One of the best cartoon series during the 1980's has received one of the worst dvd releases ever. The cartoon receives 5 stars, the quality receives 1 star. It results in the average of 3 stars. Here's the details:
The BEST:
First and foremost, it *is* Thundercats. It *is* on dvd, and it *is* about time. Thundercats is one of the most popular and beloved cartoons of all time. The characters, storyline, animation, music and effects came together to form a magnificent cartoon. The voice acting is well done, and practically every story draws the viewer in and leaves you wanting more. Two of my favorite episodes from the series is included with this release: "Pumm-Ra" and "The Ghost Warrior". While both episodes contain many parts which detail why they are my favorite, I have two highlights to share.
In "Pumm-Ra" the moment comes when Pumm-Ra has possesson of the Sword of Omens. As he raises it above his head, and tries to call upon the swords power(s) by uttering: "Thunder...Thunder...Thunder..Thundercats...Ho!" The music, the brief capture of Lion-O just prior in fear/shock not knowing what will or is about to happen, the after effects (I.E. The "Cataclysm" as Panthro states), all build such a great moment. However, for me, once Pumm-Ra hand is forced by the sword to release it, Jaga appears instantly before Lion-O and states: "The mystic Sword of Omens cannot be used for evil...know the wrath of Jaga", it is just an awesome moment. Lion-O picks up the sword, only to be mocked by Pumm-Ra: "Too late...Boy"! The Mutants than appear behind Lion-O in the Thundertank...I could go on, but it's better you watch it.
In "The Ghost Warrior", there are also numerous reasons why I love it. However, the highlighted moment for me is when Jaga is about to be defeated (You may be even thinking for a moment killed by Grun), when Lion-O infuriated and upset shouts "Nooooo...Jaga take my strength"! Jaga replies: "No, Lion-O...No." Lion-O rebukes him: "I command you, Jaga. As Lord of the Thundercats, I command you to take my strength"! Jaga's eyes then light up and you then see Lion's eyes light up, while the 'show' of glowing lights and mist come off his shoulders and back (Signifying Jaga absorbing/taking Lion-O's strength). Again, I could go on, but it is better you just watch it.
As 'long or detailed' that I made *just* two highlights, of *just* two scenes, of *just* two episodes, it really is the tip of the iceberg. I cannot explain fully and you cannot appreciate fully what I wrote. You really need to *see* and *hear* it. Yes, it really is *that* good. Every aspect from music, effects, animation, characters, storyline, etc., culminates into one the most genius cartoons of all time. Back in the 80's it was loved by children and adults, and 20 years later it still has the same magic.
The WORST:
Unbiased without predjustice or prior knowledge of the quality of this dvd, I eagerly rushed to store to pick up this release on August 9th. The first store I went to was sold out! The second store had 1 copy left. It was truly amazing the first store was sold out, as I never encountered that with this particular store before, for any other dvd release. It just made me all the more eager and excited about the release.
As soon as I popped the dvd into my player and after the "Copyright" warning/messages, the introduction starts before reaching the menu options. I was *shocked* and *disappointed* by the VHS-like quality. Afterward, I read the other reviews and agree spot on concerning the quality. To be honest, the Mono sound does not bother me too much (Maybe because it is being 'pumped out' by my home theater system).
However, the Video *really* bothers me *a lot*. How come a company like Rhino can clean up cartoons in a fine way, but Warner Bros. cannot? I'm sorry, but that is just being lazy and cheap. Excuses and reasonings can be made, such as the episodes were taking from TV Masters, but it does not hold much water. Regardless of source, this series really *deserves* the high quality treatment and remastering other cartoons have received (Watch "Best of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" for a perfect example).
The sloppiness and careless attitude by Warner Bros. in regards to the quality control of this release is evident in other areas too. This missing music and opening episode title shot of "Unholy Alliance". The absolutely horrid video (Especially in the first couple of minutes - Even worse than the overall video quality) of "Exodus". These are the *2nd* and very *1st* episodes in the series. See the other reviews for other places where Warner Bros. 'dropped the ball'. How sloppy and careless could Warner Bros. possibly become with this release? Could they not have paid someone, or had someone working in the production department of this release, actually view the final product before releasing it to the masses. How much would it have cost Warner Bros. to pay someone to view the final product before releasing it to the general public? Heck, I know there are numerous individuals who would have been delighted to do such a job for *free*.
Furthermore, while the box art and design is very good, and the dvd cases artwork are good as well, there are *no* inserts. Just the dvd's themselves. The 'extras' (And I use that term loosely), are also disappointing.
Warner Bros.: Please, take note of the "Best of Masters of the Universe", look at Rhino's treatment of series such as Transformers and GI Joe, and learn from it. Please. You *really* disappoint with the mess you have made with Thundercats. You should be ashamed to have your name associated with such poor quality.
For everyone else: It *is* an 'official' release. It *is* on dvd, and yes, despite the above issues, it *is* worth the money. If Thundercats was not such a high calibre cartoon, I would say to forget it - or just rent it. Unless you want pirated/bootlegged material (Although the quality of this release is almost just as bad, if not the same quality), you have no other alternative(s). This cartoon should be in your dvd collection.