Saturday, December 09, 2006

Mini-DVD Reviews: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Volume 6 (Dec. 5) and Thundercats Season 2, Volume 2 (Nov. 28)

Welcome to another Saturday edition of mini-DVD reviews! Today we have double the pleasure of reviews, with two mini-DVD reviews for you! This week we take a look at Lionsgate's Volume 6 of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Warner Home Video's Season 2 Volume 2 of Thundercats. Ninja Turtles is of course the hit animated series that caused kids and teens to go crazy for in the late '80s and early '90s. If you were growing up in that era, you were certainly a fan of this cult favorite. The same can be said of Thundercats, except that was more early-mid '80s. See my mini-DVD reviews of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Volume 5 and Thundercats - Season 2 Volume 2:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Volume 6 (Lionsgate, $14.98) brings the final 11 episodes from the series' third season and the season premiere for season four. Like we mentioned in our Volume 5 mini-DVD review, the third season had a total of 47 episodes, so there was no way to do this show in season format. Season one had 5 episodes, so that was on Volume 1. For season 2 there were just 13 episodes, so Lionsgate released that for volume two. But starting in Volume 3 they I guess decided they would release 12 episodes for a set. Volumes 3, 4 and 5 have 12 episodes each from season three. So, 11 remain from that season and are on this current volume (volume 6). Also on this volume is the season premiere from season four. Season four has a total of 39 episodes, so 38 episodes remain of season four after this volume. They'll have to release a few more volumes to finish season four. Maybe 12-13 episodes each. Seasons 5-10 do not have as many episodes as seasons three and four, so it will get better if we get that far. The episodes on this volume are the final 11 from season three and first one from season four: "The Turtle Terminator," "The Great Boldini," "The Missing Map," The Gang's All Here," "The Grybyx," "Mr. Ogg Goes to Town," "Shredderville," "Bye Bye Fly," "The Big Rip-Off," "The Big Break-In," "The Big Blow Out," "Plan 6 from Outer Space." Each episode runs approx. 22:15 or so, some more, some less. The menu screen has an opening animation which is quite nice with the options of Play All Episodes and Episode Selection, with the theme playing (loops) in the background. When we go to episode selection, there is a cool fade with music, saying "heroes in a half shell, Turtle Power!" If you have the first five volumes, there is no stopping you in buying this volume. The video is on par with the other volumes, with dust and debris here and there (lots of white flashing dots from time to time), but the audio is decent. The video needs improvement and Lionsgate needs to fix this. The first episode of season four looked much better but still needs work in video. Hopefully Lionsgate releases the episodes a bit faster since we are only getting one-disc sets. The packaging is the same style as the last few volumes, a single case. Lionsgate needs to fix the video because it looks really VHS style. Other than that, the set is fine. Some extras would be nice and more episodes also. They should take note from Warner Home Video and BCI, who handled Thundercats and He-Man both very well. They both had 65 episode seasons and released two volumes for a season and even had extras. We will review those two sets' final volumes today (Thundercats, see below) and next week (He-Man).
I still urge fans to buy this set despite the video issues, because surprisingly this show is not on TV at all these days (it has been a while, too), so this is the only way to see them. The set was released this past Tuesday, click on the link below to purchase the thrilling final 11 episodes from season three and the continuation of the story on the first episode of season four! Hurry before Shredder and the gang return from Dimension X!
-- Reviewed by Pavan
(3/5 stars)

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Amazon.com

Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com Full DVD Reviews Page
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV.com Page


Thundercats - Season 2, Volume 2 (Warner, $64.98) brings the final 31 episodes from the series' second and final season. Warner Home Video has done a nice job with this series. The series had two seasons, but each season had 65 episodes each. This was a first-run syndicated series and aired weekdays after school in the 80s, so every day was basically a new episode. WHV had two volumes for each season, which was a smart move. So, of the 130 episodes, we got them on just four six-disc sets...not bad at all. Plus extras were included. And now the final episodes are on DVD, meaning we have the entire series now on DVD!In these finale episodes we have lots of action and adventure with episodes like the 5-part episode, "The Return of Thundera" and the final episode "The Book of Omens." It was so much fun back then watching this show, and it still is. Lion-O, Cheetara, Panthro, Tygra, Wilykat,, Snarf and the rest of the gang battle the evil Mumm-Ra. Back in the 80s I always thought Mumm-Ra and Skeletor from He-Man were so similar. The menu screen has the options of Play All, Episodes, Special Features and Languages, with the instrumental theme playing (loops) in the background. When we go to episode selection, the episodes on the disc are listed. Special Features option is on each disc, but there are only extras on the last disc. Languages option has an option to listen in English or French and have subtitles in Spanish. If you have the first three sets, then you must buy this set to find out how the series ends. The video is on par with the other volumes and the audio is also decent. The packaging is the same style as the other sets, a nice outer box with three cases inside. On the episode itself, each one runs around 22:15 or so. The 5-five part episode ("Return to Thundera") has the special intro that aired before the opening credits introducing what will happen this week. Parts 1-4 at the end (before the closing credits) has the "in the next episode" preview, while parts 2-5 has "in the last episode" recap before the opening credits. Nice job, Warner. Part 4 runs 21:25, but I'm sure nothing is edited. There are no chapters...which is not good. All sets should have this. Closing logos are intact with Rankin Bass and Lorimar-Telepictures. As for extras, they are all on disc six. Disc six starts off with auto-trailers, showing us some movie trailers such as TMNT coming March 30, 2007--I had no idea another Turtles movie was coming! I'm happy! There are also Previews in the Special Features section for other animated DVD sets. The real extra is "Thundercats Ultimate Adventure Challenge." It has a 1:06 intro narrated by Lion-O and explains what we have to do. We have to find the hidden path by answering a series of questions and riddles to defeat Mumm-Ra, if we fail he will rule the planet. So, get your brains ready!
This is truly a great set and please buy this set to help Lion-O defeat Mumm-Ra in this final showdown on Third Earth. Let's beat this Ancient Spirit of Evil once and for all!
-- Reviewed by Pavan
(4/5 stars)

To purchase the DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
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Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com Full DVD Reviews Page
Thundercats TV.com Page


Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Friday, September 12

Vampirina: Teenage Vampire - "First Year to Watch" (Disney Channel, 8:00PM ET/PT)
As Vee arrives at Wilson Hall, she learns that performing arts boarding school might have more challenges than she thought; Demi vows to protect Vee from Van Helsings.

Vampirina: Teenage Vampire - "First Day of School" (Disney Channel, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Vee's plans to have an amazing first day of school are threatened by a dire warning from the Vampire Council; Demi continues his search for Van Helsings.

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of September 8)

Friday, September 12

  • Regina King (The Boondocks/Leap of Faith/227) - Watch Regina on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Michael Chiklis (Daddio) - Michael is a guest on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Drew Barrymore (Santa Clarita Diet) - Drew appears on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
  • Kumail Nanjiani (Bless the Harts/Silicon Valley) - Kumail is a guest on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
  • Domhnall Gleeson (The Paper) - Domhnall appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Emily Osment (Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage/Young Sheldon/Young & Hungry/Hannah Montana), Tien Tran (How I Met Your Father) and Vinny Thomas (Platonic) - Emily, Tien and Vinny are guests on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
  • Ken Jeong (Dr. Ken/Community) - Ken talks about 99 to Beat on The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
  • Michael Urie (Shrinking/Krapopolis/Partners) - Michael talks about Broadway's Oh, Mary! and Shrinking on The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
  • Zosia Mamet (Laid/Girls) - Zosia talks about Does This Make Me Funny? on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
  • Emeril Lagasse (Emeril) - Sunny Anderson gets a big surprise from Drew – cooking with the legendary Emeril Lagasse on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
  • Jennifer Aniston (Friends/Muddling Through/Ferris Bueller/Molloy) - Drew is chatting with Jennifer about the new season of The Morning Show, her kids cookbook, Cook with Clydeo, and her haircare line on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
  • Hannah Pilkes (Leanne) - Hannah is a guest on PIX11 Morning News on WPIX in New York at 9:30am.
  • Charlie Sheen (Anger Management/Two and a Half Men/Spin City) - Real Time with Bill Maher features a one-on-one interview with Charlie Sheen, actor and subject of the new two-part documentary aka Charlie Sheen on Netflix, and author of the new book The Book of Sheen: A Memoir at 10pm on HBO.


New on DVD and Blu-ray

The Wayans Bros. - The Complete Series Frasier (2023) - Season Two Abbott Elementary - The Complete Third Season The Drew Carey Show - The Complete Series* (missing 4 episodes and some music has been replaced or altered) Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)

01/28 - Wait Till Your Father Gets Home - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
02/04 - The Wayans Bros. - The Complete Series
03/11 - Frasier (2023) - Season Two
04/01 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Third Season
05/13 - The Drew Carey Show - The Complete Series* (missing 4 episodes and some music has been replaced or altered)
06/06 - Shoresy - Season 2
06/17 - Looney Tunes - Collector's Vault - Volume 1 (Blu-ray)
07/22 - Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)
08/26 - The Huckleberry Hound Show - The Complete Original Series (Blu-ray)

More Recent and Upcoming TV DVD and Blu-ray Releases / TV Shows on DVD, Blu-ray and Prime Video / DVD Reviews Archive


Recent SitcomsOnline.com News Blog Posts

09/11 - Remembering Polly Holliday of Alice and Flo; Prime Video's Overcompensating Renewed for Season 2
09/10 - Netflix Renews Leanne for Season 2; Hazbin Hotel Returns October 29
09/09 - HBO Comedy The Chair Company; Trailer for Disney's Vampirina: Teenage Vampire
09/08 - The Paper Renewed for Season 2, NYC Event on Tuesday; Final Season of Bel-Air
09/07 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 8, 2025)
09/06 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Shifting Gears Picked Up for Three Additional Episodes; The Paper Renewed for Season Two
09/05 - Crutch Premieres November 3 on Paramount+; Trailer for Season 2 of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
09/04 - Freeform's 31 Nights of Halloween 2025 Schedule; Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Cast
09/03 - Live Staged Reading of Three's Company Episode; Freeform Acquires According to Jim for October
09/02 - Hulu's Chad Powers Trailer; BET's The Hospital Premieres September 10
09/01 - TV Marathons on Labor Day 2025 Include Archie Bunker's Place and George Lopez
08/31 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 1, 2025)
08/30 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Saturday Night Live Cast Changes Loom; NBC Renews Password for Third Season
08/29 - HBO's Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television; Adult Swim Slates Two Series for October
08/28 - NBC's Password Renewed for Season 3 for 2026; Pluto TV Streaming CBS Shows Ahead of Fall Season
08/27 - Hulu's Deli Boys Renewed for Season 2 with Fred Armisen; HBO's I Love LA Premieres November 2
08/26 - English Teacher Returns on FX for Season 2; Jesse Williams Prime Video Series Trailer
08/25 - Doc Season 2 Trailer for Fox; Remembering David Ketchum and Jerry Adler
08/24 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 25, 2025)
08/23 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Home Improvement Cast Members to Reunite on Shifting Gears; The Paper to Have Binge Drop
08/22 - Hulu's Futurama Season 13 Trailer; A Man on the Inside Returns November 20 on Netflix
08/21 - George Lopez Coming to COZI TV; The Morning Show Season 4 Trailer
08/20 - Welcome Back, Kotter 50th Anniversary Marathon on Rewind TV; Apple TV+ Palm Royale Season 2 Premieres November 12
08/19 - Antenna TV's Archie Bunker's Place Labor Day Marathon; Larry the Cable Guy Prime Video Special
08/18 - Nobody Wants This Season 2 Premieres October 23; HGTV and Retta Continue Partnership
08/17 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 18, 2025)
08/16 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Paramount Plans Retool of Cable Networks; King of the Hill Revival Scores Big Ratings
08/15 - Catchy Comedy Acquires Hot in Cleveland; Netflix's Animated Comedy Strip Law Premieres in 2026
08/14 - Dan Levy's Netflix Comedy Series Cast; Betty la Fea: La Historia ContinĂșa Season 2 Premieres Friday
08/13 - Remembering Danielle Spencer of What's Happening!!; Trailer for Season 5 of Only Murders in the Building
08/12 - Netflix's Comedy Kiss or Die Premieres September 9; Lori Harvey Joins Reasonable Doubt
08/11 - Roku Originals Books a Return Trip with Season 2 Renewal of Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross; Netflix's Fixed Trailer