DVD
The Flintstones
The Complete Second Season
Region 1 Edition

Starring: The Flintstones
Warner Home Video
RRP: $44.98
H2368
Certificate: Not Rated
Available 07 December 2004


The prehistoric and prehysterically funny legacy grows larger on DVD with this 32-episode 4-disc set of Season Two. The Flintstones offered cartoon character that over time appear even more human and multidimensional than many of their live-action TV situation comedy counterparts. But the biggest ongoing series treat - the one that hooks each new generation - is the sight gag of dinosaurs performing as "modern" appliances - from lawnmowers to aeroplanes to vacuum cleaners to garbage disposals. This deluxe set is full of such visual delights and classic episodes. Now, thanks to the modern-day advent of DVD, the memories are forever etched in stone...

The Complete Second Season of The Flintstones contains all 32 episodes from the shows second year. There is a good mix of episodes and we get to see Fred as a bus driver, the judge of a beauty competition, an escort, and a member of high society. As you would expect, Fred and Barney are best of friends one minute and at each others throats the next. The only thing that really dates this collection is the sexist attitude the show sometimes has towards women (a sign of the times). In one episode Fred gets angry because Wilma doesn't have his dinner ready on the table when he comes in from work.

Something which came as something of a surprise to me, was the theme tune and opening credits. Each episode begins with a teaser from the episode and then launches into the theme tune "Rise and Shine" - which was the opening theme for seasons one and two. The animation for this opening is also different to the later seasons and one of the extras on the discs explains why this opening was replaced with the familiar "Yabba-Dabba-Doo!" theme when the series was syndicated. Because the episodes are broadcast in any order when the show is syndicated the creators felt that the different opening credits would confuse people and decided to cut in the new theme credits to the first two seasons.

The original opening scene will remind viewers of another animated series about a dysfunctional family. It would seem that the creators of The Simpsons have "borrowed" elements from The Flintstones opening credits. These credits show Fred driving home and into his garage and then entering the house, running to sit on his comfy chair and then the angle switches to the TV set to start the episode.

Extras include 'How to Draw Fred Flintstone' featurette which will allow even the world's worst drawer to sketch a pretty good likeness of everyone's favourite caveman; a new documentary 'Carved in Stone: The Flintstones Phenomenon'; vintage commercials of sponsors of The Flintstones; and an audio commentary on three episodes.

This release represents some classic animation and will appeal to every member of the family.

Darren Rea

Buy this item online
We compare prices online so you get the cheapest deal!
Click on the logo of the desired store below to purchase this item.


$35.99 (Amazon.com)
   
£20.99 (Amazon.co.uk)

All prices correct at time of going to press.