DVD Corner

Thundercats Season 1 Book 2 DVD Review

The new “Thundercats” is not as good as the old “Thundercats.”

Fans who couldn’t get enough of Lion-O and the “Thundercats” gang in season 1 book 1 DVD set will be happy to know that season 1 book 2 (episodes 9-16) has now been released. The 7 episodes included in this set are “Berbils,” “Sight Beyond Sight,” “The Forest Of Magi Oar,” “Into The Astral Plane,” “Between Brothers,” “New Alliances,” and “Trials Of Lion-O” parts 1 and 2. The stories involve searching for a magic stone in an astral plane, the Sword Of Omens, a conflict filled trip through the Forest Of Magi, Mumm-Ra and his minions, Grune and the lizards fighting our heroes, complications between Cheetara, Tygra and Lion-O, the Thundercats helping Berbils (robot bears) and Elephants to stop villains like the Conquedor and the Wraiths, and Lion-O taking tests from Jaga in the spirit world to return from death.

When it comes to remakes, reboots, or reimaginings, it’s always hard to replicate the magic of the original (let alone surpass it). With the new “Thundercats,” however, the creative team manages to make an interesting, darker series that respectfully elaborates on ideas that were presented in the original. Unfortunately, it’s just not as fun as the 80’s original.

While the new series has carved out a loyal fanbase, I can’t quite get on board with it. While I love the nods to the original series (see the Berbils) and find the animation to be stunning, the writing is very inconsistent. The new incarnation takes itself a little too seriously with the darker tone and the characters seem to whine a bit too much for my liking. I’m all for making the characters more complex, but whining about everything doesn’t pass for characterization in my book.

As far as the episode plots go, I find the pacing to be rather clumsy. All of the episodes feel longer than 22 minutes and the stories involving the Thundercats helping or fighting creatures gets a bit tiresome. With groundbreaking animated series like “The Legend Of Korra” and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” telling exciting, season spanning story arcs, it’s hard not to get bored by repetitive filler episodes and a very limited story arc.

Summary: “Thundercats” fans who don’t want to wait for an eventual season 1 box set should pick Book 2 up.

Video/Audio:

The series, which is presented in widescreen, is visually superior to the original. This is a very detailed and colorful animated series and the environments and character designs are first rate here.

The Dolby Digital audio track does the job. The music, sound f/x, voice acting and action all put the speakers to work.

Extras include trailers for WeCanBeHeroes.org, DC Comics- The New 52, “Big Top Scooby-Doo,” “Batman: The Brave And The Bold,” “Young Justice,” “Green Lantern: The Animated Series.”

July 7, 2012 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Lion-O, Mumm-Ra, Thundercats Season 1 Book 2 DVD Review