As a fan of the original Scooby-Doo series, I was pleased to be asked to review Scooby-Doo: Mystery Incorporated, Season 1, Volume 3 here on Acting Balanced. My daughter, who has seen the original but was tainted by the movies has chimed in to help me with my review.
This DVD is obviously the third installment of this set of DVDs and Volume 1 and Volume 2 are also available.
This DVD contains:
Battle of the Humungonauts
When two giant monsters start to attack Crystal Cove, Mayor Jones asks Fred and the gang to help him and the sheriff capture them. Meanwhile, Shaggy has to choose between his relationship with Velma and his friendship with Scooby.
Howl of the Fright Hound
A monster called the Fright Hound starts attacking Crystal Cove and people believe Scooby-Doo is behind it. Could be Scooby the one attacking the city or is someone setting him up?
The Secret Serum
There's a vampire loose in Crystal Cove, terrorizing the residents and stealing an odd assortment of loot. When the gang does some sniffing around, they discover an unlikely suspect... Daphne's MOTHER. Things are already strained within Mystery Inc., and with this latest blow, the gang is truly torn in half. Girls on one side, boys on the other.
The Shrieking Madness
With Mystery Inc. broken up, the gang decides to check out life after high school and spend a weekend at DARROW COLLEGE. But things don't go as planned when a creature called CHAR GAR GOTHAKON begins terrorizing the campus.
My Review:
This version of Scooby-Doo definitely has darker overtones than the original, but I guess that's a sign of the times - the original Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? Series was born in 1969. One of the things that I do like is that the characters still have their 60's look if not their feel and Casey Kasem, the original voice of Shaggy is now voicing his uncle!
Another new addition to this series is that the episodes are pieces to a greater puzzle - so coming in mid-season with this DVD meant that there are things we should already know and don't. There is also much more overt romance in these episodes than I ever remember... guess that's another sign of the times kids...
Overall, the episodes were fun and followed the Scooby-Doo tradition of those 'meddling kids' solving the mystery and ruining old man (insert name here)'s plans for world domination or whatever they were after.
There are no bonus features on this DVD, and I guess I'm getting spoiled because I almost expect that every DVD I get will have some sort of bonus - whether it's a game, some trivia about the show or an interview or two.
If you're looking for a fun way to introduce your older (8 and up) children to the world of Scooby-Doo, than I recommend checking out this DVD in concert with the other two volumes - but probably wouldn't suggest you only get this one.
Disclaimer: I received this product at no cost to me for the purpose of writing my review. All opinions are my own.
