DuckTales: Volume Three DVD Review

Cartoons in today’s current age have fallen off the map. I honestly feel bad for the children of today. Their entertainment not only lacks substance but has become less and less imaginative as well. Many shows focus on the absurd rather than something simply different and as can be expected, kids generally have a strong attraction to the cartoons of old. That’s why Disney did the right thing by releasing the DVD set of DuckTales: Volume Three.

This dynamite collection doesn’t have some of the all time classic episodes found in the first two volumes, but it holds a specific magic that will catch the hearts of ignorant children as well as young adults pining over their youth that involved earnestly following a group of ducks through time, across the globe, and into some of the most finely crafted animated adventures of all time. It’s nice to see that DuckTales can still hold up after more than ten years following its original airdate.

After the deliciously catchy theme song that has solidified its place in popular culture, we follow Scrooge McDuck and his three nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, everywhere from London to millions of years into the past. As can be expected, much of the comedy and drive comes from the conflict between Scrooge and his kin and the mischief that ensues. Whether it be the boys challenging their uncle in an array of sophisticated ways or Scrooge trying to protect his precious number one dime from his nemeses and nephews, pure fun fills the screen and reaches out to the young and young at heart. There is a solid group of recurring characters that really help the show to break out into full bloom. Launchpad McQuack, Gyro Gearloose, Mrs. Beakley, Webby Vanderquack, Doofus Drake, and Gladstone Gander are just a few of the entertaining characters that join in on the fun. Their quirks are genuine and easy to relate to, making the situations that much more enjoyable.

The villains are just as important. Their originality and well drawn out characteristics help present a seriously engaging counterpart to the good intentioned McDuck family. Who could forget Magica De Spell, the always scheming sorceress, Flinheart Glomgold, the devious Scotsman, or the ever popular Beagle Boys that never to seem to figure out a way to stay out of jail. These aren’t the only antagonists but you’ll find yourself looking forward to the episodes in which they are involved. They all have drive and do what good villains do best -- stop at nothing, find the fault in their ways, and continue on their evil path. Much of the conflict involving the major villains has to do more with competition rather than pure malice and that in itself gives this cartoon a heart and soul that can easily compete with, and most likely outshine, any animated show currently on television.

DuckTales: Volume Three also includes a couple classic characters like Donald Duck and Glittering Goldie O’Gilt. The best characters in this set though are the two new additions that pop up in the unforgettable multi-episode adventures on the second and third discs. The first is Bubba. He’s a caveduck that Scrooge and the boys encounter in the past. He follows them through time and back to the present. He’s cute, he’s loveable, and his voice/mannerisms will jar a smile and most likely a laugh. The other is Fenton Crackshell who becomes the superhero known as Gizmoduck. He is easily the most memorable character introduced in the late episodes and shows that DuckTales was able to find a way to sustain its magic in the last fifty or so episodes.

If there is a downside to the set, it’s that there are no special features. Granted, the episodes are amazing enough but you can’t help but wonder what people involved with the show would have to say, how certain episodes were conceived, and how this cartoon was able to work so well. It’s tough when you’re done with the episodes because there’s still a hunger for more and usually in such cases there are commentaries or something of the sort to help bring you down slowly from such a thrilling ride. Not so here.

DuckTales: Volume Three is a perfect DVD set for anyone looking to take another look at their childhood favorite or new kids on the block who need some emotional rescue from what’s being spat at them every afternoon. Thanks to Disney, we are lucky enough to be able to relive, or simply live, the glory days with a gang of adventurous ducks and watch something much more valuable than a measly number one dime.