‘Rick & Morty Issue #5’ Offers Plenty Of Laughs Through Its Twisted Story, Dialogue

Courtesy: Oni Press

The next chapter in the latest story arc from Oni Press’ Rick & Morty comic book series hits store shelves Wednesday and this latest chapter is quite the interesting presentation as its story shows.  The story, written by Alex Firber, picks up where the story left off in Issue #4 and will be discussed shortly.  The art – created by the team of Marc Ellerby, Andrew Dalhouse and Christopher “Crank!” Crank – adds its own touch to the presentation and will be discussed a little later.  The dialogue used to help advance the story rounds out its most important elements and will also be examined later.  Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of Rick & Morty Issue #5.  All things considered they make this latest issue of Oni Press’ ongoing comic book adaptation of Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim series another engaging and entertaining entry in the ongoing franchise. 

Rick & Morty Issue #5, scheduled for release Wednesday in comic shops nationwide, is a presentation that fans of the ongoing series are sure to enjoy.  That is thanks in part to the twisted story at its heart.  Written by Alex Firber, the story featured in this issue finds Rick having to escape from the clutches of Glug Vronsky, who is hellbent on making Rick his friend.  Vronsky is so bent on making Rick like him that he is holding him in a prison cell of sorts.  Rick manages to escape and eventually meets back up with Morty, who is himself a prisoner, but of a different type.  He is being tortured by a pair of sadistic dentists who are ripping out his teeth.  His ability to withstand the torture leads the pair to take him to Vronsky, who uses him to try and figure out how to make Rick like him.  The whole thing is so bizarrely twisted that audiences cannot help but read the story.  Along the way, Firber adds in a sharp dig at the issue of artificial intelligence when Vronsky brings Morty an AI made version of Morty’s love interest Noelle.  The commentary about this creation creates its own share of entertainment and engagement.  Even wilder is that all of this is taking place inside a giant interstellar dog.  Yes, an interstellar dog.  It is something that audiences must read to believe.  All in all the story featured in this issue of Rick & Morty forms a strong foundation for its presentation.

The story featured in Rick & Morty Issue #5 is just part of what makes it so intriguing.  Its artwork makes for its own share of interest.  The gory display that Ellerby, Dalhouse and Crank present as Morty is being tortured is hard to look at but one can’t help but look at it, seeing his teen being pulled, still connected by nerve endings, to his mouth.  And seeing him become his own version of Rick, complete with the wild hair, is so entertaining in its own right.  Knowing Morty is Rick’s grandson, now readers get to see what Morty could look like one day thanks to the group.  The AI version of Noelle is another example of the importance of the artwork presented here.  The blank, vacant eyes, the overall cartoony look makes her look like something from perhaps one of Disney’s current crop of animated series.  The design has that look, and it makes the design so fun to see.  What’s more it shows how wild AI can be in creating its own product, so to speak.  That it looks so odd and honestly somewhat scary, helps to drive home the argument of the danger of relying too much on artificial intelligence for creative purposes.  The overall look of the art in this issue clearly plays well into its appeal and is just one more aspect of what makes the issue work.  The overall dialogue also plays into the issue’s success.

The impact of the issue’s dialogue is most audible late in the story as Morty goes absolutely crazy, imagining he is Rick.  When Vronsky tells Morty that Rick doesn’t need him anymore and that he is Rock’s friend, that sends Morty over the edge.  He goes absolutely crazy, telling Vronsky, “I’m Rick! All the hate! All the anger!”  This, as he tries to choke out Vronsky. This is a side of Morty that readers rarely see.  Yes, from time to time he does stand up to Rick but for Morty to go this mad is very rare.  Staying on the topic of Morty, his discussion with his captors about how he has survived their incredible torture is just as wild.  He explains that the survival technique – imagining the pain was happening to someone else – was taught to him by Rick, ironically.  There is just something about this moment, Morty’s casual manner of discussing the matter shows the intensity of the pain he has felt.  It makes the moment just all the more shocking. 

On yet another note, Vronsky’s commentary about AI universes being imperfect is a hard-hitting commentary about the tech that is AI.  It is a reminder that humans should not rely so much as we already do on the technology.  Even being so brief, it is a strong statement that everyone should heed.  This is just one more example of what makes this issue’s dialogue as important as the issue’s art and story.  When all three elements are considered collectively, they make Issue #5 of Rick & Morty an interesting overall new issue of the ongoing comic book series.

Rick & Morty Issue #5 is an intriguing new addition to Oni Press’ ongoing comic book series adaptation of Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim series.  Its interest comes in part through its story, which is a bizarre, twisted tale of Rick and Morty each having to escape their own captors and stopping mad tech genius Glug Vronsky.  The whole thing takes place inside a giant interstellar dog.  Yes, a dog.  The artwork used in this issue plays its own important role in the issue’s overall presentation.  The dialogue offers more biting satire about the real world, albeit briefly while also offering plenty of entertainment through lots of weird discussions.  Each item noted here is important in its own way to the whole of the issue.  All things considered they make Rick & Morty Issue #5 another interesting entry in Oni Press’ ongoing comic book series.

Rick & Morty Issue #5 is scheduled for release Wednesday through Oni Press.  More information on this and other titles from Oni Press is available at:

Website: https://onipress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onipress

Twitter: https://twitter.com/onipress

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

Oni Press Announces Details For New Issues Of Rick & Morty’, Limited Series Full Release

Courtesy: Oni Press
Cover Art by: Troy Little

Oni Press is giving fans of Adult Swim’s animated series Rick & Morty series a triple dose of its comic book offshoot this July.

First up, the company will release Rick & Morty: Heart of Rickness #1 July 12. The 32-page story is the first in a four-issue limited series from Oni Press. It will retail for $4.99. In Issue #1 Rick gets into some hot water with some aliens after Summer blows his cover in the deal with the extraterrestrial mobsters. In his attempt to get away, he, Summer and Morty end up stranded on an alien world with no way of fixing Rick’s ship.

The trio is captured by primal copies of themselves as they explore the strange world. After being captured, the group learns there is no technology on the world because it has been banned, leading to even more problems to come.

Courtesy: Oni Press
Variant Cover A by: Ed Luce
Variant Cover B by: Priscilla Tramontano

Courtesy: Oni Press
Cover Art by: Troy Little

On July 19, the recently completed Rick & Morty limited series, Rick & Morty vs. Cthulu will receive a full pressing in one book. The story followed Rick, Morty, and Summer as they face all kinds of creatures in the Lovecraft dimension, with Rick even being transported to a whole other dimension in the process. Summer and Morty end up fighting one another in the process, too.

Rick & Morty vs. Cthulu will retail for 24.99 and will span a total of 128 pages.

Courtesy: Oni Press
Main Cover by: Fred C. Stresing

On July 26, Oni Press will release Rick & Morty #7. The latest issue of the main series, which spans 40 pages, brings audiences a whole new story following the events of the first six issues. The war involving the Goldenfolds is seemingly over following the events of Issue #6, but some of the Goldenfolds have escaped Anti Hala, along with Noelle and they are none too happy with Rick. That is because it is his fault they were sent there.

Noelle is also none too pleased with Morty. All of this leads to new questions as a whole new chapter of this story opens.

Rick & Morty #7 will retail for $5.99.

Courtesy: Oni Press
Variant A Cover by: Marc Ellerby
Variant B Cover by: Derek Fridolfs, M. Cody Wiley

Courtesy: Oni Press
Variant Cover C by: Gina Allnatt
Variant Cover D by: Rafer Roberts

More information on all of these and other titles from Oni Press is available at:

Website: https://onipress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onipress

Twitter: https://twitter.com/onipress

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

Oni Press Offers Audiences A Great, Biting Entertainment Commentary In ‘Rick & Morty Presents Time Zoo’

Courtesy: Oni Press

Early this month, Oni Press released what would appear to be a one-off story from its Rick & Morty comic book series in the form of Rick & Morty Presents Time Zoo.  This apparent single-issue presentation is a surprisingly fun and funny offering from the publishing company and its franchise.  That is thanks in large part to its featured story, which will be discussed shortly.  The dialogue that is part of the story makes for its own engagement and entertainment and will be discussed a little later.  The recently released comic book’s price is of note, too, considering the overall content.  It will also be discussed later.  Each item noted is important in its own right to the whole of this Rick & Morty title.  A;; things considered they make Rick & Morty Presents Time Zoo such an enjoyable installment of Oni Press’ long-running franchise that is Rick & Morty.

Oni Press’ recently released Rick & Morty comic title Rick & Morty Presents Time Zoo is a surprisingly entertaining addition to the publishing company’s long-running franchise.  Whether readers are familiar with the franchise or new to the title, this installment of the ongoing comic book franchise will prove engaging and entertaining for most comic book (and even movie) fans in large part because of its central story.  The story here is relatively simple, as with most Rick & Morty stories.  Rick, Morty, and the rest of the family sit down for a meal one day, and as the meal progresses, Rick realizes the family is stuck in a time loop.  It’s not just a time loop, either.  As it turns out, some unseen force keeps starting the family’s situation over again and again, rebooting the situation, as Summer eventually realizes (not to give away too much).  As the situation unfolds, the story becomes, essentially, a witty commentary about the nature of Hollywood to reboot everything (and even the music industry).  On a related note, the story, written by Jake Goldman in this issue, also comments on audiences’ need for nostalgia, that same old same old, and how it actually plays into how entertainment in whole has become so trite.  The almost voyeuristic nature of the “time tourists” does really well to illustrate that commentary, as does Summer’s experience with “Nostalgia-vore,” the creature that is controlling all of the rebooting.  Summer’s eventual realization that new things are needed even as much as we as people grasp so tightly to that sense of nostalgia that we all have, is its own important addition to the bigger discussion here.  The epilogue, which will not be revealed here, puts a wonderful finishing touch to this story.  It brings everything full circle while somewhat indicting Rick and company just as much as everyone else in the situation.  The whole of the story makes for a wonderful read for everyone.

The story featured here would be nothing without the dialogue used to bring it to life.  Again, Goldman is to credit for that appeal.  One of the funniest moments of dialogue actually has nothing to do with the bigger story.  It comes as Rick’s Quantum bot explodes and catches on fire on the family’s table.  Rick makes a comment about not being able to keep up with Beth’s house rules, one of which is that no one can use the guest towels in the bathroom.  Summer chimes in immediately after, saying simply, “We never have guests.”  That moment, albeit brief, is so telling.  It is its own sharp commentary about the consumerist nature of people; how people are convinced to buy things they don’t even need.  It actually does play at least indirectly into the bigger story of how people are the cause of the very things they complain about.

In another case that is equally sharp and biting, the story opens with Morty showing Rick a poster of a new movie sequel coming out.  The poster has the tag line, “This time…It’s for family.”  Rick is very quick to ask Morty, “wasn’t the last movie also ‘for family’?”  This is where the shole thing starts.  It is also such a sharp commentary about Hollywood’s tendency to just recycle everything, knowing that so many audiences are too inattentive to note the lack of originality in marketing, let alone story.  This brief opening moment of dialogue is so simple yet is so relatable and in turn makes the rest of the story resonate so well with readers.  The dialogue throughout is very similar in all of its presentation, yet remains so engaging because of everything being noted in each moment.  All things considered, the dialogue does so much in its own right to make the story enjoyable.

Considering the overall engaging and entertaining nature of Rick & Morty Presents Time Zoo’s content, it makes the book’s price actually worth it.  The price here is $4.99, which is only a dollar more than most normal issues of Rick & Morty.  This book is spread along 30 pages, which is actually almost in line with the length of most of the franchise’s books.  Why it is mor expensive than those issues is anyone’s guess, but despite that, still will not break anyone’s budget.  Add in the fact that it seems to be one standalone story makes the price just as positive, even being mor expensive than other books in the line.  Keeping all of this in mind, the pricing for this issue of Rick & Morty is still its own positive.  When it is joined with the content, the whole makes Rick & Morty Presents Time Zoo another enjoyable addition to the ongoing franchise.

More information on Rick & Morty Presents Time Zoo and other titles from Oni Press is available at:

Website: https://onipress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onipress

Twitter: https://twitter.com/onipress

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

‘Rick & Morty’ Fans Will Find New Mini-Series Well Worth The Read

Courtesy: Oni Press

Rick & Morty is unquestionably one of the most unique and intriguing animated series for grown-ups to come along in a very long time.  The pair’s adventures have generated an audience base that is clearly very loyal to the property both on screen and on the printed page in the series’ comic book counterpart.  This July, the comic book’s four-issue mini-series Rick & Morty vs. Cthulu will give audiences even more to appreciate about the franchise upon its release.  The mini-series, which launched in December and wrapped this month, is set for release July 18 through Oni Press in a 112-page graphic novel.  The story at the center of the mini-series is reason enough for audiences to take in the collection.  It will be discussed shortly.  The art presented throughout the story is of its own note, too, and will be discussed a little later.  The paperback presentation’s average price point and its separate listings make the overall presentation even more positive.  This will also be addressed later.  When this aspect is considered along with the mini-series’ story and its art, the whole makes the overall presentation another work that longtime devotees of Rick & Morty will appreciate.

Oni Press’ forthcoming paperback presentation of Rick & Morty vs. Cthulu is a collection that is certain to entertain the franchise’s most devoted, longtime audiences.  That is due in no small part to the story at the center of the mini-series.  The story, which pokes fun at author H.P. Lovecraft and the place of his literary works in the world of pop culture and literature, is relatively simple:  Rick and Morty have just gotten back home from a failed intergalactic mission involving alien mobsters.  The mission failed thanks to Morty screwing up his part in the mission.  As the pair returns, it turns out Morty’s dad, Jerry, is reading a book by infamous author H.P. Lovecraft, leading Rick to become suspicious of him and Morty’s mom, (Rick’s own daughter) Beth of being possessed by the forces of Lovecraft’s books.  Along the way, the familiar breaking of the 4^th wall that is used occasionally in the animated TV series is used to just the right amount, too.  In order to make sure the forces of evil have not made it into the real world somehow, Rick, Morty, Jerry, Beth, and Morty’s sister, Summer, all enter the “Lovecraft Dimension.”  Rick, Morty, and Summer end up being trapped in the dark dimension, but not before Beth and Jerry are able to make it back to the real world.  Of course, the couple comes into play later in the story after Rick manages to get back to the real world.  Getting back to the story, Rick, Morty, and Summer each end up in different Lovecraftian settings along the way, each its own unique situation that will keep audiences reading.  Morty and Summer end up facing one another in one last battle as the story nears its end.  Of course in typical Rick & Morty fashion, the battle does not turn out quite as expected.  Readers will have to discover the outcome for themselves.  The final confrontation between Rick and Cthulu following that battle turns out surprisingly, too, leading to the equally entertaining epilogue. 

As the story progresses in each of the standalone issues, brief but concise summaries of the Lovecraft stories incorporated into the overarching arc are provided to help give context to the bigger picture.  Whether that background will be provided with the full, paperback pressing is yet to be known.  Hopefully it will be included, as it really does help enhance the reading experience and immerse readers even more into the overall story.

The story and the background provided together in each of the mini-series’ four issues go a long way toward making the presentation here well worth reading.  It is just one part of what makes the mini-series engaging and entertaining.  The artwork in each issue adds even more to that engagement and entertainment.  The artwork makes each frame look just like it leaped from the screen to the printed page.  That is thanks to the work of the trio of Troy Little, Leonardo Ito, and Christopher “Crank!” Crank  The colors in each frame are so rich and the dialogue is so easy to read thanks to the work of each team member.  What’s more, the unique style of the font within each page makes for even more enjoyment in reading.  That unique styling for the font and the richness of the color even in the font helps establish the franchise’s identity even more and immerse readers that much more into the story.  Keeping that in mind, the overall artwork clearly adds its own important touch to the overall presentation as the story itself.

As much as the content does to engage and entertain audiences throughout each issue of Rick & Morty vs. Cthulu, it is just part of what makes the upcoming complete mini-series release worth having among fans of Rick & Morty.  The pricing for the collection will impress readers just as much as the content.  Taking prices listed through Amazon, Walmart, Target, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, and Books-A-Million, the average price point for the collection is $23.19.  That is not exactly a budget buster for anyone.  That is just the average price point.  Amazon, Walmart, and Target each list the book online below that price, at $21.99, which is just below the noted average.  Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Books-a-Million each list the book slightly more expensive, at $24.99 each.  Comic shops nationwide are certain to have their own price points, so readers would do well to check in on their prices, too.  Simply put, fans of Rick & Morty and its print counterpart will not find themselves spending an arm and a leg with the forthcoming full collection of Rick & Morty vs. Cthulu.  Yes, the average and separate price listings are higher than that of the separate issues (roughly $12 or a little more with tax total for all of the standalone issues), but again, not every town out there has a comic shop or place where fans can buy comic books, so being able to get this collection at a relatively affordable price is its own positive.  To that end, that pricing and the overall content works together to make Rick & Morty vs. Cthulu a welcome read for any of the franchise’s fans.

The fourth and final issue of Rick & Morty vs. Cthulu is scheduled for released March 22 through Oni Press.  The complete four-issue collection is scheduled for release July 18 through Oni Press.  More information on the mini-series and other titles from Oni Press is available at:

Website: https://onipress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onipress

Twitter: https://twitter.com/onipress

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

Families Have Lots Of Viewing Options As They Spend The Holidays Together

Courtesy: PBS/PBS Distribution/PBS Kids

It’s hard to believe, but there is officially a little more than a week left in the almost old year. For most of the country, it means winter break is here and kids are out of school, getting excited over Christmas and relaxing. That means lots of parents out there are struggling to find ways to entertain their kids and maybe also keep their brains growing at the same time. Phil’s Picks’ final “best of” list for this year will hopefully help with those efforts.

The last of this year’s “best of” lists focuses on the year’s top new single-disc family friendly DVDs and Blu-rays. It features new releases for families from PBS, Shout! Factory, and Nickelodeon, as well as Turner Broadcasting/Cartoon Network, and even 20th Century Studios. It runs the gamut from the educational to the entertaining, too.

Without any further ado, here is the last of Phil’s Picks’ “best of” lists for 2021, this year’s Top 10 New Family DVDs/BDs.

PHIL’S PICKS’ 2021 TOP 10 NEW FAMILY DVDs/BDs

1. Hero Elementary: Sparks’ Crew Animal Rescue
2. Wild Kratts: Cats and Dogs
3. Dinosaur Train: Adventure Island
4. Molly of Denali: Molly & The Great One
5. Are You Afraid of the Dark?: Curse of the Shadows
6. Victor & Valentino: Folk Art Foes
7. Ron’s Gone Wrong
8. Jungle Cruise
9. Paw Patrol: The Movie
10. PBS Kids Christmas Collection
11. Thomas & Friends All Engines Go!: Time For Teamwork
12. Sesame Street: Things Elmo Likes
13. Sesame Street: Wonderful World of Friends
14. Baby Shark’s Big Show!
15. PBS Kids 15 Girl Power Adventures

That’s it for this year, folks. Again though, there are lots of new titles already announced and scheduled for 2022, so Phil’s Picks is already looking forward to next year for all the new family DVDs and BDs and so much other content. Stay tuned!

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

‘Adventure Time: The Complete Series’ Coming Home This Spring

Courtesy: Cartoon Network/Turner

Cartoon Network’s animated series Adventure Time is getting the full-series treatment.

Adventure Time: The Complete Series is scheduled for release on Apr. 30.  All 238 episodes of the Emmy Award-winning series will be spread across 22 discs in the collection, and will be accompanied by a handful of bonus materials, such as a featurette focusing on the series’ music, the series’ legacy and a handful of music videos.

The full list of the set’s bonus content is noted below.

Exclusive DVD Special Features

• “Sonic Sounds from Ooo” – A 13-minute featurette about the composers and iconic music from the series
• “Farewell Tour” – A comprehensive retrospective with those who created some of the most unforgettable moments of the series including executive producer and showrunner Adam Muto; voice of Finn,  Jeremy Shada;  voice of Marceline the Vampire, Olivia Olson; Summer Camp Island creator,  Julia Pott; Over the Garden Wall creator, Patrick McHale; The New York Times bestselling author and Steven Universe creator, Rebecca Sugar; OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes creator, Ian Jones-Quartey and more. 
• Animatics
• Music Videos – See visual imagery of popular songs, live performances from the cast and friends of the series at San Diego Comic Con and more! 
• “Diamonds and Lemons” Minecraft Episode
• Special features from previous releases

Pre-orders for a special release of the series’ set featuring a bonus vinyl, CD and cassette soundtrack from the series will open starting May 3.  The set is being made available through a partnership with Mondo.

More information on the forthcoming sets is available online now along with more information on the series at http://www.facebook.com/adventuretime.

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

 

Transformers Fans Of All Ages Will Enjoy Shout! Factory Kids’ Latest Rescue Bots DVD

Courtesy: Shout! Kids/Shout! Factory

Shout! Factory Kids will release the latest addition to its kid friendly Transformers series Transformers Rescue Bots this Tuesday, February 10th. Transformers Rescue Bots: Jurassic Adventure is the sixth of the series’ collections released by Shout! Factory Kids and Hasbro Studios. Five previous collections having already been released, it is common sense that this DVD is just as worth the watch as the series’ previously released compilations. The central reason that it proves to be just as worth the watch as its predecessors is the collection of episodes chosen for the single-disc presentation. Six more episodes have been culled for the set starting with the series premiere “Family of Heroes.” The set also pulls in a second episode from Season One in the form of “Return of the Dinobot” that presents a Dinobot unlike anything most audiences know of from the Transformers’ previous incarnations. There is also a two-part episode from Season 2 and a pair of stand-alone episodes also from Season 2 to complement. All six episodes together make for plenty of enjoyment for Transformers fans of all ages. The same can be said of the writing behind each episode. Whether in the series premiere, the included two-part episode from Season 2, or for the remaining pair of episode, the writing in these episodes is to thank for their enjoyment. And last but hardly least worth noting of these episodes is work of the series’ all-star cast. Veteran actors LeVar Burton (Star Trek The Next Generation, Reading Rainbow, Captain Planet and the Planeteers), Jason Marsden (The Fairly Oddparents, The Garfield Show, Batman: The Brave and the Bold), and Mauriche LeMarche (The Simpsons, Futurama, Animaniacs) are joined by the likes of Parvesh Cheena (Outsourced, Sean Saves the World, A To Z), Steve Blum (Digimon: Digital Monsters, The Boxtrolls, Cowboy Bebop: The Movie), and Elan Garfias (Handy Manny, Chowder, Ni Hao Kai-Lam) among other names. And the interpretation of the episodes’ scripts rounds out the reasons that these episodes are so enjoyable. Regardless of the cast members’ level of experience, nothing but professionalism was shown in each episode, making easier suspension of disbelief and in turn the overall enjoyment of the episodes. By itself, the work of the cast in each of these episodes makes for its own level of enjoyment among audiences. Together with the work of the series’ writers and those charged with assembling the episodes, all three elements make Transformers Rescue Bots: Jurassic Adventure a great adventure for Transformers fans of all ages.

Transformers Rescue Bots: Jurassic Adventure is not the first collection of episodes that Shout! Factory Kids has released from Discovery Family’s family friendly update on Hasbro’s classic franchise following everyone’s favorite robots in disguise. It is however a fully enjoyable collection of episodes. It is a fully enjoyable collection both for those that are and those that are not so familiar with the series. The central reason for that enjoyment is the collection of episodes pulled for the DVD. Regardless of audiences’ familiarity with the series, every one of the series’ fans finally gets to see how the series started thanks to the inclusion of its premiere episode to open the whole thing. Audiences also get to see the writers’ vision of at least one of the legendary Dinobots as well as other early adventures of the Rescue Bots. The collection in whole offer loads of action and laughs for Transformers fans of all ages. The episodes by themselves offer loads of action and laughs for the whole family. That is thanks to the adventures that make up each episode. Keeping in that vein, the writing behind each of the episodes is to thank for making each episode so enjoyable.

The writing that went into each of the episodes on this DVD is just as noteworthy as the episodes themselves in considering what makes it so enjoyable. One way in which the writing proves so important is in the series’ premiere episode “Family of Heroes.” Audiences will note in this episode that at least one of the Rescue Bots—Heatwave—is not instantly fond of being on Earth. As a matter of fact, he would much rather take a mission on another planet than deal with humans who want to control them. Obviously they aren’t really trying to control the Rescue Bots. And eventually, Heatwave overcomes his mistrust as Cody and his family prove that they can be trusted. Yes, it’s a tried and true story element used in so many other series and movies. But especially in the case of this series, it’s interesting to see that things don’t start out with a full-on “happy-happy-joy-joy” vibe for the Rescue Bots or for the humans in terms of their relationship. It is just one example of why the writing in these episodes makes them so enjoyable. The writing in the two-part episode “What Lies Below”/”What Rises Above” is another good example of why the writing behind the episodes makes them so enjoyable. It could even be argued to be the best example of the disc’s episodes in terms of its writing. That is because of the amount of material that went into the episode in whole. Chief Burns and his brother Woodrow (voiced here by Mark Hamill—Star Wars, Batman: The Animated Series, Codename: Kids Next Door) have to come to terms with the tensions built between them ever since their childhood. At the same time, Heatwave exhibits his own personal growth as the leader of the Rescue Bots as he and Optimus Prime work to get back to the others and get out of the volcano. At the same time, the writers pay tribute to Jules Verne in this episode as a hidden prehistoric world is discovered along the way. Through the whole story, none of the noted elements overpowers the other. The end result is a story that easily keeps viewers fully engaged, wondering what will happen next. The writers’ tackling of myths in “In Search of the Griffin’s Nest” and the classic theme of AI becoming sentient (and dangerously so at that) in “Movers and Shakers” is as enjoyable as any sci-fi story. Whether for the solid work on the DVD’s included two-part episode, the series’ premiere, or even that in “In Search of the Griffin’s Nest,” the writing behind the episodes included on Transformers Rescue Bots: Jurassic Adventure shows time and again why it is so pivotal to the overall enjoyment of the DVD. Together with the episodes selected for the compilation, both elements strengthen even more the argument in favor of this latest addition to the series’ already-released compilations.

The episodes tapped for inclusion on Transformers Rescue Bots: Jurassic Adventure and the writing behind each episode make a strong argument in favor of this new DVD. The work of the series’ voice cast is just as worth mentioning in the overall enjoyment of these episodes. From the series premiere to the episodes that followed, the chemistry and professionalism between the cast is obvious. Considering the cast’s collective years of experience, that should come as no surprise. That’s especially the case with lead stars Jason Marsden and Mauriche LeMarche. Marsden, who voices lead character Kade Burns, and LeMarche, who voices Kade’s father Chief Charlie Burns, breeze through their roles. The same can be said of fellow veteran LeVar Burton as he voices supporting character Doc Greene. Even young Elan Garfias (Cody Burns) impresses in his own right. While Garfias might not have the years of experience as Burton, LaMarche, and Marsden, he still shines as the voice of Cody. He handles his role in every episode with the ease and professionalism of a seasoned veteran. And together with his older, more experienced co-stars–including those not noted here–the group as a whole proves to be the perfect choice for each role. The choices paid off in spades, too with each cast member alone and together keeping viewers just as fully engaged with its work as the stories behind each episode. It is the last part of the DVD’s whole that makes it so enjoyable for Transformers fans of all ages. Together with the work of the show’s writers and those tapped to select the DVD’s episodes, all three elements together show in full why Transformers Rescue Bots: Jurassic Adventure is yet another great collection of episodes from what is one of the greatest incarnations of the Transformers.

Transformers Rescue Bots: Jurassic Adventure will be available tomorrow, February 10th in stores and online. It can be ordered online direct from Shout! Factory Kids’ online store at https://www.shoutfactory.com/kids/kids-animation/transformers-rescue-bots-jurassic-adventure. More information on this and other releases from Shout! Factory and Shout! Factory Kids is available online at:

Website: http://www.shoutfactory.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shoutfactoryofficial

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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Audiences Of All Ages Will “Love” Shout! Factory Kids’ New Pound Puppies DVD

Courtesy: Shout! Kids/Shout! Factory

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner yet again.  For many that means the annual barrage of candy, flowers, and cards.  For children, it means the annual “holiday” parties if they still have them.  Regardless of whether or not schools still hold the parties in question, Shout! Factory Kids has a new DVD on the way next Tuesday that the whole family will *ahem* love to watch together to celebrate the big day.  Pound Puppies: Puppy Love will be released next Tuesday, February 3^rd on DVD.  The compilation, the sixth from the hit Discovery Family series, offers plenty for audiences to enjoy beginning with the writing behind the episodes.  The Pound Puppies face some of their biggest challenges in this compilation.  From having to get the most puppies adopted ever in one episode to facing off against a megalomaniacal dog catcher voiced by Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) and having to navigate a nasty dispute between two neighbors in order to unite a puppy with its perfect child, the writing in each episode is more than enough reason for audiences to pick up this collection.  As if those challenges aren’t enough, love is also in the air for Niblet and Lucky.  Twice over, Lucky and Cookie have to admit their feelings for one another.  And in another episode, Niblet has to face a big decision when he meets a female sheep dog.  Collectively, the writing in the episodes culled for this DVD more than makes it worth adding to any family’s home library.  As impressive as the writing is, the work of the voice actors adds even more enjoyment to the presentation.  This includes the extensive list of guest stars that make appearances.  Last worth noting of this new compilation that makes it so enjoyable is its bonus printable valentine.  The DVD’s box art is used for the dual-sided card.  And audiences need only have Adobe Reader to open the card and print it out.  After printing it out, young audiences can give the card to their favorite pet or to their own parents or even a friend.  Regardless of who receives the bonus printable card, it proves to be one more reason for any family to add Pound Puppies: Puppy Love to their own home library.  Together with the work of the voice actors and of the show’s writers, it proves to be another great new release from Shout! Factory Kids.

Shout! Factory Kids’ latest collection of episodes from the hit Discovery Family series Pound Puppies is a welcome addition to any family’s home library.  This is the case whether on Valentine’s Day or any time of the year.  The central reason for its enjoyment is the writing behind its episodes.  The episodes culled for this compilation see the Pound Puppies face some of their biggest challenges yet.  The simply titled episode “The General” presents just one of those challenges.  This episode sees the Pound Puppies facing the massive challenge of getting some sixty-seven puppies adopted.  Of course it just so happens that McLeish is forced to hold an adoption fair by the mayor.  Even with the perfect opportunity there, things don’t exactly go fully as planned when Cookie decides to start acting like The General.  The central story is enjoyable within itself because of the challenge facing the Pound Puppies.  The underlying message sent to young viewers about being proud of who they are makes the episode even more enjoyable.  It is a message that viewers of all ages will appreciate.

In another episode, “McLeish Unleashed,” the Pound Puppies have and equally big challenge as they have to face off against the megalomaniacal Milton Feltwaddle (Jim Parsons—The Big Bang Theory) and get McLeish back as the head of Shelter 17.  Milton takes over Shelter 17 when McLeish is promoted to a management position in the city’s wastewater management department.  Any viewer familiar with the classic sitcom Hogan’s Heroes will love the direct tribute to that series as Feltwaddle turns Shelter 17 into a virtual concentration camp.  It the most direct throwback to Hogan’s Heroes yet with Feltwaddle even donning a military uniform, looking almost like Colonel Klink.  Of course the Pound Puppies end up defeating Feltwaddle.  The catch is that they have to rely on some unlikely help.  Fellow veteran voice actor Frank Welker makes an appearance, too albeit in a bit role.  Even in a bit role, Welker shows such expertise and respect for his cast mates.  Of course that will be discussed at more length later.  Whether for the direct throwback to Hogan’s Heroes or for the story itself, it proves to be one more great addition to the compilation, showing even more its value in any family’s home library.

One more major challenge that the Pound Puppies face comes in the form of “Rebound’s First Symphony.”  Veteran Actress Betty White joins comedienne Margaret Cho and veteran voice actresses Cree Summer (Clifford The Big Red Dog, Codename: Kids Next Door, Tiny Toon Adventures) and Grey DeLisle (Clifford The Big Red Dog, Curious George, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy) in this episode that sees the Pound Puppies trying to unite a musically gifted puppy named Yo Yo with a girl named Sumalee.  Sumalee is a gifted violinist.  But pressure from her mom is making her not enjoy playing her violin.  What’s worse, Agatha’s (Betty White—Hot in Cleveland, The Golden Girls) dog Rebound (Brooke Goldner—Pound Puppies, Littlest Pet Shop) enjoys Sumalee’s playing, too.  Her love for Sumalee’s talents is so much that it leads to a growing fight between Agatha and Sumalee’s mother Mrs. Wattana (Margaret Cho).  The fight in question doesn’t make the Pound Puppies mission to unite Sumalee and Yo Yo any easier.  But they do bring them together.  The fight between Agatha and Mrs. Wattana is pretty funny in itself.  It will have audiences of all ages laughing.  And the story that sees the Pound Puppies’ mounting challenge makes this episode even more enjoyable.  The secondary message about the pressure placed on young people is something to which so many viewers will be able to relate.  It makes the episode even more welcome an addition to this compilation, thus making even more reason for any family to add the DVD to their home library.

The challenges faced by the Pound Puppies in their latest group of adventures make for more than their share of reason for audiences to check out Pound Puppies: Puppy Love.  Being a Valentine’s Day-themed compilation, there are a couple episodes that see love in the air.  Cookie and Lucky finally have to admit to their feelings for each other not once but twice in this collection in “The General” and “When Niblet Met Giblet.”  The latter of the two episodes also sees Niblet falling for a female sheep dog named Giblet (Ashley Johnson—Ben 10: Omniverse, Teen Titans Go!, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien).  This episode presents something of a bittersweet story Niblet ends up having to make a very difficult decision. As bittersweet as the story proves to be in the end, it still reminds viewers that love is possible.  Cookie has to admit her feelings for Lucky in the prior of the pair when the General, who turns out to be a female dog, calls on the Pound Puppies.  These two episodes in conjunction with the others already noted show once and for all just why the writing in the episodes more than makes Pound Puppies: Puppy Love worth adding to any family’s home library.

The work that went into the writing in each of this disc’s episodes is more than enough reason for audiences to make it the latest addition to their home libraries. As impressive as the writing proves to be, the work of the show’s voice cast is also worth noting. Whether it be the series’ main cast or the extensive list of guest actors enlisted for these episodes everyone involved in bring the episodes to life is well deserving of their applause. Jim Parsons’ portrayal of the megalomaniacal Milton Feltwaddle is hilarious. Any viewer that is familiar with Parsons’ portrayal of Sheldon Cooper on the Big Bang Theory will love seeing that same character style expressed in this setting. Parsons shows not once but twice in this set why he is one of the most respected comedic actors out there today in his role as Feltwaddle. Betty White’s Agatha is a recurring character in Pound Puppies. White’s work with famed comedienne Margaret Cho in “Rebound’s First Symphony” is just as entertaining. It’s obvious that White and Cho had fun working together on this episode as their characters’ conflict increases. There is something about the pair’s back and forth as the conflict escalates that shows how much fun the women had making the episode. It is just as obvious when Mrs. Wattana is forced to rely on Agatha in order to get her daughter. On another note, veteran voice actor Frank Welker appears in a bit role as a young girl’s father in “McLeish Unleashed.” Even in a bit role, he is still entertaining. He doesn’t try to ham up his few lines, instead letting his cast mates hold the spotlight. Considering that Welker (Curious George, Scooby-Doo Where Are You, The Real Ghostbusters) has spent most of his career voicing central roles, his control in this episode shows his professionalism. In turn, it makes it even greater to see and hear him at work in this setting. Lauren Tom (Futurama, Friends, The Joy Luck Club) makes an appearance in one episode, too. And it goes without saying that she is just as entertaining in her role. Her acting and that of the rest of the voice cast in these episodes adds to the episodes’ overall enjoyment. Together with the work of the show’s writers, both the writing and acting make for plenty of enjoyment in these episodes and even more proof of why this new DVD is a welcome addition to any family’s home library.

The work put in by the voice cast and the writers in the episodes culled for Pound Puppies: Puppy Love collectively makes for plenty of reason for any family to add this DVD to their home library. For all of the enjoyment that they garner, they still are not all that make it worth the purchase. The DVD’s bonus printable valentine rounds out the entire package. The double-sided card uses the DVD’s box art for its artwork. And the message that “you’re top dog, Valentine” will put a smile on anybody’s face whether it be another child or a parent. All a person needs to print out the valentine is Adobe Reader. It’s that easy. All a person has to do to get there is open the disc from “My Computer” and open it manually to get to the valentine. The valentine comes complete with specific folding instructions to make things even easier. Parents can help children fold the card once it’s printed out. Or if parents think their children are old enough, kids can print out the card and fold it themselves before giving it to a friend or to their parents. It’s the finishing touch on a DVD that even without it would still have been a great valentine from any parent to any child. The addition of the valentine just makes it that much more enjoyable. Together with the work of the show’s writers and the voice actors, it is the last part of the whole proving why any family will want to add the DVD to their home library this Valentine’s Day.

Whether for the work of the show’s writers or that of the voice cast, the work of both shine in their own way in every episode culled for Pound Puppies: Puppy Love. The addition of a bonus printable valentine adds an extra touch to the presentation in whole. It is an extra touch that will allow parents and their children to spent even more time together and could even bring them together emotionally too after the valentine is printed out and assembled. The combination of all of these elements makes Pound Puppies: Puppy Love yet another solid release from Shout! Factory Kids. They show without a bit of doubt why Pound Puppies: Puppy Love is one more welcome addition to any family’s home library. It will be available on DVD next Tuesday, February 3^rd. It can be pre-ordered now direct from Shout! Factory’s online store at https://www.shoutfactory.com/kids/kids-animation/pound-puppies-puppy-love. More information on this and other titles from Shout! Factory Kids is available online at:

 

Website: http://www.shoutfactory.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shoutfactoryofficial

 

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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Nickelodeon, Shout! Factory Finishing Off Another Classic Nicktoon Next Month

Courtesy: Shout! Factory/Nickelodeon

Shout! Factory and Nickelodeon established a partnership only a few years ago that has seen some of the network’s greatest classic series, called Nicktoons, get full, proper releases. Almost all of those classic Nicktoons has seen releases in separate seasons and complete series box sets. Now what is one of the last of those series sets will be released next month in the form of CatDog: The Complete Series.

CatDog: The Complete Series will be released on DVD Tuesday, October 14^th. The series’ complete four-season, sixty-eight episode run will be released in one complete multi-disc set. It will retail for MSRP of $29.93. After this release, the only full series sets that are left to be released under the companies’ current partnership are The Wild Thornberrys: The Complete Series and Hey Dude: The Complete Series. Audiences can keep up with the latest on all of these releases online at:

Website: http://www.shoutfactory.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shoutfactoryofficial

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

eOne’s Latest Geronimo Stilton DVD Is More Mousy Fun For The Whole Family

Courtesy: eOne

Geronimo Stilton is back again.  Everyone’s favorite rodent reporter is back in a brand new DVD courtesy of eOne.  Geronimo Stilton: Going Down To Chinatown And Other Adventures is available now on DVD in stores and online.  There is just as much to enjoy about this new DVD as eOne’s previous Geronimo Stilton compilations.  The first factor worth noting is of course the writing that went into each of the four episodes included on this disc.  Also worth noting is the series’ animation.  The original style animation to which audiences have become accustomed on previous Geronimo Stilton DVDs is present here, too.  And rounding out the whole thing is the return of the series’ voice cast once more.  All three of these factors, when taken into consideration both by themselves and collectively, show why any family will want to watch Geronimo Stilton: Going Down To Chinatown And Other Adventures.

The central reason for the overall enjoyment of Geronimo Stilton’s latest DVD compilation is the writing that went into each of the episodes included on the disc.  Stilton is essentially Scholastic’s answer to Indiana Jones.  While he’s a mild mannered reporter by day, he is also quite the adventure seeker.  In the disc’s title episode, audiences see Geronimo and his friends go on an adventure that leads to quite the unexpected end after finding a mysterious old letter and map.  What makes this episode really enjoyable is that it actually incorporates a light history lesson along the way.  That lesson is taught so covertly that young audiences wouldn’t even know.  The series’ writers are to be commended for balancing that educational content so well with the show’s more entertaining side.  The surprising end result will leave a smile on any viewer’s face as it in itself teaches quite the valuable life lesson.  And it’s just one of the wonderful lessons shared throughout these episodes that make them such a joy.  It’s just one lesson taught in this collection of episodes.  The overlying lesson that runs through each episode is that it’s perfectly fine to have a love of knowledge.  That is key to the enjoyment of these episodes more so than any other lesson.  Being that this lessons isn’t shoved down audiences throats, the end result is even more enjoyment of each of the compilation’s episodes.

The writing used in each of this set’s episodes is of the utmost importance in considering what makes the collection work.  As important as the writing is to the overall presentation, it isn’t the only factor to be taken into consideration in the presentation’s overall enjoyment and success.  One would be remiss to omit any mention of the original animation style used in this collection of episodes.  The animation style used throughout the Geronimo Stilton animated series looks to have been actually hand drawn.  While it is possible that there might have been some computer usage, it isn’t clearly evident.  If anything, the animation used in this series is similar to that of the short-lived DC series Krypto The Superdog.  Whether or not there was some computer usage, the fact remains that in an age of cookie cutter CG-based children’s shows, animation such as this stands head and shoulders above the rest.  And together with the continued solid writing, that animation makes this box set stand out among this year’s current crop in its own right.

The animation and writing that went into each of the episodes in this set both play their own role in making Geronimo Stilton: Going Down To Chinatown And Other Adventures enjoyable for audiences of all ages.  Having examined both factors, there is still one factor left to examine that makes this DVD worth the watch.  That final factor is the voice cast.  Included among the talents that worked on the series were the likes of: Brian Drummond, Erin Matthews, Sarah Edmonson, Richard Ian Cox and many other. The significance of the series’ voice cast is that many of them have also worked together on the likes of the hit anime series Inuyasha and Dragonball Z among other TV shows and movies. So, that familiarity with one another helped in its own way here as it helped to create a certain chemistry among much of the cast. The end result of that chemistry is an easily suspended disbelief among audiences. The ability of the show’s cast to make suspension of disbelief easy for audiences couples with the series’ animation and writing to make even clearer why any family not yet familiar with Geronimo Stilton will want to check out this DVD.

Geronimo Stilton: Going Down To Chinatown And Other Adventures is available now in stores and online. It can be ordered online now via Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K2OBWTM/ref=s9_simh_gw_p74_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1WPBH8WP2DTRA82510SA&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846. More information on all of the latest Geronimo Stilton books and DVDs is available online at http://www.geronimostilton.com. 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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.