The ’80s were the end of real Saturday morning kid programming on the major networks. Mildly violent cartoons based on action figures such as G.I. Joe and Transformers popped up on weekday evening broadcasts. Saturday morning responded with a few heavy hitters including Mr. T, Chuck Norris and Thundarr. Unfortunately with all the tough guys, the time slot found itself fighting a larger enemy known as morning news. Saturday Morning Cartoons 1980s contains key highlights of this last period. Here’s the press release from Warner Home Video about this May 4, 2010 release:
BURBANK, CA (February 26, 2010) – The decade that brought us mullets, new-wave music and Pac-Man also gave birth to some of the most unforgettable cartoons on TV. Warner Home Video (WHV) pays tribute to the ‘80s by releasing some of the most entertaining and colorful animation from that time with Saturday Morning Cartoons 1980s, the latest installment from the Saturday Morning Cartoons library, which will be available in stores May 4, 2010. This new collection features an eclectic mix of rare and popular cartoons the whole family can enjoy. The compilation features 11 shows on two discs for over four hours of delightful animation!Saturday Morning Cartoons 1980s will retail for $26.99 SRP.
Saturday Morning Cartoons 1980s features a diverse collection of 11 different shows. Disc one, showcases such favorites as Goldie Gold & Action Jack, Chuck Norris: Karate Kommandos, The Completely Mental Misadventures of Ed Grimley, The Flintstone Kids, and Mister T. Disc two features such memorable shows as The Biskitts, Monchhichis, Galtar and the Golden Lance, Dragon’s Lair, Thundarr the Barbarian and Kwicky Koala Show.
New and existing fans will exclaim “lords of light!” as they watch Thundarr the Barbarian battle the two-headed wizard Gemini in an episode titled Secret of the Black Pearl. Chuck Norris clashes against The Claw in episode titled Deadly Dolphin on Chuck Norris: Karate Kommandos. Ed Grimley, the beloved character from Saturday Night Live and SCTV fills in for his cousin driving a cab in an episode titled Tall, Dark & Hansom on The Completely Mental Misadventures of Ed Grimley. Fearless Galtar uses sword and sorcery to protect Princess Goleeta from evil Lord Tormac on an episode titled Galtar and the Princess on Galtar and the Golden Lance. Skilled knight Dirk gives Daphne, his love, a golden bird which comes to life and carries her off to the dragon’s lair on an episode titled Tale of the Enchanted Gift on Dragon’s Lair, the animated series based on the popular video game of the same name. This and many other series/episodes are featured on Saturday Morning Cartoons 1980s.
“The ‘80s brought us some of the most diverse and entertaining cartoons in TV history, and our goal was to put together a fun, comprehensive sampler that gives an accurate representation of what families saw on their television sets when they tuned in during Saturday mornings two decades ago,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation & Partner Brand Marketing. The previous Saturday Morning Cartoons volumes we’ve released were a big hit with fans. Our aim is to continue mining our vaults for classic animation that will please the diverse tastes of consumers everywhere.”
Saturday Morning Cartoons 1980s also includes the enhanced content piece Lords of Light! Thundarr the Barbarian – Explore the Animated Origins of this Timeless Hero and Why His Popular Series Still Resonates Today.
Saturday Morning Cartoons 1960s Volume 1 and Saturday Morning Cartoons 1970s Volume 1, as well as Saturday Morning Cartoons 1960s Volume 2 and Saturday Morning Cartoons 1970s Volume 2 are also available in stores now from WHV.
