As said many, many times, love animation to bits, always have. Not just Disney, Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, Tex Avery and Hanna Barbera, but getting older it also broadened to include Pixar, Studio Ghibli, Soyuzmultfilm and Fleischer. It has always been a huge part of my life and helped me through all the tough times in school, with a broader knowledge actually appreciate it even more now.
Very like as has been said with 'Darkwing Duck' and 'Talespin' in individual episodes of them, 'DuckTales' is a show dear to my heart. While not quite one of the all-time greats in animation and ever it is a personal favourite and one of my favourite shows from Disney. Felt that way as a child, still do. One of those personal favourites from a young age that has held up very well (not all my childhood favourites have), and like many favourites seen recently as a young adult 'DuckTales' is even more entertaining through adult eyes from appreciating the writing and stories even more.
Like to love all the previous episodes, and "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. McDuck" is hardly inferior. A brilliant episode in every aspect and among my favourite 'Ducktales' episodes.
The animation in "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. McDuck" looks very pleasing on the eyes, nothing shoddy about it. Instead it is very vibrant, fluidly drawn and the attention to detail in the backgrounds is also note-worthy. Can say nothing wrong about the music, the score is dynamic, beautifully orchestrated, never jarring with the action and full of energy. Just as animated shows of this kind should be. It is impossible to resist or forget the theme song, one of the catchiest in animation and ever.
"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. McDuck's" writing is even smarter, even more intelligent and even funnier as an adult. Part of this is due to understanding and appreciating the references, which came over as very funny and brilliantly timed when a child but easier to get and notice as an adult. Have found the same experience re-visiting other favourites like 'Animaniacs', 'Pinky and the Brain' and 'Tiny Toon Adventures'. The dialogue is hilarious, quotable and surprisingly fresh by today's standards, also surprisingly thought-provoking and educational. Loved the references to 'Airplane, Sherlock Holmes and 'Three's Company'.
Similarly great in "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. McDuck" is the storytelling. It is a very compelling story that is not predictable or repetitive, despite the concept not being an innovative one, also not taking too long to get started or to the point. It is immensely entertaining to watch, has thrills and energy aplenty, is never dull and has emotional investment while the conflict has tension.
Have always loved the characters. Scrooge is one of those characters that does live up to his name at first, a notable example actually of the show being here, but the character grows and goes on a journey. It is wonderful to see Huey, Duey and Louie be given distinct personalities and it is much easier to tell them apart as a result than before when partnered with their uncle Donald Duck.
In "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. McDuck", the voice acting is faultless. Cannot imagine anybody else as the character of Scrooge than Alan Young, he is a big reason why Scrooge works so well as a character. Russi Taylor and Terence McGovern are also solid as rocks in their roles, Taylor was in multiple roles throughout the show and shows no signs of being over-parted. Clive Revill is in his element as the Sherlock Holmes-inspired detective, the clear standout of the supporting characters. Peter Cullen likewise in two roles that he contrasts well.
In summary, brilliant. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Very like as has been said with 'Darkwing Duck' and 'Talespin' in individual episodes of them, 'DuckTales' is a show dear to my heart. While not quite one of the all-time greats in animation and ever it is a personal favourite and one of my favourite shows from Disney. Felt that way as a child, still do. One of those personal favourites from a young age that has held up very well (not all my childhood favourites have), and like many favourites seen recently as a young adult 'DuckTales' is even more entertaining through adult eyes from appreciating the writing and stories even more.
Like to love all the previous episodes, and "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. McDuck" is hardly inferior. A brilliant episode in every aspect and among my favourite 'Ducktales' episodes.
The animation in "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. McDuck" looks very pleasing on the eyes, nothing shoddy about it. Instead it is very vibrant, fluidly drawn and the attention to detail in the backgrounds is also note-worthy. Can say nothing wrong about the music, the score is dynamic, beautifully orchestrated, never jarring with the action and full of energy. Just as animated shows of this kind should be. It is impossible to resist or forget the theme song, one of the catchiest in animation and ever.
"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. McDuck's" writing is even smarter, even more intelligent and even funnier as an adult. Part of this is due to understanding and appreciating the references, which came over as very funny and brilliantly timed when a child but easier to get and notice as an adult. Have found the same experience re-visiting other favourites like 'Animaniacs', 'Pinky and the Brain' and 'Tiny Toon Adventures'. The dialogue is hilarious, quotable and surprisingly fresh by today's standards, also surprisingly thought-provoking and educational. Loved the references to 'Airplane, Sherlock Holmes and 'Three's Company'.
Similarly great in "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. McDuck" is the storytelling. It is a very compelling story that is not predictable or repetitive, despite the concept not being an innovative one, also not taking too long to get started or to the point. It is immensely entertaining to watch, has thrills and energy aplenty, is never dull and has emotional investment while the conflict has tension.
Have always loved the characters. Scrooge is one of those characters that does live up to his name at first, a notable example actually of the show being here, but the character grows and goes on a journey. It is wonderful to see Huey, Duey and Louie be given distinct personalities and it is much easier to tell them apart as a result than before when partnered with their uncle Donald Duck.
In "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. McDuck", the voice acting is faultless. Cannot imagine anybody else as the character of Scrooge than Alan Young, he is a big reason why Scrooge works so well as a character. Russi Taylor and Terence McGovern are also solid as rocks in their roles, Taylor was in multiple roles throughout the show and shows no signs of being over-parted. Clive Revill is in his element as the Sherlock Holmes-inspired detective, the clear standout of the supporting characters. Peter Cullen likewise in two roles that he contrasts well.
In summary, brilliant. 10/10 Bethany Cox
