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Jester Talks: Turtles Forever on DVD

I’m not sure what to think of the DVD release of Turtles Forever. As tOkKa mentioned in his post on said DVD release…the “uncut” version was on the internet for a while, and what do we get for a DVD? A bare bones, TV cut of the movie with not one “special feature” or even decent looking menus. I probably could have made an equally good looking DVD…I’m just saying.

That said, it’s nice to see Viacom and Nickelodeon finally doing something with the franchise they bought from Peter so long ago. (When was it again? Wow…really…October 2009…that’s almost a year ago. Man) And to be fair the DVD transfer looks great. I even took the time while I was watching it to check out the pictures of the TMNT Multiverse. It was quite a nice little representation of  Turtles stuff from all over, Mirage, Archie, the movies, even the cube craft (didn’t know that was it’s own universe…but ok.) But as I come back to it, and having watched an episode of the 90′s series to do my guide, it just didn’t work for me. Let me tell you why.

The Original Series was lighthearted, sure. It was goofy, sure. It never took itself too seriously, sure, but I don’t remember the Turtles ever facing off against giant slices of pizza (and, yes I know there was an episode called The Case of the Killer Pizzas, but it’s not, as April says, the pizza, but “the creature that came with the pizza.”)

In Turtles Forever the 88 Turtles as they are called are useless, incompetent boobs. And yes maybe compared to the 2003 Turtles, they are, but that may just be it. This movie follows the 2k3 Turtles, they are the stars, the heroes. They are written correctly, because this is their show. But, to many the Old Toon Turtles are what brought us to the franchise. And the writing for them didn’t come off as an homage, it came off as a joke. “These Turtles are squishy and round and only crack jokes and eat pizza.” True that seems true of the OT Turtles, but there’s more there. Maybe it’s just nostalgia, but the OT Turtles despite all of that were competent. Here though they are painted as goofs who can’t step up when the situation calls for it…well maybe at the end, but by then they have been played for jokes for too long.

I know what you’re thinking, “Jester, this movie is over a year old. It’s not Viacom’s fault that it paint the OT Turtles with too broad a brush and makes them caricatures of themselves.” and you’re right. But now I have this on DVD. When it was a TV one off, I could forget about it, look at it warmly. Now I own it…I could watch it very day if I was so inclined…and it’s not as good as I remembered. Mainly because the only thing that works with the old Turtles is Raph’s 4th wall breaking…and it’s not even Rob Paulsen.

NICK NOTES n’ ‘Turtles Foverever’ DVD out –

–>> .. NICK news bits thanks & via Toon Zone & ラビット帽子. ::

** With the complete director’s-cut of “Turtles forever” having been available on the 4kids site having been available for almost a year now, a bare-boned cut of the film having been hobbled n’ cut down out of the edited 73 min. T.V. version, all this DVD stuff is tough to swallow and justify.

However, it prolly is best to try to keep as positive an outlook on this as possible. Viacom does have to start somewhere..
*** perhaps T.Z.’s Michael Lachman’s review of Paramount’s first TMNT release will help give some perspective.

Street Date: August 24, 2010
Catalogue: 896034
DVD SRP: $16.99
DVD Running Time: 73 Minutes

Style guide art-arrific .. ****Amazon has the price of the disc clocking in at $12.49 from a list price of 16.99 for the disc.
Prices at stores will prolly be even lower than either of those.

**Contact Paramount Home Entertainment to chime in on the situation, POLITELY letting them know your honest feelings about this release.**

Some “Nick” releases are known for their odd cuts and edits, this could be one of those situations and by no means that a future; special-edition of T.F. could not be warranted.
But letting them know how you feel is the best way to keep letting them know that the fan-base is out there and that we really do care about quality regarding our favourite TMNT incarnations !! But again, be nice about it !!

o yeh.. ::

NICK and MORE:: Nick at Nite will air the Back to the Future film trilogy three nights in a row starting Monday, August 23 at 8PM ET/PT.

Nickelodeon will also premiere the movie Turtles Forever on Sunday, August 29 at 1PM ET/PT, marking the first airing of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the network. As you may know, Nickelodeon bought the franchise rights last October (including the 2003 4Kids series).

~ t

Art Marcum and Matt Holloway (IRON MAN) on board for TMNT reboot..

–>> Hmm ,,

Spinoff ::

Paramount Pictures has hired Iron Man writers Art Marcum and Matt Holloway to reimagine a live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with an eye toward creating the studio’s “next huge franchise, like Transformers,” Deadline reports.

Paramount parent company Viacom bought the rights to TMNT in October from The Mirage Group for a reported $60 million with immediate plans to develop a feature film from Paramount and a CG-animated TV series from Nickelodeon, both in 2012. According to Deadline, the studio is fast-tracking production to meet that target date.

Platinum Dunes, the company run by Michael Bay, Andrew Form and Brad Fuller, is producing the film along with Scott Mednick, Galen Walker and Marina Norman.

Created Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles debuted in 1984 as a parody of Cerebus, Daredevil, New Mutants and Ronin. However, thanks largely to the efforts of licensing agent Mark Freedman, the property soon spawned animated TV series, movies, video games and endless merchandise. In March 2008, Laird completed a buyout of Eastman’s interests in TMNT and Mirage Studios that began in 2000. More than a year later Laird announced the sale of the property to Viacom.

Turtles Forever Coming to DVD August 24th.

According to Best Buy, Turtles Forever is finally coming to DVD August 24th. If you have not done so already, you should go preorder it to show Viacom what a good start they are off to.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Teenage+Mutant+Ninja+Turtles%3A+Turtles+Forever+-+DVD/18667496.p?id=2120665&skuId=18667496&st=Teenage%20Mutant%20Ninja%20Turtles&lp=1&cp=1

Thanks to Michele Ivey for the tip off.

So Let It Be Written…So Let It Be Done.

With the release of Tales #70 in the coming days, this marks the end of the first 25 year chapter of Mirage. Dan Berger wrote a touching farewell on the Mirage Licensing Homepage, you should go check it out (click the pic).

While we say goodbye to Mirage, let me tell you that the Machines and I will definitely still be here, holding the fort, for the foreseeable future. With Nick/Viacom taking the reigns, somebody has to stay on top of things…and that somebody is certainly going to be us. So don’t lose heart friends. We will always be here for you, as we hope you are always here for us.

-Stephan

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures Special – “Coney Island Days” by Milton Knight (( 1993 ))

–>> Tokka still retains that the TMNT mythoes have been helped shaped in retrospect of a very short period of time by legendary artists and story tellers. ‘Coarse Turtles fans already knew this, but those outside of the know had given Tokk allot of guff about it since he was a kid.

Whatever-

Thanks to a tip from X -  “LEGENDARY” in all sincere senses of the word inspiring fine/pop-artist, animator, character designer, and comic book illustrator and cartoonist Milton Knight and his classy; 1-of – a kind ‘Terry Toons’ on crack style is brought back into this Snapper’s spotlights.

If you aren’t quickly recalling his excellent n’ wacky contributions to the “TMNT ADVENTURES” Specials ( Remember Extra Dimensional Farmer Louie and his famous  floating-farm, Oxy Moron, Kid Cortex, the villainous swine monster Sooey Generis, and a particular Baby Cleaver who had a really bad sinus problem and used to sneeze out demons and all sortsa crazy critters – it was up to the Green Teens to save him from some twisted Clansmen !! !! )  !!

All over the map, Milton has crossed artistic Pop-paths from the famous to the most imfamous.  Character and animation designs on the cult film “Cool Wold”, Felix  the Cat, The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog , Heavy Metal Magazine, Work in the publications of Fantagraphics & Nickelodeon Magazines, Gallery artist and educator. This doesn’t even “SCRATCH” the surface.

When exploring **Milton’s site ( being aware of some of his more risque Adult art that may not be suitable for the younger set ) you will encounter Milton’s final TMNTA story contribution.

“Here’s the last Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles story I did (with a little credited help from my friends). It remains unpublished because Archie Comics halted the series soon after it was finished. From 1993 (concurrent with my Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog work).”

CONEY ISLAND DAYS! marks the return of Hallocat ( better known as  “Scratch “ and his frightening Mutant-Monster pals Nocturno the Owl and Nevermore the Scarecrow. The Uncanny Trio’s ‘Blows the Turtles Minds’ literally and two somewhat “Honey Mooner – ish” Brooklynites adopt the 4 teens temporarily for a Wrestling exhibition of a much different kind than the Turtles had encountered before. And one that’s more local as they become an attraction at N.Y.’s  famous Coney Island !! The insane tale also seals the final fate ( ? ) of the Uncanny Trio as the Turtles Rock  the Fun House !!

So in case you hadn’t seen this -

** CLICK HERE TO  READ – ” CONEY ISLAND DAYS ! “ IN IT’S ENTIRETY OF MILTON’S SITE !! **

~ t

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STORY / ART © 2010 ** Milton Knight

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Nevermore the Scarecrow created by Dan Berger, Hallocat ( Scratch ) and Nocturno created by Ryan Brown

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and all related titles, logos and characters ©/ ™ 2010 of Viacom International Inc.

Genesis West Comics:: “THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES VISIT THE LAST OF THE VIKING HEROES” – Summer Special Limited Edition { Accumulation of Summer Specials 1, 2 , & 3 } No. 866 of 1750.. signed by creator/artist Michael Thibodeaux (( 1992 ))

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“Near the end of the 12th century, the Vikings as we know them ceased to exist. Their barbaric blood had been diluted over the centuries and they had become more civilized. Violence became frowned upon and bold displays of it were outlawed. Decrees of all kinds were established to govern and control the people’s actions. Struggling to adapt in this new era and retain their strong belief in loyalty and honor in battle are the “The Last of the Viking Heroes.” These four valiant friends fight for survival in the changing times of the 12th century… Prince Sven, last of the Viking royalty, Erik, the swashbuckling Ladies’ man, Jon, the magician, and Tomgar, the half-native American warrior, cut a swath of action and adventure through mystical kingdoms of yore priding themselves on the warriors code of loyalty and honor.”

☠ ☠

–>>What were looking at here is the collected  L.V.H. Summer Specials No.s 1-3..which include the classic TMNT Crossovers ( the Teens’ second and third encounters with the Famous Vikings ).

As TMNT fans have known all along .. Turtles is the stuff of Legends !!

Pop-culture wise they are beyond a staple in the culture and have beyond a shadow of a doubt changed the comics landscape and that unique pop-iconography not just with the creative history of Mirage and it’s founders; but by the massive artistic and story -telling powerhouses associated with various related, cross-over, and spin-off medias.

“THE LAST OF THE VIKING HEROES” is not just some late 1980s, early ’90s indy comic ‘THING’..

The book & series is a cult comic hit brain child-ed by comic legends in their own right MikeThibodeaux & RickFrench.

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L.V.H. is in the spirit of Conan the Barbarian but with humor and action all it’s own .. even the book itself is legendary and has courted REAL LEGENDS in the comics field & lexicon .. ::

George Perez, Howard Chaykin, Frank Frazetta, Arthur Adams , Dave Stevens, John Byrne, and Jack “THE KING” Kirby have all graced their visionary, Nordic powers to the history of The L.V.H.

Hell.. Mike Thibodeaux started in early in his career as artistic assistant to Kirby himself.

Mike and the Genesis West team are also inheritors of much of the Kirby Genius and Legacy .. and have gone on to carry much of that allegorical ‘Comics Dynasty’ into the future !! !!

It is also thru’ the magic of this relationship that would lead The King to some of his rare TMNT work in **1992′s Turtle Soup #4 !!

I’ve been touting this “TMNT – LEGENDARY” crap since 1996 ..and it’s stuff Turtle fans have known all along !!

Long gone are the days i’d get laughed out of the cartooning school and comic shop boasting the importance of the Ninja Turtles Comics, artistry, and story telling.

Once again we are presented another example of just how the TMNTs , their friends and allies have touched the lives of so many inspired individuals in so many ways. Even The Last of the Viking Heroes.

I just hope at this point, Viacom is listening to your cranky, schizo – ol’ Snapper pal.

In some rare regards .. early indications are that ‘They might be’.

~ t

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** GENESIS WEST **

**
“Michael Thibodeaux has worked as a graphic artist at various advertising and illustrative type companies. He was Art Director for “One Stop Posters”, one of the largest poster producing companies, for 10 years, and worked with Mattel Toys, Disney and Warner Brothers.

In 1978, Michael worked with Jack Kirby on a variety of projects, including presentations directed to the Animation Market. He and Jack Kirby worked together for over 14 years where they collaborated on creating design concepts for future projects. Mike was Jack’s right hand man.

Michael Thibodeaux has been involved with comics for over 30 years. His professional comic career started at Pacific Comics in the early 1980′s where he worked with Jack Kirby on “Captain Victory”. Michael’s creation of “Last of the Viking Heroes” was first used as a back up at Pacific Comics and went on to Genesis West Publishing with much success. Michael has worked with D.C. Comics, Mirage Studios (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Image Comics.

Michael is best known for being one of the best artist/inkers to work along side with Jack Kirby. Together, they built a foundation of new and exciting concepts. Jack Kirby, Michael Thibodeaux and Richard French have developed many concepts ready for new horizons.”

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” Rick French.. has a BS Degree in Business. He launched Genesis West Publishing over twelve years ago with partner Michael Thibodeaux. Publishing popular comic book titles such as “Last of the Viking Heroes”, “Phantom Force” and “Professor Kublak” have been some of Richard’s many projects.

Richard collaborates with Michael in conceptual story plots and dialogue development. He is highly skilled in computer generated color imaging, advertising layouts and promotional packages.

Together, Richard and Michael make a well rounded, talented team. Their creative abilities are put to work in creating and developing character/story concepts geared for the Animation/Movie Industry.

Richard French developed his illustration talents while working in the Aerospace field for fifteen years. As a Mechanical Design Engineer his creative ability was always tested. Richard was honored with a United States Patent for one of his designs.”

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“DAWN OF THE NINJA TURTLES”

–>> It’s time of great transition for the TMNT property and fans as whole .

With television, movie, video game & merchandising rights all but guaranteed ( or should is say GUARANTEED ?? ).. there are many fears of what will come giving the uncertainty of what will happen to the TMNT’ hard core & original, Turtle comic book origins. So many questions surrounding the dealings of the past couple of weeks here.

Do Nick and Viacom risk alienating the Mirage Turtle comic book fans ?! Will Paramount be able to really deliver the hard edged TMNT film so many fans have dreamed of for so very long ?! At this point, do they even care ?!

Despite this rough transitional period .. there is a group of creative ,young individuals solely devoted to the original comic origins and the push to adapt those original tales for the Turtles 5th big screen venture.

A bold proclamation and a brave one in these uncertain TMNT times.

Check out their vision statement ::

“From a love and passion for the story that made Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles great, we wanted to create a vision of the Turtles that was true to the original material and contained everything we wanted to see. Incidentally, this directly corresponds to what we know the audience wants to see based on our research. The vision we have created not only exceeds the expectations of the audience, but also maintains the quality and integrity of Laird and Eastman’s original vision. By bringing sophisticated, dark, and gripping story elements to the Turtles’ universe, we are able to achieve a level of excellence we know everyone can appreciate.

By using a vast timeline, we are able to keep an exciting pace while simultaneously eliminating unnecessary dead time by focusing our efforts on the most exciting pieces of the story. Beginning in Japan, we provide a history of Hamato Yoshi and Oroku Saki that propels the story into a refreshing perspective on the true origins of the turtles. This structure creates a natural environment to fully explore the most profound moments in the characters’ lives.

Regardless of the story’s fabrication and with meticulous attention to the detail of every character, when they are pushed beyond their natural limits, the outcome is always exhilarating. This enables us to humanize the characters at a level that everyone can relate to, creating truly incredible action fueled by unrestrained imagination and originality. It is a universe simple enough for a child, refined enough for the critic, and filled with easter eggs for the loyal fans.”

**Check out the ambitious film project “Dawn of the Ninja Turtles” and judge for yourself !!**

Could this be the potential gritty direction and future for TMNT films within the upcoming relaunch in a couple of years here ?! Or just a brave and creative dream ?!

And is anyone at Paramount, involved with the next Turtle film listening ?!

They just might be.

We’ll see ..

~ t

Playmates Official Press Release Re: the Buyout

COSTA MESA – Oct. 29, 2009 – Playmates Toys is proud to announce its new global master toy agreement for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP). The long-term partnership allows Playmates Toys to continue its phenomenally successful, 20-year tradition with the Turtles brand, which has generated $2 billion (at retail). This new alliance also lets Playmates Toys execute on its strategy to maximize global toy rights in partnership with renowned brands that leverage entertainment across multiple-media platforms worldwide.

“We are very excited about our new partnership with Nickelodeon, which broadens the scope of creative inspiration for Playmates,” said Lou Novak, President, Playmates Toys. “We are proud to continue our long-standing commitment of making innovative, fun toys based on the beloved Turtles that have entertained generations of kids around the world.”

“Our partnership with Playmates Toys adds another layer of excitement for us as we build upon the Turtles’ great, funny stories and characters which have withstood the test of time,” said Leigh Anne Brodsky, President, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products. “The characters have resonated around the world for 25 years, and the toys based on them are part of pop culture and continue to be relevant to today’s kids.”

About Playmates Toys

For over 40 years, Playmates Toys Inc. has been among the most well respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry with a proven history in the creation of innovative and imaginative products as well as the development and management of profitable, long-term brand franchises. Key current and past brands include Paramount Studios/CBS STAR TREK, Warner Bros. TERMINATOR: SALVATION, Nickelodeon’s TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, 4Kids Entertainment’s YU-GI-OH! & DINOSAUR KING, Nickelodeon’s iCARLY & H2O: Just Add Water, DISNEY Princess, DISNEY FAIRIES and Hallmark’s RAINBOW BRITE. From its offices in Hong Kong, China and the United States, Playmates designs, develops markets and distributes its products in over 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.playmatestoys.com Playmates Toys Inc. (HKSE-0869)

About Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products

Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products manages the world’s third largest licensing business, representing leading properties such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, and managing merchandising for Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTVN International, and Spike TV.

Nickelodeon, now in its 30th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 99 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 15 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).
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UPDATE: For those of you who asked, Playmates stated to us via e-mail that a new contract has been signed between Playmates and Nick. This is NOT simply an agreement to honor the remainder of the original contract. The amount of time the new contract is valid for was not disclosed at the time of questioning.

Dooney’s Statement

We seem to be in the business of collecting Viacom Buyout statements from various artists as of late. Click the Pic for Dooney’s statement! (Also, I love this picture)