Plot: What’s it about?
Pokemon hit the American shores like a tidal wave, crushing other properties and raking in a massive amount of cash. We’ve seen plush toys, lunchboxes, feature films, and of course, the television series, which Pioneer has been releasing on DVD. The franchise has lost most of its steam with the kids, but some fans still remain and I have to admit, I like to watch the series. It’s predictable and often cheese laden, but also fun and I can’t resist the antics of Team Rocket. While the feature films have been less impressive, the series continues to be solid and often very good, so I am pleased to find more episodes issued all the time. This series is beloved by some and despised by others, but in any case, Pokemon on DVD is here to stay, it seems. Below is a list of the three episodes included on this disc, as well as a brief synopsis for each.
1. The Superhero Secret- As Ash, Pikachu, Brock, and Misty stroll the woods, Ash wants to run across a Gligar, even though most of them dislike humans. As the search continues, the group falls right into a large hole, which was well hidden indeed. Of course, Team Rocket was responsible and they pump water into the hole, they plan to snatch Pikachu and then run off. But when a mysterious, unusual superhero arrives with a Gligar in tow, things take a most interesting turn. Who is this masked man and is a true superhero, or a super wannabe?
2. Mild ‘n Wooly- As the gang takes a brief stop to rest up & have lunch, a Mareep wanders near them and soon ventures closer. But when it charges them and smothers Pikachu, it gets the shock of a lifetime. The result is not pain however, but growth, as the wool fleece expands once the charge surges through Mareep. Soon enough, an entire group of Mareep run out to pile onto Pikachu, until a young girl named Mary enters the scene. Mary wants to become a Pokemon trainer like Ash, but she has trouble controlling the Mareep, even in the fields. Can Ash and the other teach her how to handle Pokemon, as well as tend to her duties on the ranch?
3. Wired For Battle!- On the path to the next gym, Ash and the crew run into a Scizor and its trainer, Shingo. Just moments before, Scizor demolish Team Rocket in seconds and as it glided through the trees, Ash was able to witness it in action. After a brief standoff between Scizor and Pikachu, Shingo reveals himself as the trainer and explains he was simply training his Pokemon. As Shingo is looking for battles and Ash loves to battle, Ash offers to have a match, but after a look into his computer, Shingo decides against it. It seems Shingo believes Ash to be too weak to battle with, but can Ash somehow change the man’s mind?
Video: How does it look?
The episodes are presented in full frame transfers, as intended. As usual, the episodes look sharp and clean, much better than on television or VHS editions. The colors are bright and vivid, with no smears or bleeds in the least. No problems in terms of black levels either, as black hues look deep and rich at all times. I did see some slight edge enhancement at times, but nothing serious and in the end, these episodes look terrific.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio here is better than on television, to be sure, thanks to the included 2.0 surround audio option. The results won’t push your system too much, but it sounds more dynamic than the television mix, I think. The surround channels aren’t used too much, but are kicked on when needed, so they’re not silent here. The dialogue is crisp and never gets buried, even when sound effects move to the forefront of the audio experience. This disc also includes optional English subtitles, should you need those.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc contains no bonus materials.
