Thomas & Friends offer up a collection of classic episodes each running 5+ minutes each (a total of 48 minutes total run time), Holiday/Snow themed, featuring the voice talent of late comedian George Carlin. As a bonus kids (or adults) receive a limited edition Holiday Train toy.

I know what your thinking; 5+ minute episodes, how fun can that be? Well take into account the attention span of the targeted audience the fact that, as a parent, your forced to watch hours of kids shows by way of educational stimulus, entertainment, or simply because your kids are being bouncing off walls and no one makes for a better babysitter then your television. These mini episodes of Thomas & Friends are both short and sweet but they seem, to me anyway, to offer up a kind of quality that shines even though Thomas & Friends have started to go a little CGI happy (not that that’s a bad thing). It is still amazing to see the small sets made large by the creative narration of the show various voice actors, the simple but effective use of models as characters, and the seemingly expansive layout of the sets that include intricate detail and impressive craftsmanship that has all but disappeared. I honestly can say that I sat through the entirety of the DVD without once being put off and the kids seemed fascinated by the lost art with which this show is created.

Bonus features for the disc, and remember the target audience, are Sodor Sounds Game and Cargo Challenge Game. Even the kids weren’t completely enthralled by these bonus features which seem to lax for older kids and not engaging enough for smaller ones. The one bonus that did spark a lot of attention was the small toy train that came with the DVD. My nephew played with it from the moment I handed it to him to the moment he left my house. It doesn’t transform, it doesn’t talk, it just rolls and yet he loved every second of it. Kind of makes you wonder. In any case I thought this collection was solid and will make for a great accompaniment to the holidays. Enjoy.