As I kid, I loved the Action Canyon set and one time, I pleaded my parents to get it for me. However, they sadly didn't get me the set, but they did get me a Stanley truckmaster instead. So at least I had the new character. I loved this movie so much. The new narrator Pierce Bronson, who also plays as "James Bond" being in Thomas was wild. Great review on this movie. Let's hope next year you're into Season 12. Good luck and happy new year mate. Love your vids :)
Pierce’s sudden delivery of "THEN THOMAS HEARD A MIGHTY CRACK!" sort of startled me as a kid lol
Great way to close off the year Luke, plus you gotta admit Hartshorne actually goes really hard with the music this time, I mean he went out of his way to make a lot of new music for the special and you just can’t help but just get this really nice feeling whenever you’re listening to pieces like the opening theme, the theme that plays both before Thomas discovers Great Waterton and when the town is finished being restored and especially the ending music which is what makes the ending feel even more like a true finale than it already does
What i do love is the perspective on who Thomas is and Stanley i found that very heartfelt and seeing this the last model production in 2008 seeing the great discovery the childhood nostalgia loved it. And very interesting way for Stanley to look at Thomas i can see the strength of Stanley's character.
Luke, I don’t know what to say! What a beautiful video!
That compilation in the Final Atonement got me emotional. Holy shit, Luke. That was amazing.
What a great way to end off the year with my favorite Thomas movie. I’m excited about the great videos that you have planned next year. Happy New Year’s Luke and everyone watching.
18:01 Believe it or not Luke, there is actually more rhyming and alliteration than just that scene alone.
(Also imagine Thomas and Stanley getting into such a brutal fight, that’d be hilarious to see, XD)
Making this your last video of 2024 was smart. This movie is a masterpiece; from the amount of characters that appeared to the sets, music and story (despite a few flaws here and there), it's just *chef's kiss*
39:27 RandomMelon and I used to be great friends back in the day
sadly a few years ago he left the fandom and left behind a few fan stories and colour corrections to this movie!! Just got a nostalgia trip there so thanks Luke :)
Loved your analysis of Stanley, it really makes me want to see more of him. And the Final Atonement section is great, that made me appreciate the movie even more.
Dear Luke,
This is Without A Doubt, The best video That you've ever made. When I watched the Whole Video, I feel like I now understand what to do with my storytelling. Sure I guess your other reviews tried to do that, But this video, THIS VIDEO...Just, BLEW ME Away at how much this video helps me. Prior, I was just a younger child at the age of 12 and Acting like a bit of an idiot when it came to storytelling. But with the gradual build up to my knowledge of storytelling, (Thanks to the help of lots of people including my friend group) And with this new video out, I Now Understand How storytelling is supposed to work. At the beginning (as stated) I was a bit of an idiot at storytelling, But over the next 3 years after that, I learned more and more knowledge about storytelling. Now, (again as stated) With this new review video uploaded, I Now Mostly understand of what to properly do with storytelling creativity Currently at my age of 15 years old. I am planning to make a movie that takes inspiration from the great discovery, But with more originality of course lol. In all honesty, I know this is just explaining your opinions on this movie (Hence This Video Title) But I see it as a way to learn from the experienced. Just like Stuart And Falcon When they learned sense from Duke in the Season 4 Episode "Granpuff" where Duke tells the story of Smudger To Them. Explaining What happens if you Don't learn common sense. It's Similar to if you don't learn the knowledge of storytelling, That movie Could be a major flop or worse. I know people look up to the unlucky tug opinion wise, But I think I'm slowly starting to look up to you more for what to take away or learn from the reivews or other videos you create. This video (Opinions on THE GREAT DISCOVERY) shows that in the best way possible. Again, I know this is you just explaining your opinions, but I see more than that. I don't know if you had it as an intentional thing. If it was then, Thank You. You're an inspiration to me more than the unlucky tug I'd say. If not, Then that's fine. Just wanted to say Thank you for uploading this video for us. WELL DONE
Sincerely, Triumphant Studios🙂
This was one of my favourite reviews you’ve done yet this gave me more respect for The Great Discovery my favourite part without a doubt is Thomas Final Atonement. I love the music that played especially when Thomas was in the mine, And that ending too! Honestly this was the perfect send off to model Thomas Bravo Luke.
29:18 whiplash moment just for anyone who needs to skip this part for seizure reasons
Great Review Luke. The last part of the final atonement part really did speak to me personally. As someone who is a college student and feels like he’s alone and isolated 28:56-29:05 was something I really needed to hear as a nice reminder that I have people who love & care about me. Keep up the good work man and happy new year.
And always remember that Jesus christ love you to
When I was introduced to The Great Discovery, it got me so hyped. The story is really engaging with the concept of Great Waterton being found and refurbished (even though anyone up the sky like Harold would have sawn it). I never knew who Pierce Brosnan was at the time, but hearing a different narrator was really interesting and I immediately loved him. I absolutely loved how Thomas is handled making him feel like his Classic self, as you said this feels like his conclusion to his character in the Model Era! I love Stanley, he’s one of my favorite characters. And I also have a Trackmaster toy of him, its a shame that they didn’t really do anything with him (in terms of character traits) at all even in the CGI Era! Also thank goodness they cut the learning segments out and put them as bonus features (which the US DVD plays them after the film and Behind the Scenes with Pierce are shown), otherwise it would’ve been like Calling All Engines style again! This film did justice to me and I remember it so well alongside Thomas and the Magic Railroad & Hero of the Rails, in fact its one of my Top Favorite films of Thomas! Way to go dude, this is a perfect way of closing 2024! And oh geez…the next season and beyond (until the Brenner Era) is gonna be a strong struggle🙄😑.
Miller's actual finest, also loved the part where you described Morgan's Mine as this area where it seemed like you found your own joy but seemed to be isolated and dark because of your own choice you taken.
Beautiful Review!🌟
Stanley is just a chill guy bro
50:35 Yeah, this definitely the highlight for me. Just reminds me of those YTPs that folks like KeeperOfBeans used to make.
50:36
Amazing review! This made me feel so nostalgic and it was such a fun watch. Well done as always, Luke!
03:58 Knowing the story behind her… scented candles… this made me laugh out loud! 😭😭😭
Overall a fantastic retrospective!
My favorite Thomas movie and a grand way to end the model era of Thomas! Though, I wished if Michael Brandon and Angelis narrated this film. Angelis would still have energy while Brandon would be at his peak moment. Other than that great review and happy new year!
This movie takes the deep hearted in and out of Thomas franchise, special the main character. Took a long process to think or even understand the intelligence from it, but finally with in alittle attention and learned the importance… you finally get it. That what feels about the Great Discovery. 🥹 Deep and absolutely thrilling sweet present. Anyway, thinking a break on emotions, the stories phenomenal and stick back in the fully accidentally lost, and then we find it into the oldest dvd 📀 collection. But here the little twists with in this year of lighting. We have to patch it up and Walla. Special lighting in 2024. Thomas’s Greatest Discovery or Great Production: A- 90 out of 💯. And being 38:21 😂 Happy New Years, Luke! Series 12… it’s not over yet…
You did this film justice so well also is that everywhere at the end of the time?! Definitely my favorite video from you! keep up the good work!
I find all the talk about Stanley being bigger and stronger than Thomas is a bit odd, as Stanley's basis (A Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0 tank engine) is actually smaller than the LBSCR E2 class. If Stanley had been something much larger like a SR Z class 0-8-0 tank engine, then all the bigger and stronger than Thomas talk would make sense.
I really wish The Great Discovery was the true finale to Thomas & Friends. But I’m curious at 50:32 you said “Except…………. It wasn’t”. I wonder why, Luke. That’s where I’m a little curious
The proceedings series 12 footage should tell exactly what I meant 😂
@@usualblokeluke I wish you best of luck mate!
I so wish this was the series finale it would've truly sent the show out with a bang!
I think Thomas is constantly worried about having the rug pulled out from under him. He is (at least in the RWS cannon) a member of a less than satisfactory class of which all examples were scrapped . He comes to Sodor and isn’t wanted back by his old railway, but then things get better for him as he gets the extremely important task of building a new railway and becomes the new railway’s number one. But then after this high, he gets kicked back to the curb and is relegated to station pilot where he is stuck in one place and belittled by the bigger engines. He has another high point when he gets his own branch line, yet he still feels deeply insecure and worried that the plug might be pulled on him again, which leads him to constantly try and elevate himself; hence why he feels the need to belittle Terence or is mistrusting of new comers, almost mimicking the bigger engines’ behavior towards him when he was station pilot. Although it’s hard for him to admit it, Thomas is aware that he is flawed and that he puts on a front to hide his insecurities. Thomas is worried about being replaced by newcomers because that is what happened to his class. Thomas deep down is unhappy with himself, yet he buries this with an outward display of overconfidence. Thomas being unhappy with himself also explains why after every special he resets to wanting another big adventure because it wasn’t fulfilling for him. He knows how inherently replaceable he is, and he doesn’t want the rug to be pulled from under him again. But through various humbling and also uplifting experiences, Thomas matures and realizes that he is valued and doesn’t have to always put up an overconfident front to succeed. While he still slips up from time to time and is still his cheeky self, Thomas eventually becomes truly content with who he is, flaws and all. I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize how long this would be when I started writing, but your analysis of Thomas’s character unlocked something in my mind that I couldn’t put into words before, and I honestly feel like I understand Thomas’ character a lot more thanks to this video. Cheers!
a small thing i appreciate is D10's cameo. an odd thing to point out i know, but it illustrates three things. one is that Diesel 10 makes an appearance in every part of the model era trilogy, even though the three have barely anything to do with eachother, two, it sort of serves as a fitting end to his journey, from the bombastic megalomaniac who wanted to destroy Thomas to an annoyed yet helpful brute who was pleased to hear him ok. i know TATMR is weird and vague canon wise but it was nice to see with the other diesels Thomas had beef with, espcially since D10 and him are kinda the most personal as enemies. and three, it meant that every season, mini-series, and film that introduced a new character got atleast one representation in the film. I've heard that D10 needs to be licensced by Sony to be used, and if thats true it's really sweet that Steve and the other crew atleast respected TATMR enough to even ask HiT to go through the legal trouble for it to be represented in a non speaking cameo.
TGD truly is a tribute and send-off to the full model era that Britt, David, Steve, etc. created, even with little details like this, and i'm glad full-model Thomas went out on such a high note. (if only it had engines 8-11, then it'd be perfect /j)
That edit of Thomas was amazing great job!
I really love this movie and it holds a very special place in my childhood and my heart. But damn! This review goes so hard! I expected you having a lot to talk about with this movie, but I didn't expect to end it with a lot to think about. You've certainly gave me a new perspective on this special and now I have a new respect for it. Nicely done Luke. Nicely done. 👍
Ah yes, The Great Discovery, one of my all time favourite Thomas specials. Really enjoyed this special, and I still love that they got in so many characters for the last (full) model series production, I give this special a 9.5/10.
They had a similar plot in this series in a later special entitled "Sodor's Legend Of The Lost Treasure" with an engine named Ryan where it made slightly more sense than Stanley. Because Ryan is significantly bigger than Thomas whereas Stanley is a tad smaller than him and is even less strong than Thomas. Ryan actually gave Thomas some reason for fear even if he meant no malice. I personally prefer that movie as it also has a human antagonist named Sailor John who is later arrested. I like this movie as well though. But it's evident that Ryan was like a reworked version of Stanley and wasn't entirely "friendly" in the same way, he was at least more of a character and flawed as he could lack courage.
25:50 - 30:20 Damn.When did Thomas become Neon Genesis Evangelion?
Anyway,great video.I was a little scared of this film for a while when I was younger as Thomas in the mine kinda freaked me out (lol) but nowadays I really appreciate this film as it does feel like a grand finale to the model series,and the show as a whole,the production design is great and Thomas' arc is wonderful.
This is such a fantastic video what a way to end the model series of that blue tank engine with a face
17:47 oh. It looks like that because they slowed down the footage to make it more impactful but it looks like a blooper.
Thank you Luke for that video on the great discovery. it was worth the wait for such a excellent review of what would have been the finale of Thomas the tank engine and friend. It wasn’t but still it could have been a whole lot better or worse. I don’t know anyway have a happy new year and let’s hope what twenty twenty five has in store.
47:09 I don’t know if this is a Mandela effect or not, but I remember the US DVD having the Learning Segments play after the credits roll. I don’t know if it actually is on the US DVD, but I do have that memory.
They did play after the movie.
@@loogiman8491 Thank you
17:21 I think that the other two tracks were pulled up or something. Then later that line was extended to 3 tracks wide.
But I don't know if the line is later seen again and it's one track.