Pound Puppies Mission: Adoption Offers Audiences Five More Episodes Of Fun And Lessons

Posted on May 21, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Shout! Factory/Hub

The latest release from the Hub network’s Pound Puppies series is just as fun as the previous pair of DVDs. This new release offers audiences five more episodes filled with entertainment and important lessons for both kids and their parents. Also included in this new collection of episodes is an adoption certificate that kids can print out and fill out for their very own. Just as impressive as the set’s episodes is the continued original artwork used throughout the series. Anyone that remembers Cartoon Network’s Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends, will recognize the animation used for this series once again. Altogether, these factors make Pound Puppies Mission: Adoption just as fun as the previous collections of episodes from this update of the classic 80s series.

This latest release is so much enjoyable first and foremost because of the mix of entertainment and life lessons in each of its five episodes. Of course the inclusion of some well-known voice actors doesn’t hurt, either. This time out, audiences learn that even the smallest dog…er…person can accomplish great feats. This lesson is taught in the episode, “Snow Problem.” When a young husky puppy named Tundra ends up with the Pound Puppies, he and the others take on a group of bigger, tougher dogs in a sled race that ends up with the young pup winning the heart of one of the racers and being adopted. The spoof of the famed song, ‘Chariots of Fire’ is a nice addition to this episode. Viewers also learn that superstitions are superstitions for a reason in “Taboo.” When they meet the puppy named Taboo, the Pound Puppies discover why it is that he’s had such a hard time finding his person. Viewers will have to find out the truth behind his adoption problems for themselves when they pick up this new release. Viewers will especially enjoy the Wizard of Oz reference in this episode. In the disc’s opener, “King of the Heap”, one of the Pound Puppies is adopted by Junkyard Jim, instead of the newest additions to the pound named Elvis (voiced by Clancy Brown—Mr. Krabs from Spongebob Squarepants). This episode teaches viewers that it’s best to be themselves, rather than something that they’re not. Being one’s own self is what people admire most. The show’s writers are to be commended for these lessons, and the others included here along with its more fun moments. On a side note, voice actor John DiMaggio is back again as the voice of Niblet. Considering that Futurama is coming to an end yet again, hopefully Hub will keep this show around as he does quite the job as Niblet’s voice.

The collection of fun moments and lessons culled for the episodes in this latest set make it fun for the whole family. Older audiences will appreciate this set for more than just those factors, though. They will also enjoy the animation style used throughout the series. It’s quite similar to Cartoon Network’s former cartoon, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. What makes this animation style so impressive is that even if it was done via computer, its quality is such that it’s difficult to tell if it was done by hand, by computer, or a combination of both. If it was done by both computer and by hand, then it proves that the two animation styles can exist side by side. And that both styles can exist side by side, one can only hope that audiences will get much more of this style of animation and mix of fun and lessons in even more volumes of Pound Puppies episodes. Pound Puppies Mission: Adoption is available now in stores and online. It can be purchased online direct via the Shout! Factory store at http://www.shoutfactory.com/?q=node/216951.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

New Iron Man DVD A Solid Season Closer, Lead-In To Iron Man 3 Movie

Posted on April 19, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Marvel Animation

Marvel Animation releases the latest in its “animated” series, Iron Man: Armored Adventures next Tuesday, April 23^rd. Iron Man: Armored Adventures Season 2 Volume 4 follows the continuing journey of the teenage Tony Stark and his friends as they face the forces of evil. This time out, Tony finally discovers that his father is actually alive only to have to save his life again. Also in this finale to the show’s second season, Iron Man and his friends also have to face off against the evil Dr. Doom, and Pepper Potts even gets her own suit of armor. And what action series would be complete without an alien invasion? The season closes out with an epic battle against the Makluans. All of this and more spans eight episodes in one more disc that finishes off the second season of Iron Man: Armored Adventures. The show’s cg-based “animation” continues to stand out from the rest of the crop of CG-based kids’ shows, continuing to help maintain its identity. This is especially the case considering that the recent Hot Wheels animated series and Stormhawks have gone by the wayside. Both of those shows used very similar cg based animation. Together with the packaging and the action packed episodes, audiences get another set of episodes that makes for a nice lead-in to the upcoming theatrical debut of Iron Man 3.

Iron Man Armored: Adventures Season 2 Vol. 4 succeeds as a continuation of the season’s previous volumes and as a lead in to the upcoming theatrical release of Iron Man 3 thanks to its writing. This final portion of Season Two leads up to an epic faceoff with the Makluans. The faceoff in question is a result of actions by the teenage Mandarin in his search for the tenth ring. Viewers get an origin story not of just The Mandarin, but also of the rings. According to the legend presented here, the rings are actual alien in descent, and were used by an evil alien warlord to enslave other alien beings. In the process of everything, Pepper plays a role and is introduced as “Rescue” having gotten her own armor in the buildup to the battle with the Makluan. Keeping this in mind, the writing of the episodes included in this set, and the timing of its release will really help to build hype for the latest upcoming big screen feature. All involved with the series and its release are definitely to be commended for all of this.

The writing and the timing of this set’s release make it a success. This goes without saying. Its form of CG-based “animation” adds to its success. There have been few modern “animated shows” that have used and use the form of CG-based art that this show uses. Two that come to mind immediately are: Stormhawks and Hot Wheels battle Force 5. Both shows have gone by the wayside. By comparison, the current success level of Marvel’s properties would seem to suggest that this program still has some life left in itself. And if that truly is the case, then fans can expect even more adventures from Tony, Pepper and Roady set against this largely unique CG-based animation style art. Until then, fans can check out all the adventures from this final quarter of the show’s second season when it hits stores next Tuesday alongside, Iron Man: Armored Adventures: The Complete Season 2. And for all things Iron Man and Marvel, fans can get all the latest when they “Like” Marvel on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Marvel or check in at the official Marvel website at http://www.marvel.com.

New Clifford DVD A True Celebration For Every Fan

Posted on January 22, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Lionsgate/Scholastic/PBS Kids

Clifford the Big Red Dog is turning fifty years old. Unbelievable! Everyone’s favorite oversized furry friend is celebrating his birthday with a brand new DVD release next month. Celebrate with Clifford is the first new Clifford release in two years. It will be available in stores and online February 5^th. The new release is a special double disc release loaded with lots of fun, family friendly adventures from Clifford, his fellow canine friends, and his owner, Emily Elizabeth. The two discs in this new release boast fifteen episodes from the hit series. The set’s first disc, Celebrate with Clifford has seven of the show’s episodes included in the set. All of the aforementioned episodes included in the first disc are full of family friendly fun and important life lessons that ring true for audiences of all ages.

Audiences learn a number of important lessons throughout the first seven episodes included in the set. In the episode, “Clifford on Parade”, Emily Elizabeth (Grey DeLisle—The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy) and Charley (Gary Leroi Grey—The Cosby Show) both learn about working together and about compromise when they have to decide on an idea for the float that they’ll enter in the town’s annual parade. Thanks to Clifford, they end up with one interesting float that even incorporates Clifford himself. In another episode, “Team Sprit”, young viewers are introduced to the lesson of good sportsmanship and being kind to others. The story here centers on young Vaz. Vaz is friends with Emily Elizabeth and the other kids. But he’s not the best soccer player. And Jetta doesn’t help as she openly tells Vaz he’s not that great of a soccer player. Of course she learns her lesson in the episode’s end. Audiences can find out how she learns her lesson when they check out this new DVD set for themselves.

All seven episodes included in the set’s main disc offer plenty of enjoyment and lessons for viewers. Luckily for viewers, they’re not all that viewers get in this new set. The eight bonus episodes included in the bonus disc also offer their own enjoyment. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, there’s even a Valentine’s Day themed episode in “Clifford’s Big Heart.” In this episode, Clifford is trying to make a Valentine for Emily Elizabeth, but things don’t exactly go as planned. That is until he finally realizes the best idea for a special Valentine just for her. His special gift will warm the hearts of both kids and their parents. Still not enough? How about the birthday and party themed episodes included in the set? “Clifford’s Big Surprise” sees Clifford getting his very own birthday surprise from Emily Elizabeth, her parents and his canine friends. At first it seems like everybody is avoiding Clifford. It leaves Clifford bored since there’s no one to play with. Luckily he finds a way to play by himself. Ironically, it’s right about then that Emily Elizabeth comes looking for Clifford so she and the others can surprise him with his birthday party. It’s just one of a handful of birthday themed episodes included in the set’s bonus second disc. The complete double disc set will be available February 5^th in stores and online. It can be ordered online direct via the Lionsgate online store at http://www.lionsgateshop.com/product.asp?Id=28180&TitleParentId=8311.

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it or its companion page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reel-Reviews/381028148587141. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Tiny Toon Adventures Vol. 3 Another Wonderful Piece Of TV Nostalgia

Posted on January 14, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Amblin Entertainment/Warner Brothers Home Entertainment

The long wait is finally over, Toonsters. Nearly four years have passed since audiences were offered their last dose of Tiny Toon Adventures episodes. This past Tuesday, Warner Home Video released the long awaited third volume of shorts in its own two-disc set loaded with enough laughs, puns, sight gags, and pop culture references to make any classic cartoon fan happy. Would it have been nice to have a full thirty to thirty-five episode collection as with the previous pair of collections? Yes. But something’s better than nothing, considering how long audiences have waited. And this new set is something. It boasts some of the show’s best episodes. The episodes are just one part of what makes this collection so enjoyable. The original hand-drawn animation will bring back that sense of nostalgia for lovers of classic cartoons, too. And the use of some of the top voice talent in the industry then and now make for even more enjoyment. Altogether, it makes for one more must have for any original Tiny Toon fan and even for any of today’s younger viewers.

Tiny Toon Adventures Vol. 3: Crazy Crew Rescues boasts some of the best episodes from this modern classic cartoon. The show’s original audiences will love seeing classic episodes such as “Kon-Ducki” (which pays a little tribute to The Wizard of Oz and even The Bee Gees), “The Potty Years”, and its own take on the film noir classic, Sunset Boulevard in the episode, “Sepulveda Boulevard.” There is also a fun episode titled, “Toon Physics” which explains the differences between real physical science and that of cartoons. It isn’t the first cartoon to ever poke fun at the incredibility of cartoon physics. But it’s still just as funny as others of its sort. This episode features revered voice talent Maurice LaMarche (Futurama, The Simpsons, Animaniacs, Pinky & The Brain) as a spoof of legendary actor Orson Welles. Instead of Welles, his character here is a whale named—you guessed it—Orson Whales (ba-dump-bump-bump). This set also includes the “controversial” episode, “One Beer” in which Buster, Plucky, and Hampton show young audiences the dangers of drinking and driving. Along those same lines, there is even an episode that teaches the importance of childhood literacy in “Why Dizzy Can’t Read.” These are all just a handful of examples of what Tiny Toon Adventures Vol. 3: Crazy Crew Rescues has to offer both its original fans and their own kids. Everybody will undoubtedly have their own favorites from this set. And even with just two discs, this set boasts more than its share of great shorts.

The episodes alone make for loads of enjoyment for both the show’s now grown-up audience and for their own children. Adding to the enjoyment of this set is the continued original hand drawn animation. So much children’s programming today is not true animation. It is in large part CG-based programming. So unearthing this collection provides yet another reminder for older audiences of what real animation looks like. And it serves as an example for today’s younger audiences the importance of maintaining the classic art of actually drawing animation, rather than relying on technology for everything. The only downside to the animation here is that it isn’t as clear as with the show’s previous releases. It looks like the quality of the transfers with this set weren’t as solid as with the previous releases. But it’s not that bad. So while it does leave at least a little bit to be desired, it’s still nice to have this relic of a bygone era given new life.

The show’s original animation and its equally entertaining episodes make for so much enjoyment for audiences of all ages. The cherry on top for not just this set but also the show as a whole is the inclusion of some of the top voice actors in the industry. As already noted, veteran voice actor Maurice LaMarche is among the show’s ranks of well known actors. Also in the cast are the likes of: Frank Welker (The Real Ghostbusters, Scooby Doo, etc.), Charlie Adler (Aaahh!!! Real Monsters, The Superhero Squad Show, etc.), Tress MacNeille (The Simpsons, Futurama), Cree Summer (The Cosby Show, A Different World, Codename: Kids Next Door) and Don Messick (Garfield & Friends, A Pup Named Scooby Doo, The Flintstones, etc.). The chemistry between the cast was obvious throughout this new set of episodes, just as with the previous releases. Whether for the general comedic timing or the interactions with each other, the voice cast of Tiny Toon Adventures was the perfect choice. It was their interpretations of their characters that put the final touch on what was and still is today one of the best cartoons of the twentieth century. Tiny Toon Adventures Vol. 3: Crazy Crew Rescues is available in stores and online now. It can be ordered online via the Warner Brothers store at http://www.wbshop.com/product/steven+spielberg+presents+tiny+toon+adventures+volume+3+1000311856.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search.

The New Pound Puppies Is Fun For The Whole Family

Posted on October 14, 2012 by philspicks

Shout! Factory/Hasbro Studios/Hub

Dog is man’s best friend, it’s often said. Well dogs are also every child’s friends. And after seeing the new compilation DVD from Hasbro Studios and Shout Factory, the dogs of the new Pound Puppies will be a favorite of every child, and maybe even some adults out there, too. In this new single disc compilation, audiences get five episodes from the new series that will leave both parents and kids alike smiling and watching over and over again. In the first of the set’s five episodes, pound manager Leonard and his flunky Olaf have to track down his mother’s dog. Megastar Betty White guests in this episode. The compilation’s second episode is a heartwarming episode both for adults and kids alike as Cookie learns a valuable lesson about being a parent. Lauren Tom, Maurice LaMarche, and Cree Summer all add their guest vocal talents to this episode. And in one more episode, a new pup named Patches joins the gang. He looks up to the Pound Puppies so much that he, Cupcake, and Rebound form their own group called The Super Secret Pup Club. Of course, lots of laughs and mayhem ensue.This five-episode collection opens with the episode, “Bone Voyage.” Betty White (Golden Girls, Hot in Cleveland) guest stars as the voice of Agatha, the mother of the pound’s manager, Leonard. Agatha has brought her puppy, Rebound, to the pound so that Leonard will look after Rebound while she goes on vacation. While Lucky and the others try to get Rebound to understand that Agatha will be back, Rebound sees Agatha leave and freaks out. She takes off after Agatha, causing not only the Pound Puppies to take chase, but so do Leonard and Olaf. They all end up on board the cruise liner on which Agatha has taken her vacation. Of course, lots of mayhem and laughs ensure. Viewers will have to see for themselves how things unravel. It does, of course, have a happy ending.

In one of the set’s deeper, more emotional episodes, Cookie learns a valuable lesson about being a parent when a young new pup named Cupcake is brought to the pound. This is one that parents will appreciate in their own way. Cookie becomes emotionally attached to Cupcake. So much so that she doesn’t want Cupcake getting adopted. In its own way, this is somewhat representative of parents letting their own children go as they get older. That likely wasn’t the primary intent. But parents will be able to relate to Cookie’s emotional ordeal. They may even be left a little bit teary eyed by the episode’s end. Lauren Tom (Futurama), Maurice Lamarche (Futurama, The Simpsons, Animaniacs, etc.) and Cree Summer (Rugrats, Codename: Kids Next Door, etc.) all add their guest vocals to this episode.

Once parents get over the emotional moments of “Mutternal Instincts”, they’ll find themselves laughing in “The Super Secret Pup Club.” Cree Summer returns again as Cupcake. Rebound is back again. The two team up with another new puppy named Patches. Patches is a young Dalmatian. He really looks up to the Pound Puppies. He tells them of the stories he’s heard of the Pound Puppies, and how he wants to be as great as them. So the trio forms its club and tries to emulate the Pound Puppies. But as is the course with any new puppy, the run off, forcing the others to hunt them down. This causes all sorts of trouble for the Pound Puppies. It also causes lots of laughs for audiences. Audiences will have to see for themselves what happens. Pound Puppies: Super Secret Pup Club will be available in stores and online Tuesday. It can be ordered online at http://www.shoutfactorystore.com.

“Summer Adventures” offers lots more laughs from The Garfield Show

Posted on May 30, 2012 by philspicks

Everybody’s favorite orange flabby feline is back. That’s right. Garfield is back again. And he’s brought Jon, Odie and all the others along in the brand new dvd, ”Summer Adventures.” This brand new dvd presents six more episodes from the most recent Garfield television incarnation, The Garfield Show. This time out, Garfield helps pizzeria owner Vito save his business as it competes with a mega pizza chain. He also helps his mouse friend, Squeak, in an original episode. And in another throwback to the original Garfield and Friends series, Garfield gets some not so good luck when he returns a pot of gold to a leprechaun. There’s even a bonus episode that will also take viewers back to the original Garfield & Friends series in “Fame Fatale.”

“Perfect Pizza” is the first of the six episodes contained on this single disc compilation. Much like many of the episodes in The Garfield Show, this episode is a near direct throwback to Garfield & Friends. It starts off with Jon ordering a pizza for Garfield. Thinking the pizza is from his favorite pizza place, Vito’s, Garfield is surprised at how terrible the pizza is. He discovers that the pizza is in fact not from Vito’s. Rather, it’s from a new competitor, Mama Meaney’s Pizza Palace. The new business has set up shop right next door to Vitos, and is taking customers away from Vito’s thanks to huge deals and coupons. After finding out how Mama Meaney’s Pizza Palace mass produces its pizzas, Jon declares that he’s going back to Vito’s. Mama Meaney (who happens to be a man) tries to lure Jon back with lots of coupons. But it doesn’t work. They go back to Vito’s.

When they go back to Vito’s Eddie Gourmand calls and orders one of Vito’s pizzas. He tells Vito that if he likes the pizza, he’ll tell all his viewers about it and tell them to buy his pizzas. So Vito gets Jon to take the pizza to Gourmand. Jon has to avoid Mama Meaney the whole way to Gourmand’s place. In a chance mishap, Jon accidentally carries one of Mama Meaney’s pizzas to Gourmand who tastes it and declares how horrible it is. But then Garfield gives Gourmand Vito’s pizza. Gourman tells Vito how great it is, thus saving his business, and putting Mama Meaney’s Pizza Palace out of business. As a reward, Vito tells Jon that they can have free pizza any time they want. Garfield immediately takes full advantage of that, and digs in. When Vito asks if Garfield will ever stop, Jon tells Vito, “Sure. He’ll hit anchovies some time.”

Long time fans will recognize certain similarities to two classic Garfield & Friends episodes in this one episode. It combines elements of two episodes from the show’s fourth season in “Supermarket Mania” and “Mamma Manicotti.” Garfield and Jon have to save a small independent business from a mega-conglomerate in both episodes. The coupon element comes from the prior of the two classic episodes, while the competing Italian restaurant element comes from the latter of the pair. Both are equally impressive episodes. And combined, they make for a fun new episode for The Garfield Show.

“Perfect Pizza” is an enjoyable episode from The Garfield Show. But it’s not all that makes this compilation of shorts so fun. In a more original episode, Garfield and his friend Squeak go to Eddie Gourmand’s World of Cheese in the original episode, “It’s a Cheese World.” This time out, Squeak and his friends see an ad for Eddie Gourmand’s Cheese World theme park. They beg Garfield to take them. At first, Garfield declines. But when Jon finds one of Squeak’s friends eating a piece of cheese that he was going to eat, that becomes an excuse for Garfield to get the mice out of the house. But to get them into the park, he first has to get them past his friend, Harry. He tries to hide them under an overcoat, in a pizza box, and even uses an old Looney Tunes style bit that ends up working. The irony of the mice trying to get in is that Gourmand’s park is failing because it’s made entirely of cheese. And all the cheese is going bad real fast. Thinking he’s lost everything, Gourmand isn’t sure what to do until a land developer offers to buy the park. Gourman agrees, but doesn’t know how to get rid of the buildings until Squeak and his friends offer to take care of it for him. That leads to a happy ending for all involved.

In one more of this new compilation’s collection of fun episodes, The Garfield Show throws back once again to Garfield & Friends with “Lucky Charm.” “Lucky Charm” sees Odie discover a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Odie brings the pot back to Garfield. But, he’s not alone. The leprechaun that owns the gold is close behind. When Garfield gives the gold back, the leprechaun grants him any wish that he wants. Garfield wishes for good luck. At first Garfield’s luck doesn’t seem so good. But then he wins the lottery and becomes rich. It could be argued that this is a throwback to the Garfield & Friends episode, “Fat & Furry.” And the concept of whether Garfield’s luck was good could be argued to have been taken from the episode, “Curse of the Klopman.” Getting back to this episode, though. At first, being rich seems great. But when he has to endure a pair of cats claiming to be long lost relatives, salesmen, and even an IRS agent, Garfield has to find the leprechaun who put the “Good Luck” spell on him so he can get it undone. The leprechaun does. But then he himself is hounded by the same IRS agent. It’s a hint at “The Curse of the Klopman.”

The episodes listed here are just a small sampling of the laughs that fans will get from this brand new compilation. However, all six episodes contained here make for more than enough laughs for both kids and kids at heart. It’s a great introduction to the world of Garfield for younger viewers. And it will take parents back to the days of Garfield & Friends. While the compilation is titled, “Summer Adventures”, it’s a great addition to any family’s home library for the whole family all year long.

To keep up with all the latest entertainment news and reviews, click the “Like” button on the Reel Reviews Facebook page and its companion page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reel-Reviews/381028148587141 and http://www.facebook.com/PhilsPicks

philspicks

All the latest reviews and news in entertainment

Tag Archives: Cartoon Network