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TaleSpin DVD Volume One
Reviewed: 09/01/2006
No Joke! The DVD is here! And it's still very good for the money!
Welcome to my first DVD review (Yeah I know; It was supposed to be a WWE DVD, but fanfic writing has taken much of my time.) on the Gregory Rank Shack of Thoughts and it's actually a DVD based on a series that I had completed ranting on for the past three years. When Disney finally announced that TaleSpin was coming on DVD; I had a sense of denial. Could it really be happening? After sixteen years of Disney ignoring the series which spawned the movie to tv spinoff with their downplaying the series (both good and bad), editing and goodness knows what else; TaleSpin is finally on DVD with more episodes than in their VHS ickling back in 1991/1992. It's hard to believe; but it is true. I bought mine at HMV along with the Darkwing Duck DVD and the cashier liked Darkwing Duck. Not a surprise considering that Darkwing Duck was closer to American animation style (Comedy, cartoon bumps etc.) while TaleSpin is closer to Japanese animation style (Adventure/Drama/Comedy, realistic bumps etc.). Now this review will be different than the TaleSpin rants that I have done. The first thing you'll notice is that there will be no jokes nor funny stuff. I have fired the jokegun on TaleSpin enough as it is. The review will cover the DVD volume itself rather than the episodes. The episode rants are available in the links below and if you want a review for a certain episode; you know where to click. I'll cover the first three discs with thoughts about the DVD cases, DVD box and the DVD menus. You'll see a small summary about the episodes themselves; but that's about it. I'm not re-ranting on the episodes again; I've already did them. Did I make a good decision to buy this set? Read on...
The DVD Box
The First Volume of TaleSpin is in a sleeve box (like the Ducktales and Rescue Rangers DVD) which has artwork based on the VHS artwork for TaleSpin back in the early 1990's which suit me just fine because the artwork there was almost as good as the television artwork in the series. It does contain obvious errors; but it still looks really good. The middle of the front of the box contains the alternative TaleSpin logo which I say is actually better than the TV logo. The Disney logo above it seems contrived and sloppy though. There is a map of the real world which bugs me a little because TaleSpin doesn't take place in the real world; it takes place in an alternative world where names are weird and humans are anthros. However; the map is faded and unless you have a critical eye like I do; it's not a big deal. This is a three disc set just like the Ducktales and Rescue Rangers DVD's; but the artwork here is much better. Baloo and Kit are from "That's Show Biz" VHS it should be noted and since they are the main heroes; they are the stars just as they show be. Although Ted will argue that Kit should be on top and not on the bottom. Not a big deal to me since most know Baloo more than Kit anyway. So the first impressions are pretty impressive.
Artwork Error #1: On the side of the DVD box; the Baloo artwork is from "Fearless Flyers" and the episode "Mach One For The Gipper" which doesn't exist in this set.
The side of the DVD box contains the logos of both Disney and TaleSpin (with TaleSpin perfectly centered and Disney (with 's) to it's left) with the Disney DVD logo at the top. That looks pretty okay to me. On the bottom is the Baloo mug (which is from an episode not in the box set) with 3-disc set, Volume 1 and episodes 1-27 on the bottom. There is also a small five digit number below that and I won't comment on it because I don't care about it. The faded map goes all around the box set (expect the inside of the box sleeve.)
Artwork Error #2: On the back of the box; you see Baloo, Louie and Barney playing horsey ( guess who plays the horse and who plays the rider in this one.). That is from Fearless Flyers and from the episode Jumping the Guns which doesn't exist on this boxset. I should also point out that Ignatz is green in the TV version and gold in the artwork. Despite this mistake; that mistake was also present in the VHS version of "Treasure Trap" so it doesn't count as an artwork error.
The back of the box shows a large summary on the right side in beige letters against a brown background and it's pretty good. It was clearly designed for non TaleSpin fans who have never seen the series before and doesn't give away too much stuff about the characters. At least they don't have Kit as a mere sidekick this time and they treat him by his title as navigator. Which is the way it is supposed to be. I know that I'm a fan of Kit Cloudkicker and both me and Ted see him as a hero rather than a mere sidekick to Baloo; but when you're selling a DVD set, you have to be modest enough that you aren't lying or insulting their intelligence. The summary here is bland; but it's not insulting like Disney has done with TaleSpin in the past. Ted has that base covered; if you want to talk to him about it then you better be prepared to listen for a while. Anyhow; to the left of the summary is three pictures: The top one is from Treasure Trap and Polly Wants A Treasure, the middle is from Fearless Flyers and Jumping the Guns while the bottom is from That's Show Biz and I believe it's Mommy for a Day; although the scene never existed in the television. Again; the artwork contains obvious continuity errors; but it still looks really good in spite of that problem. Above the summary is the ISBN and UPC code along with a small art-deco version of the SeaDuck and the title: "Climb aboard for fun and Adventure- A High Flying Three Disc Set. Includes the Four Episode Pilot". This was pretty much what I expected and this was the indication that Plunder and Lightning would be based on the syndication version. More on that later. The bottom contains the usual details about the DVD like the screen (Full Screen 1.33:1), Dolby Digital Stereo Sound (Similar to what the Wii will use in their games), NTSC Logo, SDH Logo, Region 1 logo, DVD logo, Walt Disney Home Entertainment Log, Total Running Time (About 617 minutes which is 10 hours and 17 minutes worth of content in case you are wondering.), The Dual Layer Format triggering a slight pause (which happens on WWE DVD's and all DVD9 discs so it's isn't a big deal at all) and copyright legal material. Nothing much to see here unless you are a tech geek or legal beagle. I'll explain the French Audio track later on since that that is better explained on Set Up.
Interesting Note #1: If you live in Canada; the set is rated G and you'll see the rating logo on the back of every Disc cover and the Box Sleeve itself. In the case of the box sleeve it is to the left of the SDH logo. The rating only applies to Ontario's rating board. Canada does have censorship boards for movies and video games; however, most of them are pretty soft when it comes to enforcement of the ratings (Ontario would be the exception). I blame that on lack of funding for the censorship boards. Not that it matters since TaleSpin as the General rating anyway. In America; TaleSpin DVD is unrated and you won't see the rating. In fact; the Television rating doesn't exist anywhere (even in the series itself). For reference; TaleSpin was rated TV-Y. However; that was based on the 1995 PC version of TaleSpin. Read on to find out if the unrated DVD set had any effect on the series....
My Rating on the DVD Box: **** 1/2- Other than a few artwork errors and some sloppiness, this is one of the best Disney Television Animation DVD Box Sleeves I have seen. Much better than Ducktales and Rescue Rangers.
Disc One
The case for Disc One is plastic (it looks like a smaller, thinner version of the WWE DVD cases) and has the same general look as the box sleeve. The front of the box contains the usual alternative TaleSpin logo (only disc one is shown instead of volume 1) and the full front artwork from the VHS video "That's Show Biz" It's still my favorite overall for the VHS tapes. On the lower right there is Episodes 1-9 and the Disney DVD logo written on it. The side is almost the same as the DVD Box sleeve except Kit's mug is being used (which is fitting considering that Kit is the focus character in five of the nine episodes and plays a decent role to Molly in Mommy For A Day). The centering is much better here than it was in the box sleeve for the TaleSpin logo; I should point out.
Artwork Error #3- On the lower right you see WildCat hanging on while Eddy is standing over him. That was from the VHS video "Wise Up" and from the episode "The Sound & The Furry" which doesn't exist in this box set. I should also point out that the artwork for Louie and Baloo high-fiving while Rebecca isn't impressed is from the TaleSpin VHS Video "Jackpots & Crackpots" and from the episode "A Touch of Glass" which does exist in this boxset; but isn't available until Disc 3. I won't count this as a separate error though. The Rebecca and Molly sitting on the pier full artwork is from the back of the VHS Video "That's Show Biz" and that acts as a nice work of continuity on the part of Disney since the VHS front and back artwork of "That's Show Biz" is exactly the way it is here. Nice job.
The back of the DVD case has a small summary on the top which is a pretty good one; albeit brief..and considering that TaleSpin never explored Kit's past at all (unless you count TaleSpin Comics Volume 7 The Long Flight Home as canon) he is quite mysterious indeed. Kudos to Disney for giving Kit his mystery back which wasn't in existence when Michael Eisner was running things. There are two also two white tabs to cut out as proof of purchase of this series and I really don't care because I just don't see the point of it. The rest of the information is the cartoon selections which go according the air date order and not the production order.
Rant #1: There has been a debate on the episode order for series. DarthGozo of Toonzone wants the episodes in the production order (which would put Plunder and Lightning on Volume 2 instead of Volume 1) while everyone else wanted the pilot episodes on Volume 1 then the airdate order which TaleSpin got while Ducktales and Rescue Rangers didn't. That has caused a stink around the internet and I haven't really discussed my opinion on the subject. I have to agree with everyone else for a couple of reasons: [1.] Plunder and Lightning may have been in the thirties in the production order ; but it aired before the show went into syndication on September 10th, 1990. Also according to the air date order; Plunder and Lightning aired after eight episodes were aired on the Disney Channel. So it would still be on Volume one anyway. [2.] Better continuity. Plunder and Lightning must occur before almost all the other TaleSpin episodes can air or else the continuity will be even more shot than it already is (I Only Have Ice For You/It Came From Beneath The SeaDuck were produced first since Don Rosa was the first writer to finish first). Plus if DarthGozo got his way; A Bad Reflection On You would be split up with Part One on Volume One and Part One on Volume 3 (if one were to be made). That would be a problem since no one would know what happened in Part Two until Volume Three and if Disney decides not to make a Volume 2 and Volume 3 (which could happen if Greg's fears come true) then we would have a cliffhanger for the new fans and no one like cliff hangers. Ask the fans of Reboot about it. So in closing; Disney made the right decision in using the air dates rather the production dates; regardless of what DarthGozo thinks. It shows that Disney put some effort into the DVD.
The inside of the disc case is the DVD which contains the same full picture from the front of the VHS video "That's Show Biz" but it seems faded for some reason. The top of the disc also contains the tech support number for Disney, Ontario rating (if you bought this in Canada), and other logos. The final time is 206 minutes long (which is three hours and 26 minutes long); which is closer to three and a half hours rather than three hours posted on the case. I should point out that I don't like the diamond push buttons on the plastic cases (this applies to all disc on this set and other sets like the RVD DVD) because they are easy to break and may cause damage to the disc (like the RVD DVD had). The curve buttons are much better. Now for the actual DVD menus themselves; the artwork is based on the actual TaleSpin television series. That's pretty understandable due to the fact that the VHS artwork is very limited compared to the TV artwork. Every menu plays to the song "Spin It" which is a good decision quality wise; but be warned: The song will get into your head and it won't get out of your head. There is no animation in the menus; even during episode selections. Some of the episode selection menus are pretty clever. One example is on Disc 2 where Baloo looks at the episodes through the cargo. That was pretty impressive to say the least. It's not all like that; but it still looks neat. While the menu look acceptable; I do have a few nitpicks about Disney's decision to use some pictures. On The Disc One main menu; Kit looks cross-eyed for some reason. For Disc Three; Disney still decided to use Rebecca's wimpy pose. After sixteen years of using that pose for Rebecca; you would think that Disney would be sick of using that pose. I know I am and many others will agree with me on that one.....
Interesting Note #2: When you try to load a episode on the DVD; it is slower than previous Disney Television Animation Box Set. Not slow enough to be annoying; but the load time is somewhat notable unless you have been playing video games that take at least 15 seconds to load each scene.
Episode Rants For Disc One
Plunder and Lightning Movie Part One Rant- The beginning of the best pilot episode on animated television.
Plunder And Lightning Movie Part Two Rant- I pity the poor souls who missed the original version.
I Only Have Ice For You- The first episode aired in America and it was an omen of things to come...
It Came From Beneath the SeaDuck Rant- He created the second best TaleSpin episode ever and he wasn't excited?
Time Waits For No Bear Rant- Land This Plane So I Can Thank U!
From Here To Machinery Rant- Why this series can do no wrong!
Mommy for a Day Rant- Molly's goofy face is worth the price of admission.
My Thoughts: Before I begin with the content; I would like to comment that each episode counts as one chapter unlike the Ducktales DVD which has five chapters per episode. This is really lazy on Disney's part and quite inexcusable to say the least. Some people will say that TaleSpin's so watchable that this is not really a big deal. However; when you're ranting it does cause a problem. At least you can continue where you left off if you stop the DVD. On the other hand; the picture quality is much better than I expected it to be; although Plunder and Lightning Part One and Two can go from light to dark at times without warning. The coloring did keep it constant with the rest of the series (most so Kit Cloudkicker's skin); however Disney decided not to edit Dumptruck's face to make it constant with the rest of the series. I guess Disney didn't want fans to think that they were re-editing the series; even though Dumptruck's face is an animation mistake and an edit wouldn't have been a bad thing. The audio is actually better and sounds just as it was back in 1990. One step back and two steps forward for Disney. I just hope that Disney doesn't go the one chapter route for Volume 2 if and when the announce it. This applies to all discs in this volume it should be noted. As I expected all along that Plunder and Lightning would be the syndicated version. However; the real story is that the version we got is not the 1995 PC version where additional edits were made for violence and stereotyping. Louie being backed up by the threat of the sword; it's in the DVD version. The Chinese Firedrill line from Don Karnage; it's in this DVD version. The guns shooting at Don Karnage and the Pirates dodging their own gunfire while Kit was in the radio pleading for help; it's there as well. For all the disappointment in the fact that no one outside the TaleSpin Internet Community will get to see the Home Is Where The Heart Is scene due to the time cuts required for the syndication version; Disney showed some guts and some class by at least releasing a version that wasn't cut by the censors due to violence and stereotyping. I guess they can get away with it now due to the fact that the DVD set is unrated (although in Canada; the rating is G. However; Canada does allow a lot more in a General rating than they do in a TV-Y episode, so there you go.) Sadly; Disney decided not to keep the eye-catchers from the 1990 series run (It's better explained in the TaleSpin Edits section under general) which were really good and a crime not to keep. Then again; TaleSpin master tapes don't really have them so it probably wouldn't happen anyhow.
Interesting Note #3: All episodes are between 22:45 and 23:10 in length and that applies to all discs. The episode lengths are so constant that I expected the violence edits to be restored. I just needed to see the episode with my own eyes before making it official.
Interesting Note #4:: In Mommy For a Day; the subtitle refers to the Yenkara as the Inkara. I guess that is the proper spelling of the monster after all. That's going to require changes to the TaleSpin Source Page.
As for the first disc; Plunder and Lightning Part One was the weakest episode at **** 1/4. The reminder of the episodes were **** 1/2 or better. I'm really surprised that Ultimate Disney reviewer Luke thought that "It Came From Beneath The SeaDuck" was a stand out episode. Usually "I Only Have Ice For You" would be picked out as a stand out by most people who loved Don Rosa's work. This is the strongest disc in the DVD set quality wise. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone since TaleSpin in syndication did get off to a roaring start and Polly wants A Treasure is really the first episode under ****.
My Rating for Disc One: ***** - I'm discounting the One Chapter Skip because that is a tech issue and that belongs in the Set Up section of the rating. The rating does cover Video, Audio, DVD Cases, DVD Menu and Episode Quality. Awesome job overall despite two small artwork errors which were mostly the product of limited VHS artwork.
Click Here for the full list of changes from Plunder and Lightning and the 1995 version of TaleSpin. This list will be updated as soon as I finish compling the edits.
Disc Two
Artwork Error #4: The front cover art is from the back of the VHS tape: "Imagine That" and from the episode "Flight School Confidential" which doesn't exist in this volume.
Artwork Error #5: The first back picture is on the front of the VHS tape: "Imagine That" and from the episode "Flight of The Snowduck" which doesn't exist in this volume.
Artwork Error #6: The second back picture containing Colonel Spigot is from the episode "Flight School Confidential" which doesn't exist on this volume. In fact the artwork wasn't released on the US VHS version. I assume it is from the European version where the artwork used is different from the US version. Also the far right picture is from the VHS tape "True Baloo" and from the episode "The Balooest of Bluebloods" which exists on this volume; but not until Disc 3.
Disc Number Two's case is plastic and in basically the same style as the first with the VHS artwork, and usual summaries along with the episode selections. There's really nothing wrong with it per-se. However; Disney really screwed up the artwork images as almost every single piece of artwork are based on episodes that do not exist on this box set. I mean the front artwork of Treasure Trap from the VHS version contains an image from The Idol Rich and that episode is at least on this disc. I guess Kit waving to the fan is still too scary for Disney even though that is really silly when you consider that Disney is restoring scenes of violence back into this DVD set. You really have to question Disney's choices for artwork on this one. The closest one is the back which is from Balooest of the Bluebloods and that one belongs on Disc Three. Not a really good move on Disney's part. In fact the artwork with Colonel Spigot and Sgt. Dunder with Kit flying the Thunderyak isn't on any of the US VHS tapes that I'm aware of. This looks like something from the European version of the series. The DVD is the same as the front cover art and it also applies to the front cover art for Disc 3 so I won't mention it again. It's also nice that Disney can still say daredevil nowadays.
TaleSpin Disc 2 Episode Rants
Molly Coddled Rant- ALL HAIL MOLLY VIOLENCE! ALL HAIL!!
Polly Wants A Treasure- In 1990; this would be a DUD episode and I would be generous!
The Idol Rich- Another Day In The Office for THE MIRACLE WORKER!
Stormy Weather Rant- Someone forgot to tell Jymn Magon that drama is not allowed!
Vowel Play Rant- FANSERVICE! FANSERVICE! SHIELD YOUR EYES!...
Barely Alive Rant- My Wish Is To Remake TaleSpin In My Own Image!
Her Chance To Dream- A perfect episode without Kit and/or Karnage...Libby Hinson's a MIRACLE WORKER!!
All's Whale That Ends Whale - The best environmental episode ever.... BWHAHAHAHA!
The Golden Sprocket of Friendship Rant- This gives new meaning to the term four way!!
My Thoughts:
Interesting Note #5: I'm no longer going to state edits that have been restored to the DVD version in this review. I think it is safe to say that Disney is using the uncut versions of TaleSpin including the uncut syndication version of Plunder and Lightning. I hope to update the TaleSpin edits page once this review is complete so I can go through the series with a fine tooth comb and scoop up edits that I didn't catch when I did the page. Hopefully; the remaining episodes will be uncut so I can retire the TaleSpin Edits page forever.
Onto the episodes themselves as I note that the picture and audio quality are as good as the first. You've got to see Stormy Weather and Her Chance To Dream first. These two episodes define this series as we see both Kit's stubborn side and Rebecca's romantic side as both of them cross the borders of great Disney Television episodes. Vowel Play is also a very good one as Baloo's lack of education almost causes a city to be hijacked by criminals. It may not work in real life; but it's still amazing to watch nevertheless. Molly Coddled and The Idol Rich are fun romps as Molly gives creep faces everywhere their just deserts for trying to steal Rebecca's money (even at the expense of Rebecca's love) while Baloo and Kit learn the fine art of stragedy. All's Whale is a touchy episode about environmentalism while Barely Alive was a touchy subject about death which are okay; but problems with animation, contrived moments, logic breaks just killed those episodes from reaching their goal. Polly Wants A Treasure is a very good episode that got screwed by Sunwoo Animation and the sound guys due to the infamous tickling scene involving Kit (which is sad because R.J. Williams did his part perfectly; you got to hear him laugh in this one) where the animation was screwed badly. Overall; there were really only two weak episodes and none under *** so it was still watchable in spite of Seymore's terrible character and Baloo's over the top dying moments which annoyed me to no end.
My Rating On Disc Two: **** 1/4- This disc got hurt by using art in the wrong place and two weak episodes. However; Her Chance To Dream and Stormy Weather more than make up for the deductions.
Disc Three
Artwork Error #7: The front artwork is from the VHS tape "The Lost City" which is from the two part episode "For Whom The Bell Klangs" which doesn't exist in this volume.
Artwork Error #8: The first picture on the back is from the VHS tape "Fearless Flyers" which is from the episode "Jumping the Guns" which doesn't exist in this volume. The second picture to the left is from the VHS tape "Jackpots & Crackpots" and from the episode "Her Chance To Dream" which exists on Disc 2 while the final picture is from the VHS tape "Wise Up" and from the episode "Molly Coddled" which exists on Disc 2 as well. And that is all for the artwork errors.
Disc Three is pretty much the same as Disc Two is. The usual summaries, usual episode selections, and the usual VHS artwork which Disney used in the wrong places again. I should note that part of the blame lies squarely on the VHS team from the 1990's who only did sixteen episodes worth of artwork and the rest on Disney for having little knowledge where each piece of artwork goes. On the other hand; unlike Ducktales and Rescue Rangers, the artwork is constant so it's not as bad as those versions. However; it is still annoying and reeks of laziness on Disney's part. I should also point out that this disc is about 205 minutes long (three hours and 25 minutes long).
TaleSpin Disc 3 Episode Rants
For a Fuel Dollars More Rant- That gives new meaning to the term three way!!
A Bad Reflection On You Part One Rant- This is what Jymn Magon meant by little movies..
A Bad Reflection On You Part Two Rant- The most important moment in the series.
On A Wing And A Bear Rant- This wasn't done by the book that's for sure!!
A Star Is Torn Rant- TaleSpin Goes Hollywood 15 years before Wrestlemania does!!...
A Touch of Glass- Louie & Rebecca would make a great couple!
The Bigger They Are, The Louder They Oink Rant- So let me get this straight: Baloo eats like a pig, Rebecca has the head of a pig and Hogzilla is a pig? I guess that makes me the god of pigs! HA! I kill me!!!!
A Spy In The Ointment Rant- Dance you Animals! Dance!!
The Balooest of The Bluebloods Rant- Murder?! They would never say that on Toomani!!
My Thoughts:
Disc Three contains no perfect episodes; so there are some really good ones that fans love to watch. A Star is Torn is one great example as Baloo gets charmed by Magon's answer to a Hollywood hottie. Then there is the two part episode which is called A Bad Reflection On You which I called the defining episode of the entire series. It is one that has it all; Air Pirates, A mystery plot, Baloo getting overconfident, Kit getting snubbed and Baloo's ego crashing into the firepit when he is had. Plus; it ends with a moment that I refuse to spoil. It's in part two which was written by series creator Jymn Magon himself and it's done by someone who has gained my respect over the years. You'll know how special it is when you see it. A Touch of Glass is really a surprising one for me since I'm not a big fan of Louie (or Baloo for that matter. Kit, Rebecca, WildCat, Don Karnage, Shere Khan and Molly are my favorites in this series.); but he really shines here. The Balooest of Blueblood is a good murder mystery episode which has Rebecca saying the forbidden word murder in a Disney cartoon. It's true and it will surprise you. A Spy In The Ointment is another excellent one involving Rebecca, Baloo and a spy who wants to get into Thembria for a reason that will surprise you. Watch out for the scene involving Rebecca and pointing a gun to her face since it is supposed to be in this version. The remaining episodes are all right; but not as great as the ones that I mentioned. On A Wing And A Bear is a bit overbearing for my tastes, Bigger They Are is cute as long as you can stand Rebecca's pig-headed antics and For A Fuel Dollars More is a good episode that had several contrived moments. As a whole; this is a very good disc and better than Disc two.
My Rating For Disc Three: **** 1/2- A few weak episodes and some screwed up artwork prevented a perfect five star rating just like Disc Two. However; it wasn't as bad as Disc Two.
Extras
This is an easy section to write because there were no real extras on the set. However; there is a French audio track and English subtitles so there is something even though that really doesn't count. While this is disappointing; it wasn't surprising at all. When you got a three disc set with about four hours of DVD space on DVD9, it doesn't leave much room for any good extras. Most so since Disney loves to put their silly ads on Disc One (through the Sneak Peak option). Still; I think the French Audio addition still makes this a step above the other Disney Television Animation sets (Gargoyles not withstanding). The problem is that this series like Gargoyles before it deserves extras because there are a lot of things that TaleSpin fans want to know. Of course there is Volume 3 where Disney could put extras in to fill up the remaining 11 episodes left on the show; but that could be in trouble if TaleSpin doesn't sell well enough to warrant another set let alone two additional sets. Since there are no extras there is No Rating.
Set Up
Each disc contains a menu where you can set up for sub-titles for the hearing impaired in English. They are not available in French although you can set it up so that you can have English subtitles and a French audio track which is pretty fun and it looks similar to watching anime in Japanese with English subtitles. As for the French audio track; this was something that I was looking forward to. However; as I was listening to the opening theme song, I realized that it is NOT based on the Quebec version of TaleSpin which is called Looping. The French dub is based on the France version which is called Super Baloo. While the France dub is very good for what it is (Kit is the best voice in this dub); it is somewhat disappointing to see Disney use Super Baloo when Quebec television doesn't listen to that dub. Quebec listens to the Looping version and I was looking forward to it because I was hoping that I could see the voice credits for the Quebec version (which has no voiced credits other than their dubbing studio and I don't know who it is. I think it's called Toatoa or something like that.) rather than the France version where the credits are available on the internet (and I'll have to change the voice credits because Kit's voice actor and credits are wrong. I'm a little surprised that they decided to pick French over Spanish since this is being released in America where Spanish is the second audio (good or bad is a debate that I refuse to get into for obvious reasons). Although I'm not surprised that they picked the French Audio since they are releasing this set in Canada and the Quebec government can get very snippy when it comes to English. I just wish Disney picked the right version of TaleSpin.
Note From The Future: The French and Quebec dubs are exactly the same; except the Quebec version has a different title sequence called Looping. I should also note that the French dub is probably the biggest hack job ever. Steet has already addressed this.
My Rating for Set Up: ****- The weakest part of the DVD due to the lack of Spanish and the wrong version of French. Still; the French audio is very good for what it is and there are subtitles available. Pretty much basic Disney Television DVD for the set up and that's not bad. I should point out that the Sneak Peak option from Disc One only is all ads and they're the same ads from Disc One that you have to skip before the FBI Warning. So there is really nothing to comment about.
My Rating for the Entire DVD Set: **** 1/2 (90%)
The Review Line
After nearly sixteen years of waiting, TaleSpin Volume One is finally on DVD...and it was a very good first effort for Disney. I really got to give them props for deciding not to insult the intelligence of the audience and release the episodes uncut for violence because it really would have been a tragedy for Disney otherwise. While some people might have been disappointed that Plunder and Lightning is not the original television movie version and have been robbed of seeing the wonderful "Home Is Where The Heart Is" scene, it was really not possible for Disney to release a piece-together 100% uncut version of Plunder and Lightning without making it look even more screwed up than it already is. As I said before; Plunder and Lightning is a character design/storyline based episode. You aren't going to give it props on it's animation (artwork is another story; but still...). There are scenes in the syndication version that do not exist in the television movie version and the movie version has messed up scenes and voices out of sync as I explained in the TaleSpin Edits page. It was really unavoidable for Disney so they decided to release it based on the syndication version and they are probably hedging their bets that the box set will do well enough for TaleSpin to gain extras in Volume 3 if the box sets sell well enough to go that far. However; considering the problems that Gargoyles is having, I would be concerned at this point.
While the episode selection and the addition of French audio were a plus (despite being the wrong version); I was slightly disappointed at the way the artwork was dealt with. Sure; the artwork is beautiful and constant unlike the previous Disney Television Animation Box sets. However; the artwork was either based on episodes that didn't exist on the set and sometimes the episode existed; but it was the wrong disc. For first timers; this isn't a big deal but it is a nitpick that I have to reveal. The most disappointing aspect of this box set just happened to be that each episode is one chapter unlike Ducktales which has five chapters per episode. This is not a very good thing for fans who like to skip scenes. Maybe Disney thinks that TaleSpin is good enough to watch it through without the skips; but that does reduce choice and it's not excusable when other box sets allow for five chapters per episode. I also noticed slower loading times for each episode than usual; but that wasn't a big deal. While this sounds like I'm putting TaleSpin down a bit; the good does outweigh the bad by a country mile. Which is usual for this series in general. Overall; this was a very good first step for the series on DVD and you should buy this in spite of the nitpicks. There is a lot of great entertainment value on this set and it's uncut (almost in Plunder and Lightning's case since Plunder and Lightning is the syndication version). I just hope Disney fixes the chapter skip problem and returns it to five chapters per episode in Volume 2. Well worth the $30 Canadian that I spent and it's all legal! No more illegal 64 episode video DVD crap like we saw before this set arrived.
I give this DVD a thumbs up; and I'll see you next time.