The original Thomas & Friends pilot has been restored — ‘and it looks beautiful’ 

The iconic children’s TV show, Thomas & Friends, has a rich history that dates back more than four decades. Recently, fans were delighted to learn that the original unaired pilot episode of the show, filmed in 1983, has been found and restored after being stashed away and forgotten for 43 years.

The pilot episode, titled “Down The Mine,” was narrated by Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and served as the introduction to the smiling blue tank engine and his locomotive pals. Although the episode was eventually re-shot for the first season of the series, the original film reels were discovered in the Mattel archives by producer Ian McCue and a consultant.

Despite being in poor condition, the film reels were carefully restored and digitized by Silver Salt Restoration in London. The restoration efforts were spearheaded by McCue, who was thrilled to uncover this piece of Thomas & Friends history in time for the franchise’s 80th anniversary celebration.

One of the most exciting discoveries during the restoration process was hearing Ringo Starr’s unmistakable voice narrating the pilot episode. Starr, who narrated the show’s first few seasons, lent his talents to the pilot before the show was picked up for a full season.

While the film reels were successfully restored, one missing piece of the puzzle remained – the original music. To rectify this, McCue reached out to Mike O’Donnell, co-composer of the show’s theme music, who provided a new score for the pilot episode.

The restoration of the unaired pilot episode has been met with enthusiasm from fans of all ages. Kim Wilson, co-founder of the Children’s Media Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University, praised the effort to preserve and share this piece of Thomas & Friends history. Wilson believes that legacy brands like Thomas & Friends hold a special place in the hearts of viewers, spanning generations and reinforcing parental bonds.

As the media industry focuses on keeping these legacy brands alive, more hidden gems like the unaired pilot episode of Thomas & Friends may come to light. By adapting to modern audiences and incorporating diverse characters, franchises like Thomas & Friends can continue to resonate with viewers young and old.

In conclusion, the restoration of the unaired Thomas & Friends pilot episode is a testament to the enduring popularity of the beloved children’s show. With its rich history, timeless themes, and lovable characters, Thomas & Friends continues to capture the hearts of fans around the world.