Official Synopsis:
Dungeons & Dragons was one of CBS' most popular animated series, airing from 1983 - 1986, and later on FoxKids. Created by legendary Marvel Productions, the series was base on the popular TSR role-playing game created in 1974 - which spawned an entire industry! Now, in a set bursting with magical Special Features, fans can roll the dice to see the entire Dungeons & Dragons series in a beautiful five-disc set. Come back to the realm of action, adventure, and enchantment with...Dungeons & Dragons - The Complete Animated Series!
Our Take:
It's hard to believe that one of my favorite cartoons when I was a kid only ran for 27 episodes. Sure, it was on the air for four years, but the Dungeons & Dragons: The Complete Animated Series DVD collection encapsulates the entirety of a chapter of my childhood... and it's only 27 episodes. It's amazing how different things are from the perspective of a child. Take cartoons for example; I thought Dungeons & Dragons was the coolest cartoon ever way back when. Now... well, not quite as much.
But I will say that I was worried this show wouldn't hold up at all, and that isn't the case. I can still see why I enjoyed the show so much. With comic book writers and animation luminaries such as Paul Dini and Mark Evanier scripting episodes, the show got better as it went along. I still enjoy watching it, even if it isn't quite as great as I thought it was back in the 80's.
What is great, without a doubt, is BCI Eclipse's Dungeons & Dragons: The Complete Animated Series box set. Now, the company’s Ink & Paint imprint has made a habit of producing terrific DVD sets, but this one is the best I've seen by far. It's a D&D fan's dream.
* Commentaries - Two episodes feature commentary tracks by numerous show runners.
* Entering the Realm of Dungeons & Dragons (33 minutes) - A nice documentary on the show featuring interviews with numerous creators.
* Requiem Radio Show (35 minutes) - A radio-style presentation of the unproduced final episode. Features the voice talent of Katie Leigh, an original cast member. You can also read the script while you listen to the show.
* Character Profiles - 50 dossiers on characters, creatures, and artifacts. Each one has a clip of that character or item to watch.
* Alternate & Rare Footage - Different versions of the opening and closing sequences of the show. Each piece includes text explaining the origins and differences of the clips.
* Animated Storyboard (22 minutes) - A side-by-side comparative viewing of episode #14.
* Kelek's Crystal - An interactive set-top roleplaying adventure.
* Choices (5 minutes) - A live action fan-film by Sean Kennedy.
* Slide Shows - Stills of character model sheets and show memorabilia.
* DVD-ROM Scripts - Read scripts for every episode.
* D&D Supplement - A neat little 30-page hardcover book to let D&D players start an adventure with the characters from the show.
Seriously, a radio production of the unaired final episode? How freaking sweet is that? BCI Eclipse has gone above and beyond to bring us one of the finest nostalgia DVD sets available. Dungeons & Dragons may not still be my favorite cartoon ever, but it is one I find a lot of joy in revisiting. This one's a keeper.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Overall Picture:
Show: B
DVD: A+
- Mike Spring
Editor
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