While watching the annual showing of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on network television this weekend and realizing this was the 50th Anniversary for it, I wonder whether MTH erred by not issuing a 50th Anniversary Edition of their RTR Rudolph starter set to coincide with this film's milestone.
While not the theatrical release that Warner Brother's Polar Express was, the animated Rudolph has nonetheless withstood the test of time establishing itself as a classic holiday film that's been enjoyed by many generations. Being available in dvd, book, and record form, it's certainly endured to its Golden Anniversary this year.
Many owners of holiday trains consider this MTH set to have the best sound set of all holiday themed trains. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl0XR8J4yFs
I won't speculate whether Target's tv sponsorship of this film might have possibly led to a promotional tie-in of such a 50th Anniversay edition of this set giving way to it being sold in their retail stores.
While Lionel has certainly capitalized on the 10th anniversary of the Polar Express, do you think MTH should have similarly issued a 50th anniversary edition of their Rudolph set?
Please share what your thoughts and opinions. Has MTH missed out on a great promotional and sales opportunity by not reissuing their Rudolph set this year?