Reviews Archive for Randall Cyrenne

Thundarr The Barbarian: The Complete Series

Warner Archive does fans a huge favor by putting out this 1980 gem of a show from Ruby-Spears, which featured contributions by comic book legends Steve Gerber, Alex Toth, and Jack Kirby.

It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

The classic special is as great as ever, but can Blu-ray make it better?

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse

A bad comic becomes a mediocre movie, but there’s lots of action and some decent bonus features, including a fun Green Arrow short.

He’s Your Dog, Charlie Brown: Remastered Deluxe Edition

Snoopy is sent to obedience school, but ends up with Peppermnt Patty in this special’s second DVD in just over a year. The bonus is good too, but this double-dip’s best part is the extra on Charles Schulz’s ice arena.

Tinker Bell And The Great Fairy Rescue

Tinker Bell’s third movie may be the weakest, but it’s still got plenty of Disney magic in it. Overall, this movie series has been surprisingly impressive.

Batman – The Brave And The Bold: Season One, Part One

After years of living in the shadows as a dark vigilante, Batman enjoys being a superhero again, joined by a league of friends in a show that celebrates the imagination of comic books – a ton of fun.

Batman: Under The Red Hood

In the tradition of The Dark Knight, this animated film provides an edgy story with mature writing that goes beyond good vs. evil.

Super Friends: Season One, Volume Two

The balance of the first season’s episodes are included on this 2-disc set. Fans know what to expect here, with the only question being: just how many times can Wendy and Marvin get kidnapped in eight episodes?

Peanuts 1970’s Collection: Vol. 2

The biggest classics may have gone before, but this selection of specials is still quintessential Peanuts, with only one weak one in the batch. And check out that remastered video!

Iron Man – Armored Adventures: The Complete Season One

The show is quite enjoyable, but it really should be called Iron Boy. The lack of widescreen video or any decent extras are other knocks against what is otherwise a nice set of 26 episodes.

Iron Man: The Complete 1994 Animated Television Series

This version stays reasonably true to the comics, but fails to reach the heights of its contemporaries. Season Two improves with better stories and animation, but weak video and a lack of extras hurt this DVD release.

My Life With Charlie Brown

This collection of prose writings from Charles Schulz provides the next-best thing to a true autobiography. It also finally made me understand why I love Peanuts so much.

The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie!

There’s a good story outline in here somewhere, but being totally uncensored did this direct-to-video title no favors.

Ponyo

Miyazaki’s latest film is a fantasy spectacular. The simple story and quiet ending do little to detract from what is an animation tour de force.

My Neighbor Totoro

Miyazaki’s family classic gets its best DVD treatment yet. The reissue has no serious drawbacks, and packs in some nice new extras.

Castle In The Sky

Studio Ghibli’s first film is an imaginative adventure movie, but the new DVD has some problems. Video, dubbing, and a lost subtitle track are all concerns.

Kiki’s Delivery Service

The 2010 DVD edition of this fine Studio Ghibli film easily bests the 2003 version, with better video, changes that bring it closer to the original Japanese film, and a plethora of new bonus features. Miyazaki fans should be very pleased.

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown: Remastered Deluxe Edition

The animated adaptation of the musical that came from an album inspired by the comic strip. Despite the fourth-generation status, it still feels delightfuly like Peanuts.

Super Friends: Season One, Volume One

Finally, Warner releases the very first incarnation of Super Friends. The two-disc set is no-frills, but it’s nice to finally meet Wendy and Marvin.

Shorts

Robert Rodriguez adds another children’s film to his resume. This one is mostly for kids, but with fun for adults if you don’t mind some gross-out stuff. Fun special effects and decent bonus features make the Blu-ray worth a look.

Yogi’s First Christmas

Yogi awakens early from hibernation, and finds himself the star of Warner Archive’s first cartoon release.

I Want A Dog For Christmas, Charlie Brown: Remastered Deluxe Edition

Rerun pines for a puppy in this latter-day Peanuts classic. This new release bests the old Paramount one in the video department, and adds a second holiday special and featurette that makes for a nice disc.

Walt Disney Treasures: Zorro – The Complete Second Season

Walt’s perfect TV series gets another Treasures set.

Saturday Morning Cartoons – 1960s: Volume 2

A couple of new-to-DVD shows are here, but otherwise this set gets bogged down in Looney Tunes and more of what we’ve seen before. Jetsons again?!

Saturday Morning Cartoons – 1970s: Volume 2

More Saturday morning fun from Warner Bros.! There are few classics here, but lots of fondly remembered shows and a few obscure gems.

Tinker Bell And The Lost Treasure

The second Tinker Bell movie improves on the first, with an adventurous tale that teaches lessons of responsibility and friendship.

Peanuts: 1970’s Collection Volume 1

Only six specials over two discs, but you can’t argue that most of them are pretty good.

Wallace And Gromit: The Complete Collection

The charming British inventor-and-dog team get their best disc yet, including their newest effort, A Matter Of Loaf And Death. With only a couple of minor caveats, this is the best way to collect their adventures.

Gigantor: The Collection, Volume Two

More giant robot action is always good, I suppose, but there’s more history than excitement in these primitive shows.

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies

This is a wild ride, though far from the best story to adapt from the comics. There are some nice extras on the disc, however.