Hey gang, Valkor here. AniView hasn't been getting all that much attention lately, which is mostly due to the slow trickle of vids coming thru. But thanks to the folks at Paramount Home, we've got a couple of choice vids you'll want to add to your collection. The all-new, CG animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series is making waves and the mean green are all set for season 2. But if you're behind on season one, then it's time to catch up. We've already reviewed the first volume – Rise of the Turtles. This round, their worst nightmare makes this new volume – Enter Shredder.
Just a brief recap of this new series: The CG animated Ninja Turtles series is heavily influenced from the original late 80's series, but also grabs elements from the live-action film as well as the comics. In this version the Turtles, Splinter, who was once a man named Hamato Yoshi and is now a rat, has raised four baby turtles within the sewers beneath New York City, teaching them the ways of the ninja. Their mutation was caused by mysterious ooze that broke when Hamato Yoshi was in the wrong place at the wrong time. And since he had just come in contact with a rat, then that is what he became. And the turtles, having been in contact with a human, took on human characteristics such as walking upright and the ability to talk. Each turtle was given a name based off of a famous renaissance artist – Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo.
In this latest volume, the Shredder has arrived in NYC after learning that Hamato Yoshi (who has been mutated into a rat) resides. However he's unable to locate his whereabouts. On the job are two of his best henchmen – Bradford and Xever plus an army of Foot Ninja, they look to take down the rat and his turtle students once and for all. This round features some heavy action as the Turtles face off not only against the Foot clan but also a gang of mechanical Mousers, a mutated alligator and the appearance of the Purple Dragons. Highlights include:
Never Say Xever – On their first night out on the town, not on patrol, the turtles have a run in with the Purple Dragon gang, who were roughing up a blind noodle shop owner. At the same time The Shredder isn't pleased with the failures of his henchmen Bradford and Xever and ultimately he wants results or else. The henchmen use the Turtles new found friendship with the noodle shop owner to their advantage, kidnapping him and a battle ensues. In this ep the Turtles learn the value of showing mercy and also get the taste of a new treat – Pizza Gyoza!
Mousers Attack! – When April gets her phone stolen by the Purple Dragons, the Turtles decide to go and get it back, even though Splinter advises them that a phone isn't worth the risk. They arrive at the gang's hideout, quickly dispatching the Dragons and locating the phone. But they're interrupted by a gang of mechanical munchers known as Mousers (created by Baxter Stockman). And in all the confusion, one of the Dragons gets away with the phone. So the Turtles split up – one group to take on the mousers and the other to get the phone back, which is now in the hands of the Foot Clan henchman Bradford, who is now mutated into the beast known as Dogpound. In this ep the Turtles learn more about their strengths and their weaknesses. Plus April begins her training as a Ninja.
New Girl in Town – Raph thinks Leo's leadership skills are underwhelming and in a fit of anger, Leo hands over the reins to Raph, ultimately leaving the team. Raph learns the hard way that being the leader isn't as easy as it appears to be. While venting, Leo has a run in with Karai, a member of the Foot Clan. They form something of a bond and Karai asks Leo to meet on top of a building. There she tells Leo she wants to steal a sword from Feudal Japan and feels that Leo is more worthy of it than the rich man who owns it. Raph arrives, confronting Leo about his involvement with a Foot clan member. But unbeknownst to him, he brought along Snakeweed, who followed the shellback by placing a tracking pod on him earlier. So not only does the duo have Snakeweed to deal with, but also whether or not Karai is on their side to help.
From the first volume, I thought this new CG series was a new creation with nods to the previous incarnations. But I'm starting to see a link between this series and the 2007 CGI film i.e. April is a ninja, there's also Karai and the foot (and their designs look similar to that of the film) and Leo's leadership in question with him and Raph always duking it out. Will we see Raph's alter ego, the Nightwatcher? Make it so!
The Good:
Enter Shredder is full of sheer enjoyment and is a solid DVD with seven episodes of awesome. The action gets amped up and the guys get to duke it out with Shredder, which is very reminiscent of their fight in the first live-action film, only not as emotional. The jokes are there, the action is there, and you get some new mutants such as Dogpound and Leatherhead (Mikey is on a naming spree). Plus you're getting one more episode than the first volume. Fans of the 87 series have more to love with this new CG set.
The Bad:
Hey we're missing an episode! Where's "I, Monster" (The Rat King makes an appearance)
The Ugly:
N/A
Enter Shredder gets a release on July 9th and if you've already picked up the first disc, then you'll definitely wanna keep the TMNT flow going by grabbing this second volume. I'm really happy that this new series is doing well and I can't wait to see what future eps/seasons have in store. And out of TOV 5 stars, Enter Shredder gets a 4.5