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. Grin to Win!- Ash and his friends have run out of water and are at the end of their ropes, until a young woman named Sunrisa lends a hand. She opens up the line from her personal water pipes and lets them refill, which was most needed. The crew then follows her into town, where they meet her Sunflora Pokemon and learn of a festival that begins soon. Sunrisa wishes to win the Sunflora contest, but one of her Sunflora simply refuses to smile. Can Ash and the others help Sunrisa cheer up her prized Sunflora in time for the festival?
2. Chikorita’s Big Upset- Although Ash has become a talented Pokemon trainer, he has been having some trouble with his Chikorita. He tries to make it listen & behave, but it ignores him and does as it pleases, even in battle situations. This could mean not only potential losses for Ash, but also harm for Chikorita, since it won’t return when winded. But Ash and the others soon meet another Nurse Joy, who has a psychology degree from Celedon University, with a focus on Pokemon and their mental issues. Even with this kind of professional help, can Ash manage to keep Chikorita under control, or is this one Pokemon even he can’t handle?
3. Foul Weather Friends- Ash has heard of some strange ways to predict the weather, but he’s never heard of using Pokemon in that respect. But as he and his friend try to help a small Hoppip from a crash landing, they meet with a young woman who works in the weather business. She has seven Hoppips inside a large net area, where they can frolic and have fun, as well as be observed by her & the equipment she uses. In this group of Hoppips is one Oddish, which loves to be with the Hoppips and even wants to be one, but it can’t fly, no matter how hard it tries. If Ash and the others pitch in to help the little Oddish, will it be able to realize its dream of flight?
Video: How does it look?
The episodes are presented in full frame transfers, as intended. I noted more grain than usual in one of the episodes, so I docked half a point from the score. But aside from that, the episodes look terrific and are much improved over the televised & VHS versions. The contrast is stark and well defined, but never becomes too dark, while colors look bold and full of life, just as this series needs from them. As I mentioned, one of the episodes has a little too much grain, but in all other regards, the episodes look wonderful.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio here is more than solid, but don’t expect too much, given the nature and approach used in the series. The music sounds very full, while sound effects are loud and clear, just as intended. At times, some elements become very, very loud, but that is how it should be, so don’t panic when it happens. The vocals are clean and never hard to understand, not even when the action picks up and other elements take the focus. This disc also contains optional English subtitles, in case you decide you might need those.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc contains no bonus materials.
