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G.I. Joe: The Movie
Rhino // PG // June 20, 2000
List Price: $19.95 [Buy now and save at Amazon]
Those great American heroes, G.I. Joe, are off testing the Broadcast Energy Transmitter (often referred to as the "B.E.T." in the movie, which always seems to get chuckles whenever anyone watches this disc with me), a machine with the capability to end any future energy crises. The B.E.T. is also desired by the insidous leaders of Cobra-La (and Viacom), who need the transmitter to hatch their nefarious scheme for world domination. Cobra-La, in what may go down as the biggest ret-con in animation history, is an ancient group of snake-people that helped to create COBRA. Not only does G.I. Joe have to save the world (no problem!), they have to save humanity as we (gasp!) know it.
Video: Not surprising for a direct-to-video animated feature from the '80s, "G.I. Joe: The Movie" is full-frame. Like "Transformers: The Movie", I'm sure the original elements weren't around for a new transfer, so this release is about as good as can be reasonably expected. Like many Rhino releases, "G.I. Joe: The Movie" straddles that line between 'okay' and 'good'; nothing much to gripe about, but not really anything that warrants a glowing review, either.
Audio: I don't know if "G.I. Joe: The Movie" was originally in mono or stereo, but although this 5.1 mix is clear, crisp, and loud, there's very little separation. I'm sure it sounds a lot better than the broadcast version or the video release though, and I'm not really complaining...in fact, I'm moving on right now.
Supplements: There are two ads for the movie and a pair of commercials for the original G.I. Joe (disappointingly, nothing from the Hasbro era). The highlight, though, is the inclusion of twenty-five "...and knowing is half the battle!" PSAs. I have no idea if this is a complete collection, but all my favorites are here. Even if you don't much care for the movie, this disc is worth buying for these PSAs alone.
Conclusion: I wasn't too enthusiastic about "G.I. Joe: The Movie" when I saw it during its first TV run, and after 13 years, nothing's changed. My interest in the series dropped off around the time Serpentor was introduced, and the alien/technosorcery so dominant in this direct-to-video movie seemed stupid then and even moreso now, having read nearly all of Larry Hama's run on the brilliant "G.I. Joe" Marvel series. I knew that going in, and truth be told, there was really only one reason why I bought Rhino's DVD release of "G.I. Joe: The Movie" -- the PSAs! Everything else is gravy. This disc is great for a nostalgic burst, and with such a low retail price, you might as well buy it if you're interested. Heck, maybe a purchase will help convince Rhino to start releasing some G.I. Joe episode collections on DVD. Recommended.
Video: Not surprising for a direct-to-video animated feature from the '80s, "G.I. Joe: The Movie" is full-frame. Like "Transformers: The Movie", I'm sure the original elements weren't around for a new transfer, so this release is about as good as can be reasonably expected. Like many Rhino releases, "G.I. Joe: The Movie" straddles that line between 'okay' and 'good'; nothing much to gripe about, but not really anything that warrants a glowing review, either.
Audio: I don't know if "G.I. Joe: The Movie" was originally in mono or stereo, but although this 5.1 mix is clear, crisp, and loud, there's very little separation. I'm sure it sounds a lot better than the broadcast version or the video release though, and I'm not really complaining...in fact, I'm moving on right now.
Supplements: There are two ads for the movie and a pair of commercials for the original G.I. Joe (disappointingly, nothing from the Hasbro era). The highlight, though, is the inclusion of twenty-five "...and knowing is half the battle!" PSAs. I have no idea if this is a complete collection, but all my favorites are here. Even if you don't much care for the movie, this disc is worth buying for these PSAs alone.
Conclusion: I wasn't too enthusiastic about "G.I. Joe: The Movie" when I saw it during its first TV run, and after 13 years, nothing's changed. My interest in the series dropped off around the time Serpentor was introduced, and the alien/technosorcery so dominant in this direct-to-video movie seemed stupid then and even moreso now, having read nearly all of Larry Hama's run on the brilliant "G.I. Joe" Marvel series. I knew that going in, and truth be told, there was really only one reason why I bought Rhino's DVD release of "G.I. Joe: The Movie" -- the PSAs! Everything else is gravy. This disc is great for a nostalgic burst, and with such a low retail price, you might as well buy it if you're interested. Heck, maybe a purchase will help convince Rhino to start releasing some G.I. Joe episode collections on DVD. Recommended.
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