Thomas & Friends: Percy's Chocolate Crunch & Other Thomas Adventures

Adapted from the classic The Railway Series stories by the Rev. W. Awdry, Alec Baldwin narrates this six-episode compilation featuring Thomas and the other talking engines that live, labor, and hassle one another on the Island of Sodor under the direction of Sir Topham Hatt. The title episode finds prissy Percy peeved at a water shortage that leaves him rather soiled and a prime target for wisecracks--until an accident earns him a well-deserved christening…but not with water. Other episodes include “Gordon Takes a Tumble,” which finds pretentious Gordon in a serious scrape when he doesn't follow the rules, as well as “Thomas, Percy and the Squeak,” “Buffer Brother,” “Middle Engine,” and “Faulty Whistles,” along with the musical segment “Little Engines.” A surprisingly engaging and inventive program for a nearly 50-year-old series about a train-yard, this latest addition is recommended. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams)