Featured TV on DVD Review: SpongeBob SquarePants: Viking-Sized Adventures
January 23, 2010
SpongeBob SquarePants: Viking-Sized Adventures - Buy from Amazon
I've lost track of the number of DVD releases there are for SpongeBob SquarePants. I think the folks at Nickelodeon have lost track of the number of releases there have been for this series. Themed DVDs, full-season sets, split-season volumes, etc. Heck, there's even been a 100 Episode Megaset. With so many releases, there's no need to dilly-dally, so let's just jump right into the episodes.
Doing the math we have one classic, two solid hits, and five that are only average, or worse. Add in weak extras and SpongeBob SquarePants: Viking-Sized Adventures equals just a rental.
- Submitted by: C.S.Strowbridge
The only extras on the DVD are some artwork. There are two galleries, one for storyboards and another for character art.
Mr. Krabs has a new promotion to draw in customers: Viking-Sized drinks. This spurs SpongeBob on a quest to learn about the Vikings, but after he sends them a letter, they decide to come to Bikini Bottom and teach him all about Vikings. This will not end well.
The episode that lends its name to the DVD release should be the best of the DVD, perhaps even a double-length episode. This feels like it should be a double-length episode, but it's not. It feels like it is setting up a great second half, and then it just ends. It's like a setup for a joke without a punch line. It's a weak way to start the DVD.
SpongeBob has a chance to meet Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy, again. But he has boating school to go to, so Patrick Star convinces him to ditch school. SpongeBob plans to get his comic signed and return to school right away, but distractions keep coming.
Slightly better than Dear Vikings, but still merely average and not very memorable. Also, the ending is also quite weak, like the writers didn't know what to do in the end.
There is a huge storm a brewin' and the weatherman tells everyone to stay inside. However, much to the dismay of Squidward, he is trapped in SpongeBob's house with SpongeBob and Patrick.
A common theme for this show is Squidward trying to cope with SpongeBob and Patrick's insanity. There are a few good gags here, but not a lot to make it stand out.
Plankton's latest attempt to steal Mr. Krab's secret formula involves digging under the Krusty Krab. However, he digs too deep and falls into an underground cavern. At first he sees this as a setback, but the scenery is so beautiful that people are willing to ignore the inedible nature of Plankton's food and he finally gets some customers. This is not something Mr. Krabs will stand for.
Another common theme used in this show is the rivalry between Mr. Krabs and Plankton. However, this one is at least shows something new and there are enough gags that it works.
Mr. Krab's grandfather is coming to town, which is a problem since he thinks Mr. Krabs followed in his footsteps and became a pirate. So now it is up to SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward to help Mr. Krabs fool his grandfather into think the Krusty Krab is a real pirate ship.
The first episode on this DVD that really hits its mark. The overdone nature of Mr. Krab's plan is exactly the kind of goofiness that fits so well in the SpongeBob world. The best episode on this DVD so far.
Squidward's happy. Something is not right and SpongeBob and Patrick are going to find out. They learn that he is a member of the Cephalopod Lodge, but after sneaking in and getting Squidward thrown out, they decide to make it up to him by starting a new club and making him the leader.
It starts out well enough and there are some good gags, like SpongeBob trying to pronounce Cephalopod. However, the end with the 'albino eel makes this episode an instant classic and the best episode on this DVD.
After injuring Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy, SpongeBob and Patrick take their place at the shuffleboard tournament. Fortunately the writers realized how boring shuffleboard is and skipped to the point where SpongeBob and Patrick fight crime. But they are so overzealous that soon the Bikini Bottom prison is filled to the breaking point. Literally.
The second episode with Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy episode on the DVD, but it's not any better than the first. There are some good gags, but overall its is merely average and nothing more.
Squidward is mistaken for Squilliam Fancyson, a maestro of the clarinet, and is offered a job as a professor of music at the prestigious university. He immediately accepts, as this has been his lifelong dream, but when SpongeBob and Patrick sign up for his class, his dream becomes a nightmare.
Like Pineapple Fever, this episode is entirely about Squidward trying to deal with SpongeBob and Patrick. However, this one is equal parts boring and annoying. Plus, the ending comes out of left field, so it is a weak episode that ends on a bad note. The Verdict
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