Plot: What’s it about?
I’ve been a Spongebob fan since the show debuted, never missed an episode and I even watch the reruns more than I’d care to admit. So when episodes of the show are released on DVD, I should be thrilled, but alas, such is not the case. Paramount has chosen an unusual release pattern with this show, one which punishes fans in the name of a few extra bucks. The studio first issued a series of single disc releases, with a handful of episodes on each disc. This sparked a backlash and by turn, Paramount gave us the first season in one collection, only to go back to the single disc versions. Now it seems like we have to endure countless single discs between seasons, which is a real shame. I’d love to be able to recommend the episodes themselves, but not like this, save your cash to purchase the complete season sets. Below is a quick look at the eight episodes included on this release, most of which are already available.
1. Home Sweet Pineapple- Spongebob loves his pineapple home, his friendly neighborhood, and the entire Bikini Bottom atmosphere. The last thing he would want is to watch a horde of worms bear down and devour the area, including his pineapple home. But that is what has happened, as vicious worms demolish everything in their path, friend or foe. Will Spongebob be able to live on without his delicious home, or can he formulate a plan to restore Bikini Bottom back to normal.
2. Band Geeks- Squidward loves music, but he has never played for audience larger than himself. This fact is often rubbed in by his rival Squilliam. Squilliam has become a star in the music business, but he has never forgotten about his old rival Squidward. When he is unable to fulfill an obligation to play the Bubble Bowl halftime show, Squilliam offers the job to Squidward. As much as he tries however, Squidward is unable to whip Spongebob and the others into a respectable band. As show time approaches, will Squidward be humiliated once again or does the band have a few surprises in store?
3. Sandy, Spongebob and the Worm- Oh no, worms again! Well, only one worm this time, but this is no normal worm, its an Alaskan Bull Worm! This monstrous worm threatens to chow down on all of Bikini Bottom, without leaving so much as a napkin behind. The situation calls for a hero, someone to take on the worm and save Bikini Bottom. Sandy soon agrees to wrangle the worm, in her special rodeo style, but she’ll need some help from her buddy Spongebob. Can Sandy hogtie the mean old worm, or is Bikini Bottom doomed to be leveled once again by a worm menace?
4. Ripped Pants- A potential for embarrassment turns into a social blessing, when Spongebob bends over and his pants rip down the middle. His blush turns quickly into a smile, when he hears the laughter of his friends and the onlookers. Not to let a good idea pass, he begins to rip his pants in all sorts of situations, each time yielding a chorus of laughter and praise. But will his fifteen minutes of pants ripping fame be up soon, or has he created a timeless comedic marvel?
5. Sandy’s Rocket- Sandy came from a distant land and space travel is no shock to her, which is good, since she happens to own a rocket. She is responsible with the powerful tool however, which isn’t the case with her good friends Spongebob and Patrick. Soon enough, the three find themselves launched into the depths of space, with no idea what lies ahead. When they land on a new planet, an immediate decision is made to capture the aliens to be studied. But is this new planet as remote as they believe, or have they landed in a place they already know, perhaps all too well?
6. Culture Shock- The Krusty Krab is best known for the delicious burgers it serves, but it is soon to be known for its talent as well. Yes, the eatery could soon be a hotbed for talent of all kind, thanks to the first ever Krusty Krab talent show. The assortment of performers is diverse, but all share one common trait, an overall lack of talent, which is bad news for the show. But when Spongebob decides to save the show, will he be a smash success or a dim failure?
7. MuscleBob Buffpants- Spongebob has decided to become buff, a decision sparked by how Sandy paid so much attention to the muscle laden beach bums. But he isn’t strong and is quite lazy, so he devises a method to seem powerful, but really be quite weak. His barbells sport stuffed animals and balloons, not weights, which leaves him once again left in the cold. But when he finds a quick solution to his woes, will he learn the easy way isn’t always the best way?
8. Employee of the Month- At the Krusty Krab, no one is more reliable than Spongebob. He is early to work, never complains about low wages, and is always available for overtime. As such, he is a valued member of the team and an example to fast food workers worldwide. He has also won Employee of the Month every month since he started, a feat he is quite proud of. But the streak ends when Squidward is named Employee of the Month, which leaves Spongebob to ponder his worth within the business.
Video: How does it look?
The episodes are presented in full frame, as intended. As per usual for this series of discs, the episodes look clean and pleasant, with no real errors to discuss. I’ve seen these programs on normal television and they looked fine, but here they seem much clearer and sharper, good work from Pioneer here. The colors come across in bold and bright form, with no smears or the like to report at all. I saw no troubles with contrast either, as black levels were on the mark from start to finish also. Simply put, these episodes look much better than broadcast and that should be more than good enough to please fans of the series.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included audio mixes sound better than the television renditions, if just because of a little more presence in some scenes. I don’t think your ears will be dazzled here, but the bases are more than covered and there’s some nice spark at times, so you won’t be disappointed either, not even close. The vocals are clean and smooth throughout, with no volume or clarity issues in the least to report here. No issues with the music or sound effects either, all the elements seem solid and in working order with these mixes.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes no bonus materials.
