RIDE ALONG WITH YOUR FAVORITE FRIENDS IN THE ALL-NEW THOMAS & FRIENDS VIDEO/DVD RELEASE FEATURING A DELIGHTFUL COLLECTION OF SWEET" STORIES WITH ALEC BALDWIN! 'Percys Chocolate Crunch & Other Thomas Adventures

Join everyones Number 1 Engine, Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as Percy, James, Gordon and many of their friends for Percys Chocolate Crunch & Other Thomas Adventures, the latest Thomas & Friends release available nationwide on February 25, 2003 direct-to-video and DVD, from Anchor Bay Entertainment.

Troy, Michigan -Its time to pack your bags and hop on board with Thomas & Friends for a rail yard full of exciting adventures. Join everyones Number 1 Engine, Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as Percy, James, Gordon and many of their friends for Percys Chocolate Crunch & Other Thomas Adventures, the latest Thomas & Friends release available nationwide on February 25, 2003 direct-to-video and DVD, from Anchor Bay Entertainment. Storyteller Alec Baldwin captivates young viewers with six,fun-filled episodes that celebrate the life lessons of friendship, exploration and cooperation, as well as a sing-along music video, Little Engines," which proves even the smallest engines can do mighty things. Suggested retail price for the 38-minute VHS is $12.98 and the DVD is $19.98.

Anchor Bay Entertainment will also release a Special LIMITED EDITION of Percys Chocolate Crunch VHS packaged with "Terence the Tractor" from Learning Curve Internationals Thomas Wooden Railway for a suggested retail price of $14.98. To make viewing the video a truly interactive experience, children can engage in train play with friend Terence.       

Percys Chocolate Crunch DVD is loaded with bonus features, including the all-new Sodor Superstars Hall of Fame, which is full of fun and exciting facts abut Thomas The Tank Engine and his friends. There are also two exclusive games: Sodors Special Spelling Game and Percys Puzzle, a read-along book entitled Thomas Tells A Lie," and much more!

Fans of Thomas & Friends are sure to enjoy all of the special adventures of Percys Chocolate Crunch, including Percys rather unexpected stop at Mr. Jollys Chocolate Factory. Children will see how the engines help to get a famous opera singer to the Island of Sodor Right on Time, and learn that being boastful is not the answer. Each episode offers children a life lesson about friendship, the importance of doing a good job, what to do when you make a mistake, and how to handle bullies. Cheer along with Thomas & Friends with these six episodes:
·   Percys Chocolate Crunch -- A water shortage on the Island of Sodor causes Sir Topham Hatt to cut down all engine washes to one cleaning a day. Percy, who had been working hard at the coal mines, is upset, and tries to find jobs which will keep him clean. However, a series of mishaps occur which leads to a very messy visit to Mr. Jolly's chocolate factory. Though covered in ooey-gooey chocolate, Percy knows his usefulness will soon pay off with a good engine wash!

·   Thomas, Percy and the Squeak -- When opera star Allicia Botti comes to the Island of Sodor, Thomas is proud to be the engine that transports Allicia to her concert. But when she spots a mouse in one of Thomas coaches, she screams and shatters all the local windows in town. She decides that Percy will carry her instead, even though hes all smudged with soot.

·   Gordon Takes a Tumble -- Express engine Gordon takes pride in doing work that is speedy and dignified. But sometimes his haughtiness gets in the way of doing a good job. For example, one day he ignores the Go Slow" signs on the branch line, and ends up sliding off the tracks. Gordon is ashamed, but his friends rally around to assure him that we all make mistakes."

·   Buffer Bother -- Twin quarry engines Bill and Ben bicker when Ben gets to have a new set of buffers. Bill, green with envy of Bens new buffers, must still carry on the quarry work. Overcome with envy, Bill rides off the track and ends up needing a complete overhaul!

·   Middle Engine -- None of the engines likes being stuck in the middle of other cars. Iron 'Arry and Iron Bert trick Percy in between two coal cars on their way to the coal plant. Henry accidentally bumps Percy onto the loading ramp and Percy almost winds up in the coal bin! James boasts he can handle the tricksters, but he too is fooled by Iron 'Arry and Iron Bert. James winds up in the middle of two coal cars, and cant deliver the coal. Sir Topham Hatt fetches Percy to James rescue bringing the carloads of coal to the docks on time.

·   Faulty Whistle -- Every engine needs a whistle to ride the rails safely. When Peter Sam accidentally knocks off his whistle, he cant work. Duncan haughtily takes over Peter Sams job delivering freight cars to each station while carrying the school headmaster and the new pipe organ to Strawberry Grove. Wanting to be admired, Duncan blasts his whistle so loud that the whistle blows off! The headmaster makes it possible for Duncan to finish his work by playing the organ at each crossing and station.

After viewing these action-packed episodes, join in for the delightful music video segment, Little Engines." Children will love the songs message that even the smallest engines can do the biggest things."

More than a decade ago Thomas & Friends was introduced to children in the United States, and the world of trains has never been the same. Thomas & Friends is one of the most popular children's VHS/DVD series, having sold millions of copies and been awarded platinum-selling status.

Each new Thomas release consistently ranks on the Top 50 chart of children's weekly videos sales (VideoScan), and many have received KIDS FIRST! endorsements from the Coalition for Quality Children's Media. Thomas & Friends VHS/DVDs have received numerous other awards and recognition including several Parents' Choice awards and TV Guide's "Best in Home Video." For more information about Thomas, visit www.thomasthetankengine.com.

Anchor Bay Entertainment is a leader in the field of home entertainment. In addition to the ever-popular Thomas & Friends childrens VHS/DVD collection, the company offers an expansive selection of theatrical films and chart-topping fitness titles, including the Crunch" and For Dummies" series. Anchor Bay Entertainment is a member company of North Coast Entertainment, a subsidiary of Handleman Company (NYSE: HDL). Anchor Bay Entertainment and Handleman Company can be accessed via the web by visiting www.anchorbayentertainment.com and www.handleman.com.
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