DS Forums

 
 

Which idiot made "Thomas The Tank Engine" CGI ? ! ?


Reply
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old 10-06-2015, 10:31
Justin Aerial
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 2,215

Does anyone know why they`ve started making "Thomas The Tank Engine" in CGI ?
Which cretin is responsible for that appalling decision and which wall will he (or she) be shot against ?
One of the best things about Thomas was the fabulous models, in fact, in a way, it was "real", it was the models coming to life. I used to love it and when we had our little terror I thought well that`s one programme I won`t mind watching with him ! But it`s now crappy CGI, I HATE IT !..... I`ve even surprised myself about how upset I am about it !
Did they make Thomas The Tank Engine computer generated because it`s cheaper to make than all the models ? Or is it because they think it`s more trendy, more "up to date" ?
Is there anyone in the world who actually prefers a CGI Thomas The Tank Engine to the old models ?
Lastly, if we buy our lad any Thomas programmes on DVD, does anyone know how can we ensure it`s the kosher version, not the crappy CGI one ?
Justin Aerial is offline   Reply With Quote
Please sign in or register to remove this advertisement.
Old 10-06-2015, 12:52
SaturnV
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,623
Best not watch the new Thunderbirds then. That's lost what it had as well and for the same reasons.
SaturnV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 14:18
n_a1
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 109
Yep I hate cgi too when not used properly it just looks like shining plasticine or marzipan and stiff concrete hair, they could've just scanned the models and puppets in as 3d models touch them up and animate / rig them.
n_a1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 15:40
AidanLunn
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,045
Does anyone know why they`ve started making "Thomas The Tank Engine" in CGI ?
Which cretin is responsible for that appalling decision and which wall will he (or she) be shot against ?
One of the best things about Thomas was the fabulous models, in fact, in a way, it was "real", it was the models coming to life. I used to love it and when we had our little terror I thought well that`s one programme I won`t mind watching with him ! But it`s now crappy CGI, I HATE IT !..... I`ve even surprised myself about how upset I am about it !
Did they make Thomas The Tank Engine computer generated because it`s cheaper to make than all the models ? Or is it because they think it`s more trendy, more "up to date" ?
Is there anyone in the world who actually prefers a CGI Thomas The Tank Engine to the old models ?
Lastly, if we buy our lad any Thomas programmes on DVD, does anyone know how can we ensure it`s the kosher version, not the crappy CGI one ?
How old are you and what age group do you think Thomas the Tank Engine is made for? You must be much older than its intended age group if you're able to post here.

You sound like the type of moaning bore who complained about the upcoming revival of Dangermouse "not being what it was". Hello - reality check! Any such revival is not designed for you and children nowadays expect something different to what past generations of children expected.
AidanLunn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 15:41
Aneechik
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Mount Olympus
Posts: 18,234
Probably it was a person who thought they were making a show for people born after 2005.
Aneechik is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 16:20
Justin Aerial
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 2,215
How old are you and what age group do you think Thomas the Tank Engine is made for? You must be much older than its intended age group if you're able to post here.

You sound like the type of moaning bore who complained about the upcoming revival of Dangermouse "not being what it was". Hello - reality check! Any such revival is not designed for you and children nowadays expect something different to what past generations of children expected.
Let`s all be pleasant to each other, or not.

I accept that a Digital Spy is not the best platform to point out that virtually any aspect of modern technology is crap, but come off it, CGI Thomas is ****. I`ve never spoken to anyone who demurs on the point. I`d be amazed if any young kids (normal ones, as opposed to ones who never climb trees and were bought bleedin` "I Pads" at two years old.....) preferred the CGI version, the models are cute, and, let`s remember, more like the toys they actually play with.
But you`re forgetting one of the great strengths of the Thomas series, it is one of the shows that parents, particularly men, don`t mind watching with their kids. The fact they may not be quite so keen anymore is very sad.
Justin Aerial is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 16:23
Justin Aerial
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 2,215
Probably it was a person who thought they were making a show for people born after 2005.
What is the significance of 2005........
But are you saying kids are different from how they`ve always been ? I don`t actually think they are at all. And if you are saying they`ve changed significantly in 10 years how worrying is that ? How different (weird....) will they be in another 100 years.
Justin Aerial is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 16:25
hyperstarsponge
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: North East
Posts: 12,254
Thing is the children aren't really that into them as you would like to think. Some may call it ****.
hyperstarsponge is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 16:28
Soundbox
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: The garden of earthly delights
Posts: 4,509
Lets forget that childrens programmes are made by adults - probably with little input from the target audience. The budget for kids TV has also been cut so you have a situation where adults with not much money to play with have been 'ordered' to make something new. Gone are the days where legendary kids TV was made - what we have now is filler at best. Children no longer avidly follow a certain series and prefer other activities like using the computer.

But why are they rehashing old TV anyway? Do todays kids even know what a steam train is? Or Thunderbirds?
Soundbox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 16:31
Tele_addict
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bognor Regis, Sussex
Posts: 1,087
Everything is CGI now, I presume because it is cheaper but you get what you pay for! The new CGI versions look tacky and I hate it! I find it sad seeing much loved childrens programmes going this way. The same thing has happened to Fireman Sam and I used to love that programme. I think back to the lovely animations made in the 1980s. One that sticks in my mind is The Wind In The Willows with David Jason voicing Toad. Something like that would never be made now and all because TV execs are being tight and rather keep the money.
Tele_addict is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 16:48
Justin Aerial
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 2,215
You sound like the type of moaning bore who complained about the upcoming revival of Dangermouse "not being what it was". Hello - reality check! Any such revival is not designed for you and children nowadays expect something different to what past generations of children expected.
But you`re forgetting one of the great strengths of the Thomas series, it is one of the shows that parents, particularly men, don`t mind watching with their kids. The fact they may not be quite so keen anymore is very sad.
Actually, there`s another, rather more mercenary reason why this is not entirely true. Who do you think buys the DVDs for their kids ?
Adults.
And, obviously, adults who liked the programme themselves (and would like to watch it with their kids) would be more likely to buy it.
Justin Aerial is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 17:41
NoseyLouie
Forum Member
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Glasgow - Land of everypoo
Posts: 5,378
I found it a bit weird at first, but my daughter enjoys it, so I am used to it now The library has some classic Thomas dvds, think I will get them, will be interesting to see if the wee one finds that weird, just narrated and the characters mouths dont move She likes Button Moon, so should be fine
NoseyLouie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 18:24
dave_windows
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,371
Does anyone know why they`ve started making "Thomas The Tank Engine" in CGI ?
Which cretin is responsible for that appalling decision and which wall will he (or she) be shot against ?
One of the best things about Thomas was the fabulous models, in fact, in a way, it was "real", it was the models coming to life. I used to love it and when we had our little terror I thought well that`s one programme I won`t mind watching with him ! But it`s now crappy CGI, I HATE IT !..... I`ve even surprised myself about how upset I am about it !
Did they make Thomas The Tank Engine computer generated because it`s cheaper to make than all the models ? Or is it because they think it`s more trendy, more "up to date" ?
Is there anyone in the world who actually prefers a CGI Thomas The Tank Engine to the old models ?
Lastly, if we buy our lad any Thomas programmes on DVD, does anyone know how can we ensure it`s the kosher version, not the crappy CGI one ?
Yeah just stick to complete series 1 - 7.

I aint letting my kids anywhere near shitty new dangermouse, thundercats or thunderbirds. If I desire to want them watching these shows im putting on the dvds for the original.
dave_windows is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 18:37
Bonnie Scotland
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 640
to me, CGI rarely looks 'real' even in multi-million dollar blockbusters. not necessarily saying shows like thomas or thunderbirds are going for the 'this is real' look but that aside i agree, thomas (and thunderbirds) was so much better in the old days

would be interesting to sit a group of adults and kids down, let them watch say 5 episodes of the pre CGI stuff, 5 episodes of the CGI stuff, then get them to vote on which they preferred look wise.
Bonnie Scotland is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 19:17
bbclassics
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,931
The theme tunes always change for the worst too.

Also they changed the theme tune to Inspector Gadget (one of the catchiest themes ever) to a lame new one, and CGI'd it all.
bbclassics is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 22:40
TRT1968
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,394
Hmm, what's cheaper? Paying a geek and renting a render farm or sticking some bobbly eyes on a spoon? It can't be as much fun as radio controlled faces and a Hornby set though?
TRT1968 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 23:20
rammie96
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 369
My son would never watch the 'old' episodes once the CGI ones started - it's been CGI for a few years know and he much prefers them.

And surely he's the type of viewer that actually matters?
rammie96 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2015, 07:49
dave_windows
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,371
The theme tunes always change for the worst too.

Also they changed the theme tune to Inspector Gadget (one of the catchiest themes ever) to a lame new one, and CGI'd it all.
Thats why ill just watch old episodes on youtube.
dave_windows is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2015, 07:50
dave_windows
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,371
My son would never watch the 'old' episodes once the CGI ones started - it's been CGI for a few years know and he much prefers them.

And surely he's the type of viewer that actually matters?
To be fair you pay for the tv so you as the parent decide what they watch. If you decide only old Thomas then nothing they can do about it.
dave_windows is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2015, 08:17
rammie96
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 369
would be interesting to sit a group of adults and kids down, let them watch say 5 episodes of the pre CGI stuff, 5 episodes of the CGI stuff, then get them to vote on which they preferred look wise.
I think the kids would certainly vote for the CGI versions.

The other thing to consider is that most of those 'classic' versions would probably have never happened if CGI had been available at the time.

Going back to Thomas - it was actually quite a gradual evolution to full CGI. There were a few series with 'real' trains that had CGI faces that allowed them to have more expression and to 'talk' properly (this is when they started getting individual voices rather than a single narrator). I actually think it's been done quite well.
rammie96 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2015, 11:08
allafix
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sussex by the Sea
Posts: 19,193
Speaking as someone who grew up loving the Thomas the Tank Engine books the graphics and engine expressions were always rather cartoon like. Filming it with train models never looked right to me, but the great voice overs made up for it. I haven't seen the CGI version, no kids in the house at the moment, but it could well be more in the spirit of the original.

Thunderbirds CGI on the other hand is an abomination. A total travesty of the original.
allafix is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2015, 11:26
Sifter22
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 6,400
Think I saw Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in some weird form of CGI the other day. I quickly turned over so my childhood wouldn't be ruined.
Sifter22 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2015, 12:14
SaturnV
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,623
Kids are being seriously shortchanged with the (relatively) cheap CGI served up now, they deserve better.
Has anyone seen some of the appalling mess shown on Baby TV for instance? Compare that to the Woodentops, Teletubbies or anything with real things in it and you've got to feel sorry for the little blighters.
SaturnV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2015, 12:28
alfster
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,065
You will be glad to know the new Clangers episodes are NOT CGI. Woot woot.

They specifically mentioned the fact they decided not to CGI it all.

There is charm about stop motion and cartoons which is why Wallace & Gromit are still popular.

The very fact that kids on Christmas day are happy playing with the boxes the presents came in or the Christmas table ornaments shows they have no preference for CGI - more that people who make these shows *say* people *expect* CGI not 'old-fashioned' stop-motion.
alfster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2015, 12:35
grazey1985
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,236
I saw an episode last night.i thought it was terrible especially the singing. I do understand that kids today have different tastes and expectations and what was acceptable then maybe isn't acceptable now. I totally understand why they went in that direction.
grazey1985 is offline   Reply With Quote
 
Reply



Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 
Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 11:51.