Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Volume 1 | Digital Retribution DVD Review

Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Volume 1 (2000)
By: David Michael Brown on July 12, 2007.

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Madman Entertainment (Australia). Region 4, PAL 4:3. English DD 2.0. 187 minutes

The Movie

Cover Art

Credits

Director: Matt Maiellara, Dave Willis Starring: Dana Synder, Carey Means, Dave Willis
Screenplay: Matt Maiellara, Dave Willis
Music: Schooly D
Tagline: Number 1 in the hood, G!
Country: USA

Ren & Stimpy have got a lot to answer for! The Simpsons may have got the viewing figures and South Park the public outcry, but John Kricfalusi's asthmatic Chihuahua and lovably stupid cat set the standard for outright lunacy under the guise of children's entertainment. Nickelodeon, despite a love hate relationship with Ren & Stimpy followed this madness with Spongebob Squarepants. It was at this stage that it became obvious that kids were not the only viewers of these cartoons. Adults….ahem, under the influence shall we say, were having an equally as entertaining time watching this animated fun as the kids. It, therefore, seems only logical then, that the munchies have become animated flesh in Aqua Teen Hunger Force.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force tells the story of a trio of crime fighters. Nothing strange there, except our heroes are more often found as the contents of a Happy Meal. Frylock, Master Shake and Meat Wad; in turn a cynical floating order of fries with laser eyes, a brash lazy milkshake and a slow witted lump of meat.

Every episode kicks of with the evil Dr Weird, in his castle in the darkest depths of New Jersey, declaring his new invention will destroy the world. This invention, for example the robot rabbit, the Rabot, usually goes insane and interrupts the team relaxing by their neighbour Carl's pool. Always reluctantly the team use their special powers to save the day. Simple enough but the style and humour is all in the characters. Each persona is suitably beserk and the line up of villainy including the fore mentioned Rabbot, the Leprechauns, Balloonenstein and Mc P Pants, all are an even match for our fearless trio.

A personal favourite are Mooninites; two 2D beings from the moon. Seemingly created using the same technology that created Space Invaders, they are egotistical and arrogant claiming that everything on the moon is better than that on earth. Any one who disagrees is shot using their very slow "Pong" like laser.

With a hip theme tune from Schooly D and an irreverent attitude towards everything, Aqua Teen Hunger Force is the perfect companion piece to Robot Chicken and the rest of Cartoon Networks Adult Swim series.

Video

The 4:3 image is sharp and colourful and totally watchable, and shows off the day glow world of the Aqua Teen Hunger Force to its fullest effect.

Audio

The music and effects are loud and brash with no distortion, the often screamed dialogue of our fast food friends is clear and listenable.

Extra Features

Nicely packaged in a slipcase including a free Madman sticker; the double disc set is chock full of fun features. You get the original cut of Rabbot which includes storyboarded scenes not included in the actual episode. We also get running commentaries on three of the episodes. Matt Maeillara, Dave Willis and Jay Edwards accompany Rabbot while Dana Snyder, Andy Marrow, Gary Means and Dave Willis provide a fun chat throughout Space Conflict from Beyond Pluto. In a bizarre move the episode Mayhem of the Mooninites features an alternate soundtrack of screaming guitars and no dialogue! Things are rounded of with promotional footage from the San Diego Comic Con in 2002.

The Verdict

The Aqua Teen Hunger Force are here to stay; taking in aspects of Ren & Stimpy, Spongebob Squarepants and spoofing every super hero under the sun, the fast food triumphant are irreverent, delirious fun for all the family. An excellent package from Madman Entertainment can only sweeten the deal for anyone with an interest in animation. Don't waste your money on a Happy Meal, this is the real deal.

The Rating