DVD Review: SpongeBob’s Runaway Roadtrip

DVD Reviews, Reviews

After a dozen years on the air, the biggest animated star needs a vacation. SpongeBob’s Runaway Roadtrip contains five episodes that let him and his pals head off for a little rest and relaxation. That’s not quite true. There’s no way anyone can rest when the hyperactive SpongeBob is around. The show is entertaining and not sedating thanks to the little yellow fellow. These episodes will air as part of a major special in mid-November.

“A Squarepants Family Vacation” starts with everyone getting invitations for an evening at SpongeBob’s pineapple house. Everyone is told a different theme from Mr. Krabs thinking it’s free money to Lobster guy thinking it’s a workout. What is it? SpongeBob’s vacation slides projected on the big screen. That’s a fate worse than a marathon of World According to Jim. People stick around because the trip is a major catastrophe with Patrick tagging along with SpongeBob and his folks. Their car takes a major detour. There’s a musical moment when they break out “The Road Song.” Kids should enjoy shouting this in your car at the wrong moment. When the car breaks, the friends get lost in a mucky town. They get stuck in a tourist trap.

“Patrick’s Staycation” demonstrates what you can do when you can’t afford a fancy tourist travel package. SpongeBob wants to make sure Patrick enjoy his time without reminding him that he hasn’t gone anywhere. “Walking the Plankton” surprises SpongeBob and Mr. Krabs with free tickets for a cruise. But it’s a trap! Plankton wants them to get so relaxed they cough up the Krabby Patty recipe. “Mooncation” provides the extreme vacation when SpongeBob joins Sandy Squirrel in a trip to the moon. So much zero gravity fun . “Mr. Krabs Takes A Vacation” shows off slides of the money he found on his trip. He makes the major mistake of inviting SpongeBob on his family’s journey to the Bikini Bottom Mint. It’s a fun that’s only been loved by Mr. Drysdale on The Beverly Hillbillies.

Recently scientists claim that watching SpongeBob SquarePants gets kids excited. This is no surprise to fans of the show. SpongeBob is out of control. SpongeBob’s Runaway Roadtrip isn’t a calm relaxing time by the sea. This is a nonstop sugar rush. The five tales teach us one major tip for keeping your travels safe and sane: Don’t invite SpongeBob.

The video is 1.33:1 full frame, Does anyone know why SpongeBob doesn’t go 16:9? The transfers look immaculate since they haven’t even aired on TV. The audio is Dolby Digital Stereo. The musical moments are crisp and clear. The episodes are Closed Captioned.

“Hide and Then What Happens?” (11:40) aired last year during season seven. Patrick and SpongeBob play an extreme game of hide and seek. Will SpongeBob ever see his friend again?

“Shellback Shenanigans” (11:51) also aired last year during season seven. Plankton disguises himself as Gary, SpongeBob’s pet snail. Why? So he can sneak into the Krusty Krab on Bring Your Pet to Work Day. Will he finally get the secret of the Krabby Patty?

SpongeBob’s Runaway Roadtrip is a sneak preview of the upcoming special. The five stories take the characters on various vacations, but there’s no hope for them to relax with SpongeBob around. It’s a entertaining batch of botched trips from the Mint to the Moon. Just don’t let your kids watch this if you’re trying to calm them down at the Disney motel.

Nickelodeon & Paramount present SpongeBob’s Runaway Roadtrip. Starring: Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke and Clancy Brown. Running Time: 70 minutes. Released on DVD: September 20, 2011. Available at Amazon.com.

Joe Corey is the writer and director of "Danger! Health Films" currently streaming on Night Flight and Amazon Prime. He's the author of "The Seven Secrets of Great Walmart People Greeters." This is the last how to get a job book you'll ever need. He was Associate Producer of the documentary "Moving Midway." He's worked as local crew on several reality shows including Candid Camera, American's Most Wanted, Extreme Makeover Home Edition and ESPN's Gaters. He's been featured on The Today Show and CBS's 48 Hours. Dom DeLuise once said, "Joe, you look like an axe murderer." He was in charge of research and programming at the Moving Image Archive.