DVD: The Polar Express: Tom Hanks; Michael Jeter; Josh Hutcherson

It's Christmas Eve - and a young lad who's become increasingly sceptical about the existence of Santa Claus sees the Polar Express stop outside his window. Encouraged on board by the Conductor, he makes a lot of new friends, encounters an oddly comforting and wise ghostly hobo, a herd of stubborn caribou blocking the tracks, abandoned toys that talk, steep climbs and wild descents...and with two of his new friends, gets lost in an elf-command centre and gift wrapping facility before being accidentally dumped into a massive slide that leads to a huge sackful of presents. Yet along the way he learns the value of belief, friendship and trust. Using motion capture animation, The Polar Express is an allegory for the spiritual journey towards faith. Also stars Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye, Peter Scolari and Eddie Deezen. There's even a surprise 'appearance' from Steve Tyler of Aerosmith.