A week and a half ago, I added digital cable to my service at home. I'm finding myself sampling not only Toon Disney and Boomerang (sorry, Nicktoons is not available here, but Noggin/The N is), but the "Kids on Demand" free channel.
So far, I've seen episodes of Thundarr, Dick Tracy, Tales of the Wizard of Oz, & Mighty Hercules. I'm very picky, y'see. Anyway.....
Dick Tracy: Reissued in 1989-90. No network worth their salt would even run this show in its entirety now unless they want the PC Police on their trail. 4 episodes were shown, 2 w/Hemlock Homes and the Retouchables (Untouchables/Keystone Kops parody), 1 each with Joe Jitsu and Go Go Gomez. Includes Crimestopper tips. If you get past the politically incorrect characterizations, you find that this holds up pretty well, although some of the villains, like Flattop, for example, were later killed off in the comic strip, IIRC. Filmation did a better job with Tracy on Archie's TV Funnies (1971-73). Not faulting the UPA shorts, but in this day and age they go by very quickly.
Tales of the Wizard of Oz: I was surprised to see this 1961 Videocraft entry under On Demand. Crudely drawn, in sharp contrast to the designs of later Rankin-Bass cartoons. 7 super short eps in all to fill the time. Now I see why this show failed. Distributed through Golden Books entertainment (which I think is now Classic Media?).
Mighty Hercules: Johnny Nash's theme song is missing, and they came up with something new. The cartoons are digitally remastered, but something was lost along the way besides the music. And I don't mean the opening credits. The new theme is performed by a Nash soundalike, but with different lyrics. Who were they trying to kid?
Thundarr the Barbarian: I saved this for last because it's a favorite of mine. Reviewing episode 5: Treasure of the Moks. Yes, Ookla reunites with his people, if but to help protect their hidden treasure from a pirate queen and her crew. Without the commercials, this goes by rather fast. A pity Boomerang doesn't have it on the schedule now, but bringing it back, say, by October would be nice.
And is there tension between Thundarr and Ariel? Yes, but it's no different than anything involving, say for example, Conan.
I think the On Demand choices change every month. If so, that means a new batch of options next week. What would you want to see On Demand?
So far, I've seen episodes of Thundarr, Dick Tracy, Tales of the Wizard of Oz, & Mighty Hercules. I'm very picky, y'see. Anyway.....
Dick Tracy: Reissued in 1989-90. No network worth their salt would even run this show in its entirety now unless they want the PC Police on their trail. 4 episodes were shown, 2 w/Hemlock Homes and the Retouchables (Untouchables/Keystone Kops parody), 1 each with Joe Jitsu and Go Go Gomez. Includes Crimestopper tips. If you get past the politically incorrect characterizations, you find that this holds up pretty well, although some of the villains, like Flattop, for example, were later killed off in the comic strip, IIRC. Filmation did a better job with Tracy on Archie's TV Funnies (1971-73). Not faulting the UPA shorts, but in this day and age they go by very quickly.
Tales of the Wizard of Oz: I was surprised to see this 1961 Videocraft entry under On Demand. Crudely drawn, in sharp contrast to the designs of later Rankin-Bass cartoons. 7 super short eps in all to fill the time. Now I see why this show failed. Distributed through Golden Books entertainment (which I think is now Classic Media?).
Mighty Hercules: Johnny Nash's theme song is missing, and they came up with something new. The cartoons are digitally remastered, but something was lost along the way besides the music. And I don't mean the opening credits. The new theme is performed by a Nash soundalike, but with different lyrics. Who were they trying to kid?
Thundarr the Barbarian: I saved this for last because it's a favorite of mine. Reviewing episode 5: Treasure of the Moks. Yes, Ookla reunites with his people, if but to help protect their hidden treasure from a pirate queen and her crew. Without the commercials, this goes by rather fast. A pity Boomerang doesn't have it on the schedule now, but bringing it back, say, by October would be nice.
And is there tension between Thundarr and Ariel? Yes, but it's no different than anything involving, say for example, Conan.I think the On Demand choices change every month. If so, that means a new batch of options next week. What would you want to see On Demand?