Stan Bush- Dream the Dream- Album Review and Video Montage
Stan Bush
Dream the Dream
Album Review
You know him as the singer/songwriter of Optimus Prime’s theme from 1986′s Transformers: The Movie when Stan Bush sang The Touch. He also sang Dare which I consider to be Hot Rod-Rodimus Prime’s theme. However Stan Bush has done a lot more than just those two epic songs. In 2007 he had album of the year with In This Life. That album featuring I’ll Never Fall, Southern Rain, and the transformers theme that was featured in Transformers War For Cybertron Til All Are One!
Now in 2010 Stan has given us a new album Dream the Dream. The official release date according to Stan’s twitter page is 9/15/10.
I contacted Stan and asked for a review copy and wow listening to this it is pretty awesome. From the first play Stan rocks out with Never Hold Back there are very good riffs and hooks in this song. Then there are ballads like Don’t Give Up On Love, Two Hearts, In My Life, and Love is the Road. All of these ballads are very well done and they each tell a different story. When you get to the track If This Is All There Is it’s a song telling a story of a reason to live and that life is worth living. After that we get the title track Dream the Dream a song of seizing the day and taking charge of your life. More Than a Mircale has a slightly upbeat feeling to it. Not as slow as some of the love ballads, but still takes you in. It’s a song about finding your destiny and about finding the light within. Your Time is the next track and I gotta say this is one of my favorites after hearing it a few times. It is all about knowing who you are, reaching higher for something you are fighting for, and being strong. All That I Am is the next to last track and again a love ballad, but a very good one. I like how Stan is basically telling stories in each song, and while most of them have the same enpowerment type of themes they are all different as well.
Now to the final track Stan told me it would be a bonus on Dream the Dream it’s Sam’s Theme (The Touch) a updated version for 2010. The last time this was updated was 2007. When this was first talked about Stan had said he wanted to update the 80′s song to something of today’s type of music. An example he used was Linkin Park. When I heard the song I thought it was great that Stan was taking a mellower way of singing it. However I heard the rap part and was like wait a dang minute that isn’t the Stan Bush I know. I completely understand what he attempted to do with it, however it just wasn’t my thing. I am not a huge fan of rap.
I was pleasantly surprised when Sam’s Theme (The Touch) on Dream the Dream featured no rap at all. I love this updated version and at the end there are a few rock riffs that kick your ass!
Huge thanks to Stan Bush for sending me an autographed copy of the new album Dream The Dream which comes out 9/15/10 Everyone should get this one!
After writing this review I did something I’m very proud of. I received my autographed review copy of Stan Bush’s brand new album Dream the Dream and wanted to do something special to help him promote it. I created a video montage with his permission and included some of the new tracks from the upcoming album which will be out 9/15/10. This is my first really in depth video project I’ve taken on and it took 7 hours to get it as perfect as I could. There are a few things that are amiss, however I’m very proud of myself check it out!
DCAU Complete Series DVD Sets
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DCAU Complete Series DVD Sets
The DC Animated Universe is by far one of my favorite series’ of cartoons. Starting with Batman The Animated Series. As a kid living with my dad and stepmother I was forbidden to watch BTAS on Fox. My stepmother said it was too violent. Just seeing Batman animated and Superman, then Batman Beyond and Justice League was simply awesome! I grew up watching the old rereuns of the Superfriends cartoons and Batman 1966 reruns. I this blog post I’ll be listing all the complete series DVD sets that Warner Home Video has released. I’ll also be making comments here and there about the cartoons.
BTAS- The Complete Animated Series 11/4/08
The New Batman Adventures Theme
Batman: The Animated Series is the groundbreaking animated series from Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski, Paul Dini, and other great creators. In 1992 Batman exploded onto the cartoon scene. This started Timm and Company down the path of The DC Animated Universe Continuity.
I missed out on the Batman The Animated Series volume DVDs so when it was announced that this was coming out I was super excited. While this complete series DVD set is just the volume DVDs in one big box to me it is just awesome. The Collectible packaging includes a 40 page booklet with pre production art and the episode listings. There is also a 17th disc with a bonus feature never before seen. Overall I think that the complete series is the better selection as far as the DVD releases. Unfortunately it was a limited edition so if you didn’t get it when it came out sorry about your luck!
Justice League- The Complete Series 11/10/09
The Justice League one of the best superhero teams ever comes to animation!
With the success of the BTAS set sales Warner Home Video announced that Justice League would get the Complete Series treatment. As I’ve said they just ported over the individual season discs and added a bonus disc. The collectible packaging for this one is awesome because it’s a tin! This set comes with a new foreword from Bruce Timm in the Volume One Set of this Box Set. If you missed out on the Season sets of this cartoon get this Complete Series set.
STAS- The Complete Animated Series: 11/24/09
There is not a more powerful superhero than Superman! Having said that In 1996 Bruce Timm and Company created Superman: The Animated Series. S:TAS actually starts the continuity within the DCAU.
Two weeks after the Justice League Complete Series set was released the people at Warner Home Video released a complete series set for The Man Of Steel himself. Superman: The Animated Series got the Complete Series treatment much like the other two DCAU Complete Series sets. They brought over the DVDs from the Volume sets and included a Bonus Disc Featuring the All-New Documentary The Despot DARKSEID: A Villain Worthy of SUPERMAN! This set doesn’t have the collectible tin packaging like the Justice League set which is disappointing, however this is still a good set to have in your DCAU DVD collection.
Batman Beyond- The Complete Series 11/23/10
65 Years in the Future there is BATMAN! Beyond!! Bruce Wayne has gotten too old to be Batman. A Young Man running from the Jokerz Gang finds himself on Bruce Wayne’s property and Bruce saves him. In return Terry McGinnis steals the Futuristic BatSuit. So we have a whole new BATMAN now.
Batman Beyond is getting the Complete Series treatment that BTAS got. With collectible packaging and more coming this November! I can’t wait for this even though I had the Season sets as I’ve stated before I like having the Complete Series sets more.
In closing I’m so very happy that all of the shows that actually matter in the DCAU have gotten the super upgrade with Complete Series sets on DVD.
Transformers Exodus Book Review
TRANSFORMERS: EXODUS
SPOILERRIFIC REVIEW:
PLEASE NOTE I JUMP AROUND QUITE A BIT IN THE REVIEW AS I WROTE IT AT 3AM!
Before I begin with the book review I have to get a few things out of the way. When the news first hit that Transformers War For Cybertron hit I was super excited. It was to be a Transformers video game that existed in its own continuity. One that had nothing to do with the craptastic movie video games. I was overjoyed at every news item I read or videos I saw about the game. I even put the bug in Stan Bush’s ear to get his music in the game. Then came the news of a actual prose Transformers Novel. This is yet another first for the Transformers brand.
I’ve not had a chance to experience Transformers: War For Cybertron on any platform yet. I hope to soon. When I heard there was going to be I guess you could call it a prequel or a companion book to the game entitled Transformers: Exodus I was equally enthralled and intrigued with the potential of a Transformers prose novel. At the onset we get history of Cybertronian civilization. Then we get Orion Pax data clerk and Megatronus the gladiator. First of all Megatronus is a shitty name I hated reading it over and over until finally the character decided to just be MEGATRON. The first nod to any continuity that I noticed was the first time Megatron said I STILL FUNCTION!! When I say the first nod I mean besides the character names. The fact that Cybertron was made up of castes kinda bugs me. I know there is a “class” system here in the US and I’m sure other places in the world. However seeing that there was one of Cybertron I have no idea why it just bugs the hell out of me. The story goes that Orion Pax is intrigued by Megatron’s ideas and sparks ideas of his own of being free of caste life. The story shows of how they met and became friends. This reminds me so much of the origin of Lex Luthor and Superman being friends then enemies.
The characterization of both Soundwave and Shockwave is spot on. I think though they took a lot of Shockwave’s mad scientist personality from the comics. Which wasn’t a bad thing seeing as in the G1 cartoon he almost had no personality. I don’t like that they call Soundwave’s disciples minicons, but I can get over it seeing as all the major ones are present. Ravage, Laser Beak, Buzzsaw, Rumble, Frenzy, and Ratbat… who is a High Council member……? Yeah that was a WTF moment for me. There are a few glaring issues between the book and the game:
#1 The Book states the leaders name is Sentinel Prime, while the game calls him Zeta Prime. Apparently at Botcon 2010 Hasbro tried to make up for this by saying his full name is Sentinel Zeta Prime.
#2 The inside flap of Exodus claims that the book is the first time you will learn of the history between Optimus and Megatron pre Earth. We all know that isn’t true hello G1 cartoon episode “War Dawn”
While I can see why they are trying to redefine the history and make this the new cannon there are still some issues with it. Even though I’ve never read Wreckers I like how they included them in this especially that Ultra Magnus is their leader. Thank god I only saw Springer referenced once!! While another review I’ve read of this book stated that the chapter length after chapter 5 kind of hurt the book I have to disagree. I think that the more lengthy chapters give you a backstory from the eyes of Alpha Trion. The story as told by Alpha Trion I will say is very lengthy, but most of it is expositional. It’s recounts of the battles between the Autobots and Decepticons. The way the war starts is awesome though. Megatron feels betrayed by Orion Pax as the Council has named him the new Prime……….. Optimus Prime! The one thing that I really hated about this book is that they take the movie continuity of Bumblebee not being able to talk! However the fact that they make him a kick ass spybot is awesome. Another fact that I liked was that Energon came from Primus and Dark Energon came from Unicron. I thought that this was a very interesting plot point. Other references that I liked was that Soundwave and his minions were actively searching for The Matrix Of Leadership. Trypticon and Omega Supreme are definite advantages of either sides cause to win the war. Then there is the Plasma Energy Chamber reference awesome integration of the way it is used.
I bet all the fangirls reading this post are like why haven’t you talked about Starscream? Well there really is nothing much to say. He is basically his same old diabolical self. Plotting to take control of the Decepticons like every other continuity. We barely get any Thundercracker or Skywarp in the book. They are mentioned several times, but nothing is really done with them. I truly enjoyed seeing the evolution of Trypticon turning his third mode in to The Nemesis. Omega Supreme is still the awesome powerhouse that he has always been. The references to Crystal City and the Constructicons are great as well. Although I hate the fact that they used the movieverse number that comprise Devastator. I can get behind the fact that there are other Constructicons, Combaticons, AerialBots, and the like other than the original team. However changing the original teams I just don’t like. Megatron and Optimus constantly called each other “brother” after the war has begun just is stupid in my opinion. However Megatron explains it away well he says that once someone is family they always are.
A final few notes I loved how the Core of Cybertron talked to Optimus Prime. It reminds me of the Oracle from Beast Machines. The Oracle also bestows upon him The Matrix Of Leadership. Regardless of my feelings about Sentinel Prime from Animated the one portrayed here is a kickassery type when he is trying to atone for his lack of leadership. Another thing about Alpha Trion is that he is an original member of the thirteen Primes. They also mention Vector Sigma and they make it out just like the G1 cartoon that Alpha Trion is a part of it. The final thing I’ll bring up before I summarize my thoughts is the way they introduce Generation One. I loved that they called it “Project Generation One” and they build the Ark. As I said before with Trypticon’s third mode being the Nemesis you see where the two ships collide in space. Actually you see them going through The Space Bridge and ending up in a unfamiliar spiral arm galaxy. They get a beacon of the ejected AllSpark and so begins the search as the War For Cybertron continues…………………..
Overall the book is a good read. For the majority of the middle there is barely any dialogue. I felt while reading it that I was reading fan fiction but in book form. If you are a Transformers fan, toy collector or otherwise invested in the Transformers brand you should buy this. However get it from Amazon as that is where it is the cheapest. I’m very happy that this is a part of my TF collection now and I would rate it a 7/10 overall.
A big thanks to Baltmatrix for getting me the book. You can view his YouTube Channel Here: http://www.youtube.com/user/baltmatrix
Transformers Exodus on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/034551985X/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0Y4XH5SFEET6JFGTGFBZ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846
Sorry the following images are a little blurry.
Stan Bush Comic Con 2010 Press Release
Stan Bush will be at SD ComicCon July 23-25 (Friday – Sunday) at Booth #5624 (Twin Suns Productions).
“Til All Are One (Transformers Theme)” from Stan’s album “In This Life” is featured in the new Activision game “Transformers: War For Cybertron” released in June, 2010.
Stan Bush is best known for his song “The Touch” featured in “Transformers: The Movie.” An anthem for Transformers fans around the world, “The Touch” was released on Guitar Hero in 2009, and is on Stan’s latest album “In This Life” (‘Album of the Year’ for 2007). “The Touch” was also featured in the movie “Boogie Nights,” on Chuck (NBC), American Dad (Fox), in two Hasbro Transformers toys, and was voted the #1 Geek Anthem of All Time! “Til All Are One (Transformers Theme)” and “The Touch” are both available on the “In This Life” album at stanbush.com.
The Future Of ToyCast
The Future Of ToyCast
While ToyCast is on hiatus between now and August I’m going to revamp the show a little. More like tweak it here and there. The main thing I’m looking to do is add more toy collectors to the rotating panel of guests. As well as change the opening and closing theme entirely. I’m not sure yet what other changes will be made. I’m thinking of redesigning the show format while it would still maintain the main focus of “friends talking toys” I’m wanting to streamline it a bit. Maybe make segments to the show…. See below:
Intro/General Chat/Catchup with co hosts
Toy News Segment
Display Case Segment- this would be where the hosts talk about their chosen toy for the episode
Discussion Topic- This could happen but not sure…. Mainly looking at topics relating to toy packaging and maybe where the ideas for the figures came from etc.
Outro- pimp out co hosts other endeavors etc
I’m currently looking for anyone who can make mashup toy ad themes from audio of classic toy commercials anyone putting the NEW ToyCast theme together will get pimped out on the show when we launch in august. Please email any mp3s you create to tfg1mike@gmail.com We will still get a backlog of episodes going when the relaunch happens. We might also have a Botcon Special in July but no promises.
Friday August 13th 2010 ToyCast Will Return!
Stan Bush Song Featured in “Transformers: The War For Cybertron” Game
Stan Bush Song Featured in “Transformers: The War For Cybertron” Game
Los Angeles, CA, June 21, 2010–“Til All Are One (Transformers Theme)” from the Stan Bush album “In This Life” is featured in the new Activision game “Transformers: The War For Cybertron” being released June 22nd.
Emmy award-winning artist Stan Bush is best known for his song “The Touch” featured in “Transformers: The Movie.” The song was voted the #1 Geek Anthem of All Time in 2010. An anthem for Transformers fans around the world, “The Touch” was released on Guitar Hero in 2009, and is on Stan’s latest album “In This Life” (‘Album of the Year’ for 2007). “The Touch” was also featured in the movie “Boogie Nights,” on Chuck (NBC), American Dad (Fox), and in two Hasbro Transformers toys.
“Til All Are One (Transformers Theme)” and “The Touch” are both available on the Stan Bush “In This Life” album at stanbush.com.
DVD Review: He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe 2002 The Complete Series
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DVD Review:
He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe
2002
The Complete Series
As a kid who grew up in the 80’s cartoons were everything to my friends and I. I believe that around age 4 or 5 is when I really got into understanding cartoons. When I say this I mean stuff like Transformers, Thundercats, G.I. Joe… the big boys’ cartoons… not the learning stuff like Sesame Street. Another one of the great cartoons among the ones I just mentioned was He-Man and the Masters Of The Universe! There was action adventure magic and swords! Everyone loves swords right! Everyone remembers the theme song to this classic cartoon:
I am Adam Prince of Eternia and defender of the secrets of Castle Grayskull. This is Cringer my fearless friend. Fabulous secret powers were revealed to me the day I held aloft my magic sword and said By The Power Of Grayskull…. I have the power! Cringer became the mighty Battle Cat and I became He-Man the most powerful man in the universe. Only three others share this secret our friends the Sorceress Man At Arms and Orko. Together we defend Castle Grayskull from the evil masters of the universe.
After the original cartoon ended I like most other kids went on to other cartoons. In 1990 there was the New Adventures of He-Man but I never got into it. Once the original cartoon was over I thought ok time to move on. The original He-Man cartoon ran from September 5th 1983 to December 8th 1985.
So we will now flashforward 17 years after the original He-Man and the Masters Of The Universe cartoon. In 2002 there was a new He-Man and the Masters Of The Universe cartoon. I never really watched it when it was on TV, but I now have the Mill Creek version of The Complete Series DVD. I must say that this is a very impressive updating to the original 80’s cartoon. There is almost a strict continuity here whereas in the old series there were sprits of continuity here and there. I’ll be breaking this review up in sections. The main point of my review is my overall impressions on the 2002 cartoon. So let’s begin the breakdown:
Voice Cast:
Cast
- Cam Clarke – Prince Adam/He-Man
- Kathleen Barr - Evil-Lyn
- Lisa Ann Beley - Teela
- Gary Chalk – Duncan/Man-At-Arms, Whiplash
- Brian Dobson - Skeletor/Keldor, Buzz-Off, Webstor, King Hiss, Sssqueeze, Ceratus
- Paul Dobson - Man-E-Faces, Snake Face, Trap-Jaw, Tri-Klops, Lord Carnivus
- Michael Donovan - King Randor, Count Marzo, Roboto, Tung Lashor
- Gabe Khouth - Mekaneck, Orko
- Scott McNeil - Beast Man, Clawful, Mer-Man, Ram-Man, Stratos, Kobra Khan
- Nicole Oliver - Queen Marlena, The Sorceress of Castle Grayskull
- Mark Acheson - Fisto, Chadzar
- Don Brown - Evilseed
- Brian Drummond – Odiphus/Stinkor, Tuvar (Two of Two-Bad), Belzar
- Mark Gibbon – Baddhra (Badd of Two-Bad)
- Christopher Judge - Zodak
- Campbell Lane – Kulatuk Priest
- Colin Murdock - Hordak
- Richard Newman - General Rattlor, Lord Dactys, The Faceless One, Azdar
- John Payne (II) - Sy-Klone, Moss Man
As I’ve stated already I’m brand new to watching this series even though it is eight years old. I was thoroughly surprised with whom they chose to voice the characters. As you can see from the list above the cast list kinda reads as a who’s who of Beast Wars Beast Machines voice actors. I have no complaints with this at all. I can hear inflections of Waspinator in Mer-Man, Silverbolt in Stratos, King Hippo from Captain N The Game Master in Whiplash, and others as well. Again I take no issue with this, however I do think that it’s hilarious that two of my favorite franchises Transformers and He-Man cross over like this. Cam Clarke voices both Prince Adam and He-Man, much like John Erwin did back in the original cartoon. The voice inflections between the two characters coming from one voice actor are awesome.
Music, Sound Effects, and Themes:
When I first popped in the DVD and hit the play all icon I was greeted with supposedly the new animation style version of the old theme. The intro starts off with Prince Adam reciting the old words……. THEN an attack from Skeletor and his forces!! According to the DVD commentaries (which I’ll get to later) the creators said that it was a joke on the original opening, because that speech is way too long. They also stated that this Skeletor wouldn’t wait and attack now. So while I would have loved to hear the old speech with the new character voices I think this takes you into each episode very well. The music is very epic during the battle scenes and at times when needed can be very sad or touching in emotional scenes. The way they have transitions between them is very well done I think. As far as sound effects well those get better over time as they have since Looney Tunes. In this series they can either be comical or very serious just like the music. Overall I have no issues with what they have used throughout this cartoon.
Animation Style:
When I first heard about this cartoon I wanted it to be the classic cartoon brought back to life. When I caught a few episodes here and there through the original run on Cartoon Network I realized that it wasn’t just bringing the old show back. As soon as I saw the power sword my reaction was umm… this ain’t He-Man. Keep in mind this was my reaction when the cartoon was on TV back in 2002. Now that I’ve watched the entire series through I must say that I really enjoy the animation style. They have done a very excellent job in updating the character models from the original cartoons. The only thing that I don’t like about it is from season 1 to season 2 they change the transformation animation. In Season 2 it shows Adam growing muscles to become He-Man. The same thing for Cringer into Battle Cat. Below you will find character comparisons between the 80’s and the 02 series.
Please note not every major MOTU character is listed and pictured below. As there will be a lot of images already I couldn’t do them all.
The Heroes:
Prince Adam:
Say what you want about the original design of Adam as far as the paint colors being girly… I thought they fit him. As far as the 2002 update I think it’s very cool. They’ve kept part of the original color scheme and vest. The main issue that I have with Adam in the 2002 series is more of with his animation sometimes. I have an issue with the power sword. Sometimes it’s over the right shoulder then other times it’s over the left shoulder. When he draws it all of the time in the 2002 series it’s always over the left shoulder though.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
He-Man:
I chose the sword pose bescause I really like that imagery of the 80′s He-Man. I chose the transformation pose for the 2002 series because well it’s awesome!
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
Cringer:
While I truly loved the fact that Cringer talking in the 80′s series at the same time I respected the decision for him not to talk in the 2002 series. I think that it makes for a much better bersion of Cringer in 2002. Don’t get me wrong I love Alan Oppenhimer’s voicing of Cringer.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
Battle-Cat:
The same thing goes for Battle Cat… in 80′s cartoon it was great that he could talk, but in 02 I think it was much better that he just roared.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
Man-At-Arms:
The 80′s cartoon Duncan/Man-At-Arms was awesome, but unlike the 2002 updated version he didn’t really have an auto morphing arm. I really like the 2002 version of this character. I actually like them both, but the 2002 updated design I like more.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
Teela:
Teela in the 80′s cartoon to me is basically Snow White with red hair. As far as the character design. Linda Gary’s voice though really sells the character. The 2002 version of Teela I like a lot better actually as far as the character design. I also like how they updated her Origin Story. They kept it the same, but gave it more “real” world type of feel. In other words in the 2002 cartoon Duncan didn’t find her in a birds nest!
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
Orko:
While Michael Donovan is ok as the voice of Orko I prefer Lou Scheimer’s version of the voice better. The only thing that kinda disappointed me about Orko in the 02 series was that they never went to Trolla.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
King Randor & Queen Marlena:
Ahh the royalty of Eternia. There are a few issues I have with these characters. Both in the original cartoon and the 2002 series. In the original cartoon for the most part Randor is a passive King. While Marlena did have a nice origin story. She was shown to be an astronaut and a very brave woman. However after that it was like she was just a damsel in distress and a passive Queen. The only real emotion either of the 80′s King and Queen showed was in The Secret Of The Sword film when Adora returned.
As far as the 2002 versions of the King and Queen the major issue I have is that they never tell Marlena’s origin. Although they give Randor a much better characterization. He was a Captain then King when the Elders disappeared. I like how MOTU 2002 started before the age of Adam/He-Man. I think it gives it a better story.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
The Sorceress:
I like both versions of The Sorceress. However I think that the 2002 backstory is better than the 80′s version.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
Ram Man:
I always liked Ram Man he was just a cool character as far as his bouncing action. The toy was awesome as well.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
Stratos:
Everyone that I knew loved Stratos in the 80′s cartoon.. I think mainly because as kids we all wanted to fly. The 2002 update is just as awesome I think.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
Castle Grayskull:
Love the updated look and the story behind how the power of grayskull is done.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
Palace of Eternia:
I always liked the original design on the Palace, but the updated version is just as good.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
The Villains:
Keldor/Skeletor:
I will not be posting a image of Keldor… however I really like the origin story given to the character in the 2002 series. I mean sure in the 80′s we got that he was once a part of the horde in Secret Of The Sword. however in the 2002 series we get a full backstory as to who he was before being Skeletor and how he became Skeletor, I throughly enjoyed this.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
Panthor:
Panthor was Battle Cat’s equal. He didn’t have an alternate form like Cringer. In both series he just roared. I like the updated version of Panthor, even though he’s just a beefier version of the old one.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
Evil Lyn:
I like the purpler version of the 2002 series. Even though the 80′s one was good as well.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
Beast Man:
Beast Man is essentially the same…. The design is just updated. He’s not as stupid as in the 80′s series though.
1983 on thetop 2002 on the bottom:
Mer Man:
Pretty much the same characteristics, however the 2002 version sounds a lot like Waspinator from Beast Wars. Yes I know Scott McNeill voiced both characters.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
Tri Klops:
Again a character that didn’t really change between the 2 series. Well other than updating the design which I do like.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
Trap Jaw:
Trap Jaw actually got a good backstory in the 2002 series. He was Kronos one of Keldor’s soldiers
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
Count Marzo:
I never really watched the Count Marzo episodes of the 80′s show. At least I don’t remember watching them. However his 2002 version is awesome. Very nice updating and he no longer looks like a court jester!
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
Hordak:
What can I say it’s Hordak!!
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
I also like the updated versions of the main Evil horde members:
Snake Mountain:
Again I remember both designs of the fortress, but not the backstory in the 80′s series. However I liked where they took it in the 2002 series.
1983 on the top 2002 on the bottom:
So overall the 2002 He-Man and the Masters of the Universe series is a very nice updating of the classic cartoon. It should be a must own for any true MOTU fan. I love how there is a very strict continuity in this series.
You Have The Power and go watch this series!
MWIRE Upcoming Episodes DC Spotlight Volume 2 Superman Films
MWIRE Upcoming Episodes DC Spotlight Volume 2 Superman Films
Coming up on MWIRE Movie Week In Review we’ll be returning to The DC Spotlight. This time Volume 2: Superman Films. I knew when Steve and I finalized the concept for Movie Week In Review I wanted to dedicate a portion of the episodes to The Batman and Superman Films. Batman has had his run from Episode 25-30. Now starting at Episode 51 and going through Episode 56 Superman will get coverage. We will be talking about Superman I-IV, Supergirl, and UGH Superman Returns. Just as the Bat coverage was one film per episode this will follow that same format. Two years ago I got the Ultimate Collector’s 14 Disc Set of the Superman Films. This thing is amazing. We will be covering the franchise in theatrical release date format so it will be as follows:
Episode 51: The DC Spotlight Volume 2: Superman Airdate: 6/26/2010
Episode 52: The DC Spotlight Volume 2: Superman II Airdate: 7/3/2010
Episode 53: The DC Spotlight Volume 2: Superman III Airdate: 7/10/2010
Celebrating MWIRE’s 1 year anniversary Mike & Steve talk about the computer scandal of Superman III.
Episode 54: The DC Spotlight Volume 2: Supergirl Airdate: 7/17/2010
Episode 55: The DC Spotlight Volume 2: Superman IV Airdate: 7/24/2010
Episode 56: The DC Spotlight Volume 2: Superman Returns Airdate: 7/31/2010
Superman: The Movie-
Hosts: TFG1Mike and Steve/Megatron
Guest Host: Steve Saylor (tentative)
There are really only two scenes in this that I remember watching as a kid. The scene in the pool with the Kruptonite and the helicopter scene. I’m not even sure at what age I first saw this. Obviously I was born after it was initially released.
Superman II: Lester Vs Donner-
Hosts: TFG1Mike and Steve/Megatron
Guest Host: Steve Saylor (tentative)
I honestly don’t ever remember watching this as a kid. I did watch both the Original Lester Cut and the Donner Cut back to back when I got the 14 Disc set and wow there’s barely any difference. At least to me. I’m sure I’m going to have to retract that statement when I go back and watch them for the episode of the podcast. However when I watched them after getting the DVD set I was like ok why the fuck am I watching the exact same film twice?
Superman III: The Office Space Orginal Idea-
Hosts: TFG1Mike and Steve/Megatron
Guest Host: David Denis or Mike Dodd (tentative)
The one thing I always remembered about the Superman Films was the fact that in one of them he fought himself. When I went back and watched this I’m glad I was secure in the knowledge that I was right. While I understand you can’t always make Lex Luthor the villain of the movie they really had to go the way they did with this one? Well I won’t say too much more as I want to save my thoughts for the eventual podcast episode.
Supergirl-
Hosts: TFG1Mike and Steve/Megatron
Guest Host: ___________ (tentative)
I’ve not seen this in a very long time. However I have very fond memories of it. I know people are going to read that statement and be like what are you smoking Mike? For some strange reason as a kid I thought that this was a big improvement over Superman III, and Helen Slater was hot!!
Superman IV: The Quest For Peace-
Hosts: TFG1Mike and Steve/Megatron
Guest Host: _________ (tentative)
Now I’m really gonna freak you out reader. There was one of those movie novelization books that sometimes come out to coincide with movie releases. I’m not talking a comic book, but a real book. The freaky part you ask? Well I could have sworn again that I had the book for this film and I always read it while listening to Madonna’s The Immaculate Collection CD. Have I blown your mind yet? Yes thanks to KnightWing of the Earth-2.net forums for finding it.
Superman: Returns-
Hosts: TFG1Mike and Steve/Megatron
Guest Host: _________ (tentative)
Oh fuck people always say Superman III or IV are the worst films in the franchise, but damn this one was horrid. Yes I know I’m tipping my hand a little but just…. DAMN!! Why the fuck must you not make your own Superman Film Bryan Singer? Take Donner’s Dick outta your mouth and do an original story you fucktard.
So there ya have it come join us on MWIRE as we delve into the last son of krypton’s movies!! BIG THANKS TO MICHAEL WILSON FOR EDITING THE TITLE SCREEN SUPERMAN IMAGES!! ALSO TO STEVE/MEGATRON FOR THE SUPERGIRL IMAGE!
DVD Review: Iron Man The Complete 1994 Animated Series
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DVD Review:
Iron Man The Complete 1994 Animated Series
Iron Man 1994
Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (has some great sound effects)
Video: Full Screen (1.33:1) (the video is grainy and dusty in some places but overall the DVD does the cartoon more justice then youtube quality)
Voice Cast By Season:
Season 1:
Robert Hayes- Iron Man
James Avery- War Machine
Casey Defranco- Julia Carptener/Spiderwoman
Ed Gilbert- The Mandarin
Jim Cummings- M.O.D.O.C.K.
Tony Steedman- Justin Hammer
Neil Ross- Fin Fang Foom
Season 2:
Robert Hayes- Iron Man
Dorian Harewood- War Machine
Jennifer Hale- Julia Carpenter/Spiderwoman
Robert Ito- The Mandarin
Jim Cummings- M.O.D.O.C.K.
Neil Ross- Fin Fang Foom
Efrem Zimbalist Jr.- Justin Hammer
Let us step back in time to 1994. Marvel Animation was really taking off. With X-Men The Animated Series that launched in 1992 and now in 1994 we have Spider-Man The Animated Series and of course Iron Man The Animated Series. I liked all three of these cartoons however in this review I’ll be focusing on Iron Man.
Over the past two days I’ve been watching the DVD set that Disney finally released. They released it in conjunction with Iron Man 2 hitting theaters 5/7/2010. I wanted to pick this DVD set up immediately as it was released. I waited a few weeks and now have it in my clutches! After watching the series again I have a clear stance on this cartoon. That stance being that Season 2 is better than Season 1. The 1st Season of the series has a generic rock type anthem for a theme. The intro shows images from the 1st season and it gets you into the cartoon. Then we open to the cartoon itself, most of the Season 1 stories start with Tony Stark in the Iron Man armor fighting someone, or out of the armor playing the business man type. One of the biggest things that turns me off about these first 13 episodes of the series is the horrid 3D CGI image after he gets all of the armor on except the helmet. Just the transition between the regular cell animated to a CGI shot is god awful in my opinion. Thankfully they stopped doing that after a while.
You’ll notice at the top of this review that I listed the majority of the voice cast by season. I did it this way because there are different voice actors in each season of Iron Man. There are some from season 1 that I prefer and there are some from Season 2 that I prefer. I barely noticed the change from Casey Defranco to Jennifer Hale as Julia Carpenter/Spider-Woman. While Ms. Defranco did a excellent job I prefer Jennifer Hale’s version. The biggest change in the voice cast in my opinion was War Machine. In season 1 he was voiced by James Avery, yes that’s right Uncle Phil and the Shredder voiced War Machine. Then in season 2 they switched to Dorian Harewood who has also voiced Tombstone in the Spider-Man 1994 cartoon, Jax from Mortal Kombat Defenders of the Realm, and many others. I remember first seeing him on screen in Viper as Julian Wilkes in 1998-1999. I actually prefer Harewood’s Rhodey to Avery’s. Two other voice changes I want to bring up in Season 1 Ed Gilbert voiced The Mandarin I like this one the best and in Season 2 Robert Ito took the reins of The Mandarin. The other voice actor change I wanna bring up is the character of Justin Hammer in Season 1 he was voiced by Tony Steedman and in Season 2 voiced by Efrem Zimbalist Jr. While I love Zimbalist as Alfred in the DCAU I hardly noticed the change here. Both versions of Hammer sound too similar to me. One of my favorite Villain voices in this comes from Jim Cummings as M.O.D.O.C.K. it was very entertaining.
OK with the voice cast taken care of now let me talk to you about the actually stories in Season 1. These are very good I especially liked The Origin Of The Mandarin episode and the two parter The Origin of Iron Man. These episodes are very revealing as far as retelling the origins of both the hero and the villain. Season 1 ends on The Wedding Of Iron Man as he and Julia tie the knot… maybe?
There is no real finale between Seasons 1 and 2 however they do keep within the continuity of season 1. Season 2 however was wayyyy different animation and different production crew I believe. The biggest change besides the random voice actor changes is the way the show feels. It opens with a prologue type of story kinda like what Justice League did. After that it goes to an all new theme and opening title card. I like this theme infinitely better than Season 1. It has kinda a Black Sabbath “Iron Man” feel. With the main chorus being ….. I am….. I am… Iron Man. I love this theme so much it’s a ringtone on my cell phone. As I said there is a huge difference in the animation style. There’s also a difference in the War Machine armor. I actually prefer the Season 1 designs of the War Machine armor. The Season 2 suit just looks off to me in the coloring. Just look below on the top is a Season 1 model and on the bottom a season 2 model. Even though the Season 1 armor looks kinda weird in the image. The reason why I like it is because later on in Season 1 it looks like what it’s supposed to. Meaning that it is the Mark II suit Tony Stark made. However in Season 2 like I said it just looks way off to me. I also like in Season 2 how the Iron Man armor can change at Tony’s request instead of having to take the parts with him on missions. The different armors look awesome.
Watching this cartoon back has actually made me want to seek out some Iron Man comics. Although I have no idea where to start after all Shell head does have 40+ years of comic history. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this series again. Even though I take a few issues with it I can over look most of them for the sheer nostalgia factor of 90’s Marvel Animation. Even though there are no Special features on any of the Disney released Marvel cartoons I really enjoy the packaging. There are slip covers that are embossed and have very neat designs on them. So far Disney/Marvel have released the entire X-Men 90′s cartoon this and Fantastic 4…. bring on Spider-Man 1994 PLEASE!!!!!!
