"Thomas and the Magic Railroad" was released in July 2000 in the UK, US, and Canada. It featured new characters created by Allcroft, along with characters from the show that introduced "Thomas" to the U.S., "Shining Time Station". Despite high production values and the popularity of the show, the film was criticised by British reviewers who were unfamiliar with "Shining Time Station". The movie was well received by young children on both sides of the Atlantic, but made only $19.7 million at the box office, against a cost of The film was broadcast on BBC1 on 1 January 2004 and again on 29 December 2008.