Hercules: The Legendary Journeys - Season One Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you already own the Anchor Bay (AB from here on out) release of "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" - Season 1 you may want to hang onto it.
This release has only the series. The 5 made-for-tv movie "specials" which introduced the character and truly started the series are *not* included. These were on the AB season 1 release. There is no word on whether these will be available separately.
The AB release had the 13 season episodes on 4 disks while this release uses only 3. This indicates there will be more compression, but the jury's still out on whether or not the episodes have been cleaned up beyond what AB did.
On the AB release, the sound was remixed into a 5.1 Dolby Digital while this release is 2.0 (which was the original sound mix). This may or may not be a drawback depending on your outlook.
The primary draw for this release is the use of subtitles which the AB release did not have (the major drawback of the AB release IMHO). A second attraction is the use of a standard keep-case instead of the massive fold-out digipak AB used.
So... better packaging and subtitles appear to be the "extras" for this release.
If you're a fan and don't already own the AB set this is highly recommended even though the price seems a bit high for only 13 episodes. You may want to seek out a AB season 1 set depending on price as it also includes the TV movies.
If you are looking for a true historical take on Hercules, don't start here as the myth is played very loose with many inaccuracies and *lots* of anachronism. But if you're looking for a good clean (although it *does* have its fair share of innuendo) action/adventure series with lots of campy humor, and ninja-like fight scenes... look no further. Yes, it does have some violence and innuendo, but it's fairly innocuous and frankly less than what I've seen on "kids" cartoons lately. Watching a few episodes of Hercules is a great way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon.
4 stars because the 5 made-for-tv movies, which truly belong with season 1, are not included.

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Through the ages of history and myth, there’s never been another hero like the mighty Hercules (Kevin Sorbo), whose awesome physical prowess is only surpassed by the strength of his heart. Discover why he’s held the imagination of countless viewers with every Season One episode of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. This compelling TV series from Executive Producer Sam Raimi (Spider-Man movies) follows the warrior from his humble beginnings as a child born to a beautiful mortal woman and Zeus, king of the gods, to his explosive battles against power-hungry immortals, deceptive demons, massive monsters, and bloodthirsty armies. With a special guest appearances by Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess), it’s an unforgettable trip into the world of legends with a man who will never rest as long as people need his help.

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Hercules (Disney Gold Classic Collection) (1997) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great film for the kids and anyone interested in animation. The use of gospel music was a masterstroke and adds much to the livliness of the film as does the input from Gerald Scarfe, the mastermind behind Pink Floyd's "The Wall". His influence and artistic stlye are seen in every frame of the film and give it the most distinctive style and look of any Disney film since Sleeping Beauty. Highly original and beautiful. I espicially like the character design of Meg, they've made her to look like a walking grecian vase!
Story wise we've seen this a million times before, especially in all the recent Disney films. That said though, I still enjoy this film more than Aladdin, it's competitor for the funniest Disney film ever (that was until The Emperor's New Groove knocked them both out of the park). Children are sure to love the outragous humor, bright colors, music and light tone as well as the comical sidekicks (Pain and Panic) and monsters. Frankly, I'm confounded by the negative reviews here. Everything is done top notch except for the predictable Disney formula plot.
The DVD presentation is fantastic. The film is presented in widescreen, the colors are bright, blacks are deep and dark and the sound is crisp and clear. You couldn't ask for a better presentation. However, it lacks for extras. There is a 12 minute making of short that is somewhat insightful and a music video of Ricky Martin's Spanish version of "Go The Distance". Also included are a simple triva game and the storybook mode that's found on most Disney DVD's.
The crisp bright look of the DVD is enough to warrant a buy for a Disney fan, but add in the gospel music, humor, fantastical setting and daring animation style and you've got yourself a winner for anyone!

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An outrageous odyssey of fun, fantasy, and adventure unfolds in the hilarious hit film HERCULES, Disney's 35th animated triumph "brimming with comic surprise!" (Entertainment Weekly) Taken from the gods as a newborn, adopted on earth, Hercules becomes an awkward teenage pillar of strength. Trying to fit in, he discovers his dad is Zeus and home is Mount Olympus -- if he can move from "zero" to true hero! Hercules teams with babyhood pal Pegasus, the flying stallion, and Phil -- a feisty personal trainer -- for the mission. But it's no easy task as he must match wits with Grecian beauty Meg and a comical hothead named Hades. With the help of Pain and Panic, Hades plans to rule the Universe with only Hercules standing in his way! With a bold animation style, colossal voice cast, and spectacular music, HERCULES is unmatched in strength -- delivering something for everyone with "pinwheeling, knockabout fun!"

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