One of the things that is such an upgrade IMO is the Sound.
You get Railsounds, not Trainsounds and you don't have to buy a separate Tender.
You get Tom Hanks and you don't have to buy another car.
Finally a Lionel starter set that really smokes! What an upgrade that is.
I just think for the price it is a winner. We will have to see how it sells but as far as the Polar Express set I think it is better than the original.