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 when it comes to Spongebob, I can’t resist. Atlantis Squarepantis has two episodes exclusive to this compilation, with Atlantis Squarepantis and Picture Day, but the rest are already available in the Season 5, Volume 1 release. So while there is some new content, there isn’t really enough to warrant a purchase. Plus most fans will wind up selling this disc once the next season volume is issued, so the value isn’t tremendous. These are some great episodes though, with little filler and offer a lot of entertainment value. If you don’t own Season 5, Volume 1, Atlantis Squarepantis is recommend, but if you do, then just rent this disc to see the new stuff. I’ve included a brief synopsis on each episode below.
1. Atlantis Squarepantis- Spongebob and his friends have found an ancient medallion, which will lead them to an undesea kingdom of myth and lore known as Atlantis. Atlantis is home to numerous landmarks, but none as famous as The Oldest Living Bubble, which Spongebob and Patrick have to see for themselves. But when Patrick pops the bubble on accident, the group find themselves in deep sea trouble like never before.
2. Money Talks- Everyone knows how Mr. Krabs feels about money, but what does money think of him? When Mr. Krabs makes a wish to be able to hear from his cash, he learns exactly what the funds have on their minds. While Krabs tries to keep his pincers tightly gripped on his cash, he discovers that the money has other wishes. But when the money tells Krabs it wants to be spent, can he bring himself to part with the moolah?
3. Spongebob vs. The Patty Gadget- Spongebob’s talent on the grill is well known, he can churn out patties like no one else and of course, he is proud of his skills. So when someone thinks they can outduel him on the grill, he never backs down, but this time, he might be in trouble. Squidward thinks he has a machine that can out grill Spongebob and while the challenge is immense, that doesn’t scare the yellow wonder. But as the challenge begins and the patty gadget proves to be a formidable foe, can Spongebob find a way to keep his grill skills unmatched?
4. Slimy Dancing- The Bikini Bottom Dance-A-Thon is just around the corner, an event that captivates the locals and brings together all types of undersea life. In fact, the dance contest has drawn together Spongebob and Squidward, unlikely partners to be sure, but the two are determined. While Squidward didn’t make it into the Dance-A-Thon, he has agreed to train Spongebob, in hopes that his pupil can take the crown. But can these two even manage to co-exist in peace, let alone train hard and somehow manage to win the Dance-A-Thon?
5. The Krusty Sponge- The Krusty Krab isn’t the kind of place one goes for fine cuisine, but Spongebob’s skills at the grill have attracted some high brow attention. A food critic has praised Spongebob’s cooking talents to high heaven and of course, Mr. Krabs plans to cash in on this publicity. But even as Spongebob begins to become quite a celebrity, will his newfound fame go to his head and fade as quickly as it arrived?
6. Sing a Song of Patrick- If anyone were to rise to fame as a musician in Bikini Bottom, Patrick might not be the first to come to mind, but nonetheless, he does have musical inclinations. The lovable starfish even wrote a song, one that Spongebob is convinced would be a hit if people could hear for themselves. So now the two start a push for the song to make it onto the radio, but will they succeed and if so, will Patrick become a rock star in the process?
7. Picture Day- A photo can be immortal, a snapshot that captures a moment in time forever. So with Boat School pictures today, Spongebob is determined to take a great photo, to fondly look at for years to come. In order to do so, he must make it to school not only on time, but clean and proper. If he gets dirty or his clothes get crinkled, his picture would be ruined. But can he make it to school with all of his shine intact, or will this photo be one he’d rather forget?
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?
This disc includes a brief tour of the animation studios, plus a special look at the production of the Atlantis Squarepantis episode.
