The Great Discovery



"The Great Discovery" is an upcoming direct-to-DVD special, it is the second special since "Thomas and the Magic Railroad" and the first to be shown in theaters since.

This special is expected to be released in autumn of 2008. It will be the first "Thomas and Friends" production to be narrated by Pierce Brosnan.

"The Great Discovery" begins when an old town high in the mountains is discovered. Thomas is placed in charge of the town's restoration for the annual "Sodor Day" celebration. In order to get the important work done on the island, a new tank engine called Stanley is brought to the railway to help.

Thomas is afraid Stanley will steal his glory, so he tries to make him look silly by playing a trick on him. The plan goes wrong, however, and when Thomas goes missing the Fat Controller launches a search party all over Sodor. Thomas is found by Stanley, and the two become friends.

Theatrical Release
The Great Discovery: The Movie was shown in select theaters in the U.S. throughout July and showing on the weekends and in the U.K., throughout September.

DVD Special Features
HiT Entertainment has announced that several new "Great Discovery" games will be included on the DVD release as well as a Behind the Scenes Featurette starring Pierce Brosnan.

Merchandising
An audio CD of "The Great Discovery" will be released in the U.K. this September: 

A die-cast Take Along model of Stanley will be introduced into the Take Along System: 

A wooden model of Stanley will be introduced into the Wooden Railway System: 

A wooden model of a mud-covered Thomas will be introduced into the Wooden Railway System: 

A new line of toys, called the Talking Railway Series line, will be introduced this fall including a "Great Discovery" set: 

Hornby is to release a "Great Discovery" set with a tired looking Thomas.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Edward
 * Henry
 * Gordon
 * James
 * Percy
 * Toby
 * Emily
 * The Fat Controller
 * Skarloey
 * Rheneas
 * Sir Handel
 * Peter Sam
 * Rusty
 * Duncan
 * Freddie
 * Mighty Mac
 * The Thin Controller
 * Jack
 * Alfie
 * Oliver (The Pack)
 * Max and Monty
 * Ned
 * Stanley (new character)
 * Molly
 * Bertie
 * Terence (cameo)
 * George (cameo)