Thomas & Friends: Blue Mountain Mystery

Thomas & Friends: Blue Mountain Mystery has built a real following in the US on Amazon Prime Video, and in the UK on Amazon Prime Video among viewers who do not usually seek out animation. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. Its 7/10 TMDB score, built from 18 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. The visual style is immediately recognisable, but the writing is what keeps you watching. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Amazon Prime Video.

Thomas & Friends: Blue Mountain Mystery is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. Thomas & Friends: Blue Mountain Mystery has the visual identity that makes it immediately recognisable, and the writing to back it up. When trouble strikes at the Blue Mountain Quarry, Thomas is sent to help his Narrow Gauge engine friends. While shunting and hauling, he catches a glimpse of a small engine trying to hide, yet no one will provide any clues to the engine's identity. Thomas is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery but discovering the truth is harder than he imagined! Michael Angelis and Ben Small bring voice work that does more than the format usually asks for. It was released in 2012. Thomas & Friends: Blue Mountain Mystery uses the freedom of animation to tell stories live-action could not attempt. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

If you have been sleeping on Thomas & Friends: Blue Mountain Mystery because of the format, the format is not the issue here. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Michael Angelis brings more to the role than the format usually demands. A harder one to justify skipping than to start.

Thomas & Friends: Blue Mountain Mystery was released in 2012, directed by Greg Tiernan. The full 61-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.