King Kong, Vol. 1 (Animated TV Series)

Movie / Show Details

Amazon.com

The ageless “King of the Beasts” never looked so good in this much-anticipated release of The Animated Series, a two-volume collection (sold separately) of long unseen episodes from the 1966 television series, The King Kong Show. The Saturday morning cartoon from Rankin/Bass Productions (of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer fame) ran until 1969 producing 24 episodes plus a pilot (which later split into two shows), based on the classic 1933 black and white Fay Wray film. This first volume of the set features the pilot show, “A Friend in Need,” and four original episodes presented with opening and closing titles, commercial bumpers, and teaser footage of the next show. Each episode contains two seven-minute Kong adventures on Mondo Island where renowned scientist Professor Bond is conducting extended explorations aided by his children, Bobby and Susan. The tropical isle is home to prehistoric animals including the fifty-foot ape that rescues Bobby from a T-Rex and, subsequently, is befriended by the family. Whether battling the bad guys of Volcania, evil scientist Dr. Who, or the nefarious animal hunter Ulrich von Kramer, Kong plays the part of friend or foe in legendary struggles of good versus evil. The 1966 ‘toon marked the first time Japanese anime was specifically created for American audiences. While such early animation seems unrefined by today’s standards, the DVD’s picture quality is superb as are the sound effects, editing, and theme song. Sandwiched between each pair of Kong thrillers is a tongue-in cheek tale of Tom of T.H.U.M.B., the madcap spy spoof featuring 4-inch high agents Tom and sidekick “Swingin’ Jack.” Both storylines–Kong and Tom–are refreshingly simple blending humor, mild suspense, and witty repartee. Here’s hoping that the remaining 16 Kong episodes will be forthcoming. (All ages) –Lynn Gibson

Product Description

Ten Times s Big As A Man! The King Kong Show’s Animated Series is here! 5 half hour shows(original air time that included commercials), 108 total runtime. King Kong, the mighty ape who scaled the Empire State Building in the 1933 movie is befriended by Professor Bond and his family in this classic series. The fifty-foot tall primate uses his colossal strength to fight injustice, prehistoric creatures and a succession of diabolical villains, who sought control Kong for their own nefarious ends. King Kong was produced Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass for ABC-TV, where it debuted with a one hour prime-time special on September 6, 1966(included in 2 parts on each DVD in this series). The series was a Rankin-Bass Production with Videocraft International and this DVD also features the adventures of Tom from T.H.U.M.B., a tiny James Bond-type who was assisted by Swinging Jack, a martial arts expert. Never-before-seen on video or DVD since its TV run! The first U.S. release of Japanese anime for television!