Thomas & Friends is celebrating its 80th anniversary by releasing its lost 1983 pilot episode of the TV show and holding a charity auction featuring signed memorabilia from celebrities and original props.
The original previously unreleased pilot episode of Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends will be released on YouTube on Friday, May 9 at 1 p.m. ET, just prior to the iconic brand’s 80th anniversary on May 12.
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
Narrating that episode is legendary Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, who set the bar for the several celebrated storytellers to follow.
In order to release the pilot episode, it had to be reconstructed by splicing together pieces of the original 40-year-old 35mm film and digitized to give fans a look at the historic origins of the beloved series.
Musician Mike O’Donnell, who served as the composer for the show from 1984 through 2003, was tasked with creating new music for the revived episode.
“For 80 years, the Thomas & Friends brand has brought joy to generations, sharing timeless stories and valuable life lessons,” says Roberto Stanichi, executive vice president, Hot Wheels and global head, vehicles and building sets, Mattel in a statement. “As we celebrate this momentous year, we’re unveiling 40-year-old footage and newly uncovered stories from the vault for the first time ever, offering longtime fans and new audiences the chance to reconnect with the beloved adventures of Thomas & Friends in new and nostalgic ways.”
Along with the release of the pilot episode, Mattel has teamed with British memorabilia auction house Propstore for a charity auction. It includes props from the show as well as signed pieces by celebrity voice actors, including Eddie Redmayne, Olivia Colman and more. The auction, which benefits the U.K.’s National Autistic Society, opens for registration on May 9 with bidding from May 12 through 28.
The toymaker is also releasing new episodes of the Thomas & Friends Storytime podcast beginning on May 12 to tie into the 80th anniversary.
