Thundarr
The Barbarian
(1980 - 1981/Ruby Spears/Warner Archives DVD)
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: D Episodes: B
PLEASE
NOTE:
Thundarr
The Barbarian
is now only available from Warner Bros. through their Warner Archive
series and can be ordered from the link below.
Many
people have fond memories of Saturday morning cartoons and Thundarr
the Barbarian
is often a highlight of that early 1980s era. Based on an original
concept by Steve Gerber (of Howard
the Duck
and Guardians
of the Galaxy
fame) Thundarr
only
managed to last two seasons, but had a lasting impact on generations
to come.
Taking
place in a mixed up world of wizards, magic, mystical creatures, and
(of course) barbarians audiences were treated to 21 fantastic, half
hour episodes produced by Ruby Spears Productions. Are main cast
consists of Thundarr (voiced by Robert Ridgely), Ookla the Mok (Henry
Corden), and Princess Ariel the Sorceress (Nellie Bellflower).
Thundarr and his crew travel the vast world on horseback battling
Lizard people, The Brotherhood of Night (werewolves), Stalker from
the Stars (a vampire), and wizards. Other inhabitants of this new
world consist of different mutants ranging from the cat-like Moks to
the crocodile-like Carocs. The backdrop for this post-apocalyptic
world is the good ol’ U.S. of A. visiting such locales as New York
City, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Mount Rushmore.
We
are treated to some of the backstory in the opening sequence, as well
as in the initial episodes; suggesting that a rogue planet crashed
into the moon (splitting it in two) and causing devastating changes
in the climate and land formations. The world of Thundarr
takes
place 2,000 years after those events when the earth and moon have
seemingly found a balance; leading the way for both man and beast to
rule again. The world is now host to a combination of super science
and magic; each used in their own way to bring both order and chaos
to the world.
Thundarr
was
an incredibly innovative series that had a lasting influence on a
creative youth who would go on to have comics, animated series,
films, and other artistic endeavors of their own. Thundarr
the Barbarian has
gone on to make appearances in series such as Harvey
Birdman: Attorney at Law
and the series 3 main characters even had brand new action figures
produced in 2004. Needless to say Thundarr
is
far from done. Thundarr
obviously
drew inspiration from the past with the likes of Flash
Gordon,
Conan
the Barbarian,
and even elements of Star
Wars taking
center stage throughout the series; but concurrently puts in its own
unique brand of creativity and superherodom.
This
release from Warner Archives is a 'burn to own' DVR type deal;
so whereas the quality is not the best, it is far from bad. The
picture is presented in a 1.33 X 1 color, Full Screen aspect ratio
that demonstrates solid, but not perfect colors/contrast. Black
levels are somewhat weak and a degree of print degradation is present
throughout; though not an insane amount of grain or debris. The
sound is a simple, lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono track that comes
solely from the front, getting the job done; but nothing earth
shattering.
No
extras are available on this release.
Thundarr
the Barbarian is
a great series that is worth a look. Older generations will have a
sense of nostalgia, while newer generations will continue to be
inspired by this quirky, adventurous series.
To
order Thundarr,
go to this link for it and many more great web-exclusive releases at:
http://www.warnerarchive.com/
-
Michael
P. Dougherty II
