Before I review it, what matters most are my kids' reaction to it: they LOVE this movie! Other than Hero of the Rails, this is the only other Thomas movie they've ever requested again and again, back-to-back. My sons are (currently) 2.5 and 5. And as for the music? Well, it's the first true "musical" Thomas movie: Six different songs, with the first and last based upon one another in order to start and finish the story arch. My kids can now sing all six songs by heart, in the car, in the bath, at daycare, at the dinner table. And if it wasn't enjoyable enough, it's PERCY who delivers the funniest, grown-up humored joke in the entire movie!There are two significant, questionable (adult-upsetting) plot choices made by the production company in terms of how the story unravels. 1) Thomas outright STEALS a job from James, and as a result, Sir Toppemhat is complacent, and James is stuck unfairly pulling Thomas' branch line in his place. Thomas is never truly punished, scolded, or even given a talking to for his selfish actions. 2) Two trains working in what can only be referred to "train hell" - a molten steelworks factory - lure other unsuspecting trains into the factory and essentially entrap them because they, themselves, are overworked in their highly-dangerous professions and would rather be doing nothing except telling their "captives" what to do. Ultimately, they become friends with Thomas and the other new friends Thomas has made along his journey on the mainland... essentially rewarding the former captors for their misdeeds.It's not a perfect story. Again, I've highlighted larger, adult-noticeable flaws. Otherwise, the movie itself is actually quite enjoyable as an adult to watch! The pacing is very good for keeping my kids attention; the songs are far from Grammy- or Oscar-worthy, but plenty fun enough for my sons to have memorized. I believe "catchy" is the correct word. I feel like modern toddler TV shows have moved towards the "act poorly and be rewarded" model - look at great shows like Curious George and Caiou (well, Caiou maybe not so great) as perfect examples.And, perhaps most importantly, my kids didn't see the two plot issues I've had, but instead gleaned the positive messages: Even if you don't think you can do anything right, you should still always try; Friendship is more important than selfish pride.So, after all this... I do so want to give it only 8 stars, but cannot! Because it's not really about what I think in this case, but what my sons think. And to them? This is perhaps the BEST movie yet. Musical Thomas movies are hopefully the way of the future! Combine the musical idea with better stories (like Hero of the Rails or The Great Race) and they'd have a superb toddler masterpiece.

Before the movie was released, I had high expectations for this movie. I thought Thomas the Tank Engine would finally get to see the world. Unfortunately, this film is a COMPLETE MESS!!! It includes useless "Wizard of Oz" jokes and too much musical numbers, much more like "The Great Race." The only thing that I liked was the animation and how they made the engines moved by themselves! Overall, this movie is trash, and no one should be able to watch it!

We are huge Thomas fans normally and enjoy a huge range of Sodor films from the good old Ringo Starr ones right up to The Great Race. Unfortunately this film seriously lets down the whole franchise. I think the makers have tried too hard to explore a whole range of modern issues and in the confusion have forgotten that the most important thing is to tell a good story well! The songs are also awful. The DVD will definitely not be on our Christmas list!

Do you think those with special needs should get a job and stop using it as an excuse to get out of exhausting and dangerous work? Then you'll love 'Journey Beyond Sodor'!Watch along as Thomas and James escape being trafficked by talking their new, 'experimental' friends into taking their place. Discover that traffickers aren't that bad; they're just understaffed. Marvel as Thomas avoids talking with a clingy Jamaican who has the audacity to try to start a conversation with him.This film has it all!