Thomas and the Magic Railroad - Director's Cut Release
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Author:
n/a -
Send To:
HiT Entertainment, Destination Films, Britt Allcroft Productions
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Sponsored By:
Sodor Island Community -
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In February of 2007, members of Sodor Island Forums came across a copy of the original script to Thomas and the Magic Railroad from May 1999. A wholly different version of the story than what was released by Destination Films and Gullane Entertainment in July 2000.
Following a "control group" to gauge reaction to the Director's cut of the film, numerous cast members were axed. The original character voices for Thomas, Percy and James were removed, as well as a key player within the film, PT Boomer, played by Doug Lennox, who claims to be proud of his involvement and performance within the movie. As a result of numerous last minute cuts, the film was a critical flop and cost Director/Producer/Writer, Britt Allcroft - a Thomas TV founder - her place within her own company. Sadly, most criticism attracted toward the film has been unfairly aimed at Britt herself.
According to correspondance with Britt herself, a Director's cut of the film was made between her and her editor. Following a lot of extensive research into the production of the Magic Railroad Movie, we have decided to go ahead and spearhead a campaign to try and persuade the current rights owners to have this Director's Cut released.
If successful, for the actors, it would provide justice. Peter Fonda was particularly displeased at his character's later involvement in the movie as a result of the cuts, feeling that there seemed no purpose in him being there. It would also give actors like John Bellis, Michael Angelis and Doug Lennox the chance to shine that they never originally had. For Britt, there would be vindication. The backlash she received was unjustified, owing to the recommendations she was given and the length of time she had to implement them; it also cost Thomas a valuable guardian. And for the fans of the series, young and old, it would be a chance to 'rediscover the Magic Railroad', and see the real magic.
Thomas the Tank Engine is at a point of popularity at the moment that far surpasses anything the character or brand has seen in years previously. There is no better time to restore a little magic to Thomas and the Magic Railroad!
Following a "control group" to gauge reaction to the Director's cut of the film, numerous cast members were axed. The original character voices for Thomas, Percy and James were removed, as well as a key player within the film, PT Boomer, played by Doug Lennox, who claims to be proud of his involvement and performance within the movie. As a result of numerous last minute cuts, the film was a critical flop and cost Director/Producer/Writer, Britt Allcroft - a Thomas TV founder - her place within her own company. Sadly, most criticism attracted toward the film has been unfairly aimed at Britt herself.
According to correspondance with Britt herself, a Director's cut of the film was made between her and her editor. Following a lot of extensive research into the production of the Magic Railroad Movie, we have decided to go ahead and spearhead a campaign to try and persuade the current rights owners to have this Director's Cut released.
If successful, for the actors, it would provide justice. Peter Fonda was particularly displeased at his character's later involvement in the movie as a result of the cuts, feeling that there seemed no purpose in him being there. It would also give actors like John Bellis, Michael Angelis and Doug Lennox the chance to shine that they never originally had. For Britt, there would be vindication. The backlash she received was unjustified, owing to the recommendations she was given and the length of time she had to implement them; it also cost Thomas a valuable guardian. And for the fans of the series, young and old, it would be a chance to 'rediscover the Magic Railroad', and see the real magic.
Thomas the Tank Engine is at a point of popularity at the moment that far surpasses anything the character or brand has seen in years previously. There is no better time to restore a little magic to Thomas and the Magic Railroad!
1596 Signatures
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Ryan Hagan
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Tim Darby
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- This is the best Thomas-releated idea ever. Mr. Undersigned, you're a genius.
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Steven McGregor
- Comments
- Let's give Thomas the treatment he deserves!
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Rhys Davies
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- As someone fortunate enough to read the draft script, and who sees the magic in the Magic Railroad even with the cuts made, I agree wholeheartedly in the value of a Director's Cut release - please, let this film be done the justice it deserves :)
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Daniel Howells
- Comments
- A lot of gems were removed in the final cut, so this would make a great release. Finally, true justice could be brought to Britt's work
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John Wondolowski
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- Let's see once and for all what Allcroft really had in mind.
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Chris Babiash
- Comments
- I would definately buy a Director's Cut of this movie, if one was made available on DVD
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OJ
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David
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Laurence Williams
- Comments
- i can't wait to see how this works out
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Nimalan Satkurunathan
- Comments
- В
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Chris Eden-Green
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Sue
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Evan Fleischer
- Comments
- This movie had the potential of being one of the greats (in childrens movies). Release the Director's Cut of TatMR!
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Andrew Robinson
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Christopher Signore
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- I remember watching the original Magic Railroad film some years ago, and in spite of being a dedicated Thomas Fan, even I felt that something special was missing from his first Theatrical Release - and until discovering the original edits that were removed, I realised that a LOT more was missing that I thought! I don't frankly care what any American thinks of how Percy or James sound with Liverpudlian voices. Thomas is, after all, originally a BRITISH Character and thus deserves the proper credit and love he needs. I would be absolutely thrilled to see the Magic Railroad in it's original glory and to stop the complaints against Britt Allcroft once and for all.
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David Gurney
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- I fully agree that a Director's cut should be made available. I, for one was completely disappointed with Thomas and the Magic Railroad when I watched it. I found it very Americanised, and it lacked any sort of humour or decent characterization (particularly on the part of the human characters). However, after reading about bits and pieces of what was left out of the final script, on Sodor Island Forums, I can safely say that it would be a lot more entertaining, and a lot more watchable for older fans of the show.
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Douglas Roberts
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- I saw this a few years ago and was appalled at the state of affairs. TATMR was set to be the little blue tank engine's greatest adventure yet- and it turned out to be a travesty. I was even more disgusted at the "double cross"against Ms Britt Allcroft, who, the Petition Leader described quite rightly as a "valuable guardian of Thomas". Therefore, I feel that the DIRECTOR'S CUT absolutly must be released. Then and only then would the public have the chance to see the -real- 'Railroad' and just how great this project could have - and likely is.
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Dave Malinsky
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- I initially thought of 'Magic Railroad as an insult to my childheed, but after having read about what could have been, I have gained a newfound appreciation of the film.
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Chris Lee
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- Having seen the film as a kid, and also being a fan of Michael Angelis, I would love to see a directors cut.
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William George Peterson
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Joshua Hamilton
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Matthew
- Comments
- T&TMR disappointed me...
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Michael Driver
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Christopher
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- I've read some excellent facts about what Thomas and the Magic Railroad could have been, and I would love to see it finished and released.
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Jay Monaghan (BoCodiseasel)
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- I would love to see the film WITHOUT any cuts. I'd love it that way!! ^^
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Ryan Burgess
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- The fans and everyone involved in this production deserve to see the film as it was originally inteded! Bring forth the Director's Cut!
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....
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- I agree.
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Ronnie Schnepf
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- I strongly agree with the points that have been made, and feel that this would be a crucial step towards success that this movie has yet to enjoy.
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Dan
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- A directors cut of T&TMRR would be spectacular, my best wishes to all that this petition get's heard by the creators.
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Jock Martin (Cranky 4565)
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- This is gonna be so sweet. Its an awsome film.
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Aidan Rea
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Stephen M.
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Charles M.
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- I enjoyed the film as it was, and find some of the comments made against it grossly unfair (such as Peter Fonda's supposedly "wooden" acting). However, I feel that from what I've heard about the original script, the director's cut of this film sounds so great. I hope that it can one day be seen in all it's glory.
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Jake
- Comments
- Hearing the news, the only thing to say is, "Get this version released!"
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legoguy
- Comments
- hellyea!
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James Pyle
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Stuart Fewtrell
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Ricky Imparato
- Comments
- i really want to see this, i didnt like the movie much but i bet i would love to see it in its first glory
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Joey Bennett
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Jeff L.
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Mike Lyons
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Emperor
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Tristan M.
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Eliot Andersen
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John Gregorio
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Thomas Dumbell
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thomas biddle
- Comments
- this'll be really worth the watch
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Jeremy Nguyen (mousepound64)
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Carly Nonemaker
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1596
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