Plot: What’s it about?
Paramount has unleashed a new Spongebob Squarepants compilation, this one loaded with seven episodes to soak in. I am of course in favor of complete releases, but Friend or Foe? has more to offer than most single disc episode collections. These episodes are brand new and not available in other home video collections, so Spongebob fans can rejoice. I’ll wind up selling this disc once the next season is issued, but it is great to have these until that time comes. These are some great episodes too, with little filler and offer a lot of entertainment value. So if you’re a fan of the show, you’ll want Friend or Foe? on your shelf. I’ve included a brief synopsis on each episode below.
1. Friend or Foe?- This two part episode delves into the past, as the history of Mr. Krabs and Plankton is explored. This is really fun and one of the best all time episodes, in my opinion. Seeing Krabs and Plankton as friends is a trip and it is cool to watch how they became enemies.
2. The Original Fry Cook- Spongebob is sent into a downward spiral when Jim, the original fry cook that everyone loves, returns to The Krusty Krab. He is paranoid that since Jim is back to reclaim his old position and as such, Spongebob tries to impress, but winds up getting into more trouble.
3. Night Light- A scary book has Spongebob terrified and even the smallest shadow creeps him out, so he heads out and buys a night light. That soothes him at first, until he sees another shadow and buys another night light, then another and another, but will he ever get some sleep?
4. Rise and Shine- This is a really short episode that follows a normal morning for Patrick. Not a bad episode, but very brief and it comes off a tad rushed.
5. Waiting- The mailbox will soon be home to a special treasure, as Spongebob has collected his Kelp box tops and mailed them off to claim his prize. As time ticks by, even seconds seem to drag and Spongebob gets more and more impatient. When the prize does finally arrives, will it live up to his expectations?
6. Fungus Among Us- Awesome episode, just hilarious and sure to delight fans. Spongebob finds himself with a sea fungus of some sorts, after he scolds Gary for nosing in the green goop. He tries to get rid of it and even pushes himself to go to work, but what happens when it spreads to everything and everyone he touches?
7. Spy Buddies- Ever want to see Spongebob as James Bond? This is your chance, as Mr. Krabs dispatches Spongebob and Patrick to do some undercover work. The boys have all kinds of cool gadgets to work, including a laser from Patrick’s pants. But will their mission be a success or just a hilarious failure?
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 Paramount 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?
You can watch the uncut animatic for Friend or Foe?, as well as browse some cool artwork of Krabs and Plankton.
