The
Herculoids: The Complete Original Series
(1967 - 1968/Hanna Barbera/Warner Archive Blu-ray Set)/Peter
Rabbit 2: The Runaway 4K
(2021/Sony 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray w/Blu-ray)
4K
Ultra HD Picture: B+ Picture: B Sound: B+ & B/B
Extras: C/A Main Programs: C+/A+
PLEASE
NOTE:
The Herculoids
Blu-ray set is now only available from Warner Bros. through their
Warner Archive series and can be ordered from the link below.
Now
for our latest child/family titles...
In
the late 1960s the Marvel Age of comic books was hitting full steam,
and kids across the USA were mad for superheroes in all forms.
Television company Hanna-Barbera Productions seized on this momentum
in 1967 and produced their first run of Saturday morning action
cartoons. This included The Herculoids. Who are these Herculoids?
The 'team' consists of a future savage family: Zandor (the father),
Tara (his wife), and Dorno (their son). This human trio is always
accompanied by a group of wondrous and semi-intelligent beasts: Zok
(a laser-blasting dragon), Tundro (an eight-legged 'space' rhino),
Igoo (a giant rock-ape), Gloop (an amorphous, shape shifting blob
with eyes), and Gleep ( a smaller version of Gloop). Designed by
amazing artist and storyteller Alex Toth, the Herculoids are a visual
feast for the senses.
This
is a good thing, because from the very first story of this 18 episode
initial run, we get little to no origin details on our heroes.
They're simply on a wild, jungle planet somewhere in space, and
adversaries show up there to cause trouble or settle old scores.
That's it. These aforementioned foes are every bit as visually
dynamic, cool, and fun to watch as the show's protagonists, so the
lack of exposition mostly shifts to the background as you find
yourself enjoying each installment's ballet of 1960s comic book
violence. Veteran voice talents Mike Road (Zandor) and Virgina Gregg
(Tara) helm the cast and lend a certain gravity to the sometimes
campy dialogue. Mr. Road also provides his voice talents on most of
the monstrous Herculoids as well.
One
of the more unique aspects of The
Herculoids: The Complete Original Series
(1967 - 1968) was
how Hanna-Barbera chose to present it. Each episode was actually
broken into two separate, mini-episodes with different stories and
antagonists. So while the show featured eighteen episodes with
eighteen original air dates between September 9, 1967 and January 6,
1968, it's actually thirty-six mini-episodes. One can speculate that
this would have allowed Hanna-Barbera to cut the episodes up and show
them in pieces as part of variety shows or 'power-hours.' While
ostensibly a children's show, these episodes are violent by today's
somewhat tamer kids' animation standards. The Herculoids regularly
maim, kill, or otherwise ruin their foes. While most of these jokers
have it coming, parents may want to exercise some caution before
screening these shows for really your children.
The
Herculoids
did enjoy a brief revival in the 1980s 'Space Stars' ensemble show,
but since then they have only made sporadic appearances in certain
comedic adult animated shows.
The
1080p, 1.33:1 aspect ratio scans of these episodes do a nice job
showing off Alex Toth's brilliant figure work and colorful
backgrounds. The DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 2.0 Mono lossless sound
also does the job conveying the noise and chaos of the many
collisions, explosions, and slugfests the Herculoids find themselves
caught up in.
While
remaining a product of their time, The
Herculoids
is a fun, action-packed animated romp best viewed on Saturday
mornings while still dressed in your pajamas. Add a bowl of sugary
cereal and you will surely be transported back to that simpler era of
starkly contrasted heroes and villains. If you do, be sure to enjoy
the ride!
Because
the first film did well enough, Will Gluck's Peter
Rabbit 2: The Runaway 4K
(2021) has the title character trying live down his reputation, has a
hit book and is not certain where is he going with his future despite
having family matters settled. If you missed the first film, here is
our coverage of that release in 4K here:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/15165/Daphne+&+Velma+(Warner+Blu-ray+w/DVD)/LEG
Not
badly done with voice work by Rose Byrne, David Oyelowo, Dominall
Gleason, Elizabeth Debicki, James Corden and Margot Robbie is more of
the same and that's great for fans and those who liked the last film,
but it does not add much otherwise, despite a few admittedly amusing
moments. It is enough like a old-fashioned storybook brought to life
to its advantage, but anyone who has not seen this one should start
with the first for this to make a little more sense.
The
2160p HECV/H.265, HDR (10; Ultra HD Premium)-enhanced, 2.35 X 1,
Ultra High Definition image looks good, but is a little less
impressive than the last release, but the differences are narrow,
though I still thought this looked good and this should have looked
as good or better. It still looks better than the still fine, 1080p
2.35 X 1 digital High Definition image in the regular blu-ray.
The
lossless Dolby Atmos 11.1 mix on the 4K disc is nice but not fancy,
though I like its space and openness helps this be even more
watchable. The DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 5.1 mix is not a bad mixdown
for the Blu-ray, with dialogue nicely recorded in both cases and
sounding fine.
Extras
include Digital Copy, while the discs add a Making Of featurette and
some activities for children based on the characters.
To
order The
Herculoids
Warner Archive Blu-ray set, go to this link for it and many more
great web-exclusive
releases at:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/ED270804-095F-449B-9B69-6CEE46A0B2BF?ingress=0&visitId=6171710b-08c8-4829-803d-d8b922581c55&tag=blurayforum-20
-
Nicholas Sheffo (4K) and Scott Pyle
